How long it takes before CBD works depends on how you take it
CBD can be taken in various ways. The four most common ways to do this are sublingually (under the tongue), orally (swallowing) and transdermally (with a patch or ointment). Because CBD only starts to work once it reaches the blood, and the CBD takes its own route to the bloodstream depending on the form of intake, the moment it starts to work differs per way of taking it.
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. So it starts to work quite quickly. After about 20 to 40 minutes you can expect the first effects.
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 a little longer before the CBD starts to work: allow for about one to two hours, depending on how much you have eaten before taking it.
CBD patches and skin products (transdermal absorption)
Are you taking CBD through the skin, with patches or an ointment for instance? Then the CBD is absorbed directly into the blood through the skin and you can expect effects quite quickly too: within half an hour.
How quickly CBD works also depends on your body
Besides the way you take it, your body also plays a large part in how quickly you will feel the effects. Someone with a fast metabolism, for instance, will feel the effects sooner than if your metabolism is slower.
What if CBD does not work (well) for me?
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 taken too little CBD to notice anything.
- You have not been taking it long enough for it to build up in your system.
We therefore recommend choosing CBD products whose test reports are available, such as those from Wedihemp and Dutch Hemp. Try taking about 20 to 25 mg of CBD a day at first, and slowly increase this dose if you notice nothing. 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.
