How Long Does CBD Oil Take To Work
Cannabidiol or CBD is becoming ever so popular throughout recent years, whether being used recreationally or medically. Education circulating how CBD works within the body is slowly emerging, but not as fast as the popularity of CBD flying off the shelves. Some of the most common questions that people ask are “how long does it take for CBD oil to work?” or “how long will the effects of CBD oil last?” We are going to dig a little deeper into these questions and the different consumption methods that can potentially affect your CBD experience.
How does CBD interact with the body?
CBD plays a key role in the body by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). When the body interacts with the endocannabinoid system, it specifically connects to the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. CBD also interacts with other receptor proteins that are not directly related to the endocannabinoid system such as serotonin receptors 5-HT1A and the vanilloid receptor TRPV1. These receptors are responsible for the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties of CBD. The way CBD and the human body interact with each other is complicated. Factors that affect how CBD interacts with the body are the quality of CBD, the method of consumption, and the individual’s body chemistry.
Consumption Method of CBD Oil
The method of consumption plays an important role in how long it will take for an individual to feel the effects of CBD. CBD can be found in many different forms which will have an influence on the onset time and other factors.
Ingestion of CBD
When ingesting CBD, the CBD goes directly through the digestive tract and eventually into the liver where it is broken down so it can reach the bloodstream. Studies show that when CBD compounds are metabolized by the liver, it goes through something called the “first pass effect” where the concentration is reduced before the remainder of the CBD goes through the bloodstream to make its way throughout the body. With ingestion, it can take one to two hours before the CBD sets into the body.
CBD Sublingual
Using CBD sublingually means putting your set dose of CBD directly under the tongue and letting it sit there for 15 to 30 seconds so the CBD can absorb into the mucous membranes and it can go directly into the bloodstream. In this case, CBD bypasses the digestive tract and liver and so the effects of CBD can result in 15 to 30 minutes.
Inhalation
Inhalation is one of the best ways of absorption and means that you are smoking CBD where it is going directly into the lungs. When the CBD goes into the lungs it quickly gets absorbed into the bloodstream just like when administered sublingually. The effects of CBD will start working within roughly three minutes of inhaling a CBD vape or CBD flower.
Transdermal CBD Patch
Using transdermal patches of CBD is the newest way of absorbing CBD. It has one of the highest absorption rates just like inhaling CBD. With transdermal patches, there is a slow release which allows for CBD to enter the bloodstream in small doses at a slower rate. Transdermal patches do have permeation enhancers which help to get the CBD in the bloodstream quicker.
CBD Topical
Applying CBD topically, which is direct to your skin, the CBD is absorbed and slowly interacts with localized cannabinoid receptors. CBD topicals should be applied consistently and liberally to overcome the low cannabinoid absorption rate of the skin. CBD effects can occur about 90 minutes after using the topical.
Other factors that affect how long CBD will take effect
Body Weight
Weight will affect how much CBD you need to absorb and be effective in the body. Everyone absorbs differently because of body weight. The larger the body mass, the more CBD will be needed for absorption. CBD is stored in fat cells and gradually eliminated through urine and feces.
Metabolism
The metabolic rate of an individual will determine how long CBD stays in the system. If one has a faster metabolism, they will break down CBD faster and vice versa.
Frequency of Use
CBD is not an instant fix and will have to be taken daily to see long-term results. Taking CBD daily will allow for the cannabinoid to remain in the system for longer periods of time.
CBD Dosing
Finding what is right for you is the most important. If you are taking the right dose of CBD, your endocannabinoid system will be offering balanced effects and you will feel the difference that you are looking for. If you are taking too much CBD then you will feel nauseous, may have diarrhea, and can be lethargic. It is always recommended to start low and slow with dosing and work your way up to find your sweet spot.
