How Long Does it Take For CBD to Work?

CBD products have taken the market by storm in recent years. You’ve probably seen it all — from CBD oils to CBD gummies. You may have even considered picking up one of these products, ready to feel its stress-relieving, wellness-promoting properties but wondered, “how long does it take for CBD to work?”

Typically, CBD effects will kick in between 15 minutes and 2 to 3 hours after use. However, many factors contribute to the amount of time that’ll pass before you start to feel CBD effects and benefits.

This guide will explore how CBD works within your body and how those factors impact how long it takes for CBD to take effect.

How Does CBD Work Inside The Body?

CBD interacts with your body’s natural endocannabinoid system, an advanced cell signaling network found throughout the body. The endocannabinoid system supports many functional processes throughout the nervous, immune, gastrointestinal and reproductive systems, including sleep, appetite and mood.

Essentially, the endocannabinoid system works to maintain homeostasis within your body.

There are three main components of the endocannabinoid system that you need to know to understand how CBD interacts with the body. These include:

Endocannabinoids – These are molecules your body naturally produces on an as-needed basis to keep the endocannabinoid system humming along. They bind to endocannabinoid receptors, and they are similar to the cannabinoids found in a cannabis plant and CBD extract.
Receptors – There are two types of endocannabinoid receptors found throughout your body: CB1, which is primarily found in your central nervous system, and CB2, which is most predominantly present in the peripheral nervous system.
Enzymes – Enzymes help break down the endocannabinoids so they can be cleared away when the processes are completed.

When something is off in your body — for example, you feel discomfort in a specific area of your leg, the endocannabinoid system shifts into gear. Looking for ideas on how to soothe sore feet from standing all day? Try CBD. It produces endocannabinoids that go to the receptors in your central nervous system to provide relief.

CBD and Endocannabinoid Receptors

Researchers are still trying to understand exactly how CBD works in your system. One thing they do know is that it doesn’t bind with endocannabinoid receptors, but it may interact with them. However, THC cannabinoids do bind with CB1 and CB2 receptors.

Unlike THC, CBD absorption doesn’t make you feel high. This is because it interacts with your body differently. While it’s still not certain how exactly CBD absorption works, some believe it prevents your body from breaking down its natural endocannabinoids. This prolongs their effect and allows the endocannabinoids to keep your systems functioning more effectively.

What Impacts How Long CBD Takes to Work?

So, how long does it take for CBD to work effectively? Most people will feel the effects within 15 minutes after use, but it can take up to several hours depending on:

Method of consumption
CBD dosage
CBD type and potency
CBD quality
Body composition

Let’s examine each of these factors in more detail.

Method of Consumption

There are four main methods of CBD consumption, which include:

Inhaling – Vaping CBD products is one of the fastest methods for feeling the impact. When you inhale CBD it goes into your lungs and begins to work quickly. You’ll likely feel the immediate effects within a few minutes.
Sublingual – Sublingual CBD oils are placed under the tongue. This allows them to be absorbed into your bloodstream quickly. Like vaping, you’ll typically feel the effects within a few minutes.
Ingesting – Nibbling on a CBD edible like a CBD gummy or chewable is another way to consume CBD. When you ingest a product containing CBD, it must pass through your digestive system before it can take effect. Edible versions of CBD can take anywhere from 2 to 3 hours to kick in.
Topical – Rubbing a CBD balm, cream or oil onto your skin is a way to use CBD to relieve physical discomfort. With this method, the CBD never reaches your bloodstream. As such, it can take an hour or two to feel the effects of a topical CBD product.

Dosage and Potency

Along with the method of CBD consumption, the amount of CBD you take impacts how long it takes to feel the effects. If ingested orally, the CBD dosage will pass through your digestive system. However, it’s then estimated that as low as 20-30% is absorbed into the bloodstream.

To that end, a higher dose of CBD will take effect more quickly than a lower CBD dose.

Potency and Type of CBD

Additionally, you’ll feel the effects of high-potency CBD quicker than a low-potency product. This includes full-spectrum CBD products, which are extracted from the marijuana plant rather than the hemp plant. Full-spectrum CBD often contains other cannabinoids as well, in addition to CBD and low amounts of THC. Here's a breakdown of the different types of CBD:

CBD Isolate: Contains pure CBD with no other cannabinoids or compounds. While it’s effective, it may take longer to feel its effects since it lacks the synergy of other hemp compounds.
Broad-Spectrum CBD: Includes a variety of cannabinoids and terpenes, but without THC. It offers a more balanced effect than CBD isolate and may work more efficiently due to the combination of compounds.
Full-Spectrum CBD: Contains all the natural compounds found in the hemp plant, including trace amounts of THC (under 0.3%). This type of CBD is often considered the most effective due to the "entourage effect," where the compounds work together to enhance their overall therapeutic benefits.

Product Quality

The quality of the CBD you choose plays a crucial role in how quickly and effectively you feel its benefits. Low-quality CBD products, or those that aren't properly tested, may not provide the same relief or therapeutic effects as higher-quality options.

When building your CBD regimen, choose products that are tested by a third-party lab to ensure you’re getting high-quality CBD. You’ll also want to find the Certificate of Analysis to identify the ingredients present.

Body Composition

The effectiveness of a CBD product is also impacted by your overall body composition, which can include:

Weight – The heavier you are, the more CBD it will take for you to feel the effects. Lighter people will also feel the effect of lower dosages more quickly than heavier individuals.
Metabolism – The speed of your metabolism impacts both how quickly you’ll feel the effects and how long CBD will remain in your system. A faster metabolism will clear the CBD from your system more rapidly, so you might not feel the effects for as long a period.

How Long Does CBD Stay in Your System?

Now that you know how long it takes CBD to work, you’re probably wondering how long those effects will last. Typically, the effects of CBD might be felt for 2 to 6 hours.

But CBD will remain in your system anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks. The length of time depends on several factors, such as:

Food consumption – If you take a CBD supplement on an empty stomach, it will take less time to metabolize and clear your system. Conversely, your digestive system will work more slowly if you’ve eaten a big meal around the same time you took your CBD product, which may cause CBD to stay in your system longer.
Amount used – The more CBD you use, the longer it’ll hang around in your system.
Frequency of use – If you use CBD products often, the CBD will build up over time and it will take a longer time to clear your system completely.
Body composition – Your weight, metabolism and age all make a difference in how quickly your body clears CBD. Younger people tend to have faster metabolisms so they may process CBD more rapidly than older users.
Usage method – How you use CBD also impacts how it leaves your body. Vaping works quickly and also exits the body rapidly. Ingesting CBD takes longer to work and exit the body since there are so many gates it must pass through during the digestive process.

If you’re wondering “does CBD show up on a drug test?” then check out our blog for more information.

Benefits of CBD

While the effects and duration of said effects may vary, many people seek CBD products to provide a variety of benefits, including:

Encourage restful sleep – Sleep is a key component to overall health. CBD supplements may settle you into a calm and relaxed state when incorporated in your night routine. This helps you get those restful nights you need to wake up rejuvenated the next morning.
Soothe muscles – The peripheral nervous system is responsible for managing different aspects of your body. When CBD interacts with your endocannabinoid system, it may support the peripheral nervous system in its quest to manage discomfort.
Improve your mood – When your body’s endocannabinoid system is working effectively, you feel better. To that end, using CBD as a mood enhancer may improve both your mood and cognitive functions.
Maintain a calm demeanor – If you’re trying to figure out how to wind down after work, taking a deep breath and eating a few CBD gummies is an ideal way to get yourself in a calm and relaxed state so that you can tackle the rest of your daily tasks with ease.
Help energy and concentration – If you find your mind drifting throughout the day or you regularly hit that 2 p.m. slump, you’re not alone. A CBD product might help restore your vigor and focus.

How Much CBD Should I Take To Start?

When starting with CBD, it’s important to begin with a low dose and gradually adjust to find the right amount for your body. Since every individual reacts differently to CBD, the ideal starting CBD dose will vary based on factors we've touched on such as body weight, metabolism, and the condition you're aiming to address. Starting with a lower dose helps your body adjust and allows you to monitor its effects before increasing.

It's typically recommended to begin with 20-40 mg of CBD per day and slowly increase the dose if needed, paying attention to how your body responds. Over time, you can adjust the dosage to achieve the desired effect, but always allow a couple of weeks before making significant changes. Consulting with a healthcare professional is also a good idea, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

How to Choose the Perfect CBD Products For Your Needs

Now that you know more about CBD products and how they work, let’s discuss how to select the right product for you. Most importantly, you must identify the quality of each product. A few markers of trustworthy CBD products include:

Third-party testing – The FDA doesn’t regulate CBD products. As such, you must choose a CBD company that’s transparent about what’s inside their products. A third-party tester without any stake in the product gives you an added layer of confidence that the product contains what the label claims it does.
A readily available COA – Products that have gone through a third-party testing process will have a Certificate of Analysis (COA) that you can easily access. Typically there’ll be a QR code right on the product that you can scan. Otherwise, the company’s website is another place where you can find the COA.
Accurate labeling – COAs should help you determine whether a product’s label is accurate. The concentration of CBD and THC listed on the label should match that listed on the COA. Many CBD products do not have accurate labels. In fact, one study found that 69% of the CBD products analyzed over or underestimated the amount of CBD in the product.

After you’ve found a CBD company you can trust, peruse their offerings to find support for:

Overall wellness
Joint discomfort
Attention and focus
Memory and brain health
Healthy eating and appetite
Calm and healthy mood

Your experience may differ from that of your friends and family because everyone’s body has a different reaction to CBD.

Some people are more comfortable ingesting CBD while others prefer a sublingual product. The way you take CBD may impact its ability to provide the support you need. Remember, sublingual products act very quickly, while edibles may take several hours to pass through your digestive system and into your bloodstream.

How long you want to wait to feel the impact is an important factor in deciding which type of product to take.

CBD Usage Tips

Navigating the world of CBD can be tricky. That’s why it’s critical to find a company you trust. Once you’ve found a CBD product to try, there are a few things to keep in mind on your CBD journey, including:

Avoid vaping – Vaping CBD is not recommended. While you’ll certainly feel the effect more quickly, vaping can be harmful to your lungs and throat. The cartridges used for vaping products may also contain harmful additives.
Start small – If you’re new to CBD products, start with small doses to see how well you can tolerate them. Speak with your doctor for the best advice on what amount is appropriate for your body size.
Be patient – It may take a week or two for you to feel like your CBD products are having the desired impact.

Zebra CBD: The CBD Company You Can Trust

CBD products can take anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours to work. The length of time it takes depends on the method of consumption and your body composition. The duration it remains in your system will also vary depending on the type of CBD and your method of consumption.

One thing that never changes is Zebra CBD’s dedication to producing premium CBD for health and vitality. At Zebra CBD, we’re your trusted CBD expert. We’re the only CBD company with a Label Accuracy Guarantee™, so you know exactly what’s in each of our products. We have a variety of CBD products to suit your needs, from CBD topicals like our soothing CBD balm, to premium CBD gummies for sale. Shop our online store and start your CBD experience today.

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