How long does it take for CBD to work? This question will be answered as well as possible in this article because it is not possible to give a quick answer without considering the different factors as well as the used CBD product. The general state of health, age, the amount of CBD and the way CBD is consumed also play a role. However, provided that a high quality product is used, we can give a very good guide to estimating how long it takes for the CBD to be effective from a particular product. Firstly, let’s take a look at the different CBD products and how they can be used to understand how long it takes for CBD to work.
Different CBD Product Types
The great thing about CBD is that it can be absorbed by the body in a variety of ways. This also creates creative possibilities in the production of the various product types. Basically, there are 5 ways you can consume (absorb) CBD. These intake forms are sublingual, oral, topical, pulmonary, and via suppository. From these different applications arise many different CBD products, with different durations until the effect of CBD occurs. All CBD product types and intake forms have pros and cons which we look closely at in this article. Let’s start with the different product types and their methods of use. About the method of application, we will then determine the duration until the effect occurs.
Explanation of Terms:
- Sublingual: The absorption of a substance by placing it under the tongue
- Oral: Intake into the body by swallowing a substance
- Topical: Describes the absorption of a substance through the skin
- Pulmonary: Is the absorption of a substance through the lungs
- Bioavailability: describes the amount of a particular substance that can be absorbed by the body through a particular method of use
CBD Drops & Tinctures
CBD drops and tinctures are diluted CBD extract or isolated (pure) CBD dissolved in vegetable oil.
Because it is a diluted CBD product, it is not as potent in CBD as the CBD extract used to make a tincture.
CBD tinctures are filled in bottles with a dropper, because it is not as viscous and sticky as the extract and can therefore be dosed well with a dropper.
Usually these products are sold in quantities of 10-30 ml and have a CBD content of 250 – 2000 MG CBD per bottle.
Methods of use
- Sublingual use: By dropping the CBD oil under the tongue
- Topical use: This oil can also be applied and absorbed on the skin.
CBD Concentrates
CBD concentrates are the direct product of hemp/cannabis plant extraction. These are actually the most potent CBD products in terms of the concentration of CBD.
Only isolated (pure) CBD that has been liberated from all other cannabinoids and plant compounds is more potent in terms of CBD concentration, but not in effectiveness.
CBD Concentrates as an extract are thick, viscous pastes that have a dark green, brown-reddish, or yellowish color.
These are bottled and sold in syringes or in small jars. Isolated CBD concentrate is in crystalline white powder form and is either sold pure in small containers or dissolved in oil in bottles.
Methods of use
- Sublingual use: The CBD concentrate can be used by placing it under the tongue.
- Topical use: The use of CBD concentrate on the skin is a common way to use such a product, even if there are special CBD products for it.
- Pulmonary use: CBD concentrate can be vaporized with an appropriate vaporizer and the CBD absorbed via the lungs.
CBD Capsules and Pills
CBD capsules and pills are also a popular way to bring CBD into the body.
This is either CBD tinctures (i.e. CBD dissolved in vegetable oil), CBD concentrate or isolated CBD in powder form packed mostly in vegan cellulose capsules.
CBD capsules are only used orally, i.e. swallowed and then absorbed into the gastrointestinal tract.
Since the capsule must first dissolve, it takes the longest with CBD capsules until the effect of CBD can unfold. However, consuming this form of CBD is very popular because you can bypass the taste of CBD.
It is also very easy to dose because each capsule contains the same amount of CBD. CBD capsules are available with different CBD content. 15, 25, 50, 75 and 100MG CBD per capsule are generally available.
Methods of use
- Oral Use: The capsules are swallowed and the CBD absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract.
CBD Topicals (Balms & Lotions)
Topical CBD products are intended for direct application on the skin. These CBD products are available as lotion, balm and cream. This is either CBD extract or isolated CBD mixed with a carrier such as a wax, coconut butter, or Vaseline and oils.
Depending on the manufacturer, different concoctions and ingredients are used that either allow the CBD to get absorbed faster into the skin or bring along other properties.
Topical CBD products are only intended to be applied to the skin and should not be used in any other way.
Methods of use
- Topical use: Topical CBD products are applied and absorbed only on the skin.
CBD Vape Oil
CBD vape oils are made to be used with vaporizers. However, since CBD oils are very viscous, a vaporizer that can handle such products must be used.
Manufacturers also add different additives to their CBD Vape products in order to obtain different products. In most cases, other herbal terpenes are added to individualize the taste and the effect.
Some CBD Vape Oil products can also be used as tinctures (sublingual) and on the skin (topical).
However, this is not the case with all CBD Vape products. Inquire before using a CBD vape oil for anything other than vaporizing.
Methods of use
- Pulmonary use: CBD vape oils are vaporized with vaporizers and absorbed by inhalation through the lungs.
- Sublingual use: Some CBD vape oils can also be used as tinctures and drops and dropped under the tongue.
- Topical Use: Some CBD Vape oils can also be used topically and absorbed by applying to the skin.
CBD Edibles
CBD Edibles are self-explanatory. There are various forms of confectioneries and others in which CBD has been processed. These are mainly intended to help children consume CBD oil. Or chewing gum with CBD, in which the CBD gradually dissolves while gum is being chewed. Depending on the CBD Edible, the CBD is absorbed in the oral cavity and/or via the gastrointestinal tract. So this method can be considered as sublingual and/or oral.
Methods of use
- Sublingual use: With lollipop, chewing gum or gummies, the CBD is absorbed by dissolving in the oral cavity already sublingual or via the mucous membrane in the mouth.
- Oral use: Cookies, chocolate and the likes, which are also swallowed, the CBD is also absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract.
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How long does CBD take to work? – Different application methods (consumption)
Now that we’ve discussed the different CBD product types and how to use them, let’s look at how long it takes for CBD to work for a particular application. The different ways to use and absorb CBD also have different amounts of time required for CBD to be absorbed and act. In addition, depending on how CBD is delivered to the body, the body absorbs more or less CBD into the body. Of the same amount of CBD consumed can be absorbed by one method faster than with the other. This is called bioavailability. Now let’s look at how long it takes for CBD to work when consumed with a particular method and the bioavailability of different application methods.
Sublingually (under the tongue)
Products that can be used sublingually, i.e. under the tongue, are absorbed into the tissue and into the blood via the mucous membrane in the mouth very quickly. The CBD does not have to be absorbed first by the digestive system and metabolised via the liver.
Duration until the effect occurs
- 5-30 minutes – Depending on the person, age, and basic physical condition. This is the 2nd fastest way to get CBD absorbed by the body.
Bioavailability
The bioavailability by sublingual administration is very good. This means that much of the consumed CBD will eventually be used by the body.
Orally (oral intake by swallowing)
CBD products that are swallowed must be absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and metabolized by the liver. This implies that it takes a lot longer for the CBD to be absorbed by the body and to be effective.
Duration until the effect occurs
- 30-180 minutes– Whether or not it is taken on an empty or full stomach also affects how long it takes for the CBD to be absorbed. The age and the basic physical conditions play a role as well.
Bioavailability
The bioavailability of oral CBD intake is the worst of all methods as many factors are included. Nevertheless, it may be beneficial to administer CBD orally. On the one hand, the dosage of capsules is very simple, the taste of CBD can be bypassed, but also the duration of action of CBD is longest when it’s taken orally. You just need more quantity and time.
Pulmonary (Intake through the lungs)
When vaporized or smoked, CBD is delivered directly from the lungs to the blood. This is the fastest way to administer CBD to the body.
Duration until the effect occurs
- 30 – 600 seconds: A few things also matter here in determining how fast the CBD can work. However, this is the fastest way to experience the effects of CBD. Just like with other methods, basic physical condition, age, nicotine intake (smoking), lung capacity and functionality play a role.
Bioavailability
The bioavailability when CBD is absorbed through the lungs is very high. It is said that it has the highest bioavailability of all methods. The flip side, however, is that it has the shortest duration of action of all use methods.
Topically (Absorption through the skin)
When it comes to absorbing CBD through the skin, it works a bit differently than the other methods. Because this is less about getting the CBD in the bloodstream, but on the affected skin, tissues and joints. The skin has many CB2 receptors that interact with cannabinoids. And CBD has strong anti-inflammatory properties. However, the effect is perceived differently through the skin than when CBD circulates through the blood and then exerts its effect on the body.
Duration until the effect occurs
- 10 – 120 minutes: However, it must also be said that a continuous application is beneficial and has a better effect than applying the topical CBD product only once to the skin. The long-term effect is far ahead of the fast effect.
Bioavailability
Depending on the skin type and ability of the skin to absorb the CBD, topical CBD products have relatively good bioavailability. While not as highly bioavailable as sublingual and pulmonary use methods, they do serve a different purpose.
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