CBD edibles can produce strong, long-lasting effects, but they can take some time to begin to show. In this article, we’ll break down just why that is.
It usually takes at least an hour or two for the effects of CBD edibles to kick in, but once they do, they can linger for 6-8 hours or more, depending on the dosage. CBD edibles take longer to work because of the way the body breaks down and metabolizes them.
But what exactly is metabolism, and why do edibles differ so significantly from other product options in terms of their onset time? To understand the answers to these questions and more, we first must understand how CBD is processed by the body, what it can do, and how it produces its effects.
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Do CBD Edibles Work Immediately?
CBD edibles take some time to produce their effects, generally at least an hour or two. These effects usually peak after several hours but may linger for 8-10, depending on how strong of a dose you take.
In terms of long-term change and efficacy, though, CBD edibles and other products need more time to really show what they can do.
Research suggests it may take up to a week or two for things like anxiety, pain, inflammation, etc. to dissipate significantly and consistently. Like any other medication might, CBD takes time to truly impact the way your body functions and responds to these stressors.
How Does CBD Get Digested?
When taken in the form of an edible, CBD enters the bloodstream as it is broken down in the digestive system. Once eaten, CBD passes through the body until it reaches the stomach, where acids break down the edible itself and begin to release its contents and nutrients for use.
Because digestion is a process that takes several hours to complete, CBD can be slowly released over time.
Once absorbed through the lining of the stomach or intestines, CBD is metabolized by the liver, which releases active compounds (including CBD or other cannabinoids) into the bloodstream.
At this point, CBD can bind to receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system and is eventually broken down and disposed of, though it can take several weeks for it to leave your system entirely.
How is CBD Metabolized?
CBD is metabolized by specific enzymes found in the liver. These enzymes, known as metabolites, help the body perform metabolism, which kickstarts processes that can change bodily function.
The conversion of energy from food into energy that our cells can use (ATP, for instance) and other similar tasks are the primary functions of metabolism as a phenomenon.
When CBD is metabolized, its active compounds (cannabinoids) can begin to work their magic.
This process also helps the body break down the physical mass of a CBD edible and turn its byproducts into waste.
How Quickly is CBD Absorbed?
CBD is absorbed at varying rates based on the method of consumption used. Oral ingestion generally takes around an hour or two to produce results because CBD is absorbed at a slower, more delayed rate in the digestive tract.
On the flipside, something like inhalation (smoking and vaping) allows CBD to rapidly enter the lungs, be absorbed through their lining, and enter the bloodstream, so much so that you’ll feel its effects within minutes.
What Does CBD Do When You Ingest It?
CBD that’s ingested orally will produce the same effects as CBD that’s been consumed in other ways, but these effects will likely be much more intense, affect more of the body, and last longer.
That’s because of the way the body processes and breaks down CBD in this form. CBD edibles have a lower bioavailability than other products, meaning they release less CBD at a slower rate.
Since it must work its way through your digestive system to begin being metabolized, CBD consumed orally takes much longer to make its way into your bloodstream.
How Long Do the Effects of Ingested CBD Last?
The effects of CBD that’s been orally ingested typically last for up to 8-10 hours from start to finish, though part of this timeframe may include simply waiting for the product to kick in.
The more CBD you consume, the longer the effects you experience will likely last; it takes your body more time to metabolize higher quantities of CBD, which means it takes more time for the effects to go away.
How Often Should You Take CBD Gummies?
We recommend taking an appropriate dose of CBD gummies at least daily for the best results, or as often as is necessary to treat the symptoms you’re targeting. You may take CBD gummies multiple times a day, if necessary.
There really is no one hard-and-fast rule for how often to take CBD (aside from using it regularly to see the best, most long-lasting results).
It all depends on what your body needs, how quickly the effects of your CBD tend to fade, and what level of relief you’re looking for.
To prolong the effects of CBD for as long as possible, consider consuming more than one CBD product at once. Taking gummies and CBD oil throughout the day, for example, can help you establish a strong baseline and keep chronic health symptoms at bay for extended periods of time.
What Is the Optimal Dose for CBD Edibles?
A good starting dose for CBD edibles is around 25-30 mg at a time.
But, because more of the CBD in your product will be lost through the digestive process, it’s a good idea to take higher doses of edibles than you might for another product, like CBD oil.
As is always the case when it comes to finding an ideal dose, it’s best to start out small and work your way up until you find one that gets the job done without overwhelming your system.
We recommend starting with the recommendation above and adjusting as necessary.
You also may find that rather than upping your dose of edibles, it’s more beneficial to incorporate other products into your day to help prolong the effects of your CBD gummies, capsules, etc.
Conclusion
CBD edibles are one of the most popular types of products out there, and it doesn’t take much effort to see why: they’re easy to dose and consume, taste nice, and make it straightforward to introduce CBD into your routine.
Plus, their effects tend to last much longer than those of other CBD products, like oils or tinctures and flower.
The tradeoff of these longer-lasting effects, though, is the fact that they take more time to kick in.
This is because of the way the body processes edibles once they’ve reached the digestive system; the process may take several hours to complete.
If you can accept this potential drawback, though, CBD edibles are a wonderful option to try out!
Be sure to visit our directory to view product and brand information, recommendations, and more to help you find edibles that work for you.
