When people first start using CBD oil, they are excited for the many benefits it provides. They want to feel the effects of it as soon as possible. This is why one of the most frequently asked questions new CBD users have is, “How long does it take for CBD to work?”.
The time it takes for it to work depends on many factors. Understanding those factors will give you a better idea of when you may start to feel some of its benefits.
What CBD Does Inside of the Body
For you to feel the benefits of CBD at work, it has to start changing bodily processes. This doesn’t happen instantaneously because it has to go through a number of different mechanisms.
When it first enters the body, CBD interacts with proteins and the central nervous system, specifically in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Within the ECS, there are two receptors: CB1 and CB2. CBD interacts with these two receptors, it prevents the absorption of anandamide – a natural cannabinoid that regulates pain.
CBD also interacts with serotonin receptors – 5-HT1A and receptor TRPV1. This where the anti-inflammatory effects take place and are also where CBD works to reduce pain.
The time it takes to interact with these areas of the body and cause changes to the body depends on:
- Method of Intake
- Dosage
- Individual Differences
Method of Intake
People can consume CBD in many ways:
- Ingestion
- Sublingual
- Inhalation
- Topical
One of the fastest ways to feel the effects of CBD is with CBD oil taken orally or sublingual. When swallowed, the CBD oil goes through the digestive tract and then into the liver. It’s in the liver that it metabolizes and enters the bloodstream. Once it’s in the bloodstream, it makes its way throughout the body.
CBD gummies or oil put into recipes are other ways to ingest CBD, but it goes through the same process as marijuana edibles – into the digestive tract and then the liver.
The downside of ingesting CBD is that it loses some of the concentration when it goes into the liver, so you would need a higher dosage to feel the same effects as you would putting the oil under your tongue.
Sublingual (under the tongue) consumption with CBD tinctures will deliver the CBD right to the bloodstream, which means it bypasses the digestive tract and liver. This can lead to feeling the effects faster than ingesting it.
Inhalation by vaping CBD is absorbed by the body quickly. Similar to the effects of THC, CBD goes directly to the lungs this way and then goes into the bloodstream. Peak concentration happens at about three minutes after the inhalation of CBD vape oil, so effects can be felt around that time.
The last method of intake is topical (applied to the skin). The skin absorbs the cannabinoids and then they interact with the receptors. The downside is the concentration is usually low, so applying a lot of the CBD cream frequently intensifies the effects. Most people start feeling the CBD working around 90 minutes following application. Online Dispensary Canada carries all forms of CBD oil, as well as different spectrums of CBD to THC that may interact with your body in different ways & timelines.
Individual Differences
People’s individual differences affect the time it takes to feel the effects of CBD. These differences are:
- Body Weight – The bigger someone is, the longer it takes to feel the effects.
- Metabolism – A person’s metabolic rate also influences how long it takes for the CBD to break down and begin working.
It’s difficult to identify a set time based on body weight and metabolism since it’s not possible to know someone’s metabolic rate. The best way to know how long it takes for CBD to work is to wait it out and pay attention to any changes in the way you feel and act.
How Dosage and Frequency Affect How Long It Takes for CBD to Work
Dosage and the intensity of effects are correlated. The more someone consumes, the stronger the effects. Taking a higher dose doesn’t necessarily mean the effects will be felt sooner.
Frequency also doesn’t affect how long CBD takes to work. If you use CBD oil at 8 AM and then at 12 PM, the dose at 8 AM will likely not affect the one at 12 PM as far as speeding up the effects felt from the doses. The only affect the 8 AM dose may have is that the CBD may not be completely out of your system, so the effects may be stronger when you do feel them.
The only way dosage and frequency may influence the time it takes it to work are if you’re not using enough to produce an effect. In other words, you may not be taking enough of it to feel an effect, which is why you’re wondering how long it will take hours or days later.
Average Times for CBD Effects on Pain and Mental Disorders
Arthritis pain and joint pain relief are usually felt in about 15 minutes, but it can take up to 45 minutes. This average time goes for most pain-related issues, such as headaches. Chronic pain sufferers usually use CBD several times a day to treat and prevent pain.
Anxiety and depression symptoms can start to reduce in severity after a couple of hours or take two weeks. For mental health and many medical conditions, it can take a long time to feel the long-term benefits of CBD because it has to build up in the body before it can work on the specific receptors consistently. It’s a lot like when taking anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications. It can take up to 6 weeks to feel the effects of those medications because it has to have a chance to stimulate the processes to balance brain chemicals.
Find Out How Long It Takes for You
Now you know what influences the amount of time it takes for CBD to work. If you’re anxious to start feeling the effects of it, keep taking it on the schedule you have determined with your healthcare professional.