CBD has gained significant popularity over the last several years. Those looking for homeopathic remedies have found CBD effective at promoting general wellness and facilitating homeostasis in the body. However, many people ask, “How long does CBD last?”
CBD’s effects are different for each person. How long it lasts also varies. In this article, we talk about the effects of CBD and how long they last, different dosing methods, how to determine the correct dosage, how long it stays in your body, and more.
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid from the cannabis plant. You may already know its psychoactive sibling, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD has no psychoactive effects and won’t make you high, but you’ll still notice its effects.
CBD has three main levels of purity:
- Full-spectrum
- Broad-spectrum
- Isolate
Full-spectrum CBD possesses all terpenes and cannabinoids of the plant. Broad-spectrum CBD is similar to full-spectrum CBD but has the THC removed. Full-spectrum may have some remaining THC and cause drug tests to test positive for the cannabinoid.
CBD isolate only features CBD. Products with these forms of CBD typically don’t appear on drug test results. Also, hemp-derived CBD typically has a lower THC percentage than CBD from marijuana.
Effects of CBD
Before answering “How long does CBD last?” it’s helpful to know its effects and how it works within the body. CBD stimulates CB1 and CB2 receptors to create endocannabinoids that reduce inflammation, promote relaxation, and decrease chronic pain. People use it to combat anxiety, depression, pain, and more.
Alongside stress, inflammation, and pain-relieving effects, CBD may make you drowsy at high dosages. Many people use it to get a more restful night’s sleep. You’ll experience no psychoactive effects, but you may still test positive for THC, depending on the type of CBD and your consumption method.
What Determines How Long CBD’s Effects Last?
How long CBD’s effects last depends on several factors, including:
- how frequently you take CBD
- how much you take
- the method you use to take it
- whether you’ve eaten food
- genetic factors
Some people may feel its effects for many hours, while it only lasts a couple of hours for others. Research suggests CBD’s effects may last between an average of two and six hours.
Dosage Frequency
The more frequently you take CBD, the longer it will stay in your system. With persistent frequent dosing, the effects may last longer or be more noticeable. Less frequent use allows the cannabinoid to leave your body between consumption.
Alternatively, the more frequently you use CBD, the more you may build up a tolerance. In other words, the same dosage you first started at won’t have the same intensity of effects with increased use. This tolerance buildup means you’ll need to take more CBD to feel its effects each time.
It can take time for some people to feel the effects of CBD. Health professionals recommend using CBD for around a week to give it time to build up in your system.
Dosage Amount
In addition to how often you take CBD, answering “How long does CBD last?” also depends on how much you use. Higher doses result in effects lasting for more extended periods.
Those new to CBD should begin with a small dose to avoid adverse effects. From there, you can increase your dosage if you feel comfortable with the effects.
Dosing Method
Each consumption method has a different impact on how long CBD’s effects last. For the most effective results, you can combine multiple consumption methods:
- Boosters: Boosters, including CBD vape oil, chewing gum, and tablets, are some of the fastest-acting options. Vaping provides almost immediate relief, while CBD mints may take a few minutes to absorb into the bloodstream, with effects lasting between two and four hours.
- Topicals: You can apply CBD topicals to your skin to relieve joint and muscle pain. These topicals may also help with acne and moisturize your skin. CBD lotion, salve, and other topicals’ effects may last between five hours and a few days.
- Tinctures: CBD oil tincture features extracted CBD compounds in a strong, non-alcoholic solution. They absorb through the blood vessels under your tongue. It can last up to 24 hours, depending on dosage strength.
- Edibles: CBD edibles come in many forms, including baked goods, hard candy, and other treats. Gummies are some of the most popular ways to ingest CBD. Dosage amounts vary per gummy, and effects may last up to 24 hours after they begin.
- Patches: Patches adhere to your skin and offer the longest-lasting effects. Some patches last up to 96 hours. They may contain additives like lidocaine to increase pain relief.
- Capsules: It may take a while to feel the effects of capsules filled with CBD oil, but the effects last up to 24 hours once in your system.
Your Genetics and Health
Answering “How long does CBD last?” also depends on your genetics. Everyone’s body reacts differently to CBD. Depending on your body’s water content, your metabolism, and body mass index, it may take longer for you to feel CBD’s effects. Genetics also affects how long it stays in your body.
Food Consumption
Taking CBD with or without food has different effects. Using it without eating results in faster metabolization. Taking it with food causes it to absorb into your system slower as your metabolism breaks down the food in your stomach.
Be mindful of the foods you eat, how much you eat, and when you eat to determine the best time to use CBD. Edibles are typically still effective despite having to consume them to intake CBD.
Determining the Proper Dosage
Determining how much CBD to take also involves knowing the answer to “How long does CBD last?” Do you want long-lasting effects from a single dose, or do you want to take multiple small doses throughout the day?
Other factors like weight and body fat percentage determine how long it absorbs and stays in your body. You may need a smaller dose if the CBD is already built up in your fat cells.
Beginners should start with 2.5mg to 20mg. For those with high tolerances, doses near 50mg may be more suitable. If you’re looking for long-lasting effects, edibles, tinctures, or topical solutions will provide the most prolonged effects. It’s worth it to experiment with dosages to find one that fits you best.
Gummies have widely varying dosages per piece, from 10mg to 200mg or higher. Topicals may feature up to 1500mg in one container. CBD vape juice or oil may also come in bottles with up to 1500mg.
CBD Activation Time
Knowing the answer to “How long does CBD last?” also depends on its activation time. You may feel the effects of certain CBD products within minutes, while others take hours to become noticeable. Smoking or vaping CBD flower offers nearly immediate pain relief and muscle relaxation.
Edibles, capsules, and other products that rely on metabolization take longer to activate. Depending on your metabolism, CBD gummies or pills may take 45 minutes to several hours to work. Topicals may take hours to work while the CBD absorbs into the skin.
Activation times typically don’t surpass eight hours. If it’s been eight hours or longer and you feel no effects, consider taking another dose. Be sure to check the legitimacy of every product’s lab tests and investigate the brand before purchasing or using CBD products to ensure you get a safe, effective product.
How Long Does CBD Stay in Your Body?
Depending on the consumption method, how frequently you consume, your BMI, and other factors, CBD may stay in your body for a few days, weeks, or months. More frequent use means you’ll have more CBD in your body regularly.
CBD may exit your body within four days of use. Some consumption methods result in CBD staying in your system for much longer, though.
CBD is relatively safe, and studies indicate few negative effects. There is little research on the effects of CBD when breastfeeding. While no adverse health benefits are evident yet, you should protect your baby from potential harm by avoiding CBD and THC while pregnant or nursing.
Storing CBD
The best, safest way to store CBD products is in a place safe from extreme temperatures, moisture, and light. Whether in your refrigerator or your nightstand drawer, it’s essential to ensure products are properly sealed. CBD can keep up to a year or longer without problems.
Find Worthwhile CBD Products With The Other Path
The Other Path offers top CBD products from trustworthy manufacturers. Whether you want CBD gummies or tinctures, we have something for everyone. Our knowledgeable team can help you find the best product that meets your pain and inflammation relief needs.
We also offer additional CBD products, including CBD beauty products, vaping and smoking accessories, travel cases, and more. For more information on “How long does CBD last?” and more, contact The Other Path at 818-825-2739 or fill out our online contact form.
