The cannabis industry has been growing exponentially in the last few years. CBD oil, in specific, is estimated to be worth $720 million in 2022 and is projected to reach sales of $3,214 million by 2028. But how long does it take for CBD oil to work? It can take anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours for the effects of CBD oil to work on your body.
The cannabis plant has many extracts such as CBD and THC that can be extremely beneficial to your health. CBD is widely used by people of different age groups to help ease their physical and mental strain. CBD products containing CBD oil can have a healing effect on your endocannabinoid system.
What is CBD oil?
Cannabidiol(CBD) oil is a cannabinoid that is derived from marijuana plants. Unlike THC, CBD oil does not induce any of the intoxicating effects that marijuana is commonly known for. The absence of THC makes it easier for the body to absorb CBD. It does not alter the mental state of the user. The effects of CBD oil include reduced inflammation and decreased anxiety.
The use of CBD oil can soothe the endocannabinoid system and the digestive system. CBD interacts with cannabinoid receptors that are spread throughout the body. These cannabinoid receptors are responsible for regulating movement, emotion, mood, and appetite.
The sale of CBD products is legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. However, hemp-derived CBD products must contain less than 0.3% THC to be sold across the U.S. CBD consumption laws require you to be at least 21 years old to purchase CBD.
How long does it take for CBD oil to work?
CBD oil can nourish your body and help you relax. If you’re wondering how long it takes for CBD oil to work, then you’ll be surprised. The onset of the effects of CBD depends on the method of CBD consumption.
Cannabinoids are activated when your body absorbs the chemical. CBD oil absorption can take as little as ten minutes, and in some cases, it can take a few hours. Higher concentrations of CBD oils can be found in your bloodstream by increasing the speed of CBD absorption. Depending on your body weight and your intake preference, you can consume CBD in a variety of ways.
Ingestion
Full-spectrum CBD oil can be ingested. This method of CBD consumption can be slow to absorb the cannabinoid as it has to pass through the digestive system. The effects of CBD can take approximately one to four hours for being entirely absorbed by ingesting CBD.
CBD capsules, CBD tinctures, and CBD edibles can be taken orally. A CBD capsule can contain more than 100 mg of CBD. A drop of CBD tincture can be dropped directly into the mouth or added to your favorite beverage. Your body weight is a good indication of the amount of CBD you can ingest in a day.
Vaping
Vaping CBD is an experience enjoyed by millions of people in the U.S. A small amount of CBD oil is heated on an electric device to create vapor. You can inhale the vapor through the mouth. The effects of CBD can hit you within moments of inhaling the vapor. CBD oil is stored as e-liquid in vape devices.
It is one of the fastest ways to absorb CBD. Vaping allows CBD to enter your endocannabinoid system through the lungs for immediate effects. CBD vapes are widely available and can be bought from local shops and online stores.
Smoking
You can consume CBD by smoking CBD wax and cannabis flowers. Most people use pre-rolls, bongs, and blunts to smoke CBD. You can feel the effects of CBD within seconds after a few puffs. How much CBD is absorbed into the body by smoking? Well, the bioavailability of CBD can go up to 30% by smoking it.
Intravenous
You can inject CBD directly into the veins through intravenous absorption. A serious medical condition such as Epilepsy requires patients to be administered a high CBD dosage.
Intravenous absorption is not recommended for casual users of cannabis as it requires people to be stabbed with a needle on a regular basis. However, the effects of CBD can be felt immediately after being injected.
Sublingual
The sublingual method of consumption involves placing CBD oil under the tongue. CBD products such as tinctures are ideal for sublingual absorption. The underside of the tongue has mucous membranes that cover numerous blood vessels.
Placing a few drops of CBD oil under the tongue can help your body absorb larger concentrations of CBD at a much faster rate through the mucous membrane. Most CBD users who use the sublingual method of consumption feel the initial effects within 15 minutes and the peak within two hours.
Transdermal
The transdermal method of absorption involves taking CBD oil through the skin. CBD patches can be used on the skin and release the cannabinoid into your bloodstream.
The skin has a protective layer that prevents oil-based substances from entering the body. Transdermal patches have additional ingredients to help CBD oil pass through the protective layer of the skin.
CBD patches are safer than vaping and smoking CBD as it does not cause harm to the body. It can take several hours for CBD oil to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Some people keep the transdermal patch on for a whole day to reach the peak effects of CBD.
Topical
Similar to transdermal patches, a topical can be applied to the skin. These products include lotions, creams, and balms that contain a high concentration of CBD oil. Each bottle of CBD topical can contain 600 mg to 1000 mg of CBD.
CBD topical usually doesn’t contain any traces of THC in it. It contains many organic ingredients, is cruelty-free, and is free of various toxins that are harmful to your body. These products are used for pain management and have a pleasant smell that can calm your mind.
Types of CBD oil products
Now that you’re familiar with the different consumption methods, it will be easier for you to pick the CBD product that suits your needs. Taking CBD oil into the human body can be a breeze using these products.
Vape pens
Vape pens allow you to inhale CBD oil. These simple devices come with tanks that are filled with CBD oil. Disposable vape pens have a limited amount of CBD oil and can be used for a few weeks. Consuming CBD through vape pens has become a popular way of spending time with your friends.
Vaping is an oral CBD consumption method. CBD enters your body through your lungs, and extended vaping sessions can be dangerous. Vaping on an empty stomach may cause brain fog and can also impair your memory.
Box mods
Box mods are advanced vaping devices that let you consume large amounts of CBD oil. The body composition of box mods includes an atomizer, a tank, a rechargeable battery, and a mouthpiece. How long CBD oil can last in a tank depends on your usage. E-liquids are not prescription medications and can be purchased from smoke shops and online stores.
Prolonged usage of box mods has adverse effects that are similar to vape pens. Box mods are not recommended for people with a pre-existing medical condition.
Tinctures
Tinctures are products that contain exceptional CBD quality. It is a CBD product that is advised for people who prefer the sublingual consumption method. Tinctures can contain a number of compounds called cannabinoids that have several health benefits. These cannabinoids include THC, Delta 8, and Delta 9.
Many people have reported that tinctures make CBD work wonders on their bodies. You can use tinctures in food and drinks as CBD oil is fat-soluble. Tinctures can break down fat cells more easily and are widely used by people with slower metabolism rates.
Gummies
Gummies are edible CBD candies. CBD edibles can be carried with you in your travels. These portable treats can be eaten quickly. CBD oil is the main ingredient, along with other cannabinoids that deliver a sufficient dose of CBD. More CBD gummies are available in online stores than in medical marijuana dispensaries.
People new to using hemp-derived products can consume less CBD to experience its effects for the first time. CBD gummies are known to improve sleep patterns for people with insomnia. These fun-sized edibles are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and flavors to help attract new CBD users.
Capsules
Capsules are pills that are infused with CBD oils. You can find all the ingredients of a CBD capsule listed on its label. It can be used conveniently to get your daily dose of CBD while you are on the road.
How long CBD capsules need to take effect can depend on your diet and body fat. It usually takes a few hours to get absorbed into the bloodstream. The potency of each capsule can range from 10 mg to 100 mg or even greater.
Creams
Creams are topical products that can be applied to the skin. These products are tested in laboratories to verify that they are safe to use. Most CBD creams have a handful of natural and organic ingredients that amplify CBD effects, such as eucalyptus, lavender, and honey. People apply CBD creams to reduce muscle ache and joint pain, among other physical discomforts.
The potency of CBD
CBD must be metabolized before being absorbed into your body. The potency of CBD is referred to as its bioavailability, the rate of CBD absorption into the bloodstream. It is usually measured by a percentage.
- Edibles – up to 20%.
- Tinctures – up to 19%
- Lotions – up to 45%
- Flowers – up to 56%
Benefits of CBD oil
CBD is one of the many chemical compounds that is extracted from the cannabis plant. CBD oil delivers a number of remedial effects that can be used to treat health conditions.
Most cannabinoids, including CBD, can be therapeutic to improve overall health. CBD oil can have a high concentration of CBD with refined qualities. Take a look at some of the benefits of CBD oil.
1. Relieves pain.
Cannabis has been used for its medicinal properties for thousands of years. Cannabinoids such as CBD oil that are derived from hemp can alleviate symptoms of pain. The local effects of CBD oil can have an impact on your endocannabinoid system.
Regular use of CBD oil can result in better sleep, first-pass metabolism, increased appetite, reduced inflammation, and an improved immune system. Many products include THC and CBD as their primary ingredients for pain management. These chemicals interact with neurotransmitters to reduce chronic pain.
A study concluded that CBD has been effective in treating people with multiple sclerosis. People involved in the study reported that CBD helped them walk better, reduced their muscle spasms, and mitigated pain in their bodies.
2. Prevents seizures from Epilepsy
CBD can have a soothing effect on people suffering from neurological disorders. It can reduce seizures resulting from rare forms of Epilepsy such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.
In 2018, more than 500 people affected with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome were given regular doses of CBD. These pharmaceutical drugs were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The participants of the medical trials reported that they had significantly less number of seizures during the treatment.
3. Treats anxiety
CBD is commonly used to treat mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. It is a natural way of improving your mood and can calm your mind. The use of CBD can help ease anxiety during public speaking events and other stressful situations.
A medical survey was recently conducted in New Zealand to study the effects of CBD on receptors in the brain that regulate fear and anxiety. CBD was administered to over 300 residents of New Zealand that were affected by pain, depression, and anxiety.
Within three weeks of participating in the survey, people said that they experienced an improved quality of life. The participants also said that they could perform their daily duties better and were satisfied with the CBD treatment.
4. Helps manage addiction
Substance abuse can lead to life-threatening situations. CBD can help people addicted to harmful drugs and controlled substances. Cannabidiol was provided to people suffering from heroin use. These people affected by opioid addiction showed significantly reduced signs of craving and a healthy heart rate after being administered the right dosage of cannabidiol over seven days.
CBD is also quite resourceful in helping people deal with other addictive substances such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and nicotine. Consistent use of CBD can reduce dependency on these chemicals and improve your health while going through withdrawal symptoms.
5. Reduces inflammation
CBD can reduce inflammation in the body. Many people approach CBD as an alternative medicine to treat chronic diseases such as Ulcerative Colitis. The treatment of Ulcerative Colitis involves managing its symptoms, including ulcers, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea.
The anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol are used to reduce inflammation in the large intestine and reduce pain from ulcers caused by Ulcerative Colitis. A study found that people with Ulcerative Colitis who were given a CBD dose of 100 mg a day experienced lesser symptoms, greatly improving their lives.
6. Reduce symptoms of arthritis
Arthritis is a health condition that affects the joints of your body. People affected with arthritis may undergo deterioration of tissues around their joints. In 2005, a spray containing CBD was developed to treat people with rheumatoid arthritis. The spray was a first of its kind and was backed by a team of medical researchers from the UK.
The CBD spray was tested on 58 patients with rheumatoid arthritis for a month. The medication was sprayed into the mouth and absorbed under the tongue to get the CBD into the bloodstream faster. Within a month, the patients showed signs of improvements in their sleep and reduced pain.
7. Relives cancer-related symptoms
Cancer is among the most common causes of death in the U.S. CBD is used in cancer treatment to alleviate some of its symptoms, such as vomiting, nausea, weight loss, and pain. The FDA has approved three drugs that contain CBD to help people undergoing treatment for cancer.
Cancer patients who did not experience any reduction in pain from their medication said they felt relieved after using CBD. In addition, they said that CBD helped increase their appetite as well. Some studies also claim that CBD can help decrease the size of tumors and inhibit the spread of cancerous cells in patients who have skin cancer and prostate cancer.
Dosage of CBD
The dosage of CBD can vary according to the individual using it. There are certain factors that affect the way CBD works on your body. These factors include the condition you’re treating, your experience level with CBD, your metabolism rate, your body weight, the potency of the product, and its bioavailability.
People who are new to using cannabis can start microdosing CBD to get accustomed to its effects. Microdosing CBD involves taking small doses of the cannabinoid throughout the day till you feel satisfied. First-time CBD users can begin with a 5 mg dose and up to two times a day. Gummies and tinctures are perfect for such small doses of CBD. You can gradually increase the dosage over time to meet your needs.