As with most CBD-related topics, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how long the effects of CBD will last. Many factors can contribute to this variation, including the type of products used, the dose, and the frequency of use. Additionally, some key characteristics of each individual user can impact the longevity of CBD’s effects. This article covers everything CBD users need to know about how long they can expect the effects of CBD to last.
How long do the effects of different types of CBD products last?
Due to the fact that different types of CBD products absorb and interact with the body in varying ways, the longevity of their effects can differ widely.
Oils
CBD oils are typically taken sublingually. This method involves holding CBD oil drops under the tongue for two minutes before washing them down with a glass of water. The drops are able to absorb via thin mucous membranes under the tongue which deliver the CBD content straight into the bloodstream. This is beneficial as it allows the product to bypass digestion, which could otherwise break down some of the active ingredients and increase the time it takes to absorb.
As with other types of CBD products, the active ingredients in CBD oils can begin to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system once they successfully enter the bloodstream. Some CBD oils are full spectrum or broad spectrum, which means they contain other cannabinoids. As each cannabinoid interacts with the endocannabinoid system in its own way, the longevity of the effects a user feels from these products may be impacted by additional cannabinoids. Personal factors that are unique to each user may also impact this. However, the average amount of time the effects of a single CBD oil dose will last is approximately four to six hours. This is why we recommend taking three doses spread evenly throughout the day.
Patches
CBD patches are a unique type of CBD product. Unlike other topical products, the active ingredients in patches can absorb into the bloodstream. This happens via a process called transdermal absorption, which means into the bloodstream via the skin. Similarly to the sublingual process used for CBD oils, transdermal absorption allows for higher bioavailability as it bypasses the digestive system. In fact, transdermal CBD patches have one of the highest bioavailability rates among all types of CBD products.
One of the main reasons why people opt for patches over other products is their long-lasting effects. At Simply CBD, the effects of our patches last for 12-36 hours. They are designed to gradually release CBD into the bloodstream, allowing for a consistent, steady dose. So, rather than topping up their oil dose multiple times throughout the day, users can apply a single patch and forget about it for up to 36 hours. This makes them one of the most convenient CBD products on the market.
Edibles and tablets
Products like CBD gummies, capsules, and tablets are taken orally. They pass through the digestive system and become partially metabolised by the liver. The remaining CBD content is then absorbed into the bloodstream, where it can interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This allows it to produce the desired effects that people aim for when using CBD products.
Once the dose of CBD enters the bloodstream, the average amount of time that effects typically last is anywhere from two to six hours. This variation depends on multiple factors, including how much of the CBD content was absorbed, various characteristics of the user, and the dose taken. Additionally, if the product is full or broad spectrum, the other cannabinoids may impact how long the effects last. It may also take longer for the effects to become apparent with edibles and tablets because of the way they absorb. This is because absorbing via digestion is a lengthy process, especially when compared to other methods such as inhalation.
Vape liquids
Vape liquids are used in various devices and people consume them via inhalation. This delivers the product to the lungs, where it can travel directly into the bloodstream. Vaping CBD offers one of the most efficient absorption methods due to the lack of barriers to the bloodstream and subsequent rapid delivery. People can take as many puffs as needed to achieve their desired benefits.
While it delivers to the bloodstream quickly, the effects aren’t always particularly long-lasting. The effects of vaping CBD typically last for around one to three hours on average, although this can vary between users. This is one of the reasons why, while some people like to vape CBD on its own, many others use it as a way to top up their dose. For example, a user may take a gummy or capsule in the morning and use vape liquids as a boost throughout the day or in between doses.
Balms and salves
Topical balms and salves are designed to be applied to specific areas of concern for targeted support. Once applied liberally to the skin, the active ingredients in these products can absorb via hair follicles. Aside from patches, which are the exception to the rule, topical CBD products don’t absorb into the bloodstream. Instead, they interact with endocannabinoid receptors on and below the surface of the skin.
As these products are applied directly to the area of concern and don’t need to reach the bloodstream to begin working, they should take effect fairly quickly. The amount of time it takes for the effects to wear off can depend on the underlying issue and the amount of product used, among other factors. On average, the effects of balms and salves last for anywhere between two and six hours. As is the case with vape liquids, many people like to use topical balms and salves to top up their CBD dose and ensure affected areas get additional benefits.
What other factors can impact how long the effects of CBD last?
While the type of CBD product used has a large impact on the longevity of effects, there are also some other factors that are important to consider.
Dose
Higher doses of CBD will typically produce effects that last for longer. However, this does not mean that it’s beneficial to take a higher dose. In fact, new users are encouraged to take a low dose and slowly build up until they find what works for them. Everyone has their own ideal dose, otherwise known as their ‘CBD sweet spot’.
Once a user finds their sweet spot, they should stick to that dose and usage frequency. This is because taking more CBD than necessary can cause diminished results and may even lead to adverse effects. However, those who take a high dose of CBD because they have a high sweet spot may experience longer-lasting effects. This is simply because it will take longer for the body to process and filter out the higher quantity of CBD.
Diet
While CBD will absorb regardless of a user’s eating habits, certain foods may help improve the efficacy of this process. Some studies suggest that taking a CBD dose after eating a meal that contains fatty foods can significantly increase the absorption of the product. As mentioned above, the more CBD that is absorbed, the longer it will take for the effects to wear off.
This doesn’t mean that we encourage users to eat unhealthy foods before taking CBD, or that it won’t work without eating fatty foods. There are plenty of foods that are both healthy and high in natural fats that users may wish to try with CBD to increase their body’s absorption rate. For example, nuts, seeds, fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, cheese, and avocados are all high in healthy fats.
Lifestyle
Naturally, if a person has a high metabolism, anything that enters their system (such as CBD) will be metabolised quickly. People who lead more active lifestyles tend to have higher metabolisms. Therefore, highly active people are likely to feel the effects of CBD wear off sooner than those who lead a more sedentary lifestyle.
Usage frequency
Some research suggests that frequent CBD users have a build up of CBD in their bodies. This may cause the effects of the CBD products they use to last longer. Another potential result of this build up is that some users find they end up needing a smaller dose than they did previously to achieve the same results.
Weight
People who have a high amount of body fat typically store CBD in their systems for longer than those with low body fat. The result of this is that people with higher body fat may find that it takes longer for the CBD to kick in, but its effects also last for longer. Those with lower body fat may begin to feel the effects sooner, but they may also wear off sooner.
Does CBD stay in the body for longer than the effects last?
The amount of time a user feels the effects of CBD does not equal the amount of time it remains in their system. Depending on the various factors discussed above, CBD can remain in a user’s system for anywhere from a matter of hours to an entire month. Everyone’s bodies and CBD routines are unique, so there’s no exact amount of time that it will take any given person to filter CBD entirely out of their system.
Key takeaways
Here are the key points to remember about how long the effects of CBD last:
- There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as everyone’s body, lifestyle, and CBD usage preferences are different.
- The type of product used can have an impact on the longevity of the effects a user feels.
- A higher dose and usage frequency may produce longer lasting effects, but taking a high dose is only beneficial for those with a high CBD sweet spot.
- Factors that are personal to each individual user, such as weight, diet, and lifestyle, can impact how long the effects of CBD are likely to last.
- CBD does not leave the system when the effects wear off, and can remain in the body for up to a month.
