Even though CBD has been fully legalized in France, it’s natural to wonder how long it stays in your system. The important thing to know is that there’s no set rule on this matter. Various factors—such as your metabolism, the CBD concentration, and your usage habits —can affect how long it stays in your system.
A closer look at CBD and the effects of its use, including how long it remains detectable in the blood.
CBD or Cannabidiol: Definition!
The hemp plant, also known as “Cannabis sativa,” needs no introduction. It is rich in a wide variety of cannabinoids, the best known of which are CBD and THC. However, although these two cannabinoids share the same origin, their properties are radically different.
THC is nothing more than a substance sought after for the specific effects it can produce, namely psychotropic effects, a “high,” or an increase in self-confidence. However, these effects do not come “for free,” in the sense that they are accompanied by side effects and a risk of addiction. All of this therefore justifies the illegality of THC.
In contrast, CBD has been fully legalized. Although it is a cousin of THC, the only thing they have in common is their origin. Cannabidiol has no adverse effects, no risk of addiction, and certainly no psychotropic effects. It was legalized following a multitude of scientific studies attesting to its potential benefits. These include the ability to relieve stress, enhance a sense of well-being, alleviate chronic pain, and even reduce symptoms of depression. An increasing number of doctors are even recommending CBD to relieve the symptoms of certain serious illnesses, such as Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy.
How should you use CBD?
The first thing to know about how to use CBD is that there are no set rules. Every user has their own preferred method of use, and the advantage of CBD is that it’s available in every possible form.
Smokers can therefore opt for e-liquids for vaping, which allows them to consume CBD on a daily basis through a method they’re already familiar with—and to do so discreetly. Continuing in the same spirit of simplicity and discretion, CBD-based are ideal, both for regular users and for newcomers looking to ease into it.
CBD oil remains the most versatile way to consume CBD. It comes in a wide range of concentrations, from the mildest to the strongest. With its built-in dropper, each bottle of CBD oil can be used in any way you like. The sublingual route is best for quick results, while adding a few drops of oil to your food and drinks is a breeze. You can even whip up a CBD mojito !
What about the dosage?
Whenever we talk about CBD use, it’s essential to address the topic of dosage—specifically, the perfect dosage.
The dosage needed to achieve the desired effects varies from person to person. Your weight, usage habits, age, and health are all factors that influence this. Not to mention the CBD content of your product. The higher the concentration of CBD in your product, the less you’ll need to use to achieve the desired effects.
Let’s take CBD oil as an example. Generally speaking, it’s recommended to start with just a few drops a day to see how your body reacts. Then, simply increase the dosage gradually each day until you achieve the desired effects.
Can CBD be detected in a blood, urine, or saliva test?
The answer is yes. A " yes, but."
Legally marketed CBD products must comply with a clear legal limit: they must not exceed a THC content of 0.3%. According to the decree of September 5, 2001, this corresponds to a maximum of 1 ng/mL. With such a low THC level, a blood test is very likely to come back negative, as the amount of cannabinoids in the blood will be too low to be detected, even immediately after consumption.
The same applies to other types of tests. However, some scientific studies suggest that CBD can be detected in the blood within 24 hours for an occasional user, and up to 7 days for a regular user. This is particularly true for heavy CBD users, who may accumulate THC and thus test positive. Caution is therefore advised.
On the black market, many suppliers offer CBD products with unclear concentrations that have not been tested, and whose levels of THC and other dangerous substances can be quite surprising. And with these types of products, yes, a blood or urine test will inevitably come back positive, which will expose you to various penalties.
CBD: The body's ability to eliminate it depends on many factors
The human body is a mechanism that is both complex and magnificent. It is capable of eliminating any substance ingested, whether it be fruit juice, CBD, or even poison. However, its ability to eliminate these substances depends on the nature of the ingested product, as well as a wide range of factors specific to each individual.
Just as with determining the ideal dosage, determining our body’s ability to eliminate a substance depends on several key factors. Age, weight, metabolism, health status, consumption habits, and genetics are just a few examples. Taking consumption experience as an example, it’s important to note that the more accustomed you are to using CBD, the more slowly your body will eliminate it because it has become accustomed to it.
Here's another example involving your health and metabolism. People who are healthy or have a fast metabolism tend to eliminate substances they consume more quickly than those with health problems.
The key point to remember is that CBD is generally not detectable in the blood, but traces of its use can be detected for up to a week after consumption.
