How Long Do The Effects of CBD Last?

As CBD has become more popular in recent years thanks to its potential health benefits, one of the questions many new users are left wondering is how long do the effects of CBD last. It’s an understandable question as failing to know the answer could result in you taking the incorrect dosage or having unrealistic expectations of what CBD can do for you.

The simple answer is how long the effects of CBD last depends on a number of different factors. There is no single answer to the question. In this post we’ll provide an insight into these factors in order to give you a greater understanding of how long the effects of CBD might last for you.

It Depends How You Consume It

How long the effects of CBD last are greatly determined by its method of consumption. There are numerous ways to consume CBD and each one will result in the effects lasting a different amount of time.

Some of the most common methods of CBD consumption and how long it takes to feel the effects when consuming CBD this way include:

Edibles

Edible consumption can cover any type of CBD which is absorbed via the digestive system. This includes CBD edibles, CBD drinks and CBD capsules. When you take CBD via an edible, the CBD passes through the digestive system and the liver before it then enters the bloodstream and the effects get to work.

Additionally, depending on whether you consume CBD edibles on an empty stomach or following a meal can play a part in determining how long it takes to feel the effects and the bioavailability of the CBD. You’ll feel the effects far more quickly on an empty stomach and the effects will likely last longer and be more noticeable. However, we would recommend having a meal before consuming CBD edibles.

Typically, with edible consumption the effects of CBD take around an hour to be felt and last for between 4-6 hours.

Vaping

Vaping CBD offers one of the quickest methods of CBD consumption, meaning you’ll feel the effects much quicker than other methods. This is because the CBD enters the bloodstream via the lungs and does not have to pass through the digestive system.

The effects can therefore be felt within minutes, but the downside is that they only last between 30 minutes to an hour. Luckily, due to the nature of vaping you can keep topping up your dose by taking another hit from the CBD vape pen as and when you need.

Sublingual Consumption

Sublingual consumption means to consume CBD via the underneath of the tongue. CBD oil is placed underneath the tongue and held there for around 90 seconds. This allows the CBD to enter the bloodstream via the blood vessels beneath the tongue.

Typically, when you consume CBD sublingually it takes around half an hour to feel the effects, and the effects last for between 4-6 hours.

Creams & Topicals

CBD creams and topicals are applied directly to the skin and include a range of products such as balms, bath bombs, lotions, tanning and massage oils. They absorb the CBD through the skin and are particularly effective for providing relief to a certain area or muscle.

Unlike CBD edibles, creams and topicals do not have to be digested and so can get to work much quicker. You can begin to feel the effects from 15 minutes, although for some it can take up to 2 hours. It largely depends on where the CBD cream or topical is used, as the amount of hair and the level of fatty tissue beneath the skin plays a part in its absorption. You can expect the effects of topical CBD products to last for up to 6 hours. With the nature of CBD creams and topicals though, you can re-apply the product as and when it may be needed.

The CBD Dosage & Quality Has An Impact

Although CBD affects everyone differently, generally the greater the dose of CBD that you take, the longer you can expect the effects to last. This is because your body takes longer to process greater amounts of CBD. When using CBD, we’d recommend you start with a low dosage and slowly work your way up. This will avoid any side effects associated with taking too much CBD such as diarrhea and drowsiness.

The quality of the CBD product you are using can also play a part. Low quality products will likely have impurities and additives and may not contain as much CBD as advertised. This is why it’s important to buy CBD oil from high quality brands that provide a lab report, like here at The CBD Planet UK. This way, you can be reassured of exactly how much CBD is in the product.

Biological Factors Can Play A Part

Biological factors such as your weight, height and gender can play an important part in determining how long the effects of CBD will last. This is because CBD is a fat soluble, which means it’s stored in the body’s fat cells. If you have less body fat you’re more likely to process CBD faster, meaning the effects will be shorter. Conversely, those with a higher fat percentage are likely to feel the effects for longer.

Final Thoughts

There are a number of factors which can determine how long the effects of CBD last, including biological factors, the method of CBD consumption and the dosage and quality of product.

Depending on your reason for using CBD, you should choose a method of consumption to suit the length of time you want to feel the effects for, as well as keeping in mind how long it takes to feel the effects.

If you’re looking to feel the effects for a prolonged period then we’d recommend using CBD sublingually or using an edible. If you want to feel the effects in a certain problem area of your body then it’s best to use a CBD cream or topical, and if you want to feel the effects quickly and don’t mind having to top up your dose throughout the day then vaping CBD is the option for you.

One key thing to remember is that CBD affects everyone differently to the fact we each have unique endocannabinoid systems. Whilst two people can both use the same method of consumption and amount of CBD, they may experience the effects for a different period of time thanks to their endocannabinoid system.