How quickly CBD is absorbed depends on how you take it
CBD can be taken in various ways. The three most common ways to do this are sublingually (under the tongue), orally (swallowing) and transdermally (with a patch or ointment). How quickly CBD reaches your blood differs per way of taking it, because it takes its own route for each form.
CBD oil (sublingual)
Are you using CBD oil? Then you put drops of the oil under your tongue and let it sit there for a minute. Through the mucous membranes in the mouth the oil is then absorbed directly into the blood. That is relatively quick.
Oral intake (capsules, edibles, drinks)
Are you using capsules, edibles or drinks containing CBD? Then the CBD is absorbed through your stomach and digestive tract. In this case it takes longer before the CBD is in your blood: allow for one to two hours, depending on what you have eaten.
CBD patches and skin products (transdermal absorption)
Are you taking CBD through the skin, with patches or an ointment for instance? Then the patch releases the CBD gradually through the skin. Ointment on the skin barely reaches the blood.
Your body plays a part too
Besides the way you take it, your metabolism and what you have eaten also play a part.
What if you notice nothing?
Have you taken CBD and do you not notice anything within the times mentioned above? That can have various reasons:
- The product is of poor quality and contains less CBD than the packaging states, for instance.
- You have only been using it for a short time.
- CBD may simply not be for you.
We therefore recommend choosing CBD products whose test reports are available, such as those from Wedihemp and Dutch Hemp. Start low, for example with 2 to 3 drops of 5% CBD oil, and stick to the dose on the label. CBD is a food supplement and not a medicine, and there are currently no EU-approved health claims for CBD. Do you have persistent complaints? Then discuss them with your GP rather than with a supplement.
Frequently asked questions about CBD absorption
What is the best time to take CBD?
There is no best time. Choose a fixed moment that fits your day and link it to a habit you already have, such as breakfast or lunch. Bear in mind that CBD from capsules, edibles or drinks goes through your stomach and takes one to two hours to reach your bloodstream, depending on what you have eaten. Oil under the tongue is quicker.
What do you feel after taking CBD oil?
It will not get you high: legal CBD oil contains no more than 0.05% THC. We do not say what else CBD does for you, because no health claims have been approved for CBD in the European Union. If you notice nothing, it may simply be that CBD is not for you. If you have ongoing complaints, discuss them with your GP.
Can CBD get you stoned?
No. Unlike THC, CBD does not cause a euphoric feeling or altered state of mind, and legal CBD products contain no more than 0.05% THC. If you want to rule out THC completely, for example because of your job, choose broad spectrum.
How much CBD can you take per day?
Start low, for example with 2 to 3 drops of 5% CBD oil, and stick to the dosage on the label. How many milligrams that is depends on the percentage: one drop of 5% oil contains about 2 mg of CBD. For capsules and edibles, the amount of CBD per piece is stated on the packaging.
