Knowing how long does CBD oil last and how soon one can feel the desired effects are two common questions that keep bugging consumers new to the CBD market. You might not want to hear it, but there is no definite answer to this. In other words, there is not a “one-size-fits-all” answer to these questions.
Generally speaking, it takes about five to ten minutes for CBD to take effect upon consumption. Moreover, the effects of CBD in the body usually last between two to twelve hours. However, it doesn’t mean that once you can no longer feel the desired effects, CBD has already left your system. According to some experts, our body takes about three to four days to eliminate CBD.
Going back, we’ve said that there is no universal answer regarding how long a person feels the desired effects of CBD oil. Why is this so? Well, there are several factors that affect how CBD takes effect in the body. Let’s take a look at them one by one.
Factors That Can Influence How Long CBD Stays in Your Body:
1. Method of Consumption
The way you consume or use CBD affects how long it stays within your body, and how long before you notice the desired effects from CBD oil. There are four main methods of consumption for CBD — ingestion, inhalation, topical application and sublingual application.
Among these four methods, the one that gives the longest-lasting results is through ingestion or taking of edibles. However, it also takes around 2 to 4 hours before the desired effects kick in. On the other hand, inhaling CBD oil is one of the fastest ways to feel its effects, but it can be harsh to the lungs. In addition, it also carries with it the danger of inhaling harmful chemicals and toxins that can be detrimental to one’s health.
If you want to feel the desired effects faster yet safer, the next option is with the use of sublingual drops. The effects of taking CBD oil sublingually lasts between 4 to 6 hours. Topical application of CBD involves the use of a cream or a lotion and rubbing it directly on the skin. It gives a more localized effect, which is perfect for sore muscles and chronic pain. One can start to feel the effect from the CBD lotion or cream in an hour, and it can last between 4 to 6 hours.
2. Body Weight
CBD or cannabidiol is fat-soluble, which means that it is stored in fat cells. However, you may also come across water-soluble CBD. This is because CBD can be formulated to be water-compatible and appear like water-soluble. But naturally, cannabinoids (CBD, THC, etc.) are hydrophobic (water-hating) chemical compounds, and, as such not water-soluble. In this article, our focus is on CBD as fat-soluble substances.
And since, CBD is fat-soluble it means that it is metabolized with fat. Hence, BMI has an important role to play with its absorption. In simple terms, the more fat cells you have, the longer will CBD stay in your body.
More studies are needed to fully understand the metabolism and storage of CBD. However, for now, existing studies suggest that chronic CBD users with higher BMI may store excess CBD in their body longer.
3. Lifestyle
We’ve established that CBD stays longer in the bodies of individuals with higher BMI. It goes to show that people who have an active lifestyle also have low storage of CBD within their system. Two major reasons are that they metabolize fat faster and they have a lesser density of fat cells. Because like what we’ve said earlier, CBD is fat-soluble, and this means that it is stored in fat cells.
Moreover, people who drink more water and exercise regularly also eliminate CBD faster. People who consume foods that are rich in fiber are also more likely to eliminate CBD faster than people who are on a low-fiber diet. Getting an adequate amount of sleep and relaxation also help in boosting one’s metabolism, which can hasten the elimination of CBD in the body.
4. Frequency of Usage (Dosage) and Dose (in mg)
The rule of thumb here is that the longer you’ve been using CBD, the more often you take it, and the stronger the dose of CBD is, then, the longer it takes for your body to eliminate it in your system. For regular users of CBD, especially those who consume large doses, it can take them three weeks up to a month to fully eliminate the compound.
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In addition, based on a study conducted by the College of Pharmacy, United of Arizona Health Sciences Center, it is believed that the half-life of CBD in the human system is about 2-5 days. Half-life is the time it takes for half of a substance’s concentration to decrease.
5. Biochemistry
Each one of us is unique. Hence, the way your body reacts to CBD may be different from another. Moreover, our ECS or endocannabinoid system may also process CBD differently, thereby, affecting how long CBD stays in our body.
We can’t deny that there is still a lot to learn as to how CBD (and other cannabinoids) are processed and metabolized in the body. However, we can be certain that our biological make-up has something to do as to how our body keeps and eliminate CBD.
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