CBD gummies are the most popular type of CBD edible in the market. They are a fan-favorite, and chances are, you will encounter them once or twice during your CBD journey. If you're like most people, you may want to keep the gummies close and use them as a treat or to supplement your primary CBD intake method.
Key Takeaways:
- CBD gummies are an ingestible CBD product that can be absorbed orally or sublingually.
- Several factors impact how long it takes for your CBD gummy to kick in. These include body weight, recent meals you’ve had, and metabolism.
- Although CBD gummies take longer to kick in, the effects also last longer. CBD gummies can last several hours, but the duration also depends on factors such as metabolism.
What is CBD?
CBD is part of a larger group of naturally occurring compounds produced by the cannabis plant called cannabinoids. Of the over 100 compounds found in the cannabis plant, CBD is the most prevalent in the hemp varieties of the plant.
CBD is non-intoxicating and is usually taken for its wellness and therapeutic benefits. Its interaction with the body's endocannabinoid system helps maintain and restore balance, contributing to CBD products' popularity.
What are CBD Gummies, and What Do They Do?
CBD gummies are ingestible cannabidiol. They come in many delectable flavors, can be chewed or swallowed whole, and are available in different shapes,sizes, and concentrations.
Why not also read: Do CBD Gummies Have THC?
CBD gummies are absorbed either sublingually through the interior walls of the cheeks and the area under the tongue or through the small intestines after digestion. After absorption, the gummies release the CBD locked inside to deliver the following benefits;
- Discomfort support - CBD is believed to have numerous discomfort-supporting properties. It’s taken to help with discomfort caused by rigorous exercise and inflammation, and these properties can aid in muscle recovery.
- Sleep support - CBD gummies may improve sleep quality and duration because of their relaxing and calming properties. They can help quiet racing thoughts and create the ideal environment for your mind and body to rest.
- Energy and stimulation properties - Small amounts of CBD can produce energizing and stimulating effects. This makes CBD an excellent option for morning use to improve concentration and focus and deliver the energy you need to start your day.
Everyone interacts differently with CBD, and the effects you experience might differ from those of another person. The ones highlighted above are the most commonly reported, but your experience might differ.
How Long Does it Take for the Gummies to Start Working?
The onset time for CBD gummies varies depending on various factors, some external and others internal.
On average, it takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours to start feeling the effects of the gummies, but the onset time will vary from person to person. The effects should kick in faster when you suck on the gummies than when you swallow the gummies whole. That's because some CBD is absorbed into the bloodstream through the cheeks and the buccal cavity.
Factors That Determine How Long It Takes for CBD Gummies to Kick In
Several factors will affect how long you wait to feel the effects after taking CBD gummies. Some of these factors are within your control, while others are not. They include the following;
Body Weight and Composition
One main factor affecting the onset of effects is body weight and physiology. Heavier individuals require a higher concentration of CBD to feel the effects, and it can take longer for the gummies' effects to kick in if they have a high BMI.
Other physiological factors besides weight will affect how quickly or slowly you feel the effects after taking the gummies. Among these are the body’s digestive enzymes. These vary from person to person and might be affected by your mood. For instance, a stressed person might have unbalanced gastric enzymes, which will break down and process food less efficiently. If your internal systems are not performing optimally, it might take longer to feel the CBD gummy effects after taking them.
Metabolic Rate
Your metabolic rate can also impact the time it takes to start feeling the effects of CBD gummies. The metabolic rate determines how quickly your body converts food to necessary carbohydrates, acids, protein, and energy for cell function. Some people have a naturally slow metabolism, while others have a faster and more efficient system. The latter category will experience the effects more swiftly than those with a slower metabolic rate. However, the drawback to having a fast metabolic rate is that the effects are short-lived.
How the CBD is Absorbed
CBD gummies can be absorbed in two ways. The first is through digestion, which requires more time to feel the effects. The second is sublingually through the cheeks and the area under the tongue. This method has a faster onset of effects.
How Long Do CBD Gummies Last?
Once you start feeling the CBD effects after taking the gummies, the effects can last around 6 to 8 hours. The duration of the effects depends on factors such as:
Concentration of CBD
CBD gummies have different concentrations, which refer to the amount of CBD in the gummies. CBD gummies with a high concentration can sustain the effects longer than those with a lower concentration. CBD fans who want longer-lasting effects should consider taking gummies with a high CBD concentration.
Body Composition
Biological factors like weight and body composition will also affect how long the effects of CBD linger after you start feeling them. CBD is a fat-soluble compound, meaning some of it is stored in our fat cells. People with a higher percentage of body fat require more time to flush the CBD out of their system, meaning heavier people might feel the effects longer.
Exercise
Active people may experience short-lived CBD effects. That’s because exercise expedites the processing of CBD out of the body. If you exercise, your metabolism is enhanced, and CBD is passed through the body within a shorter period.
Metabolism
Metabolism will also affect how long CBD effects will last. The effects of the metabolism system are inverse. If the metabolism works quickly, you start feeling the effects sooner, but the effects will also be short-lived. The body will flush the CBD out of the system faster.
If you have a slower metabolism, your body will need more time to process and break down the components of CBD. It might take longer to start feeling the effects, but you will feel the effects longer once they kick in.
Recent Food Intake
Whether you take CBD gummies before or after a meal and the type of food you eat will also affect the duration of the effects. A full stomach will slow the digestion and processing of the CBD and your metabolism, ensuring you experience the effects longer. An empty stomach will do the opposite.
How Long Do CBD Gummies Stay in Your System?
Even after the effects of the gummies have worn off, CBD remains in your system much longer. Your body needs more time to eliminate the compound from the system. It could take several days for the CBD to be eliminated from your system. But this also depends on various factors such as:
- How long have you been taking CBD? People who have been taking CBD longer need more time to get the CBD out of their system than new CBD consumers.
- Body weight – CBD is fat-soluble and stored in the body's fat cells. People with a higher BMI require more time to clear CBD from their system because more CBD is stored in the fat cells than those with a lean frame.
- Metabolism – The metabolic process breaks down CBD into metabolites that can be passed out of the body. The faster and more efficient your metabolism is, the shorter the time required to remove CBD from your system.
How to Take CBD Gummies for the Best Results
You can maximize your experience with CBD gummies if you know how to take them for the best results. Because of the delicious flavors of gummies, it’s easy for people to deviate from their regular CBD routine. Here are a few tips to help you make the most out of CBD gummies:
- Start slow – If you’re new to CBD, it’s always best to start with a lower dose and work your way up. This method allows you to observe how your body adapts to CBD and gives you enough time to determine your ideal CBD dose and how many gummies you should take.
- Take the gummies with food – Taking CBD gummies on an empty stomach can produce faster and more intense results, which your body might not be prepared for. Instead, take CBD gummies after a meal to slow down absorption, give yourself more time before the onset of results, and prolong how long the effects last after they kick in.
- Be patient – CBD can take a few hours to take effect. So, don't be discouraged when you don't feel the effects immediately or after a few minutes. Give yourself enough time to feel the effects before taking another gummy.
