Known to produce a wave like, calming effect, CBD is used by millions of people who all seek to experience the benefits of this wonder-like cannabinoid. If you’re a newcomer or are thinking about using this popular cannabis extract for the first time, then it’s highly likely that you’ll have a few questions on your mind. For instance; what does CBD do, what is CBD good for, how does it interact with the body and, of course, how long does it take CBD to work once it’s in your system? Like your favourite quiz show host that has all the answers on the back of a card, we’re here, to give you the lowdown on all these matters and more. Let’s take a look at some of the finer details.
The long and short of how long CBD will take to work is much like asking the question mentioned above. There isn’t a definitive answer to how long CBD will take to work with your body, but there are a multitude of factors to consider. For instance, your height, size and weight will play some part, and this is because your body fat will determine how much CBD is needed to be effective. Should you have a larger body mass, the chances are that you will need more CBD in your system and vice versa.
Other factors such as the strength of the product you’re consuming, the frequency in which you use CBD, as well as how you consume CBD, will all play pivotal roles on the effect it has on your body.
The Different Ways to Consume CBD
An essential aspect of understanding how long CBD takes to work is to understand the different ways that there are to consume CBD, which will dictate the rate at which CBD absorbs into your bloodstream. With more and more ways to consume CBD than ever, understanding the strength of CBD and its means of entering your bloodstream will undoubtedly help you decide what kind of products you should be purchasing.
Sublingually: One of the most popular ways to consume CBD is by placing a few drops of CBD oil under your tongue. By holding it under your tongue for a period of up to 90 seconds, the mucous membranes in your mouth will absorb all that CBD goodness and provide a particularly useful route for the cannabinoids to enter your bloodstream without being broken down by other processes such as digestion. The effects of CBD can typically be felt somewhere between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on your circumstances. Any remaining CBD in your mouth should be swallowed and allowed to travel through your digestive system, which will absorb into your bloodstream at a slower rate.
Vaping: For those who already vape as a way to stay smoke-free, vaping CBD can provide an excellent alternative to nicotine and is one of the fastest ways for your body to absorb cannabinoids. By inhaling CBD vapour, the cannabinoids travel directly to your lungs and are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream before circulating the body. You’ll likely notice the effects of CBD within minutes; however, due to the amount of CBD you’re able to consume when you vape, you’ll more than likely have to vape more frequently to feel the continued effects.
Ingesting: We’ve briefly touched on this above, but ingesting CBD is often a route taken by those who are not so keen on the natural taste that CBD exudes. Bitter, earthy and a little acrid, adding CBD Oil to your favourite food and drink is a great way to get the benefits of CBD without a nasty aftertaste. While it might be a tasty option, because the CBD has to travel the long distance of your digestive system, there will be some inevitable wear and tear that the molecule faces, meaning that it might not be as effective as other ways to consume CBD. Expect to wait 90 minutes to two hours before feeling its effects.
Topically: A great and therapeutic way to consume CBD is by directly applying a few drops of CBD Oil to the skin. Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, massaging CBD into the skin can help with dry and cracked skin, as well as acne.
How Does CBD Interact with Your Body?
Derived from the cannabis family of plants, namely industrial hemp, CBD is just on elf over a hundred cannabinoids known to exist. These cannabinoids are chemical structures that interact with our bodies’ very own endocannabinoid system (ECS) which is made up of two distinct types of receptors; CB1 and CB2. Found in all species of mammals, fish, insects and birds, the endocannabinoid system receptors are located in your nervous system, brain and peripheral organs such as lungs, liver and kidneys.
Cannabinoids interact and attach themselves to the ECS receptors, which in turn have been known to improve several physiological processes that are beginning to be explored for medicinal purposes. From maintaining healthy homeostasis that helps with things like sleep, mood, appetite and your immune system, to helping improve the health of patients who have cancer, Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Crohn’s Disease and Epilepsy – the future of cannabinoids being used as a medicine looks like an exciting one.