These days, you can add CBD to just about anything.
From lattes and barbeque sauce to body creams and butters — you’ll find that CBD is offered in several products found right in your local grocery store.
You may be wondering, “How does CBD affect my body?” and “How long do the effects of CBD last?”
In this guide, we’ll answer these questions and tell you everything you need to know about choosing the right CBD product.
How Does CBD Work in Your Body?
Over the years, CBD has established a reputation for being a calming agent for the body.
Our bodies have what is called an ‘endocannabinoid system.’ It’s responsible for maintaining a balance in the body. The system uses CB1 and CB2 receptors.
When CBD is consumed, it works with the endocannabinoid system to relax your body.
This produces additional health benefits like:
- Pain reduction
- Decreased inflammation
- A calming effect
- A general ‘good’ and balanced feeling
Cannabidiol (CBD) is an extract found in cannabis plants. Unlike its cannabis plant counterpart, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), Cannabidiol is non-hallucinogenic. It puts your mind in a state of psychoactivity.
A common misconception is that CBD ‘gets you high’. The feeling of being ‘high’ or ‘stoned’ comes from THC.
CBD is non-intoxicating. It’s best known for making you feel calm and relaxed.
CBD is most often used to treat or reduce:
How Long Does CBD Take to Work in Your Body?
Another common question around this topic is: “How long does CBD take to work?”
It’s important to keep in mind that each person’s body may respond to CBD differently.
It’s always a good idea to consult the professional opinion of your doctor before trying CBD for the first time.
Already talked with your doctor?
Our knowledgeable team at Hail Mary Jane can help you find the brand, product, and dosage that works well for you.
How Long Do CBD Effects Last?
Once your body has absorbed CBD, the effects last anywhere from two to six hours.
It’s important to understand that the effects of cannabidiol are greatly impacted by:
- The type of CBD you’re using
- How CBD is consumed
Not only that, but the effects of CBD differ based on factors like:
- Diet
- Lifestyle
- Metabolism
- CBD dosage
- How often CBD is used
7 Ways to Consume CBD and How Long the Effects Last
If you’ve been wanting to try CBD, you’ll be happy to know that there are several ways to consume CBD.
Like to eat? Try an edible.
Prefer to use a topical cream? You can do that too!
In this section …
We’ll cover seven of the most common ways to consume CBD and discuss the burning question, “How long do CBD effects last?” for each method.
Oil
Consuming CBD via oil is a method that has gained popularity over the years.
For this mode of consumption, cannabidiol is typically combined with a carrier oil (such as hemp oil) and then ingested.
Since CBD oil is ingested, it must pass through the digestive tract before hitting the bloodstream. This means that consuming CBD through oil will generally result in a longer onset (meaning it will take longer to set in) and may produce weaker effects.
There are various kinds of CBD oil to choose from. We believe it’s worth your time to research the different types.
A few key things to keep in mind when choosing a CBD oil:
- CBD oil is derived from either a hemp plant or a marijuana plant.
- Sometimes, CBD products derived from a marijuana plant may induce feelings of intoxication.
- Hemp-derived CBD is required by law to contain no more than 0.3% THC, whereas marijuana-derived CBD oil still contains traces of THC and remains illegal at the federal level.
We won’t get into the nitty-gritty details …
…. but if you don’t want to feel any of the effects associated with THC, it’s better to go with a CBD oil derived from a hemp plant.
Vaping
Inhaling CBD is generally viewed as a quick and effective method of consumption.
This is because the cannabinoids go straight to your lungs and quickly enter the bloodstream.
Vaping or inhaling CBD produces effects shortly after consumption — and the effects last from one to two hours.
Edibles
Edibles are a classic.
Whether you’re into …
- Gummies
- Brownies
- Pizza; or
- Chocolate
… there’s something for everyone when it comes to consuming CBD via edibles.
Just like ingesting straight CBD oil, CBD edibles must make their way through the digestive system — resulting in a longer onset and potentially weaker effects.
For your enjoyment, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best cannabis edibles on the market.
Tinctures
Tinctures are not oil-based.
Instead, they are made using a water-alcohol solution that extracts CBD.
The alcohol helps in the absorption process. This makes tinctures a fast solution where effects are usually felt more quickly than other methods.
Tinctures are typically ingested by being placed under the tongue and then swallowed.
Even though the CBD in a tincture passes through the digestive system just like oils and edibles, it is still a quicker absorption.
Transdermal Patches
Transdermal patches are similar to nicotine patches.
The CBD is soaked up by your skin cells. It’s then transmitted into your bloodstream quickly without being diluted by the digestive process.
Like inhalation, this method provides an efficient and effective way to consume CBD and experience long-lasting results.
Patches are commonly used to treat localized muscle pain. But they can also be used as an effective method of consuming a steady dose of CBD that lasts.
Topicals
There are several reasons people choose to use CBD.
One of the many benefits of cannabidiol is that it often provides relief from muscle pain and can alleviate symptoms of some skin conditions.
If that’s you, a topical may be what you’re looking for.
CBD topicals are simply creams and lotions that have been infused with cannabidiol. Topicals are applied directly to the skin and slowly absorbed.
Interested in trying a topical to relieve your pain or skin condition? We’ve come up with a list of the best CBD creams for pain.
Oil Capsules
Oil capsules are probably the most user-friendly method of consumption.
This is because the oil is contained in a capsule that is easy to swallow and ready to consume.
This method, however, tends to have a longer onset since the body has to digest the capsule before the CBD is released into the bloodstream.
How Long Do CBD Effects Last: 4 Factors That Affect How Long CBD Stays in Your Body
Science uncovers more about CBD and its effects every day. Even so, each and every person is unique.
One person’s body may react to CBD differently than another’s.
A few key factors that affect how long CBD stays in your body are:
- The dosage
- The frequency
- Your body
- Food consumed
Keep reading …
We’ll unpack each of these factors in detail.
#1: The Dosage
Determining the right dosage for you is a critical part of treating with CBD.
The amount of CBD you consume has a direct impact on how long the cannabidiol stays in your system.
Overdosing is not as much of a concern with hemp-derived CBD products since those are without the intoxicating effects of THC.
But, it is still recommended for first-time CBD users to start with a small dosage. You should see how your body responds before consuming a higher dosage.
Feel free to consult our team of experts at Hail Mary Jane to chat through what products and dosage might be best for you and your desired effects.
#2: The Frequency
Intricately linked to the dosage is the frequency of use. There is no easy or ‘right’ answer to how often you should consume CBD.
Before choosing a frequency, you’ll want to consider:
- The type of product
- The amount of CBD in the product
- Your desired effects
Most brands will include instructions or provide advice on finding the proper dosage. But it is good to be aware of what might impact the effects of the CBD you use.
#3: Your Body
This may seem obvious …
… but how long the effects of CBD remain in your system largely depends on your unique body makeup.
This includes factors like:
- Your weight
- Your metabolism
- Your body fat percentage
CBD oil is fat-soluble. This means that the amount of body fat you have impacts the amount of CBD required to feel the effects.
In addition to body fat, your metabolic rate impacts how long the CBD will stay in your system. This is because your metabolic rate determines the speed at which your body breaks down and processes the cannabinoids.
#4: Food Consumed
Ingesting CBD on an empty stomach is generally not encouraged. The idea is that the acids in your stomach will break down the cannabinoids before it has a chance to be absorbed.
Some foods (like healthy fats and complex carbs) help your body absorb CBD.
Foods that take longer to digest typically prolong the effects of CBD in the body.
Some of these foods include:
- Fish
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Oils (hemp, coconut, or olive oil)
The Experts at Hail Mary Jane Can Help You Choose the Best Form of CBD to Meet Your Needs
We understand that shopping through everything out there can be overwhelming.
At Hail Mary Jane, our mission is to help you find the best cannabis products on the market.
We’re confident we can do this because our team of experts tries and reviews hundreds of products every year.
Let us help you find the best form of CBD to meet your needs and leave you feeling great.
