Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Understanding CBD and Its Journey Through Your Body
- How Long Do CBD Gummies Take to Work?
- How Long Do the Effects of CBD Gummies Last?
- How Long Do CBD Gummies Stay in Your System? The Deep Dive
- CBD and Drug Testing: What You Need to Know
- Beyond Gummies: Other CBD Formats and Their Retention
- Optimising Your CBD Gummy Experience
- Conclusion
- FAQ
You’ve likely heard the buzz about CBD gummies – those convenient, flavourful bites that many people integrate into their daily wellness routines. But beyond their ease of use and pleasant taste, a common question arises: "How long do CBD gummies stay in your system?" This isn’t just a matter of curiosity; it’s a practical consideration for anyone looking to understand the full scope of their wellness choices, especially when thinking about consistency, personal routines, or even specific workplace policies.
This post will delve into the details of CBD absorption, metabolism, and how long its effects, and the compound itself, tend to linger in your body. Our goal at Swiss Peak Health is to provide clear, practical information, helping you make informed decisions about your wellness journey with confidence and transparency.
Introduction
Imagine you've just enjoyed a delicious CBD gummy, a moment of calm in your busy day. But as the gentle effects begin to settle in, a thought might cross your mind: how long will this feeling last, and when will the CBD completely leave my system? This question is more complex than it first appears, influenced by a unique interplay of individual body chemistry, lifestyle habits, and even the specific characteristics of the CBD product itself.
The journey of a CBD gummy from your hand to its full integration within your body is a fascinating one, affecting everything from how quickly you feel its supportive benefits for everyday balance to its detection window. Understanding these dynamics is key to optimising your wellness routine. Here, we will explore the critical factors that determine how long CBD gummies stay in your system, offering practical insights and demystifying the process so you can approach your CBD experience with greater clarity and peace of mind.
Understanding CBD and Its Journey Through Your Body
Before we explore how long CBD gummies stay in your system, it’s helpful to understand what CBD is and how it generally interacts with your body. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound found in the hemp plant, a variety of cannabis. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound associated with the intoxicating "high," CBD is non-psychoactive. Its appeal lies in its potential to support various aspects of well-being without altering your mental state.
At Swiss Peak Health, we focus on harnessing the natural properties of hemp to create products that support your journey to peak health. Our mission is peak health for less – making premium wellness genuinely affordable and accessible through reliable, high-quality offerings. Every product, including our popular CBD Bears Gummies 3200mg & 4800mg and CBD Gummy Bottles 3200mg & 4800mg, is proudly British-made, adhering to high UK manufacturing standards and undergoing independent third-party lab testing to ensure purity and consistency. This commitment means that our CBD products, particularly our 0.0% THC options, are designed to give you peace of mind.
How CBD Interacts with Your Body
CBD works by interacting with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters found throughout your body, playing a role in regulating a wide range of physiological functions, including mood, sleep, appetite, and perception of discomfort. When you consume CBD, it's thought to influence these receptors, helping to promote a sense of balance, or homeostasis, within the body.
Because CBD gummies are ingested, the CBD must first pass through your digestive system before being absorbed into the bloodstream. This process is slower compared to other methods like sublingual oils or vaping, but it often leads to a more sustained release of CBD into your system, meaning the effects may last longer.
The Journey of a CBD Gummy: From Ingestion to Absorption
When you enjoy a CBD Gummy Peach Rings 3200mg & 4800mg or CBD Gummy Cherries 3200mg & 4800mg, it begins its journey in your mouth, then travels to your stomach and intestines. Here, the CBD is broken down and absorbed into your bloodstream. From there, it's transported to the liver, where enzymes metabolise it further before it circulates throughout your body, interacting with the ECS. This 'first-pass metabolism' in the liver reduces the amount of CBD that ultimately reaches your bloodstream, which is why edibles can sometimes require a higher dose than other forms to achieve similar effects.
The duration of this absorption process can vary significantly, typically taking anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours for the effects to begin to be noticeable. Once absorbed, the CBD continues to interact with your system, and its presence will gradually diminish as your body processes and eliminates it. Understanding this journey is fundamental to appreciating why the "how long" question has so many contributing factors.
How Long Do CBD Gummies Take to Work?
The question of "how long do CBD gummies take to work?" is one of the most common for new and experienced users alike. Unlike a fast-acting sublingual oil, which is absorbed directly into the bloodstream under the tongue, gummies embark on a longer journey through your digestive system. This means the onset of effects will naturally be slower.
Generally, you can expect to start feeling the supportive effects of CBD gummies anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours after consumption. This timeframe isn't a hard rule, however, as several individual factors can influence it.
Factors Influencing Onset Time
- Metabolism: Your individual metabolic rate plays a significant role. A faster metabolism may break down and absorb CBD more quickly, leading to a quicker onset.
- Stomach Contents: Consuming CBD gummies on an empty stomach might lead to a faster onset compared to taking them after a large meal. Food, especially high-fat meals, can slow down digestion and absorption.
- Dosage and Potency: Higher doses or more potent gummies may lead to more noticeable effects, potentially giving the impression of a quicker onset, even if the absorption time remains similar.
- Body Weight and Composition: Individuals with lower body weight or different body compositions might experience effects more rapidly or intensely.
For example, if you're looking to support a calm evening routine, taking your CBD Oil 3000mg | 30ml or CBD Gummy Strawberries 3200mg - 4800mg an hour or two before you plan to wind down might be an effective strategy. Building consistent habits is key to discovering what works best for your body and lifestyle.
Setting Realistic Expectations
It's important to set realistic expectations. CBD gummies aren't designed for immediate, dramatic effects. Instead, they typically offer a more gradual and sustained sense of balance and well-being. Many people find that incorporating CBD into their daily routine over time allows for a more profound and consistent experience. This aligns with our approach at Swiss Peak Health: we believe in the power of consistent use for building sustainable wellness habits, supported by products crafted to high UK manufacturing standards and independently lab-tested for reliability.
How Long Do the Effects of CBD Gummies Last?
Once the effects of your CBD gummies begin to kick in, another crucial question emerges: "How long will these supportive feelings last?" Just as with the onset time, the duration of CBD's effects is highly individual and depends on a mix of factors. Typically, the perceived benefits of CBD gummies can last anywhere from 4 to 8 hours. This makes them a popular choice for those seeking sustained support throughout a significant portion of their day or night.
Factors Influencing Duration of Effects
- Dosage and Potency: A higher dose or a more potent gummy will generally lead to longer-lasting effects. Your body has more CBD to process, extending the period of its interaction with your ECS.
- Individual Metabolism: Your metabolic rate, influenced by genetics, diet, and activity levels, directly impacts how quickly your body breaks down and eliminates compounds. A faster metabolism may lead to effects wearing off more quickly.
- Frequency of Use: Regular, consistent use of CBD can lead to a build-up in your system over time. This accumulation may result in effects that last longer or are more consistent, even if the single-dose duration doesn't change dramatically. This is why we often encourage building consistent habits to fully experience the benefits.
- Body Weight and Composition: As CBD is fat-soluble, it can be stored in fat cells. Individuals with a higher body fat percentage might find CBD lingers in their system for longer, potentially leading to more extended effects.
- Presence of Food: Consuming CBD gummies with a meal, especially one rich in healthy fats, can enhance absorption and potentially extend the duration of effects. Fats can act as carriers for CBD, allowing it to bypass some initial metabolic processes and enter the bloodstream more efficiently.
For example, someone using a CBD Oil 6000mg | 30ml High Strength or one of our delicious CBD Gummy Strawberries 1200mg for evening relaxation might experience support for several hours, making it an ideal choice for unwinding after a long day. However, another individual might find their optimal duration with a different dose or product. It's all about personal fit and understanding your own body's response.
Why Edibles Often Have Longer-Lasting Effects
The digestive process is key to the extended duration of CBD gummies. When CBD is ingested, it’s released slowly into your bloodstream as your body breaks down the gummy. This gradual release, compared to the rapid absorption from vaping or tinctures placed under the tongue, means the effects unfold more gently and last for a longer period. This steady delivery can be particularly beneficial for those seeking sustained support throughout the day for focus and clarity, or to aid in a restful night's sleep.
At Swiss Peak Health, we believe in helping you choose formats that match your lifestyle. Whether you prefer the sustained support of gummies or the quicker onset of our CBD Oil 1500mg | 30ml, our independently lab-tested, FSA-aligned products provide transparent information to guide your choices.
How Long Do CBD Gummies Stay in Your System? The Deep Dive
This is the core question for many, especially those concerned with drug tests or simply understanding their body's processes. While the effects of CBD gummies typically last for several hours, the CBD compound itself, along with its metabolites, can remain detectable in your system for a much longer period. On average, CBD can stay in a person’s system from a few days to about a month, with some individual variations extending this range.
Understanding Half-Life
To understand how long CBD stays in your system, it's helpful to consider its "half-life." The half-life is the time it takes for half of the substance to be eliminated from your body. For CBD, its half-life can vary significantly depending on the method of consumption and frequency of use:
- Oral Ingestion (like gummies): Chronic oral consumption of CBD products can result in a half-life ranging from 2 to 5 days. This means it could take 10 to 25 days for the CBD to be fully eliminated.
- Sublingual (oils/drops): These have a shorter half-life, typically 1.4 to 10.9 hours, meaning they might clear your system in 10 hours to about 2 days.
- Smoking/Vaping: When inhaled, CBD often has a half-life of around 31 hours, suggesting it could stay in the system for about a week.
Given that gummies involve oral ingestion, they tend to have a longer half-life compared to other methods, leading to a more extended presence in your system.
Key Factors Affecting CBD Retention Time
The duration CBD gummies stay in your system is a complex interplay of various personal and product-related factors:
1. Dosage and Potency
- Higher Dose = Longer Retention: The more CBD you consume, the longer your body will take to process and eliminate it. A single high-strength 25000mg CBD Oil | 100ml High Strength will linger longer than a lower dose like our 500mg CBD Oil | 30ml Starter Strength.
- Concentration Matters: Gummies with higher CBD concentrations mean more of the compound enters your system, requiring more time for complete clearance.
2. Frequency of Use
- Accumulation: CBD is fat-soluble, meaning it can be stored in your body's fat cells. Regular, consistent use leads to an accumulation of CBD over time. This build-up means it will take longer for your system to clear it completely, even after you stop consumption.
- Occasional Use: If you use CBD gummies only occasionally, your body will likely clear the compound more quickly compared to someone with a consistent daily routine.
3. Individual Metabolism
- Metabolic Rate: Your metabolism, influenced by genetics, age, and overall health, dictates how quickly your body breaks down and processes substances. A faster metabolism generally means CBD will be eliminated more rapidly.
- Enzyme Activity: Liver enzymes, particularly the cytochrome P450 family, are crucial in metabolising CBD. Individual differences in the activity of these enzymes can significantly affect retention time.
4. Body Composition
- Fat Storage: As CBD is fat-soluble, individuals with a higher body fat percentage may retain CBD in their system for longer periods. The fat cells act as a reservoir, slowly releasing the stored CBD over time.
- Hydration: Staying well-hydrated may support overall bodily functions, including elimination processes, though its direct impact on CBD clearance is less clear.
5. Dietary Habits and Food Intake
- With Food vs. Empty Stomach: Consuming CBD gummies with food, especially high-fat meals, can increase CBD absorption. While this can enhance the effects, it might also slow down the clearance rate as the CBD becomes more deeply integrated into the digestive process.
- Empty Stomach: On an empty stomach, less CBD might be absorbed, and what is absorbed may be cleared more quickly.
6. Type of CBD Product
While our CBD gummies are specifically 0.0% THC to give you peace of mind, it’s worth understanding the different types of CBD for context:
- CBD Isolate: Contains only pure CBD, with all other cannabis compounds removed. These are least likely to cause concerns with trace THC.
- Broad-Spectrum CBD: Contains multiple cannabis compounds but is processed to remove THC. Our Matcha Gummies | Mixed Berry Flavour are a great broad-spectrum option.
- Full-Spectrum CBD: Contains all naturally occurring compounds of the hemp plant, including CBD, other cannabinoids, terpenes, and trace amounts of THC (by UK law, less than 0.2%).
The presence of even trace amounts of THC in full-spectrum products means that with frequent use, THC metabolites could potentially accumulate and remain in the system for longer, potentially showing up on sensitive drug tests. This is why Swiss Peak Health prioritises 0.0% THC / THC-free options where applicable, and always encourages verifying lab results for complete transparency.
Our commitment to quality means our CBD Gummy Bears 1200mg and CBD Party Mix Gummies 1500mg are rigorously tested to ensure they meet our stringent 0.0% THC standards, providing you with a reliable and trustworthy experience.
CBD and Drug Testing: What You Need to Know
A common concern for many CBD users is whether CBD gummies will cause them to fail a drug test. It's a valid question, and the answer requires a clear understanding of what drug tests typically screen for and the composition of CBD products.
What Drug Tests Detect
Standard drug tests, particularly those used in employment screenings, are primarily designed to detect tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or its metabolites, not CBD. Since CBD is not an intoxicating substance and is legal in the UK when derived from industrial hemp, it is not the target of these tests.
However, the critical factor is the presence of THC in CBD products. Even trace amounts of THC can potentially lead to a positive drug test result, especially with frequent use or if the product contains more THC than advertised.
The Importance of Product Type
The type of CBD product you choose plays a significant role here:
- CBD Isolate: This is the purest form of CBD, containing only cannabidiol and no other cannabinoids, including THC. If you choose an isolate product from a reputable brand with transparent lab testing, the risk of THC detection is extremely low.
- Broad-Spectrum CBD: These products contain various cannabis compounds (cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids) but have undergone processing to remove THC. Our Lion's Mane Gummies | 2000mg 30 Pack are a great example of a functional broad-spectrum product. While significantly reducing THC risk, trace amounts could still theoretically be present in some less rigorously tested products.
- Full-Spectrum CBD: These products contain all the naturally occurring compounds from the hemp plant, including a legally permissible trace amount of THC (less than 0.2% in the UK). While this amount is not enough to cause intoxication, consistent daily use of full-spectrum products could lead to THC accumulation in the body, potentially resulting in a positive drug test.
At Swiss Peak Health, we understand this concern. Many of our CBD products, including our popular gummies, are specifically formulated and independently lab tested to be 0.0% THC. This commitment to transparency and quality, coupled with our FSA-aligned compliance, is central to our mission of providing reliable wellness solutions. We encourage all our customers to always check the independent lab results for their specific product, which we make readily available. This proactive approach helps reduce guesswork and offers reassurance.
Factors Increasing Risk of THC Detection
Even with 0.0% THC products, it's worth being aware of potential, albeit rare, scenarios:
- Mislabelling or Poor Quality Control: Unfortunately, some products on the market may be inaccurately labelled or lack stringent quality control. This can result in higher THC levels than stated. This is why our proudly British-made products are crafted to high UK manufacturing standards (like BRC/HACCP) and undergo independent third-party lab testing.
- Cross-Contamination: In facilities that process both high-THC cannabis and hemp, there's a theoretical risk of cross-contamination, though reputable manufacturers minimise this with strict protocols.
- Extreme Doses: Consuming unusually large quantities of even a 0.0% THC product could in extremely rare cases lead to a detectable level of THC, although this is highly unlikely given the minute trace amounts.
How to Mitigate Risk
If you are subject to drug testing, it is always wise to:
- Choose CBD Isolate or 0.0% THC Broad-Spectrum Products: This minimises the risk significantly.
- Verify Lab Results: Always check the Certificate of Analysis (COA) from an independent third-party lab for the specific batch of your product. This report should confirm the absence or extremely low levels of THC. We provide this transparency for all our products.
- Consult Your Employer/Organisation: If you have strict drug testing policies, discuss your CBD use with your employer or the relevant organisation.
- Start Low and Go Slow: Always follow the label recommendations and consult a healthcare professional if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication, or under medical supervision.
Our focus on transparency and compliance-led quality methodology means you can trust our products to align with your wellness goals and provide clear information regarding their composition. We are here to support your journey to peak health, helping you make choices that are both effective and reassuring.
Beyond Gummies: Other CBD Formats and Their Retention
While CBD gummies are a popular and convenient choice, it's helpful to understand how other CBD formats compare in terms of how long CBD stays in your system. Each method of consumption influences the absorption rate, bioavailability (the amount of CBD that reaches your bloodstream), and ultimately, the duration of its presence in your body.
1. CBD Oils and Tinctures (Sublingual)
- How it works: Placed under the tongue, CBD oil is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes. This bypasses the digestive system and first-pass metabolism in the liver.
- Onset: Typically faster, often within 15-30 minutes.
- Duration of Effects: Usually 2-6 hours.
- Retention in System: Generally shorter than edibles, with a half-life ranging from 1.4 to 10.9 hours, meaning it could clear the system in 10 hours to about 2 days.
- Examples: Our CBD Oil 3000mg | 30ml Mid-Strength and Mint Flavoured CBD Oil 1000mg | 30ml are excellent options for those seeking this method.
2. CBD Capsules and Pills
- How it works: Like gummies, capsules are swallowed and processed through the digestive system.
- Onset: Similar to gummies, 30 minutes to 2 hours, as they must be digested.
- Duration of Effects: Often 4-8 hours, providing a sustained release.
- Retention in System: Similar to gummies and chronic oral consumption, potentially 10-25 days for full elimination due to a longer half-life.
- Consideration: They offer precise dosing without the added sugars or flavours of gummies.
3. CBD Topicals (Creams, Balms, Lotions)
- How it works: Applied directly to the skin, CBD interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the skin, but generally does not enter the bloodstream in significant amounts.
- Onset: Effects are typically localised and felt within minutes to an hour.
- Duration of Effects: Can last 2-5 hours or more, depending on the product and application area.
- Retention in System: Because it's not absorbed into the bloodstream, CBD from topicals is highly unlikely to be detectable in systemic tests.
- Examples: Our CBD Muscle and Joint Balm | 500mg 20ml is designed for targeted support.
4. Vaping CBD
- How it works: Inhaling vaporised CBD allows for rapid absorption directly into the bloodstream through the lungs.
- Onset: Very fast, often within minutes (5-15 minutes).
- Duration of Effects: Shorter, typically 1-3 hours.
- Retention in System: Faster clearance than edibles, with a half-life of about 31 hours for smoked CBD, meaning it could be cleared in about a week.
- Consideration: While rapid, many prefer not to inhale substances, and other methods are often favoured for a consistent wellness routine.
5. Functional Supplements with CBD or other beneficial compounds
It's also worth noting that many functional supplements, while not strictly CBD, share similar considerations regarding onset and duration, depending on their active ingredients and format. For example, our NMN NAD+ Gummies | 30 Pack are designed for ease of use and consistent delivery of NMN. Similarly, our Magnesium Citrate Tablets 750mg | 60 Servings offer a sustained approach to supporting sleep and overall wellness, demonstrating how various formats are tailored to different needs and absorption profiles.
At Swiss Peak Health, we offer a diverse range of products to match your lifestyle and wellness goals, from our Focus & Clarity collection to our Energy collection. We pride ourselves on clear product information and encourage you to choose formats that best fit your individual needs and preferences.
Optimising Your CBD Gummy Experience
Understanding how long CBD gummies stay in your system allows you to make more informed choices about integrating them into your wellness routine. By taking control of the variables you can influence, you can optimise your experience and ensure you're getting the most out of your chosen products.
1. Consistent Dosing and Routine
- Build Habits: Just like any other supplement for wellness, consistency can be key with CBD. Many people find that a regular, daily routine yields the most consistent and beneficial results for everyday balance. Instead of sporadic use, consider incorporating a CBD Oil 12000mg | 100ml High Strength or CBD Gummy Party Mix 1500mg into a specific part of your day.
- Start Low, Go Slow: If you're new to CBD, begin with a lower dose and gradually increase it until you find what works best for your body. This allows you to assess your individual tolerance and response. Always follow the label recommendations.
2. Timing Your Consumption
- For Sleep Support: If you're aiming to support sleep quality, taking your CBD gummy 1-2 hours before bedtime may allow enough time for the CBD to be digested and its effects to become noticeable as you prepare to wind down. Consider our Sleep collection for targeted support.
- For Daily Balance (Calm, Focus, Clarity): To support general calm or focus throughout the day, you might consider taking your gummy in the morning or early afternoon, allowing for sustained effects during your active hours. Our Stress & Calm collection and Focus & Clarity collection offer products designed for these benefits.
3. Pairing with Food
- Healthy Fats: As CBD is fat-soluble, consuming your gummies with a meal that contains healthy fats (like avocados, nuts, or seeds) can enhance absorption and potentially extend the duration of the effects. This can make the CBD more bioavailable, meaning more of the compound enters your system.
- Avoid Empty Stomach (for some): While some might find a faster onset on an empty stomach, the overall absorption and duration might be more consistent when taken with food. Experiment to see what works best for you.
4. Hydration and Lifestyle
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is essential for overall health and supports the body's natural processes, including metabolism and elimination.
- Balanced Lifestyle: A healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep all contribute to a well-functioning metabolism, which can indirectly influence how your body processes CBD. Our comprehensive approach to wellness at Swiss Peak Health encourages holistic practices to complement our functional supplements.
5. Product Quality and Transparency
- Choose Reputable Brands: Always opt for brands that are transparent about their sourcing, manufacturing processes, and third-party lab testing. This ensures you're getting a product that is accurately labelled and free from unwanted contaminants.
- Verify Lab Results: Swiss Peak Health is proudly British-made, and every product is crafted to high UK manufacturing standards, including BRC (HACCP) facility standards. We provide independent third-party lab test results for all our products, allowing you to verify purity and potency, giving you peace of mind and reducing guesswork. This adherence to FSA-aligned compliance is a cornerstone of our reliability.
By consciously managing these aspects, you can fine-tune your CBD gummy experience to align perfectly with your personal wellness goals, whether that's supporting recovery, enhancing focus, or promoting a sense of calm. Remember, results vary for everyone, and the journey to peak health is a personal one.
Conclusion
Understanding "how long do CBD gummies stay in your system" is about more than just a timeline; it's about gaining a deeper appreciation for how your body interacts with these beneficial compounds. We’ve seen that the journey of CBD through your system is influenced by a fascinating array of factors, from your unique metabolism and body composition to the specific dosage, frequency of use, and even the type of CBD product you choose.
While the supportive effects of CBD gummies may typically last for several hours, the compound itself can linger in your system for days, or even weeks, particularly with consistent use. For those with concerns about drug testing, the emphasis on 0.0% THC broad-spectrum or isolate products, combined with diligent verification of independent lab results, is paramount. At Swiss Peak Health, our mission of peak health for less drives us to provide premium wellness that is genuinely affordable, accessible, and above all, transparent. We are proudly British-made, with every product crafted to high UK manufacturing standards and independently lab-tested, ensuring you receive reliable, high-quality supplements.
We encourage you to embark on your wellness journey with confidence, armed with knowledge and supported by products designed to reduce guesswork and help you build consistent habits for everyday balance.
FAQ
Q1: Can CBD gummies show up on a drug test?
A1: Standard drug tests typically screen for THC, not CBD. However, if a CBD gummy product contains even trace amounts of THC (as some full-spectrum products might, even within legal limits), consistent or high-dose use could potentially lead to a positive drug test. To minimise this risk, opt for reputable brands that offer CBD isolate or 0.0% THC broad-spectrum products and always verify their independent third-party lab results.
Q2: How long does it typically take to feel the effects of CBD gummies?
A2: Due to passing through the digestive system, CBD gummies generally take longer to show their supportive effects compared to other methods. You can typically expect to start feeling the effects anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours after consumption. This timeframe can vary based on individual metabolism, whether you've eaten, and the specific dosage.
Q3: Why do CBD gummies stay in the system longer than other CBD forms?
A3: CBD gummies are ingested, meaning the CBD is metabolised by the liver before entering the bloodstream. This process, known as first-pass metabolism, is slower and leads to a more sustained release of CBD into your system. Being fat-soluble, CBD can also be stored in fat cells, contributing to its longer retention, especially with frequent use. Other forms like sublingual oils or vapes bypass digestion, leading to faster onset and often quicker clearance.
Q4: What factors most influence how long CBD gummies stay in my system?
A4: The primary factors include dosage (higher doses stay longer), frequency of use (regular use leads to accumulation), individual metabolism (faster metabolism clears it quicker), and body composition (more body fat can store more CBD). What you eat with your gummy can also impact absorption and retention time.
