Here's how long it takes to feel the effects of CBD

How long does CBD work?

If you're still wondering what CBD is, here's a quick reminder: CBD is one of the active ingredients in cannabis, present mainly in its flowers. Unlike THC, known for its intoxicating effects, CBD does not produce psychotropic effects.

CBD has a wide range of applications. While it is used medicinally via Epidiolex, a high-dose medical CBD oil designed to treat epilepsy, its use for well-being is mainly focused on alleviating certain types of pain, such as inflammatory or muscular pain, nausea, insomnia or anxiety. Numerous studies are underway to determine the ins and outs of CBD's effects. The CBD market is expected to reach $20 billion by 2024 in the United States.

In any case, whether your consumption is recreational or not, it's best to start with low doses and work your way up. And if it's your first time, you'll probably wonder how long it will take to have an effect on your body. This depends to a large extent on the method of consumption and dosage.

Topical application

CBD cosmetics applied directly to the skin, such as lotions, creams or balms, provide fast, local relief. Once the product is on your body, you should feel its effects within 15 minutes.

By ingestion

For CBD-infused foods (oils, candies, tinctures, capsules, cakes...), results are varied. For sublingual oils, CBD is absorbed within 30 seconds and takes effect within 15 minutes. When ingested, the effects take longer to be felt, between 45 minutes and 2 hours.

Combustion / vaporization

With CBD flowers consumed by vaporization or combustion, the effects of CBD are rapid. In addition to the carcinogenic substances characteristic of combustion, it destroys 80% of the active ingredients. Vaporization is therefore preferable, for effects within 5 minutes.

Don't take too much without waiting

Whatever your reason for using cannabis, there's no need to take too much. Apart from drowsiness, an overdose won't do you much harm. But the effects of CBD are not necessarily exacerbated by higher doses. The endocannabinoid receptors on which CBD acts can become saturated, and it would be a shame to waste CBD.

Dosage therefore depends on individual needs. For those who want to feel the effects quickly, sublingual oil or vaporization are preferable.