CBD oil is becoming the go-to remedy for treating various conditions. It is known to be beneficial for skin irritations, itchiness, and joint pain. The oil may also help you sleep and it’s a treatment for chronic nausea. Some people even use it as a natural medication to cope with stress and improve their mood.
But how long does CBD oil last? The answer to this question depends on several factors. You need to consider the amount of oil you consume, as well as the consumption method. Your age, weight, and overall health play an important role in determining how long the effects will last.
But first, learn more about the oil itself to get a better understanding of how it works.
What Is CBD Oil?
CBD is a cannabidiol oil and a special marijuana extract. But unlike most other marijuana products, it doesn’t have any intoxicating effects. This is because CBD doesn’t target the same receptors as its cousin Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Humans have a built-in endocannabinoid system which receives signals once a cannabinoid is ingested. To be more precise, CBD affects the molecular pathways in your body to deliver its beneficial effects.
These beneficial properties have been recognized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In 2018, the FDA approved Epidiolex, a CBD oral solution, for treating seizures that come from some severe and rare types of epilepsy.
How Long Does CBD Oil Last?
Depending on the usage and your metabolism, you should be able to feel the effects of CBD oil for 2 to 6 hours. Topical products usually have a long-lasting punch, capsules are somewhere in between, and you metabolize the edibles very quickly.
The body holds detectable traces of CBD for up to four days after consumption. But this doesn’t mean you’ll feel the benefits for up to four days. The retention is associated with the time it takes the body to process CBD.
How Fast Does CBD Oil Work?
It may take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours for the effects to kick in. The consumption method, serving size, and the type of symptoms you are treating all play a role.
Sublingual ingestion and vaping are by far the quickest methods and they can make you feel better in a matter of minutes. Edibles may take up to a few hours, while topical products are not far behind. Your skin needs some time to absorb topicals and you have to keep the treated area well moisturized over an extended period of time.
But you shouldn’t expect CBD oil to be a quick fix, regardless of the consumption method. It is also important to start with a small amount and gradually increase the dosage. Talking to your physician doesn’t hurt either, especially if you take other medicine or suffer from a chronic condition.
Different Consumption Methods
Each body and metabolism is unique, so don’t expect a method to work great for you just because it works for your friends. But, as previously mentioned, certain types of consumption deliver faster results than others.
Vaping
By vaping, you take CBD directly into the lungs and it doesn’t reach the digestive tract. The vapor enters the bloodstream from the lungs, and you usually feel the effects in a minute or so.
Some people vape all throughout the day, to make full use of the oil’s beneficial properties. Nevertheless, it is recommended to stay under 10 milligrams if you are new to CBD.
Sublingual Ingestion
CBD tinctures for sublingual ingestion come in the form of dropper bottles and sprays. You might feel the first effects in half an hour. However, it can take up to 90 minutes for the tincture to kick in.
Like vaping, sublingual ingestion bypasses the digestive tract and allows CBD to reach the bloodstream faster.
The dosage you get from a single burst of a CBD spray may vary. In general, one burst means about 3.1 milligrams, but it can be as little as 1.25 milligrams.
Creams and Lotions
Topical products are slow to take effect but the effects usually last for much longer. You can feel them for five or more hours. These creams, oils, and lotions target the CB2 receptors in the skin, and so they trigger the endocannabinoid system. With this method, CBD doesn’t enter your bloodstream, which is one of the reasons the effects appear slowly.
You should know that CBD is a potent antioxidant. It prevents damage from free radicals that may cause premature signs of aging, wrinkles, and abnormal skin pigmentation.
Capsules and Edibles
CBD capsules and edibles come in different shapes and forms. There are brownies, gummies, and even delicious CBD chocolate bars. Upon consumption, you should feel the first benefits in about an hour. And you might expedite the results if you take the edibles or capsules on an empty stomach.
The Proper Dosage
In general, it is wise to start with doses of 2 or 3 milligrams and slowly increase them, depending on the way you react to the substance. This gives your body a chance to adjust to CBD oil. What’s more, sensible CBD oil intake minimizes the chances of side effects.
You should stop increasing the dose as soon as you feel relief from the symptoms. And if the symptoms get worse, you need to lower the serving or give up on CBD oil altogether.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Research suggests that CBD oil can be associated with certain negative effects.
Some of the minor side effects may include a dry mouth, mood and appetite changes, and drowsiness. But, besides treating anxiety, CBD oil is also known to induce it. In addition, this cannabidiol can be the reason behind nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
There is some speculation that the substance increases liver enzyme levels. Keep in mind that high levels of the enzyme are a common indicator of liver inflammation or damage.
On the bright side, if you take the proper dose and closely monitor your body’s responses, there is no need to worry too much.
To Wrap Up
How long does CBD oil last? According to the presented information, the benefits of CBD oil may last up to five or more hours. And if you take the oil orally or vape it, you should be able to feel the desired relief almost instantly.
Besides the consumption method and your metabolism, the quality of your chosen CBD oil product is also an important factor. You need to do thorough research before you start with a particular option. Remember, CBD oil production is still largely unregulated, so you need to ensure you are getting the best oil there is.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4240254/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5569602/
https://www.fda.gov/newsevents/newsroom/pressannouncements/ucm611046.htm
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1573017/
https://www.livescience.com/24553-what-is-thc.html
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