As information regarding the benefits of Cannabidiol (CBD) continues to spread, more and more people are seeking to understand how it works and how it can help treat their various health complications.
One of the main questions that people ask is ‘how long does it take for CBD to work?’
Unfortunately, most people don’t get an answer to this question and are left to guess or find out for themselves.
This lack of information leaves users confused and disappointed when CBD fails to yield results instantly or as expected.
So how long does CBD take to work? Read on and learn everything you need to know about CBD oil.
How CBD Works
The thing to note here is that, just like any other medicine, CBD is not a ‘miracle’ drug and hence takes some time before it starts working.
For it to work, Cannabidiol must be absorbed into the bloodstream from where it finds its way into the Endocannabinoid System. This process takes time, and that is why CBD may not yield results instantly.
That said, it is important to note that the working rate of CBD is determined by a number of factors such as the metabolic rate, body weight, and composition and most importantly, the consumption method.
How Methods of Consumption Affects CBD Working Rate
As you probably already know, CBD can be consumed in different ways.
The critical thing to note here is that the way you consume CBD determines how it is delivered to the bloodstream.
According to research, the CBD delivery method not only influences how fast it reaches the bloodstream but also how much of the product actually get to the bloodstream.
Various Consumption Methods and How They Affect CBD Working Rate
1) Inhalation
Inhalation offers the fastest CBD absorption method. If you are looking for instant relief from pain or other condition, then vaping or smoking CBD would be your best bet.
Please note that, after inhaling the vapor, CBD is absorbed into your lungs and into the bloodstream instantly.
On the downside, the effects of inhaled CBD wears off quickly, and hence this method may not be ideal if you are looking for extended relief.
In addition, this method is only suitable for smokers as non-smokers may not find the smoke attractive.
Also, if you suffer from a breathing problem, then introducing a foreign material into your lungs may not be a good idea.
2) Sublingual Application
This is probably the fastest CBD delivery method after inhalation. In this method, a CBD spray is used to place oil drops under the tongue. Make sure to hold the drops in your mouth for about 60 seconds. This is important as it will allow the veins found under the tongue to absorb the oil quickly.
Although this method is not as fast acting as inhalation, it is safer for both smokers and non-smokers. Normally, CBD consumed through this method takes around 5-20 minutes to work.
3) Oral Ingestion
If you are looking for long-term relief from pain and other health complications, then oral ingestion would be your best bet. This is because your digestive system will take some time breaking down CBD. This means that the Cannabidiol will slowly and steadily be absorbed into the bloodstream over some hours, hence prolonging the effects of CBD.
However, oral ingestion is not as fast acting as inhalation or sublingual application as it might take up to an hour before yielding any results.
One of the best things about oral ingestion is that it comes in a wide range of options. For instance, you can directly swallow the oil, get CBD-infused edibles, add it to your food or simply take a CBD-infused gummy! This ensures that everyone can get something that they love.
4) Topical Application
Topical CBD application is best suited for a more targeted treatment and is mostly used to help treat arthritis and inflammation. The unique thing about the topical application is that CBD only comes into contact with the affected body part as opposed to penetrating your body. Remember that CBD is a relatively new compound and still under trials. This means that some people may not want it to enter their bodies and hence prefer this method of application.
When you apply CBD using this method, the results can be experienced as soon as the compound comes into contact with the skin. However, sometimes you might have to wait for some time as CBD diffuse through the lipid layers.
Other Factors That May Affect the Working of CBD
CBD quality is another factor that may affect how fast the compounds works. Low-quality CBD may be as a result of genetically modified or harmful ingredients, or if the product has expired.
Another thing to note is that our bodies are different and as such, we react differently to drugs including CBD. This means that two people may consume the same type and quantity of CBD and take different times to experience the effects of the Cannabidiol.
So How Long Does Cannabidiol Take to Work?
As you have seen, there is no a clear-cut answer to this question as this will depend on a number of factors such as the type and quality of CBD, consumption method and the person in question.
If you are just getting into CBD, you may have to do some sort of trial and error until you get the best consumption method for you.
Dosage is something else that you must be aware of. Remember that CBD is a drug and just like any other medicine, should not be misused. As a golden thumb of rule, it is crucial that you start with the least possible dosage and then increase gradually until you find the optimum level for you.
If you are unsure of where to start, just consult your doctor as he will be able to examine your body and advise accordingly as far as dosage and consumption methods are concerned.
Now that you know how ‘long’ it takes for CBD to work, will you please help spread the message?