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How Long Does It Take CBD to Work? A Simple Guide 

How Long Does It Take CBD to Work? A Simple Guide
CBD oil

Cannabidiol (CBD) quickly gained popularity after the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-based CBD. It’s easy to see why. CBD proved to be a safe alternative to ease conditions like arthritis and epilepsy.

But like any new supplement, it’s hard to get a clear picture of how CBD works. With no FDA regulations in place, each CBD supplement acts differently. 

Customers should have easy access to all the important information about CBD before taking it. Use this quick CBD guide to help answer some of the more important questions. 

How long does it take CBD to work? How long does CBD Last? We’ve got all the information you need.

What Is Bioavailability?

To understand how long it takes for CBD to work, you need to learn about bioavailability. 

Bioavailability describes the percentage of CBD that makes it into your bloodstream. It also determines how long it takes for CBD to do its job. 

Certain methods of ingesting CBD have a higher percentage of bioavailability. Here’s a quick reference chart:

  • CBD vape pens – 34% to 56%
  • CBD tincture (taken under the tongue) – 13% to 35%
  • CBD edibles – 6% to 20%
  • CBD topical products – Too low to calculate

If you’re on a budget when shopping for CBD products, keep this chart in mind. 

How Long Does it Take CBD to Work?

The other part of the bioavailability calculation determines how long it takes for CBD to work. 

Products that need to pass through your digestive system have a delayed response. For instance, if you take a CBD oil for energy, it may not kick in when you need it most.

Usually, the higher percentage of bioavailability, the quicker the product works. 

  • CBD vape pens – Takes effect in 10 minutes
  • CBD tincture taken under the tongue – Takes effect in 5 to 20 minutes
  • CBD edibles – Takes effect in 30 to 120 minutes
  • CBD topical products – Takes effect in 5 minutes

The time varies depending on the quality of the CBD product and your metabolism. 

How Long Does CBD Last?

There’s a lot of myths about how long CBD stays in your system. But just because it is detected in your system doesn’t mean you’re actively benefiting from the CBD.

Here is a list of how long each type of CBD product lasts:

  • CBD vape pens – Effects last 2-3 hours
  • CBD tincture taken under the tongue – Effects last 4-6 hours
  • CBD edibles – Effects last 4-6 hours
  • CBD topical products – Effects last 2-3 hours

These times may differ depending on the potency of the CBD product. A topical muscle rub with a high percentage of CBD may last a few more hours.

CBD Works Differently for Everybody

How long does it take for CBD to work? There is no one answer. 

CBD’s effectiveness and time to work depends on the quality of CBD and how your system processes it.

The best thing you can do is find a high-quality product and give it a try. Start with a low dose and let it work into your system. If it isn’t enough CBD to do the job, take a little more.

To learn more about how CBD works, browse through our health section.

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