How Long Does It Take for CBD Oil to Work?

Today, it's safe to say that the level of interest in the benefits of products that contain CBD has never been so high. Therefore, it may sound surprising that plenty of people are still quite unfamiliar with this non-intoxicating substance. Most of the time, even if they have bits of information and are aware that CBD is derived from the cannabis plant and that there are many different consumption methods, it's still not the full picture.

This means that if you've ever wondered, "How long does it take for CBD oil to work?" or "How long CBD stays in your system," you're not alone in these thoughts.

However, it's virtually impossible to answer these questions without considering factors that differ from person to person. CBD is not a universal solution that will have the same effect on everyone. For instance, one consumption method, such as sublingual administration of a tincture may start working after just 15 minutes, while CBD edibles, such as CBD gummies, may need even up to 2 hours to kick in.

So, if you want to get the most out of your CBD products and enjoy their potential health benefits, you need to learn more about how different consumption methods work. This way, you can get better at estimating the CBD dosage and ensure your experience will be superb.

How CBD works?

CBD belongs to a family of compounds called cannabinoids. When consumed, it first needs to interact with our Endocannabinoid System (ECS), which is a complex cell signalling network that consists of endocannabinoids, enzymes that produce them, and cannabinoid receptors.

Although these receptors are spread out across the body, the brain and central nervous system contain the majority of them. When activated by either endocannabinoids or cannabinoids, the cannabinoid receptors can signal others cells, which are then responsible for regulating various bodily functions.

According to the experts from the Harvard Medical School, Endocannabinoid System plays an important role in:

• learning and memory,

• emotional processing,

• sleep patterns,

• pain control,

• inflammatory and immune responses,

• appetite.

By interacting with endocannabinoids and their receptors, CBD can help you experience health benefits that include, but are not limited to:

• pain relief,

• reduced inflammation,

• help with sleeping disorders,

• relief in anxiety disorders,

Furthermore, CBD can also activate serotonin receptors. This may help improve your mood and make it easier for you to unwind and relax after a long and busy day filled with work, chores, and errands.

Still, this doesn't change the fact that CBD is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Its effects and the time it needs to work largely depend on your individual body chemistry as well as the type of product you use. There's also no other way to determine whether CBD oil will work for you at all other than try it for yourself.

What are the benefits of CBD oil?

Although more studies on CBD still need to be done, current research suggests that CBD shows the potential to help people dealing with various health problems.

Here are some of the most commonly discussed health benefits associated with taking CBD oil:

Better Sleep

Many people take CBD oil with the goal of enjoying its sleep-inducing properties. It's been reported that CBD can not only help you fall asleep faster but also ensure that you'll sleep for longer and don't wake up frequently during the night.

Even though studies on CBD and sleep are still in their early stages, research suggests that cannabidiol can have a calming effect on the nervous system.

Conditions such as chronic pain or inflammation can also be the reasons why you can't slumber through the night, even after the most tiring and physically demanding day. CBD can help relieve their severity and make it easier for you to finally doze off.

Support in Stress and Anxiety Management

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental disorders and in the United States alone, they affect approximately 40 million adults, which is roughly 18% of the country's entire population.

Thanks to its anxiety-reducing properties, CBD oil, whether in the form of cannabis or hemp-derived CBD products, can help people affected by anxiety. This makes it a natural alternative to various medications used in treatment.

Still, it shouldn't be considered a substitute for prescription medication, and you should always consult a medical professional before using CBD products with the goal of relieving your anxiety.

Natural Way to Relieve Pain

Pain management can be a tricky subject, especially when it comes to a condition as complex as chronic pain.

Chronic pain refers to pain that lasts for longer than several months. Intense, everyday aches can have a negative impact on almost every area of your life, but prolonged use of over-the-counter pain relievers may lead to cardiovascular issues, stomach problems, or kidney issues.

CBD can provide a natural relief from pain and inflammation thanks to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. People experiencing joint pain or arthritis can use topical CBD products or consume CBD oil to manage their condition. Those dealing with neuropathic pain, caused by conditions and injuries that damage nerves or the nervous system, may find relief in CBD-based products, too.

While CBD is not a magical solution that will eliminate the issue altogether, it can significantly reduce the pain.

What affects the amount of time it takes CBD oil to kick in?

Many CBD enthusiasts who are just starting out their CBD journey tend to ask the same questions: "How long does it take for CBD oil to work?" Some of them may be surprised to learn that there's no single and definitive answer.

That's because numerous factors play a role in the final effect CBD has on the human body. The more you know about them, the easier it will be for you to understand this substance. Let's explore them below.

Your Weight

Your body weight can have a significant impact on how long CBD will need to start working in your system. Generally, the higher your body mass, the more CBD oil you'll need to take to experience its potential benefits.

Before taking CBD oil or the CBD-based product of your choice, you'll first need to read the manufacturer's instructions. This will help you determine how much CBD oil you need to consume for your weight range. If you take a dose that's too small, you may feel nothing, but if you go overboard, you may experience various adverse effects, ranging from appetite loss to nausea, drowsiness, or fatigue.

Furthermore, it's essential to mention that CBD is lipophilic, meaning it dissolves in fat. Hence, the more fat cells you have, the longer CBD will remain in your body. This means that your body weight not only determines how long CBD will need to start working, but also affects the amount of time it will stay in your system for.

Method of Consumption

Your preferred CBD consumption method can also have a significant effect on the amount of time that will pass before CBD starts to work in your body. The choice may be hard to make, as some methods work within just minutes, while others may take a couple of hours before you feel something.

The method you choose can make or break your entire experience, so naturally, you want to make an informed decision.

It's important to know that different methods of consuming CBD oil provide different bioavailability. This term refers to the ability of a substance to be absorbed and used by the body. It's often expressed in percentages.

So, if one substance's bioavailability is high, then it will need much less time to work and will be more potent. However, products with lover bioavailability may require you to take a higher dose.

How long does it take different CBD products to work?

The way you take CBD can affect your whole experience. To get the most out of your CBD oils or other products of your choice, it's best to learn more about different methods of taking CBD oil. Here's what you should bear in mind.

CBD Edibles

Once consumed, edibles infused with CBD oil need to pass through your digestive system first. Only then can they enter your bloodstream. Because of this, their bioavailability is significantly lower than when it comes to other methods of consumption. Hence, edibles can be less effective.

Still, there's no need to worry that taking products such as CBD gummies infused with broad-spectrum oil won't provide you with any pain relief or be helpful in dealing with other conditions.

CBD-based edibles are incredibly convenient, easy to consume and taste delicious, which is why many people prefer them over other consumption methods. If you don't mind waiting a little longer for the effects to kick in and can tolerate more potent products, then CBD edibles may be the ideal choice for you.

CBD Tinctures and CBD Oils

You can take tinctures and oils sublingually. All you need to do to use them is apply a few drops of this kind of CBD product under your tongue, hold it there for around 30 seconds, and then swallow. This way, the mucous membrane in your mouth can deliver CBD straight into your bloodstream, and you may only need to wait around 15 minutes for the CBD oil or tincture to work.

Regardless of whether you decide to take full-spectrum CBD oil or try a CBD isolate tincture, you may be put off by its distinct, earthy, and slightly bitter taste. However, tinctures and oils don't lose their therapeutic properties when mixed with food or drinks.

Keep in mind, though, that when consumed with other foods, they will need to pass through your digestive system first and take longer to start working.

CBD Topicals

Topical products infused with CBD oil, such as transdermal patches, sports creams, or organic CBD salves, can be a great solution for people who often deal with injuries or those who need relief from localized pain.

Depending on the particular product you use, it may start working almost immediately or need a while to produce effects. You can reach for topical products when dealing with sore muscles after intense training or use them on a daily basis to relieve pain resulting from arthritis or joint pain.

CBD Vapes

Vaping CBD is one of the fastest ways to experience its benefits. Even though true CBD oil can't be vaped as it's simply not suitable for vape pens, and inhaling it can be unsafe, there are plenty of CBD vape juices on the market.

If you decide to start vaping CBD, you should be able to feel its effects in just a few minutes after taking your first puff. Still, you need to bear in mind that even though vaping is considered a safer alternative to smoking, it's still not 100 percent harmless.

CBD Capsules

CBD capsules are yet another product that needs to pass through your digestive system before it can enter the bloodstream. However, many people value capsules with CBD oil for how discreet and convenient they are. As an added bonus, they are also completely tasteless, which may make them the perfect solution for those who don't like CBD oil's distinctive taste.

How much CBD should I take?

Aside from all the factors mentioned before, the amount of time CBD needs to produce its first effects also depends on the dosage. Generally, if you take a lot of CBD oil, it should start working much faster, and if your preferred dosage is relatively low, you may have to wait longer.

Although it's always important to listen to your doctor's advice and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the CBD product of your choice, you'll probably still need to experiment a bit with different doses. It's also important what type of CBD oil you usually take. Full-spectrum CBD oil will have a different effect on your body than broad-spectrum CBD or isolate.

Full-spectrum CBD will provide you with various cannabinoids and compounds of the cannabis plant, and it can contain up to 0.3% THC, which is not enough to get you high, but this amount may produce the entourage effect.

Broad-spectrum CBD contains the same compounds as full-spectrum oil, but little to no THC at all. CBD isolate may be the best choice if you want to ensure that you avoid THC altogether and get just pure CBD.

The ideal dose of CBD oil is virtually impossible to pinpoint and varies from person to person. The vast majority of CBD brands recommend sticking to 20 – 40 mg per dose, but once you gain more experience and learn what products work best for your needs, you can take consider increasing the dose.

Usually, it's all about observing how your body reacts to CBD and adjusting the dosage according to what you need, but without exceeding the amount recommended by a medical professional or the manufacturer. If you ever start experiencing any side effects from CBD oil, you should always refrain from taking more of it.

How long does it take CBD to get out of your system?

The time needed to get CBD out of your system depends on a number of factors, ranging from the method of administration to the frequency of use, and the dosage, among others. For some people, their digestive system may need just a few days to metabolize CBD oil, while others may have to wait for weeks.

Here's what you should know about the factors that affect how long CBD stays in your system.

Frequency of Use

It is only natural that people who use CBD oil regularly, for instance, on a daily basis or every other day, will have a higher concentration of CBD in their bodies. So, the more frequently you use CBD, the longer it will take to fully get it out of your system.

Dosage

Your preferred dosage is yet another factor that plays a significant role in how long CBD stays in your system. In general, the higher doses you take, the longer it will take for CBD to get out of your body.

Your Metabolism

Metabolism is the process by which your body changes everything you drink or eat into energy. It has a huge influence on the amount of time your body needs to get rid of the CBD you've consumed.

Additionally, it's important to mention that if you have a habit of ingesting CBD on an empty stomach, your body may metabolize CBD faster. Conversely, if you take CBD oil with foods that contain high amounts of fats, it will stay in your system for longer, since fats increase CBD's concentration.

Takeaway

As you can see, there's a wide number of factors you need to consider when trying to determine how long it will take your CBD oil to work. Your weight as well as the method of consumption you prefer the most are incredibly important, but you also need to consider the dosage.

Still, CBD can be a great solution if you're dealing with conditions such as chronic pain, inflammation, anxiety, or sleep disorders. That's why, as long as your doctor recommends this non-intoxicating substance, it may be a good idea to experiment with CBD oil to see how CBD interacts with your body and what benefits it can bring you.