When Will You Feel the Effects of CBD?

You may have heard the personal accounts of how CBD has made people feel calm and relaxed, but how long does it actually take to feel these effects? 

Well, it comes down to the method and format the CBD is taken.  In this blog, we take a look at this in a bit more detail.

How do different formats and methods affect the process?

It’s important to keep in mind that the time taken to feel the effects of CBD will depend entirely on the individual, but here is a rough guide to the time it might take to feel the effects of CBD.

CBD oil

CBD oil is perhaps the most popular format, and most people choose to take it sublingually. The sublingual method is where you apply the drops underneath the tongue, hold them there for approximately 60 seconds, and then swallow. 

This technique allows the oil to absorb into the membranes underneath the tongue. As we mentioned above, the exact time will vary, but it is thought that this method takes between 10 and 30 minutes.

CBD capsules

Capsules are another popular CBD format due to their ease of use and already measured dosage. It is generally thought, however, that it will take longer for you to feel the effects of CBD with a capsule.

 This is because you consume it orally, rather than having it absorbed directly into your bloodstream. Generally speaking, it’s thought that it will take between 20 and 40 minutes to feel the impact.

Other CBD formats

CBD edibles and drinks work in the same way as capsules as you digest these in the same way. One of the quickest methods of supplementing with CBD is through inhalation via a vaping device and CBD e-liquid, which typically takes about ten minutes. 

Of course, this is not a format that will appeal to everyone. Topical application of CBD through gels and creams is thought to be the slowest method, taking roughly between 30 and 45 minutes, but may work for those who are targeting specific areas of pain or discomfort.

What other factors affect the process?

Quality of the CBD

The ingredients matter when it comes to a CBD product, and any low-quality ingredients will affect how our body reacts to and absorbs CBD. There should be no contaminants or other low-quality and artificial ingredients present.

You can identify the quality and safety of a CBD product by looking for or requesting its Certificate of Analysis, which is a lab report showing its test results. 

Your metabolism and body weight

Every person is unique, which is why the time it takes to feel the effects of CBD will depend on your size, weight and metabolism. A person with a smaller Body Mass Index (BMI) and fast metabolism are likely to feel the effects more quickly and vice versa.

Consuming alongside fatty food

Recent research has suggested that high-fat foods can increase the bio-availability of CBD, so you may find that combining your CBD oil with a snack or meal helps to speed up the time it takes to feel the effects.

Hopefully, this guide to how long it takes to feel the effects of different CBD formats has been useful!

This article was written by James Storie-Pugh from Mellow, the UK’s curated CBD marketplace that stocks high-quality wellness brands including us.