June 7

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How Long Does It Take CBD To Work?

By Great Canadian Herb

June 7, 2022


If you're like most people when they first start taking CBD, you're probably wondering, "How long does it take CBD to work?"

Unfortunately, there isn't a one size fits all answer to this. Different variables affect how quickly CBD goes to work.

These variables include things like dosage, the type of CBD used (Full Spectrum, Isolate, water-soluble, etc.), your metabolism and weight, and quality of the product.

In general, however, CBD tends to take effect relatively quickly; once taken, the effects should be felt within 20 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the method of ingestion.

In this article, we'll discuss how long it takes CBD to work and some of the factors that play into it.

What is CBD and what does it do?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis plants. Unlike its more well-known counterpart, THC, CBD does not produce any psychoactive effects.

Instead, it has been shown to provide a range of potential health benefits, including reducing anxiety and inflammation.

CBD works by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for regulating a variety of functions, including sleep, mood, and appetite.

By modulating the endocannabinoid system, CBD can help to improve a variety of conditions, both physical and mental.

CBD can be consumed in a variety of ways, including being taken orally as an oil or tincture, inhaled as a vapour, or applied topically as a cream or salve.

Understanding CBD bioavailability

There are many ways to consume CBD, and each of them has a different impact on how much gets absorbed into your bloodstream and is actually put to use by your body.

This is what is known as "bioavailability."

In general, the methods of ingestion that have the highest bioavailability are those that allow the CBD to bypass the digestive system and be absorbed directly into the bloodstream.

These include methods like vaping or taking a tincture sublingually (under the tongue).

In contrast, methods like eating CBD gummies or taking capsules have a lower bioavailability, as they must first be digested and then metabolized by the liver before entering the bloodstream.

This is called "first-pass metabolism" or "first-pass effect", and it significantly reduces the amount of CBD that makes it into your system.

Bioavailability is an important factor to consider when thinking about how long it takes CBD to work.

In general, the higher the bioavailability, the quicker the effects will be felt.

How long does it take CBD to work?

The amount of time it takes for the effects of CBD to be felt can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of product you are using and how you are taking it.

Below are the different forms that CBD comes in, and how long each of them takes to start working.

CBD oils/tinctures

CBD oils and tinctures are generally meant to be taken sublingually, under the tongue. The reason for this is that the sublingual route provides a high degree of bioavailability.

When CBD is taken under the tongue, it is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the network of blood vessels beneath the tongue, bypassing first-pass metabolism.

In general, most people report feeling the effects within 20 minutes after taking a CBD oil or tincture.

CBD edibles (capsules, gummies, chocolate)

CBD edibles are taken orally, just like any other food.

However, because they must be digested and metabolized by the liver, they have a lower bioavailability than other methods of ingestion.

As a result, it can take longer for the effects to be felt - usually around 30 minutes to 1 hour, and in some cases up to 2 hours.

CBD topicals

CBD topicals are applied directly to the skin. They are absorbed through the pores and interact with cannabinoid receptors that are located in the dermis, or deep layer of skin.

CBD topicals generally take effect within 20-30 minutes.

CBD vape products

When CBD is inhaled as a vapour, it is rapidly absorbed into the lungs and then diffuses directly into the bloodstream.

This provides a high degree of bioavailability and results in the effects being felt almost immediately - usually within a few minutes.

Variables that affect how long it takes CBD to work

When it comes to CBD, there are a lot of variables that can affect how long it takes to feel the effects.

Dosage and potency

One of the biggest factors in how long your CBD will take to start working is the dosage and potency of the CBD product you are using.

In general, the higher the dosage and the more potent the product, the quicker you will feel the effects.

Lower doses of CBD may take longer to notice significant effects, but they are less likely to produce any adverse side effects.

Method of ingestion

As we mentioned earlier, the method of ingestion can also play a role in how quickly you feel the effects of CBD.

In general, methods like vaping and sublingual administration have a higher bioavailability and will result in the effects being felt more quickly.

Conversely, methods like eating edibles or taking capsules have a lower bioavailability and will take longer to produce noticeable effects.

Type of CBD (Full Spectrum, Isolate, Broad Spectrum)

Another factor that can affect how long it takes for CBD to work is the type of CBD you are using.

Full Spectrum CBD products contain a wide range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds that work together to produce what is known as the "entourage effect".

This synergistic effect amplifies the therapeutic benefits of CBD and makes it more effective than isolate or broad spectrum products.

On the other hand, Isolate and Broad Spectrum products do not contain these additional compounds and may take longer to produce noticeable effects.

CBD quality

Not all CBD products are equal in terms of quality. Many low-quality brands and companies have entered the market as the popularity of CBD has grown, and not all of them use the same high-quality ingredients.

Always choose CBD products made by reputable companies that use third-party lab testing to ensure purity and potency.

You can generally find this information on the company's website. If you can't, that is a giant red flag and a sign that you should buy elsewhere.

Body weight

How much you weigh directly affects how long it takes for CBD to work.

In general, people who weigh more will require a higher dose of CBD to feel the same effects as those who weigh less. This is because CBD is metabolized and distributed differently in people of different body weights.

In general, the heavier you are, the longer it will take for CBD to work.

Metabolism

Another factor that can affect how long it takes for CBD to work is your metabolism.

In general, people with a faster metabolism will process CBD more quickly and may feel the effects sooner than those with a slower metabolism.

Age

Age can also play a role in how long it takes for CBD to work.

In general, younger people tend to have a faster metabolism and may feel the effects of CBD more quickly than older people.

Conversely, older people may have a slower metabolism and may need to take higher doses of CBD to experience the same effects.

Personal biology

Everyone is different and will respond to CBD in their own unique way.

What works for one person may not work for another, so it's important to experiment with different doses and methods of administration to find what works best for you.

Severity of health conditions

If you are using CBD to treat a specific health condition, the severity of your condition may affect how long it takes for CBD to work.

In general, more severe conditions will require higher doses of CBD and may take longer to respond to treatment.

Consistency

It's important to be consistent when using CBD. If you only take it occasionally, you may not notice any effects at all.

To experience the full benefits of CBD, it's best to take it on a daily basis for at least a few weeks. This will allow your body to build up its levels of CBD and maximize the potential therapeutic effects.

What kind of CBD should you take?

Now that you know how long it takes for CBD to work, the next question is what kind of CBD should you take?

If you are looking for a product that goes to work quickly, we recommend trying a CBD vape oil or tincture. These products have a high bioavailability and will allow you to feel the effects of CBD within minutes.

If you are looking for something that is more long-lasting, we recommend trying an edible or capsule. These products take longer to kick in but can provide relief for several hours at a time.

Full Spectrum CBD products have many advantages over isolated CBD as well. If you are looking to get the maximum benefit from your CBD, we recommend trying a Full Spectrum product.

Different health conditions may require a different type of CBD, or method of ingestion.

For example, people with anxiety may want to use a tincture or edible, while someone with arthritis or a skin condition like eczema may want to use a CBD topical instead.

No matter what kind of product you choose, make sure to start with a low dose and increase gradually until you find the desired effect.

How much CBD should you take?

The amount of CBD you should take depends on a few factors, including your weight, metabolism, and the severity of your condition.

In general, it's best to start with a low dose and increase gradually until you find the desired effect.

If you are using CBD to treat a specific health condition, it's important to consult with your doctor to determine the best dosage for you.

CBD is a safe and effective treatment for many conditions, but everybody is different and will respond differently to treatment.

What time of day should you take CBD?

There is no right or wrong answer to this question, as everybody will respond differently to CBD.

Some people find that taking CBD in the morning helps them feel relaxed and focused throughout the day, while others find that taking it at night helps them sleep better.

The best way to figure out what works for you is to experiment with different times of day and see how you feel.

Consistency is key when using CBD, so it's important to find a time that you can stick to on a daily basis.

How often do you need to take CBD?

Some people take CBD only once a day, while others take it multiple times. It really depends on your individual needs.

Most CBD products stay in your system for about 3-6 hours, so it may be necessary to take multiple doses throughout the day to maintain relief from your symptoms.

Conclusion

As you've learned, it's not that simple when it comes to answering the question, "How long does it take CBD to work?"

There are many factors that can affect how your body responds to CBD, including your weight, metabolism, and the severity of your condition.

The best way to figure out how long it takes for CBD to work for you is to experiment with different products and dosages until you find what works best for you. 

About the author

As consumers ourselves, we know how important it is to know exactly what it is we are putting in our bodies. Here at Great Canadian Herb you'll find cannabis and CBD education, reviews, buying advice, and much more. As cannabis enthusiasts, we have dedicated our time and resources to relay accurate, easy to understand information on everything in the Canadian cannabis industry.

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