How Long Does It Take for CBD to Work?

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If you’ve just started on your CBD journey, one of the questions you may be asking yourself is: how long does it take CBD to work?

First things first: the way CBD impacts the body is more like introducing a vitamin or supplement to your dietary regimen as opposed to an over-the-counter medication intended to address acute symptoms. That means that it needs time to build up in your body to start doing its balancing act.

Key takeaways:

  • The speed at which CBD products take effect depends largely on the consumption method.
  • Factors such as body weight, metabolism, and individual physiology can influence how quickly CBD works for each person.
  • Choosing a high-quality CBD product is essential for optimal results. Reputable brands with third-party lab testing, like Bluebird Botanicals, ensure accurate labeling and potency, which directly impacts how quickly and effectively the CBD works.

INDEX

Factors Influencing the Onset and Duration of CBD's Effects
Choosing High-Quality Products
How to Take CBD
Parting Thoughts

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Factors Influencing the Onset and Duration of CBD's Effects

How long CBD interacts with your endocannabinoid system varies considerably, depending on several factors. These include:

Method of Consumption

The way in which CBD is consumed can greatly influence the onset and duration of its effects. Here's a breakdown of the different consumption methods and their respective timelines:

  • Sublingual (Under the Tongue): Placing CBD tincture or oil under the tongue results in rapid absorption into the bloodstream. Effects are often noticeable within 15-30 minutes.
  • Ingestion (CBD Edibles/CBD Capsules): When CBD oil is consumed orally, such as in the form of capsules or gummies, it must first pass through the digestive system before being absorbed. This process can take anywhere from 2 to 3 hours, resulting in a slower onset of effects.
  • Topical Application: Applying CBD-infused creams, balms, or lotions over the skin can provide localized relief. However, the effects may take up to an hour or two to become apparent, as the topical CBD does not enter the bloodstream.

Dosage and Potency

The potency of the CBD product and how much CBD you consume can also influence the onset and intensity of the effects. Generally, higher CBD dosage and more potent CBD formulations will be felt more quickly and intensely than lower doses or less concentrated products.

Individual Factors

Each person's unique physiology, including their weight, metabolism, and overall body composition, can impact how quickly CBD is absorbed and processed by the body. Younger individuals with faster metabolisms may experience the effects of CBD more rapidly than older adults or those with slower metabolisms.

Choosing High-Quality Products

You need to be a discerning consumer and choose high-quality products from reputable brands. Look for third-party lab testing results, accurate labeling, and transparent sourcing information to ensure you're getting a pure, potent, and safe CBD product.

Bluebird Botanicals has implemented rigorous quality control measures to give customers peace of mind. We offer a selection of premium CBD products that either contain full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD oil, or CBD isolate. We ensure that the concentration of CBD and other cannabinoids listed on the label matches the independent lab results.

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How to Take CBD

Bluebird Botanicals generally recommends taking your serving of CBD twice per day for a period of two weeks. 

During this time, keep a journal of how you’re feeling, including taking a baseline assessment. Notice how your body and mind are feeling before you start taking CBD, and write down the most standout elements. If doodles are more your thing, feel free to scribble some of those “How Are You Feeling Today?” faces or other indicative squiggles. Just make sure it’s something that will make sense to you when you revisit your notes later on. 

Then, twice daily - about an hour after each time you take your CBD - write down any notable feelings or changes you notice from pre- to post-CBD. This will allow you to easily track trends in your body and mind, and to really notice when CBD starts to work its magic. Typically, it’s at about the two-week mark that customers report noticing the difference. Some customers, however, begin noticing the difference right away, while others can take over a month of experimentation to find what’s right for them.

Parting Thoughts

Unlocking the full potential of CBD oils requires patience and some trial and error. Whether you're seeking relief from occasional discomfort, improved sleep, or a greater sense of calm, CBD oil drops or other formulations can be a valuable addition to your regimen.

Remember, everyone's endocannabinoid system is unique, so the timeline and intensity of CBD's effects may vary from person to person. The key is to consume CBD with an open mind, a willingness to experiment with several CBD supplements, and a commitment to taking CBD oil consistently. With the right product and the right approach, you may be surprised by the profound impact CBD can have on your overall health and well-being. 

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Still have questions? Send us an email at info@bluebirdbotanicals.com to speak with our amazing Customer Care Representatives.