How Long Do The Effects of CBD Last?

Mankind has known the health benefits of CBD for thousands of years, but only recently has CBD gained mainstream popularity thanks to the medical marijuana movement.

As time goes on, more and more people are personally discovering that CBD can be used to treat a variety of physical and emotional issues like chronic stress and insomnia to joint pain and inflammation. It also works great if you’re simply looking to relax and unwind after a tough day.

One popular question among both CBD newcomers and veterans alike is, “How long does it last?”

There’s no simple answer, but by following a few guidelines you can get a pretty clear idea of how long your CBD experience will last.

The main variable to keep in mind is how you choose to consume your CBD.

CBD can be taken in a variety of ways, including consuming an edible like CBD gummies, CBD tinctures that are dripped under the tongue, and vaping CBD oil into the lungs. The method of consumption will determine how quickly your body metabolizes it, impacting both how soon you feel the effects and how long they last.

Continue reading to learn about the different popular methods of consuming CBD and how long the effects of each will last.

Everybody is Different

Before we dive in, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

Determining how long CDB lasts in the body is not an exact science. This is because everyone’s physiology and biological makeup is different, so the same amount of CDB administered via the same method to two different people may have different effects. One person may feel the effects almost instantaneously, while another person may have to wait an hour or more.

That being said, there are still rough estimates you can rely on to guide your CBD experience. The method of ingestion will determine how quickly CBD takes effect and how long it lasts in your body.

Dosage is also a factor in how acutely you will feel the effects of CBD and how well it addresses the issues you’re looking to address. For example, if you’re simply looking to relax you could probably get away with a lower dose than someone looking to treat serious chronic pain or a sleep disorder. Our CBD Dosage Guide will help you determine the best amount for you.

If you’re just getting started on your CBD journey, try not to get frustrated if you don’t have your ideal experience right away. You might have to experiment with different methods of delivery and different dosages until you reach the comfortable plateau you’re looking for.

CBD Tinctures

A tincture is a liquid (usually another oil like coconut oil) which has been infused with CBD.

Tinctures usually come in a small glass bottle and can be administered beneath your tongue via a dropper. The reason it is placed under your tongue instead of elsewhere, like on your skin for example, is due to the speed of delivery. Your tongue is a mucus membrane which allows the CBD to absorb directly into your bloodstream instead of passing through your digestive system, which would both slow and dilute it.

For the best effects, hold the oil droplets under your tongue for around sixty seconds before swallowing or drinking any liquids. This will give it sufficient time to absorb so you can experience the full effects. About 30 minutes later, you should begin feeling the full therapeutic effects of the CBD. You can expect the effects to last anywhere between 4-6 hours before needing to re-administer.

Tinctures are an incredibly popular way to consume CBD and, in some areas, the only legal method. Here at PureGreenLiving, we’ve studied dozens of tinctures on the market so you don’t have to (unless you want to, which is awesome!). Take a look at our reviews for CBD to learn more about our top-rated tinctures.

CBD Gummies

When taken as a gummy, or any other sort of edible, CBD has to first pass through your digestive system and liver before finally reaching your bloodstream. This means it will take longer to feel the effects and reduce the concentration. To accelerate the effects, you may prefer taking the gummies on an empty stomach so they’re not diluted by other food or beverages in your system.

The exact time it takes for CBD consumed via a gummy or edible can be tough to pinpoint because there are so many variables that can affect the timeline. If the conditions are ideal, it can take as little as 30 minutes before kicking in, or as long as 2 hours under less-than-ideal conditions. Once it has a chance to take hold, the effects should last roughly 4-6 hours.

Since edibles like gummies or tinctures last longer than other methods, they’re great if your goal is to have a longer experience. For example, if you’re using CBD to help you sleep better at night, you’ll want it to last for as much of the night as possible for the optimum experience.

Vaping CBD Oil

Unlike tinctures and gummies, vaped CBD oil is inhaled through the lungs. A device called a vaporizer is loaded with a cartridge filled with CBD oil which heats the oil into a vapor that can be easily and comfortably inhaled.

When you vape CBD, it absorbs directly into the network of highly-sensitive capillaries in your lungs and into your bloodstream. For this reason, CBD delivered via vaping will take effect fastest out of any method of delivery. Some CBD users report feeling the effects instantly after vaping, while for others it may take up to 30 minutes before you really feel it.

Since the effects of vaping can be felt so quickly, it works great if you need immediate relief. Vaping can work wonders for those suffering from pain, migraines, anxiety, and nausea.

While CBD via vaping comes on very quickly, it will also dissipate the quickest out of any method of consumption. Vaped CBD oil will only last between 2-3 hours in your system. As a point of reference, the effects of edibles can be felt for up to 4-6 hours after consumption.

What Else Affects your CBD Experience?

Method of consumption and dosage are both important. In addition, different types of CBD are thought to be better at addressing different issues. For this reason, it’s beneficial to investigate different CBD brands as well as read reviews for CBD to find the one that best fits your needs. A CBD that works for sleep issues and insomnia might not be best if you’re looking to treat a chronic pain condition like fibromyalgia. For the best experience, pinpoint what your goals are for using CBD and then follow up with some research to find out which CBD is right for you.

Patience and Precision

Whether you’re brand new to using CBD or you’re a seasoned veteran just looking to optimize your routine, understanding how quickly CBD takes effect and how long it lasts can help give you the experience you’re truly looking for.

It’s important to know the differences between vaping CBD oil, consuming it in an edible form like CBD gummies, and taking it sublingually as with CBD tinctures.

Keep in mind that before starting a CBD regimen, it’s best to speak with a doctor or medical professional. They can give you additional insights as well as the all-clear that CBD fits into the big-picture of your health goals.

Ready to take the next step in your CBD journey? Check out our reviews of trusted CBD brands so you can find the perfect match your desired experience.