Time is of the essence, even if you’re taking CBD oil. Let’s be realistic, if you suffer from anxiety or arthritis then chances are, you’d like to know how long it takes for CBD oil to work.
So, without further adieu, let’s find out why different forms of CBD oil actually take longer to work.
How Soon Does CBD Oil Take Effect In Your Body?
A few things impact the time it takes for CBD to ‘work’.
For example, a low concentration CBD product will take longer to work than a high concentration CBD product.
Also, we need to consider how you’re ingesting it i.e. are you eating it in food, applying it with a lotion or consuming it as an oil?
Obviously, there are other ways to take CBD oil but the way in which you take it impacts the time in which the CBD starts to kick in.
Let’s look at how CBD works in your body…
How Does CBD Work?
CBD isn’t just a trend – nor are the results it creates. With hundreds (if not thousands) of clinically-proven medicinal applications of CBD hemp oil, it doesn’t take long to figure out why this cannabinoid has taken the world by storm.
Before we get into what sort of symptoms it helps relieve, let’s focus on how it works.
Let’s start with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Unlike other cannabis derived products, CBD doesn’t have a psychoactive effect due to either an incredibly low % of THC (a chemical component) or 0% THC.
You’ll find THC in medical marijuana, but not in CBD which means it’s legal in across the US.
Once in the bloodstream, CBD is distributed throughout the endocannabinoid system where cannabinoid receptors in CBD bond with our bodies’ receptors.
As you now know, CBD doesn’t have a psychoactive effect therefore it doesn’t affect the same receptors as THC (ie. medical marijuana) does.
So why’s CBD so powerful?
Well, those little receptors do the heavy lifting and act as a catalyst that cause CBD to work as well as it does.
Like all health products, CBD oil works best when it’s the main ingredient, is of a high quality and is taken in higher doses.
More than ever, the quality or ‘grade’ of a CBD oil cannot be emphasized enough.
It’s incredibly important to buy and frequently use a CBD oil that’s made in the states, is sold by a trusted seller and uses top ingredients – this will massively impact how well it works for you and in turn, how quickly it works.
How Much CBD Should You Use?
With so many variables at play, an obvious one is weight.
Whether you’re a 110 lb female or a 220 lb man will have a lot to do with how much CBD oil you should take, so read the instructions, start with a small amount and build it up over a period of time.
The key here is to take it daily and of course, consistently.
Finally, if you’re worried you’ve consumed too much – don’t fret. CBD oil is safe with no reports of overdoses or toxicity.
Let’s dive into how you can enjoy CBD oil:
Vaping CBD Oil
Simply put – it’s the fastest way to enjoy the benefits of CBD oil.
Vaping works well as the CBD enters the lungs (via inhalation) then hits the bloodstream very quickly.
Most people feel the effects within around 5-10 minutes. Vaping CBD oil is without a doubt the fastest route to enjoying its benefits.
Ingesting Sublingual CBD Oil Drops or Tinctures
This arguably is one of the most popular ways to ingest CBD oil and rightly so as it’s the second fastest way to reap its benefits.
Many manufacturers sell CBD oil in a spray form which makes it effortless, cost-effective and literally effective.
It’s best to start with a small amount of around 1 spray daily for the first 3 days then build to a maximum of 3 sprays 3 times per day.
Like vitamin B12, you can hold CBD oil below your tongue for 60-90 seconds before swallowing.
This allows the body to rapidly absorb the CBD into the bloodstream so it works quicker.
With this method, you’ll feel the CBD relaxing you within about 20 minutes.
Mixing CBD Oil in Food
If you have kids or pets – then this is definitely a solid option for you.
When mixed with any meal CBD oil is virtually tasteless, meaning it’s a great way to give it to any pets or children in need of its benefits.
That being said, it’s worth remembering it takes longer for the body to process it as it has to be digested and metabolized.
This process of ingestion and metabolization takes around 45-60 minutes.
Realistically, it takes as long to watch an episode of your favorite show on Netflix – so this is still a quick convenient way to enjoy CBD oil.
CBD Oil Capsules
Now, CBD oil capsules are similar to mixing it with food as the body needs to digest and metabolize them.
However, you can take capsules on an empty stomach which speeds the process up with a wait time of 20-30 minutes.
Not only are capsules great value for your money, they’re also convenient as you know the dosage of each capsule.
If you’re forgetful, worry about taking ‘too much’ (even though you can’t overdose) or aren’t great with measuring quantities, then capsules are definitely a great way to take CBD oil.
Applying CBD Oil Topicals
Yes, that’s right – you read it correctly – CBD oil can be enjoyed via a topical.
While it isn’t the most popular of ways to take CBD oil, it works well for those with physical ailments.
That being said, it doesn’t work in the same way as CBD you vape or ingest.
Translation? CBD oil topicals are great for pain related conditions – like arthritis and sore muscles – but doesn’t help anxiety sufferers or those with mental symptoms.
How Long Does CBD Oil Take to Treat Pain And Anxiety?
A product of many medical miracles – CBD oil has been linked to the alleviation of symptoms of anxiety, Parkinson’s disease, chronic pain, high blood pressure, Huntington’s disease, heart disease and cancer.
You wouldn’t take a tablet to help with a bleeding cut, so in the same respect, it’s worth knowing that not all CBD oil products serve the same purpose.
Opt for oils, vapors, and capsules if you’re suffering from anxiety, sleep problems, depression and stress – these take around 5-30 minutes work.
If you’re suffering from physical pain or discomfort due to sore spots, an inflamed muscle or perhaps even arthritis then it’s best to apply CBD oil directly onto the pain point via a CBD oil cream.
This approach takes a little longer to work with the CBD oil benefits kicking in over the period of the day.
How Long it Takes For Anxiety
While it depends on the physiological mechanisms that cause the anxiety, the best and quickest way to ease anxiety is to enjoy CBD oil in a capsule, oil, vapor or tincture.
If you want the quickest form, then opt for vaporizing it or holding the oil below your tongue for 60-90 seconds.
You also need to factor other variables such as your bodyweight and strength of anxiety. Like always, read the instructions on the product you’ve purchased.
A 2015 analysis of previous studies showed that CBD oil is a promising treatment for various forms of anxiety, including social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, OCD, generalized anxiety disorder, and PTSD.
How Long it Takes For Pain
Not only does CBD oil help common aches and pains, it can help the inflammation that comes with muscle soreness and restless legs.
This makes it a great solution for both those with arthritis, joint pain and exercise lovers that have over exerted themselves.
If suffering from physical pain (like muscles soreness), it’s best to opt for a topical treatment.
In 2016 researchers found that using CBD gel on rats reduced both joint pain and inflammation without any side effects.
CBD oil capsules are a fantastic form of pain relief for general exercise recovery and restless legs – especially after a long-haul flight.
How Long Does it Take CBD Oil to Help Sleep?
Yes, the benefits of CBD oil are incredible – yet a good night’s sleep is particularly overlooked.
If you’re in the market for 8-hours of shut eye as assisted by CBD oil, then you no doubt want to know how long you’ll have to count sheep for before it kicks in.
Again – like those with anxiety – it’s best to opt for capsules, oil, tinctures or vaporizing the CBD oil.
Most people prefer the convenience (and speed) of ingesting CBD oil via drops or a spray 1-2 hours before bed to enjoy its powerful sleep inducing benefits.
The Final Verdict
In a nutshell, it depends on what problem you’re trying to solve and how you prefer to solve it.
For example, physical ailments are best solved with a CBD oil cream/topical and mental ailments are best solved by either vaporizing or ingesting the CBD oil.
The final piece of the puzzle is working out how you prefer to take CBD oil (convenience is key) and how quickly you need it to work.
For that reason, most folks opt for CBD capsules or oil – Its convenient, gives you the most CBD, and its pretty quick to kick in.
