You’ve just finished a Little Rick, you’re feeling good, and then it hits you: how long does CBD stay in my system? Maybe you’ve got a job interview, a random drug test, or just a curious brain that likes answers.
We get it. And while CBD isn’t the naughty one on the cannabis block, it’s still worth knowing how long it stays in your body, and why that varies from person to person.
Short Answer: How Long Does CBD Stay in Your System?
CBD stays in your system for two to five days, on average. But that’s just a rough guide. Some studies suggest it could linger up to a week or more in regular users, while others may flush it out in under 24 hours.
The reality? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The window of detection depends on things like how often you sip, your body, and how your metabolism works. Let’s explore those next.
Factors Influencing How Long CBD Would Stay in Your System
There’s no fixed timer once you take CBD. Your body, lifestyle, and habits all play a part in how long it sticks around.
Dosage and Frequency
The more CBD you consume and the more often, the longer it stays in your system.
- A single 32mg can of Little Rick might clear out in a couple of days
- Daily users, especially those with higher doses, may retain trace levels for a week or longer
According to Healthline, repeated exposure causes CBD to accumulate in fat cells, meaning it’ll take longer to fully clear compared to a one-off use.
Method of Consumption
How you take CBD really matters.
- CBD Drinks (like Little Rick): Onset is usually around 10–30 minutes, with effects lasting 2–6 hours. But the CBD itself may stay in your system for 2 to 5 days, depending on your dose, diet, and frequency of use.
- Inhaled (vapes): Fast absorption, shorter duration. Typically leaves your system quicker.
- Sublingual (oils/tinctures): Absorbed under the tongue, effects felt in 15–30 mins, may last longer.
-
Edibles and capsules: Slower onset (30 mins to 2 hours), longer in the system due to digestion.
Metabolism and Body Composition
Your metabolism is like your body’s internal engine, and not all engines run at the same speed.
- People with faster metabolisms may process CBD more quickly
- Those with higher body fat may retain CBD longer, as cannabinoids are fat-soluble
- Genetics, age, and liver health can also affect how long CBD hangs around
According to Stillwater Behavioral Health, younger, leaner individuals may clear CBD faster, while older users or those with slower metabolisms might carry it longer.
Food Intake
What you eat and when makes a difference.
- Taking CBD on an empty stomach = quicker absorption, shorter stay
- Taking CBD with fatty foods = slower absorption, longer stay
This is because fat helps increase CBD bioavailability, but it also means your system has more to work through before it’s out.
So if you sip a Little Rick with your avocado toast, expect the effects of CBD to last a bit longer.
Detection Windows for CBD in Different Tests
Now let’s get practical. Say someone’s testing for cannabis. Will CBD show up on the test? Not directly, but testing methods can pick up THC, especially in full-spectrum products (like ours). More on that below.
Here’s how long CBD or related compounds may be detected by test type:
Urine Tests
Most common for workplace drug screening.
- Detection window: 3 to 5 days
- Heavy users may test positive up to 2 weeks
CBD itself isn’t targeted, but trace THC could flag depending on test sensitivity.
Blood Tests
Less common, more invasive.
- Detection window: 1 to 2 days
- Good for pinpointing recent use
CBD doesn’t stay in blood long unless you're a frequent user.
Saliva Tests
Rare for CBD detection.
- Detection window: a few hours up to 1 day
Mainly used for roadside THC tests, unlikely to detect CBD unless contaminated.
Hair Follicle Tests
These go way back.
- Detection window: up to 90 days
- Very unlikely to detect CBD unless taken in large amounts regularly
According to DSLabs, CBD rarely shows up on hair tests, and even THC only flags with long-term use.
Will CBD Show Up on a Drug Test?
CBD itself is not typically screened for, but it gets tricky when you factor in product type. Here’s what matters:
-
Full-Spectrum CBD
Contains all cannabinoids, including trace THC (under 1mg per container in the UK).
→ May trigger a positive result if the test is very sensitive. -
Broad-Spectrum CBD
Similar to full-spectrum, but THC is removed.
→ Unlikely to trigger a test, but always check lab reports. -
CBD Isolate
Pure cannabidiol, no other cannabinoids.
→ Shouldn’t trigger a test unless contaminated.
Little Rick uses full-spectrum CBD, which delivers the entourage effect, better results, but yes, trace THC is present. All our products are lab-tested and legal under UK law (under 1mg THC), but if you're subject to drug testing, it's worth being aware.
Is There a Way to Flush CBD Out of Your System Faster?
There’s no magic trick, but here’s what might help:
- Hydrate: water supports your natural detox process
- Exercise: sweating helps break down stored cannabinoids
- Fibre-rich foods: can speed up digestion and clearance
- Stop use: obviously, the sooner you pause, the faster it clears
Still, time is the biggest factor. If you’ve got an important test coming, it's best to hold off and let your system do its thing.
Final Thoughts: How Long Do the Effects of CBD Products Last?
The effects of CBD typically last 2 to 6 hours, depending on:
- Dosage
- Your metabolism
- The form you take (drink, oil, edible, etc.)
With Little Rick’s 32mg full-spectrum CBD, most people feel relaxed, balanced, and calm within 10 to 30 minutes, with effects tapering gently after a few hours.
But while the effects may fade, the CBD itself could stay in your system for several days, especially with regular use. It’s nothing to stress over, but it’s good to know what your body is doing behind the scenes.
So next time you sip that Raspberry Coconut or Mint & Lime, just enjoy the moment. We’ve taken care of the details, flavour, quality, and legality, so you can focus on feeling good.
