Does CBD remain in saliva?
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Reading time 3 min
CONTENTS
You're wondering whether CBD, once consumed, remains detectable in saliva and for how long. I'll explain the difference between the actual presence of the molecule, its possible detection and the risks associated with THC.
Things to remember
- CBD may be present in saliva immediately after consumption, but is not tested for in saliva tests.
- Only THC is detected during roadside checks, and it can remain in saliva for several hours.
- The risk comes mainly from CBD products containing traces of THC.
What happens to CBD after consumption?
When you consume CBD, the molecule first passes through your mouth, so some of the cannabidiol remains in direct contact with your mucous membranes and saliva. You could therefore find CBD in your mouth for a few minutes or even hours after consumption.
CBD is not permanently retained in saliva, as it is a circulating substance. Cannabidiol is then absorbed by your body or eliminated naturally, notably through saliva and the digestive process.
For example, to compare, after drinking a coffee, you may have traces of caffeine in your mouth, but they quickly disappear.
Studies on the pharmacokinetics of CBD show that the molecule remains detectable in blood or urine for several hours to several days, depending on the dose and regularity of consumption. In saliva, however, its presence is much shorter. This is mainly due to immediate exposure after consumption.
So, yes, CBD stays in your saliva for a few hours after use and that's not what the police are interested in.
Is CBD detected by saliva tests?
We need to be precise here. The saliva tests used by law enforcement agencies in Ireland do not test for CBD. Their target is drugs classified as narcotics. And in the case of cannabis, it' s THC that's measured, not cannabidiol.
And yes, remember, THC is psychotropic, meaning it impairs alertness and reflexes, and is illegal above 0.3% in hemp-derived products. CBD, on the other hand, is not considered a drug; it doesn't cause a high, so it's not banned.
So if you take a pure CBD product (isolate or broad-spectrum THC-free), even if CBD is circulating in your saliva, the saliva test won't react. The machines aren't programmed to detect it, because it has no interest in screening.
What are the risks associated with traces of THC?
Not all CBD products are created equal. And for good reason: some flowers, resins or full spectrum oils still contain some THC, even if the content is below 0.3% as required by law in Ireland.
The problem is that even a small amount of THC can be detected by a saliva test. And if you drive just after consuming this type of product, you run the risk of a positive result. In that case, the law won't know the difference between a recreational cannabis joint and your CBD hemp flower.
THC can remain detectable in saliva for 4 to 6 hours, sometimes longer if taken regularly. So yes, you can test positive when you think you're using legally.
To avoid this kind of problem, Mama advises you to :
- Choose broad spectrum CBD products (THC-free) or pure isolate.
- Always check certificates of analysis (COA ) supplied by independent laboratories.
- Avoid consuming CBD just before driving, especially in flower or resin form.
So CBD may pass through your saliva, but that's not the problem. The danger comes from residual THC, which can turn a simple moment of relaxation into an annoying legal hassle.
Article written by Benjamin Poirel-Nadal
Passionate about natural well-being and plants with multiple virtues, I've been exploring the benefits of CBD and its various forms for several years.
My aim? To share with you clear information, honest opinions and practical advice to help you integrate CBD into your daily life with confidence and serenity.
