How Long Does it Take for CBD to Kick In?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is everywhere these days. From infused water to pills and tinctures, CBD is as common as vitamin C already.
But with the rising popularity of CBD, consumers all over the country want to know more about it particularly how long it takes to set in. This information is particularly beneficial to first-time CBD consumers. Unfortunately, there is still a huge knowledge gap when it comes to CBD; sure, we know that it does work in treating many ailments, some of which are chronic and debilitating, but how long does really take to set in?
Thing is, you don’t want to rely on guesswork or just asking your friends. Getting the right kind of information is necessary to a truly therapeutic and enjoyable experience.
Just like with other kinds of medicine or supplements, CBD does take some time to work. It isn’t immediate, though some forms are nearly instant, and many people can vouch for the fact that CBD does provide relief almost instantaneously. But generally speaking, how long CBD takes to work in your body will depend on many factors including the type and quality of cannabinoid medicine you’re taking, your metabolic rate, your weight, usage method, and the composition.
The many forms of CBD out there will affect how quickly CBD reaches your bloodstream, and how much of it gets there. When the CBD has to pass through less digestive organs, this means that it can take effect quicker
Here’s what you need to know about CBD in various forms and how long they take to set in your body:
Inhalation
If you want to take CBD in a way that would ensure the quickest onset, inhalation is your best bet. Smoking or vaporizing CBD can be felt within minutes, sometimes seconds. Upon inhaling the vapor, the cannabinoids make a fast-track to your bloodstream through the lungs. Most people will start to feel the effects of CBD in as little as 5 minutes after inhalation; sometimes up to 10.
Since the process takes a few seconds, you also have to keep in mind that this means it’ll likely wear off quicker than other forms of ingestion. It’s also important to take into consideration your dosage (if you’re new to CBD and aren’t sure how to dose correct, check out this dosage calculator!).
Sublingual Drops/Tinctures
Not everyone is open to the idea of inhaling, vaporizing, or smoking CBD especially if an existing health condition is already present. If you’d rather not inhale but still want to enjoy CBD through a fast-acting method, tinctures may be for you.
Sublingual drops and tinctures are applied by placing them underneath the tongue. This works by allowing the CBD to enter the bloodstream quickly through the veins located beneath the tongue, where the mucous membranes absorb the molecules. The key to making the most out of this method is to hold the CBD oil drop for 30 up to 60 seconds.
Sublingual drops take just a little longer than to take effect than inhalation, but most people report feeling the effects of CBD within 10-20 minutes.
Topical CBD
Topical CBD products work effectively for treating localized conditions such as arthritis, joint pain, gout, sore muscles, or skin conditions caused by inflammation. They come in creams, balms, lotions, ointments, and oils which are designed to be applied directly to a certain area in the skin.
Once applied, the cells found right underneath the skin absorb the CBD and other cannabinoids. Topical CBD takes a relatively slow time for its effects to be felt; sometimes half an hour or more.
Capsules/Edibles
If long-lasting relief is important to you, capsules or edibles are recommended. Since these are taken by mouth and then eaten or swallowed, they have to pass through your digestive tract where the cannabinoids are metabolized by the liver before reaching the bloodstream.
Just like with other forms of cannabis edibles, it takes 30 minutes up to an hour, sometimes more, for these to take effect. However, these are very efficient means of consuming CBD as a medicine.
Conclusion
Now that you have a better understanding of how long certain forms of CBD will take effect, keep in mind that the results will still vary from one person to another. Just be sure that you are using a CBD product that has been laboratory tested, coming from a brand name that you trust.
