Individual response to cannabidiol (CBD) is just that: completely individual from one person to the next. So how long does it take for CBD oil to work? Do some people respond more quickly than others?
The short answer is, it depends on the person, the product, and the method of consumption. (Remember, CBD from industrial hemp is non-intoxicating, so it doesn't create a "high" when it's consumed.)
What’s more, a group of individuals consuming the same CBD oil product might all report completely different experiences from one person to the next. How is this possible?
Take a look at this video where I observe several patients sampling Hemp Extract Liposomes for the first time. Notice that each person has a different experience.
Just as each human is as individual as a fingerprint, our bodies--and ECS--all have unique needs.
How Should I Take CBD For The Fastest Results?
The method of delivery is one of the biggest determining factors in how long it will take CBD oil to work. Many people take CBD oil orally (cbd oil tinctures, cbd liposomes or in a cbd capsule). Other people prefer to apply their CBD topically in a lip balm or a formula like our Hemp Balm or Sports Gel. Some people even use oral tinctures directly on areas of the body experiencing temporary inflammation.
Each method of consumption comes with different levels of bioavailability. So what does that mean? And how long does it take for CBD oil to work in each instance?
Bioavailability means how much of a dietary supplement serving absorbs into your body (usually just a fraction of the full amount you ingest). It’s the measure of the serving that reaches the bloodstream.
Some CBD oil products have higher bioavailability than others. We recommend always choosing a full-spectrum CBD oil that has been extracted through a non-toxic method like supercritical CO2 extraction. This ensures:
- All the cannabinoids, terpenes, phytonutrients, antioxidants, and flavonoids that naturally occur in hemp have been preserved in a clean extract
- Higher purity and potency in the final CBD product
When Does CBD Get Into the Bloodstream?
Different products deliver CBD to the bloodstream at different rates. Let’s dig into the differences among common methods of delivery.
Sublingual Delivery
Method: Hemp Oil Liposomes
Time to bloodstream: approx. 2 minutes
Place 5 pumps of Liposomes onto your tongue and swish in your mouth for about two minutes. Allow the CBD to make contact with the entire inside of your mouth before you swallow.
Method: CBD Oil Tinctures
Time to bloodstream: approx. 2 minutes
Place a serving of Natural or Cinnamint tincture on your tongue and swish it around in your mouth for two minutes. Let the oil come in contact with your tongue, cheeks, and the area beneath the tongue before swallowing.
Oral Delivery
Method: CBD Oil Tinctures
Time to bloodstream: approx. 20 minutes
Swallowing CBD tinctures, rather than swishing them in your mouth, means the cannabinoids are absorbed in your digestive tract. This method of absorption takes a bit longer than sublingual delivery. The added mix of MCT oils gets absorbed into the intestinal lymphatics, which may concentrate the amount of CBD on the immune cells.
Method: CBD Capsules
Time to bloodstream: approx. 1 hour
This method of consuming CBD works more slowly because, instead of absorbing through the mucous membranes in your mouth, the CBD must pass through your liver and digestive system. Take CBD capsules with fatty food, which cause the CBD to enter lymphatics, concentrate there on the immune cells, and bypass liver detox.
The upside to taking a CBD capsule is that the effects can last much longer than oil or tincture delivery--possibly as long as twelve hours, according to my observations.
Topical Delivery
Method: Hemp Balm, Liposomes
Time to bloodstream: no CBD levels in the blood with topical application
Topical CBD delivery works differently, in that you won’t get blood levels of CBD. Instead, the CBD molecules are signaling locally to give you fast relief of temporary inflammation, right where you applied the topical. People may feel a difference within about 5 minutes.
You can apply Hemp Balm or Daily Balance Hemp Oil Liposomes to your skin for localized relief. Sensitive individuals who are unable to take CBD orally may find that topical application works well for them.
Choose a CBD topical cream that includes inflammation-fighting essential oils like wintergreen or copaiba to get the most out of your topical CBD experience.
Choose the CBD That Works Best for Your Lifestyle
In the end, the type of CBD you choose, and how long it takes for CBD oil to work, depends entirely on you. CBD experiences may vary, depending upon your lifestyle, activity, and nutrition. Choose whichever form of CBD delivery best fits with your lifestyle and health needs.
What proper serving sizes look like for you may not be exactly what your neighbor needs. There are no known negative effects of consuming CBD products and, according to the World Health Organization, CBD has a very good safety profile.
