How Long Do the Effects of CBD Last?
Author: Eva Keller
CBD (cannabidiol) is well-known for its therapeutic benefits, and more people are discovering its positive effects on the body with minimal side effects. However, as its popularity grows, so do the questions surrounding its use—one of the most common being: How long does the effect of CBD last? Let’s dive into the factors that influence the onset and duration of CBD’s effects.
Key Factors Affecting CBD’s Duration and Effectiveness
Frequency of Use
The frequency with which you use CBD influences its duration of action, especially in terms of tolerance. While CBD is not addictive, your body may develop a tolerance, necessitating higher dosages over time to achieve the same effects.
Dosage
Dosage is a critical factor in how CBD affects your body. Finding the right dosage is essential to fully experience its benefits. Start with a small dose and gradually increase it until you achieve the desired effect. If you’re unsure, we’re always here to help—just reach out!
Metabolism
A faster metabolism can lead to quicker onset and longer-lasting effects of CBD. Regular exercise also speeds up metabolism, which in turn accelerates the digestive process, affecting how quickly CBD starts working.
Endocannabinoid System
The effectiveness of CBD also depends on your endocannabinoid system. Factors like exercise, metabolism, and tolerance can all influence how quickly and for how long CBD works in your body.
Give CBD Time: Don’t Expect Instant Results
If you’ve never used CBD before, don’t expect immediate results. Your body needs time to adjust to the intake of CBD. Remember, CBD doesn’t always work the same way for everyone, and its effects can vary from person to person.
To achieve the desired effects, it’s crucial to find the correct dosage. It may take days or even weeks for CBD to bind to the endocannabinoid receptors and start working effectively. So, don’t be discouraged if you don’t see immediate results—give CBD time, or consider adjusting your dosage.
How the Method of CBD Use Affects Duration
There are several ways to use CBD, and each method influences how quickly and how long the effects last. Here’s a breakdown of the most common methods, listed from the shortest to the longest duration of action.
CBD Vaporization
Vaporizing CBD provides the fastest onset of effects, as the vapor instantly enters the lungs and then the bloodstream, spreading quickly throughout the body. However, this rapid effect also means that it wears off faster than other forms of CBD.
- Onset: 1 to 5 minutes
- Duration: 30 minutes to 4 hours
CBD Oil and Tinctures
This is one of the most popular methods. Holding CBD oil under the tongue allows it to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes, with the remainder passing through the digestive system.
- Onset: 15 to 30 minutes
- Duration: 3 to 6 hours
CBD Edibles
This category includes items like CBD-infused candy, chocolate, drinks, and other foods. These need to pass through the digestive system before the CBD reaches the liver.
- Onset: Up to 60 minutes
- Duration: 4 to 6 hours
CBD Capsules
When taking CBD capsules, they must pass through both the digestive system and liver, where CBD molecules are metabolized by enzymes before entering the bloodstream. This method takes longer to take effect but offers a prolonged duration.
- Onset: Approximately 1 hour
- Duration: 6 to 8 hours
CBD Tea
The effects of CBD tea are similar to those of capsules, as it also acts through the gastrointestinal tract. The onset of action may vary depending on whether your stomach is full or empty.
- Onset: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Duration: 6 to 8 hours
Topical CBD Products
Topical CBD products like creams, lotions, and ointments are applied directly to the skin. These are absorbed slowly and are excellent for providing localized benefits without passing through the digestive system.
- Onset: Approximately 2 hours
- Duration: Up to 6 hours
Conclusion: Choosing the Right CBD Product
When selecting a CBD product, consider what effect you expect and how quickly you need it. Each product is unique in its onset time and duration, and where it is absorbed plays a crucial role in targeting specific problems.
Remember: The key to success with CBD is finding the right product and dosage that works best for you.