How Do You Get CBD Out of Your System? – Muscle MX
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How Do You Get CBD Out of Your System?
CBD Education

 

How Do You Get CBD Out of Your System?

With the wellness world buzzing and an increasing emphasis on natural products, you've likely heard about CBD, also known as cannabidiol. This non-intoxicating compound found in cannabis plants is earning its rightful spot in the limelight — but as with any trending topic, it's stirring up a lot of questions.

Maybe you're just starting to use CBD and are looking to learn the ropes, or you’re a seasoned user aiming to optimize your experience — or perhaps you've just completed a job interview and are wondering if you need to get CBD out of your system before a routine drug test.

Whatever brought you here, you're in the right place. In this article, we're going to untangle this question. So whether you're just curious, looking to understand your CBD journey better, or have a practical reason for wanting to expedite CBD's exit, we've got you covered. Let's get into it.

How Does CBD Work Within the Body?

The relationship between this plant-derived compound and the human body begins with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex cell-signaling system found in our bodies. Though the ECS performs differently in various parts of the body, its overall function revolves around maintaining stability or homeostasis.

The ECS is comprised of three core components: endocannabinoids (which are naturally produced by the body), cannabinoid receptors scattered throughout the body that interact with endocannabinoids, and enzymes that break down these endocannabinoids once they've served their purpose.

Enter CBD. This compound, referred to as a phytocannabinoid, mimics the behavior of endocannabinoids, indirectly influencing the ECS and its functions. It doesn't bind directly to the receptors like its fellow cannabinoid THC — which is why CBD doesn’t cause the same psychoactive effects — but it can support the ECS in its role of preserving balance in the body.

What are the Wellness Benefits of CBD?

CBD's partnership with the ECS comes with a host of potential benefits. By supporting the ECS, CBD may encourage feelings of relaxation. This is especially beneficial in our fast-paced world, where finding a moment of calm can sometimes be challenging.

In addition, CBD could also assist in temporarily easing tension and discomfort. This may be helpful for those who engage in strenuous physical activities or have an active lifestyle. And for those nights when counting sheep just doesn't cut it, CBD might even support a good night’s sleep.

However, it's important to remember that while these benefits may sound promising, everyone's experience with CBD is unique. How CBD interacts with your body and the benefits you might experience largely depend on individual factors such as your body's metabolism, overall health, and how often you use CBD. As with any wellness product, it's generally best to start slow and monitor how your body responds.

Maintaining a positive, proactive approach to your wellness is key, and understanding how compounds like CBD interact with your body can help you make informed choices that support your well-being.

How Does the Body Absorb CBD?

How our bodies absorb CBD largely depends on how we introduce it into our systems. The method of intake you select might be influenced by factors like the kind of discomfort you're experiencing, whether it's localized or more generalized, your personal preference for taste and texture, and whether you're aiming for skin support or other benefits.

Let's dive into the common methods of CBD absorption and how each one works.

Sublingually

Sublingual intake involves placing CBD oil or a CBD tincture under the tongue and holding it there, letting absorption take place through the small blood vessels beneath the tongue. This method is efficient because it bypasses the digestive system, allowing the CBD to enter your bloodstream more directly through the mucous membranes.

When taken sublingually, the effects of CBD usually kick in within 10 to 30 minutes.

Digestion

Edibles infused with CBD, such as CBD gummies or CBD oil mixed into a beverage, are popular because they're easy to consume and offer a discreet way to take CBD. However, they must pass through the digestive system, which can reduce the total amount of CBD that eventually reaches your bloodstream due to the first-pass effect.

This process of CBD passing through your digestive system and liver before entering your bloodstream takes time, which can delay the onset of effects. But, once the CBD is absorbed into the bloodstream, the effects tend to be longer-lasting, as the CBD is released slowly over time.

Inhalation

Inhalation, whether through smoking CBD-rich hemp flowers or vaping, offers rapid absorption. When you inhale CBD, it enters your lungs and diffuses directly into your bloodstream, offering almost immediate effects.

But, it's essential to note that the combustion that occurs during any form of smoking creates byproducts that can harm the lungs over time. So, while inhalation can provide rapid effects, the potential impact on respiratory health is an important consideration when choosing your intake method.

Topicals

The topical application of CBD allows it to be absorbed through the skin, addressing localized areas of discomfort. When using topicals such as our CBD balms or lotion, the CBD can support the role of endocannabinoids at nearby CB receptors without needing to go through the bloodstream to get there.

This method provides more targeted relief and can help support skin health, and typically starts working within 15 minutes.

What Is Bioavailability?

To understand how CBD is absorbed into the body, we must understand bioavailability. In simple terms, bioavailability refers to the proportion of CBD that, after entering your body, actually gets absorbed into your bloodstream and can produce its active effects.

Each method of intake carries a different level of bioavailability due to the body's process of absorbing and metabolizing CBD. Understanding bioavailability can help you determine the most effective method of intake for your specific needs.

What Factors Influence How Long CBD Stays in Your System?

How long CBD stays in your system is not a one-size-fits-all answer. Several factors can influence this duration, ranging from your physical attributes to the specifics of your CBD usage.

Metabolism

Everyone's metabolic rate is unique, functioning at a pace determined by factors such as genetics, age, and overall health. A faster metabolism speeds up the process of breaking down substances, including CBD, making them available for use in the body or eliminating them.

So what does this mean? Individuals with faster metabolic rates might find that CBD exits their system more quickly than those with slower metabolic rates. Just as some people seem to burn off a hearty meal faster than others, the same concept applies to how quickly their bodies process CBD.

Body Mass

CBD is lipophilic, meaning it dissolves in fat. As a result, it has a tendency to accumulate in fat cells. Therefore, individuals with a higher body mass might retain CBD for longer periods of time.

This is similar to the way certain vitamins (like Vitamins A, D, E, and K) are stored in the body's fat tissues. Thus, the duration CBD remains detectable in the body can correlate to body mass, potentially extending the period during which it remains in your system.

Frequency of Use

How often you use CBD can also impact how long it stays in your system. Regular use of CBD, similar to daily vitamins or supplements, can result in a buildup within the body over time.

This accumulated level of CBD can lead to more consistent wellness effects but may take longer to be fully processed and eliminated. Alternatively, an occasional CBD user will typically have a shorter detection window for CBD than someone who uses it daily or frequently.

Dosage

The amount of CBD you consume at one time, or your dosage, can also influence how long it stays in your system. Larger doses of CBD might take longer to be fully processed and eliminated from the body simply because there's more of it to deal with.

Similar to how a large meal takes longer to digest than a small snack, a higher dosage of CBD may naturally take more time for your body to process compared to a smaller one.

Method of Intake

As discussed earlier, each method of intake has a different level of bioavailability, which is the rate and extent CBD is absorbed into your bloodstream. For instance, CBD taken sublingually or inhaled tends to have higher bioavailability and faster onset, but it also leaves your system more quickly.

Conversely, edibles have lower bioavailability and a slower onset due to the digestion process but may remain in your system longer. This variety of options allows you to choose a method that best suits your lifestyle and wellness needs.

Remaining aware of these factors allows you to take a more proactive role in your wellness journey and make more informed decisions about your CBD use.

How To Get CBD Out of Your System

If you need help eliminating CBD from your system, there are a few ways you can go about it. Here are a few natural methods that may help your body flush out CBD.

Hydrate

Drinking plenty of water can help keep your metabolism active and aid in flushing out toxins from your body. However, it’s generally recommended to avoid excessive water intake, as it can disrupt the balance of electrolytes in your body.

Exercise

Regular physical activity can support the processing of CBD by encouraging your metabolism. Keep in mind that exercise can also release stored CBD from fat cells, potentially leading to temporarily elevated levels of CBD in your system.

Diet

Eating fiber-rich foods can aid in digestion and support the elimination process. Fiber adds bulk to your stool, which can help your body eliminate waste more effectively.

Maintaining a balanced lifestyle is not only a key to helping your body process substances more effectively but also to overall wellness.

Are There Any Side Effects of CBD?

CBD is generally considered safe and well-tolerated for most people. But, like any supplement or health product, it's crucial to use CBD responsibly and always follow the recommended serving sizes on product labels.

While most people experience no side effects, some individuals may encounter mild, temporary symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, or nausea. CBD can also interact with other supplements and medication, such as blood thinners.

If you have any concerns about potential side effects or interactions with other medications, it's a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional.

Quality and safety are also critical when choosing a CBD product. At Muscle MX, we take these factors seriously, employing careful extraction and filtration processes to ensure that our products are clean and free of unwanted elements like heavy metals or pesticides. All of our products undergo rigorous third-party testing to ensure accurate dosage and quality.

The Bottom Line

Your wellness journey is uniquely yours, and we're here to support you every step of the way. When it comes to CBD, understanding its interaction with your body and the factors influencing its stay in your system is crucial. Remember, everything from the way you take your CBD to your personal metabolic quirks plays a role.

As the vibrant world of CBD unfolds, being in the know empowers you to make the most of your experience. And let's not forget that tuning into your body's signals and championing a balanced lifestyle are at the heart of true well-being. With Muscle MX, you can find a plethora of CBD products that align with your preferences and seamlessly fit into your wellness routine.

Whether you are looking for ways to support your muscles after a killer workout or need help unwinding at bedtime, we’ve got your back.

Sources:

The endocannabinoid system: Essential and mysterious | Harvard Health

Cannabinoid Receptors and the Endocannabinoid System: Signaling and Function in the Central Nervous System | PMC

Cannabinoid Receptor 1 Gene by Cannabis Use Interaction on CB1 Receptor Density | PMC

First Pass Effect | NCBI Bookshelf

Effect of cannabis smoking on lung function and respiratory symptoms: a structured literature review | PMC

Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Skin Health and Disorders | PMC

Metabolism: What It Is, How It Works and Disorders | Cleveland Clinic

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