Hemp gummies have become a popular way for people to get their daily dose of CBD (cannabidiol). CBD is a compound found in hemp and marijuana plants that has gained attention for its potential therapeutic benefits. Unlike THC, the main psychoactive compound in marijuana, CBD does not produce a high. Instead, CBD may help relieve anxiety, pain, inflammation, seizures, and more. However, one question on many people’s minds is, how long does it take for CBD gummies to kick in and start providing these effects?
How Long for CBD Gummies to Start Working
There are a few factors that influence how long it takes CBD gummies to start working. These include:
- The dose/strength of CBD per gummy
- Your body chemistry and weight
- Whether you take them on a full or empty stomach
- Your general tolerance to CBD products
Most people start experiencing the effects of CBD gummies within 30 to 90 minutes of consumption. Typically, the effects are subtle at first and become stronger over several hours. Here is a general timeline of what to expect:
- 30-45 minutes: CBD starts to kick in. You may begin experiencing a sense of calm and balance.
- 1-2 hours: CBD levels in the bloodstream peak. The full effects are felt. This includes relief from pain, anxiety, inflammation, etc.
- 4-6 hours: CBD effects start to slowly taper off. They are usually gone within 12 hours.
Of course, this timeline can vary a bit from person to person. Those who weigh more and have higher body fat percentages may find it takes slightly longer for CBD gummies to take effect. And if you have prior experience using CBD, your body develops a tolerance which means you may need a higher dose for the same benefits.
Factors that Influence How Long CBD Gummies Take to Work
Let’s take a closer look at some of the key factors that play a role in how long it takes CBD gummies to start providing relief and benefits:
CBD Concentration/Dosage
One of the biggest factors determining how long CBD gummies take to work is the actual CBD content in each gummy. Lower concentration gummies with 5-10mg of CBD per gummy can take 45-90 minutes to start working. Higher dosage gummies with 20-50mg CBD tend to work faster, in 30-45 minutes.
This makes sense when you consider that your body has to absorb and process a higher amount of CBD for effects to set in. The more CBD you take, the faster it reaches peak concentrations in your system. Just be careful of taking too high a dose as it can lead to mild side effects like dry mouth, drowsiness, and low blood pressure.
Body Chemistry
Every person’s body and biology is a little bit different. Factors like your natural endocannabinoid tone, weight, diet, metabolism, and gastrointestinal health all impact how quickly your body absorbs and responds to CBD gummies.
For example, those with digestive issues like IBS may find the effects come on slower. Your weight and body fat percentage also play a role since CBD is fat-soluble and will accumulate in fatty tissues. Heavier users with more body fat may need higher doses for the effects to set in.
Full vs. Empty Stomach
Taking CBD gummies on a full stomach slows absorption into the bloodstream, increasing the time for them to take effect. This is because eating food, especially high-fat foods, alongside CBD gummies can limit the bioavailability of the CBD itself.
For more rapid effects, take your CBD gummies first thing in the morning or at least 30-60 minutes before eating. This allows the CBD to be directly absorbed into the bloodstream through capillaries in the digestive tract walls.
Prior CBD Usage and Tolerance
For those who use CBD frequently and over long periods of time, your body can develop a tolerance where it becomes less responsive to the same dose. This means you may need to increase your dosage over time to achieve the same benefits. For those with a high CBD tolerance, it typically takes longer for gummies to kick in.
On the other hand, if it is your first time trying CBD gummies, the effects often work faster since your body’s endocannabinoid system is extra sensitive to the introduction of cannabinoids like CBD. Over time, you may need to adjust your dosage and potency as your tolerance changes.
Tips for Faster Acting Relief from CBD Gummies
Here are some tips if you’re looking for faster relief from your CBD gummies:
- Take gummies first thing in the morning before eating
- Use higher potency CBD gummies with 25-50mg per piece
- Hold gummies under your tongue for 1-2 minutes before swallowing
- Cut gummies into smaller pieces for faster digestion
- Avoid taking gummies with high-fat foods
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to optimize absorption
Also keep in mind that consistency is key with CBD gummies. You may not notice an immediate effect the first time, but over several days of consecutive use, the benefits will ramp up. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different brands, dosages, and timing until you find your perfect routine.
Optimal Time to Take CBD Gummies for Specific Benefits
In addition to general absorption time, you may want to consider the optimal time to take CBD gummies based on your specific health and wellness goals. Here are some guidelines for the best time of day to take CBD gummies for common purposes:
Chronic Pain – Morning and Evening
For chronic pain, take CBD gummies first thing in the morning and again before bed to help manage pain throughout the day and overnight. The effects last 4-6 hours.
Anxiety – As Needed
For on-the-spot anxiety relief, take CBD gummies as needed about 30-60 minutes before a stressful event. For daily stress management, a morning dose helps set the tone for a more relaxed day.
Inflammation – Morning
CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties make gummies ideal for conditions like arthritis. Take first thing in the morning on an empty stomach so CBD can be readily absorbed and block inflammatory cytokines for the day ahead.
Seizures – Consistently Morning and Night
When using CBD to manage seizures, consistent doses morning and evening are important. This keeps a steady level of CBD in your system around the clock.
Sleep – 1-2 Hours Before Bed
For better sleep, take CBD gummies 60-90 minutes before bedtime. This allows time for the calming effects to start setting in as you prepare for rest.
Are Faster Effects Better with CBD Gummies?
While faster onset of effects may seem ideal, it doesn’t necessarily mean stronger or better CBD relief. Slower absorption can actually help extend the duration of effects for many hours. However, fast relief is useful for acute issues like pain flare ups or anxiety attacks. In general, absorption time varies significantly based on personal biology and dosage, so don’t get discouraged if it takes longer for you to feel the benefits.
Pros of Faster Acting CBD Gummies
- Get relief sooner for acute symptoms
- Convenient for busy schedules and on-the-go use
- Higher peak blood concentration levels
Cons of Faster Acting CBD Gummies
- Effects may wear off sooner
- Higher chance of side effects from high doses
- May need multiple doses throughout the day
The key is finding the right balance between a dosage that provides fast relief but also long-lasting effects. Be patient as it may take some trial and error to find your optimal dose timing with CBD gummies.
Side Effects of CBD Gummies
CBD gummies are generally very safe and well-tolerated, especially at the over-the-counter doses used by most consumers. However, there are some potential side effects to be aware of:
- Dry Mouth – CBD inhibits saliva secretion which can cause temporary dry mouth and thirst.
- Drowsiness – High doses of CBD may cause drowsiness, especially when taken during the day.
- Upset Stomach – Excessive CBD doses can cause nausea, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal upset.
- Low Blood Pressure – High doses of CBD may cause a small drop in blood pressure.
These side effects are unusual when using CBD within recommended dosage guidelines. Always start with the lowest dose possible and only increase gradually every few days until you achieve optimal benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take CBD gummies to start working for pain?
For managing pain, most people find relief within 45-90 minutes after taking CBD gummies. However, optimal pain relief may require consistent use over several days or weeks.
Do CBD gummies work faster on an empty stomach?
Yes, taking CBD gummies on an empty stomach allows the CBD to be absorbed faster than if taken with food or after a meal. For faster effects, take gummies first thing in the morning.
How long do CBD gummies effects last?
CBD gummy effects typically last 4-6 hours. Higher dosages provide longer-lasting effects while lower doses may last only 2-3 hours before wearing off.
What’s the fastest way to feel CBD gummies?
Sublingual use – holding gummies under the tongue for 1-2 minutes before swallowing – is the fastest way for CBD absorption. Taking gummies on an empty stomach also speeds up effects versus taking them with food.
Do CBD gummies work faster than oil?
No, CBD oil drops tend to have a faster absorption rate than gummies. However, gummies are easier and more convenient to take than directly ingesting oil under the tongue.
Conclusion
How quickly you feel the effects of CBD gummies comes down to factors like dose, body chemistry, diet, prior usage, and more. For most users, it takes between 30-90 minutes for gummies to start working. Higher strength gummies with higher CBD concentrations tend to act faster. No matter what, be patient and consistent with your CBD gummy dosage and schedule for optimal benefits.
