How long does CBD take to work?

If you're considering using CBD (cannabidiol) for the first time, you probably have a lot of questions. One of the most common questions is: How long does it take to feel the effects of CBD?

In reality, there is no exact answer as it depends on the individual and many factors. As a general rule, it only takes a few minutes for the CBD to start working. The forms and applications of CBD are very varied and allow for different results from one consumer to another.

This is because each body is unique and may react differently to the same product and dose of CBD. To learn all about how long it takes for medical cannabis to work, we invite you to read this article dedicated to how CBD works on your body.

What are the factors that can vary the time of action of CBD?

Addiction

If this is your very first time consuming CBD, the effects can be felt very quickly. With regular use, your body may take longer to respond. This is why you should always start with a low dosage, especially if you are a beginner. Increase them gradually when you feel little effect.

Weight and physical predisposition

In the same way as food, drink or medication, one must adapt one's consumption pattern to one's weight and physical predispositions. It therefore seems logical that a woman weighing 50 kilos should feel more intense and faster effects than a man weighing 80 kilos for the same dose of CBD. All the more reason to start with a small dose to be increased as you go.

The method of consumption

Of course, the way CBD is consumed also plays a role in how long it takes to work. The different routes of administration are responsible for a more or less rapid absorption. In all cases, CBD travels and interacts with several receptors of the endocannabinoid system.

• The vaporizer: Inhaling vapor from CBD flower allows for very fast, almost instantaneous effects.
• Food products: Eating or drinking CBD-based food products causes relaxing effects between 30 minutes and 2 hours after ingestion.
• CBD oil: In turn, CBD oil used sublingually works within 15 minutes of ingestion.
• Creams and cosmetics: Finally, topical application of a CBD-based cream or cosmetic can take 30 to 45 minutes to feel effects.

The dosage

Another important element to measure the time of action of CBD is obviously the dosage of the substances. This does not mean that you have to consume a lot of it to feel the effects more quickly. On the other hand, some CBD products are more concentrated than others and can therefore provide faster effects for the same amount.

How does CBD affect your body?

Since the 1990s, scientific and medical research has proven a link between cannabis and the endocannabinoid system. Composed of cellular receptors and molecules, the ECS functions as a regulator of the body in vertebrates.

The ECS is a very large communication system that still requires many years of study and research to understand all its facets. At present, scientists have clearly identified 2 receptors activated by CBD intake: CB1 and CB2.

CB1 receptors are found primarily in the central nervous system and in organs and tissues, while CB2 receptors are found in bone, spleen, bone marrow, and immune tissue. But cannabis use activates many more neurotransmitters in the body:

• CBD stimulates the 5-HT1A receptor responsible for the release of serotonin. By activating this neurotransmitter, it contributes to good mood and feelings of well-being and happiness. In addition, this receptor is also involved in the process of anxiety, nausea, pain and appetite.
• CBD plays a role on adenosine receptors, which allows for anti-inflammatory properties by releasing dopamine and glutamate into the body. Dopamine provides motivation and glutamate plays an important role in the mechanism of learning and cognition.
• CBD also has an action on the TRPV1 receptor which helps to regulate body temperature and relieve pain.

How long can the effects of CBD last?

To know how long the effects of cannabis will last, the method of consumption must be taken into account above all. Depending on the method of administration, the potency and duration of CBD's effects can vary. If you choose CBD oil to consume sublingually, the effects can last between 2 and 4 hours.

CBD oil is popular for just this reason: the effects arrive within minutes but remain for several hours. In addition, CBD oil is therefore ideal for relieving chronic pain. Regarding CBD edible products, they result in effects that can last from 4 to 6 hours but with a lower intensity.

Then, vaporisation provides immediate results that usually last between 2 and 3 hours. Finally, applying CBD to the skin via patches, creams, or oils allows the benefits to last for 2 to 4 hours. However, the effects will take longer to appear because the skin takes longer to absorb the cannabinoids.

Note that the effects also depend on the CBD concentration of the product you choose and in particular on the variety you select.

How long does CBD stay in the body?

CBD does not stay in your metabolism for more than 7 days if you take it occasionally. At more than 10mg per day for several weeks, CBD can stay for up to 14 days. That said, CBD is not subject to saliva testing unlike THC which is considered a drug.

CBD can cause adverse effects?

Adverse effects are rather rare and often related to another factor such as taking a medication at the same time. These side effects may include nausea, migraines and fatigue, but never anything alarming.