How Long Does CBD Oil Take to Kick In?

November 01, 2024

You’re ready. You’ve bought the CBD oil, read up on the potential benefits, and you’re excited to see if it can make a difference. But then comes the question that’s on everyone’s mind: how long does CBD oil actually take to work? Will you feel it in minutes, hours, or do you need to wait days to notice anything?

The short answer? It depends. The timing varies based on factors like how you take it, your body’s metabolism, and what you’re hoping to achieve. But don’t worry—we’ll break down exactly what to expect and how to optimise your experience with CBD. Let’s dive in!

1. The Method Matters: Different Ways of Taking CBD

How you take CBD oil plays a massive role in how quickly you’ll feel the effects. Let’s look at the main methods and their typical kick-in times:

Sublingual (Under the Tongue): This is one of the fastest ways to feel the effects of CBD oil. When you place the oil under your tongue and hold it there for 30-60 seconds, it absorbs directly into the bloodstream through tiny capillaries. You can typically expect to feel something within 15-30 minutes. This method is great if you’re looking for quicker relief, whether it’s to ease anxiety, relieve pain, or unwind after a long day.
Edibles or Capsules: Taking CBD in edible or capsule form is slower because it has to pass through the digestive system before reaching your bloodstream. The result? You’ll be waiting longer—usually around 1-2 hours—for the effects to kick in. But there’s a flip side: while edibles take longer to work, their effects are often more prolonged, making them a good choice for all-day relief.
Topicals (Creams and Balms): When you apply CBD to your skin, it won’t reach your bloodstream, but it does interact with local receptors. Expect to feel something within 30-60 minutes on the area of application. Topicals are ideal for localised issues like joint pain, muscle soreness, or skin inflammation, but they won’t give you the systemic effects that oral CBD might.

Pro Tip: If you need fast results, go sublingual. If you’re looking for steady, long-lasting relief, try capsules or edibles. For targeted pain, stick with topicals.

2. Your Body’s Metabolism Plays a Role

Your metabolism can significantly impact how fast you feel the effects of CBD. If you have a faster metabolism, your body may process CBD quicker, meaning you could feel effects sooner. Conversely, a slower metabolism could delay the onset time. And this isn’t just about how fast you feel it—it also affects how long CBD stays in your system.

Actionable Insight: If you’re unsure about your metabolism, start with a small dose on an empty stomach. This allows you to gauge how quickly CBD takes effect for you personally without interference from food.

3. What’s Your Goal? The Purpose of Taking CBD Affects Perception

Are you taking CBD to manage stress, help you sleep, or ease pain? Your reason for using CBD might influence how soon you feel the effects. For example:

For Anxiety or Stress Relief: Many users report a calming effect within 15-30 minutes when using sublingual CBD, while edibles may take closer to an hour.
For Pain Management: Pain relief often depends on the type of pain. Acute pain might respond within the first 15-30 minutes of taking sublingual CBD, but chronic pain may take a few days of consistent dosing to notice substantial relief.
For Sleep Support: If you’re using CBD to help you wind down at night, take it at least an hour before bedtime. The effects may be gradual, helping you relax without making you feel drowsy right away.

4. Don’t Expect Immediate Results if You’re New to CBD

If it’s your first time using CBD, temper your expectations. While some people feel the effects almost immediately, others may need a few days of regular dosing before they notice anything significant. Why? Because CBD interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system, and this system needs time to adjust, especially if you’re new to cannabinoids.

For beginners, patience is key. Start with a low dose and increase gradually. The goal is to find your “sweet spot”—the amount that gives you noticeable benefits without overdoing it. And remember, CBD isn’t a magic bullet. For some people, it can be subtle, so focus on the small improvements rather than expecting an immediate, dramatic shift.

5. Quality Counts: Not All CBD is Created Equal

Let’s be blunt: not all CBD oil is high-quality. Some products contain lower concentrations than advertised, or worse, don’t contain much CBD at all. Quality matters if you want consistent, reliable results. Look for CBD oils with third-party lab testing and clear ingredient lists. Reputable brands are transparent about what’s in their products and will often provide lab results online.

Actionable Tip: Avoid budget CBD products from unverified sources. If you’re investing in CBD for health reasons, it’s worth spending a bit more to ensure you’re getting a product that actually works.

6. Practical Tips to Make CBD Work Faster

If you’re looking to speed up the effects of CBD, here are some practical tips:

Hold it Longer Under Your Tongue: For sublingual use, don’t rush it. Hold the oil under your tongue for at least 30-60 seconds before swallowing. This increases absorption through your capillaries, speeding up the onset.
Avoid Taking CBD with a High-Fat Meal: Fats can increase CBD’s bioavailability, but they may also slow down the onset if your body needs to break down the fat first. If speed is your goal, take CBD on an empty stomach or with a light snack.
Try a Higher Potency Oil: If you’re not feeling much with a lower concentration, try a higher potency. However, always increase dosage gradually to avoid unwanted side effects like drowsiness.

How Long Until You Feel CBD Oil Working?

So, how long does CBD oil take to kick in? It depends. For most people using a sublingual oil, 15-30 minutes is a safe bet. If you’re taking an edible, expect to wait an hour or two. And if you’re applying a topical, be patient as it slowly gets to work on the target area.

The bottom line? Be prepared for a bit of experimentation. CBD’s effects can be subtle at first, but with the right dosage, method, and timing, you’re likely to find the sweet spot that works for you. Remember, it’s a journey, not a race. And with consistent use, many find CBD becomes a reliable ally in their wellness routine.