How long does it take for CBD to work?

By Dr. Barry Morrison

When taking the proper amount of CBD, it generally only takes about 20-30 minutes for it become effective. However, a major factor to take into account is the CBD quality and delivery system you’re using. Another factor is your overall health and the severity of your health challenge.

CBD oil tinctures should be placed under the tongue and left in the mouth for 5 min. This is done prior to swallowing the CBD. Some recommendations suggest holding your CBD in the mouth for only 10-30 seconds and then swallowed. Which is only scratching the surface of CBD’s potential within the body. Unfortunately, the majority of your CBD goes through the digestive track and then on to the liver to be removed. This process is known as the “first pass metabolism”. When CBD is held in the mouth for five minutes we benefit from maximum absorption into the sub-lingual glands. Following the sublingual absorption, the CBD is sent directly into the circulatory system prior to entering the liver for removal. This way the CBD has been circulated & deposited to the areas of the body of need prior to being removed in the liver.

Typical Expectations

Most users don’t know what to expect and often overlook the amazing effects of CBD. It takes time to build up in the body which is what I call a “loading dose”. Since there is no “high” to experience, most people aren’t aware of what CBD is actually doing. It’s only after a period of time for one to realize the level of pain or symptoms they may have had is no longer there or not as intense. The “feeling of CBD” is so subtle that usually all that is able to be identified is a mild calming effect. After several applications, many of my patients have reported that they notice it “taking the edge off” minutes after administering. As for most newcomers, they expect a huge change and it’s just not like that

So, how long does it take for CBD to work? Do keep in mind as with anything else we ingest it affects each person differently in accordance with their body chemistry. Just as with any other substance we add to our system, it varies in response time and depends upon our body’s ability to absorb and utilize its overall health benefit. CBD is no different than starting an exercise program or taking vitamin supplements.

Commitment Needed

Most people when first starting out, don’t really know what to expect and often overlook CBD’s effect as it slowly takes time to build up in the body in a ramping up type of an effect. I generally inform my patients that this process needs to be a 90-day commitment if they want to give it the best opportunity to create the desired effect.

So, to answer the question “How long does it take for CBD to work?” I personally educate my patients to give it 2-3 weeks to see some type of progress. But the overall key is consistency…each and every day. Now if it takes less time, then that’s certainly a bonus!

I hope this helps to clear up one of the most common questions patients have, and I encourage you to give me feedback on your experience!