How Long Does It Take for CBD Oil to Work and Why

CBD oil reaction times for different conditions

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Please keep in mind when reading this article that the method of consumption, dosage, and individual can determine how long CBD takes to work.These 3 factors are what largely influence the lasting effects of Cannabidiol (CBD) oil. The method and dosage varies from person to person. As a result, there is no one-word answer to “how long does it take for CBD oil to work.” Through this article you will be able to better understand factors like duration and what method might be more effective for you.

This article is just a guideline, so make sure to consult your physician or medical professional. You will require an accurate dosage to start consuming CBD oil for your ailment (if doctor recommended). Do not take CBD oil for your ailment without first consulting your doctor.

Let’s say you get your physician’s consent and you decide to start taking CBD oil to treat your ailment(s). You must make sure that you begin your CBD oil treatment by taking very small doses. You can then start to work your way up to higher doses when you feel the need (and after consent from your physician). If you feel that you’ve reached the perfect dosage amount and now want to stop taking all other medication intended to diagnose, treat, or cure your ailment, consult your doctor first. If they agree, they will wean you off your medication. Do not stop taking your medications completely on your own.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the active ingredients derived from the cannabis plant. It doesn’t contain any psychoactive compounds, unlike THC (another cannabinoid from the plant). CBD oil has been proven to contain anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-bacterial properties. It can treat chronic pain, acne and many other ailments.

A wide range of factors contribute towards how long CBD will take to work. There are many different methods and dosages.There are also many different CBD products which can help certain people and treat many ailments.

Methods of Taking CBD:

  1. CBD Edibles:
    It is recommended when eating CBD edibles that you make sure you eat them on an empty stomach. This assures you have more efficient results, as it eases the digestive system and quickens the absorption process. This helps many people feel the effects. Eating edibles is also a great alternative to sublingual treatment as you don’t have to taste the natural CBD oil taste. Capsules are also similar to edibles in terms of the time needed to become effective which is usually up to an hour.
  2. Topical:
    This means that the CBD comes in a cream or balm form to apply on the surface of your skin. Transdermal means it penetrates through the skin. This method of taking CBD oil is generally used for treating skin conditions or chronic neuropathic pain. Topical application is a great method for applying it directly to the affected area. However this method is the lowest potency because it has to work it’s way down into the skin, might not reach deep enough, and takes a longer period of time to absorb.
  3. CBD Vaping:
    CBD vape oil is a common method for dispersing CBD oil into the body. The reason why vaping is so common is because it is the fastest and most effective way of getting CBD oil into the body. Once you vape, the CBD enters the body and the effects become quickly apparent. The quick absorption time is because the CBD oil enters straight into the bloodstream and distributes itself evenly throughout the body.
  4. Sublingual:
    The second fastest option for consuming CBD is sublingually. Sublingually means taking the oil through a tincture. Generally (depending on your dose), you apply one to three drops of CBD oil under your tongue and leave for 10 to 30 seconds. This allows the CBD oil to go directly into your bloodstream.

How Much CBD Oil Can You Take?

There are many factors taken into consideration when trying to find your recommended amount of CBD or dosage. The likes of age, height, weight, and ailment for treatment all have to be taken into consideration when trying to find the right dosage. You’ll be relieved to know that a study stated that it’s practically impossible to overdose on cannabis.

It is possible, but it’s not doable considering you have to ingest over 400 times your own body weight in order to overdose. However, dosing is extremely important as too much or too little may not have any effect in treating your ailment. When you start treating your ailment with CBD, it is good practice and common for your doctor to give you a very low dosage and work your way up over time. Check out our dosage calculator.

How Long Does It Take for CBD Oil to Leave Your System?

Cannabis and CBD hemp oil effects will generally last for 3 to 4 hours. Once again this is only an estimate because it all depends on your dosage, the method you used to take CBD oil, and how your body processes the drug.

If you wish to use CBD oil for treating an ailment, make sure that you check your country’s or state’s laws and regulations on the cannabis plant to avoid participating in any illegal activity. If CBD is legal in your state and/or country, please first consult your physician or a medical professional before using CBD as a primary treatment for your ailment.

Niamh Tumilty
Niamh Tumilty
Niamh Tumilty is a writer and multimedia producer for cannabisMD where she is constantly evaluating the continued growth of CBD and its presence in the news. Her research and writing on cannabis and CBD can be found at niamhtumilty.com.

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