How Long Do CBD Edibles Take To Work?

Several factors influence how long CBD edibles take to work. This article explains how long the edibles take to work, their benefits, and possible side effects. 

CBD has witnessed a massive rise in sales. Although studies concerning CBD's effectiveness remain in their infancy stage, scientists have made some interesting conclusions about how cannabis derivatives work in the body. Cannabis derivatives can be infused in various products, including edibles, tinctures, and vapes. The edibles include gummies, capsules, snacks, and other ingestible substances infused with a precise amount of CBD oil. The edibles have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant benefits and additional flavors which disguise the earthy taste of cannabis. The duration for their manifestation in the body is a function of multiple factors, including but not limited to age, potency metabolism, and frequency of use.

Analyzing CBD edibles: Is CBD the solution?

 CBD edibles include gummies, capsules, cookies, lollipops, sodas, energy drinks, and snacks. CBD, or Cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound obtained from hemp. Marijuana and hemp are plant strains of the cannabis plant, which are also the main sources of Cannabidiol. However, they have different chemical components. On the one hand, hemp has higher CBD levels with low THC content.

In contrast, marijuana has higher tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels. Tetrahydrocannabinol is a psychoactive chemical compound abundant in marijuana. It is responsible for the euphoric effects experienced by cannabis users. 

CBD also has other chemical compounds that are essential to its efficacy. For instance, it has terpenes responsible for its distinct scent. Scientists suggest that terpenes have properties that alleviate muscle tension, stress, and inflammation. 

How Long Do CBD Edibles Take To Work?

CBD edibles have a lower bioavailability than other consumption methods, such as tinctures or vapes. They have to be gut processed before being absorbed into the bloodstream.

The time taken for the edibles to work does not cut across the board; users have different body systems, metabolisms, and fat contents, which are precursors to the Cannabidiol effects. The edibles may take 30 minutes to kick in for some users, while others would need about 2 hours before the edibles kick-in.

Several factors influence the time required for CBD edibles to work:

 Weight

Since CBD is a fat-soluble compound, it can be stored under the body's fat tissue after absorption. Users with a higher body weight would require more time for CBD edibles to kick in than those with lower fat content.

Metabolism

Consuming CBD edibles on an empty stomach might prove beneficial if you wish to feel the effects faster. The body could metabolize the edibles faster since there is little to no competition for foods ingested. Fats enhance the absorption rate of Cannabidiol, which increases its rate of manifestation. CBD edibles such as gummies and capsules are metabolized in the liver and absorbed into the bloodstream before interacting with the endocannabinoid system. However, CBD lollipops bypass the first-pass metabolism in the liver and interact with the endocannabinoid system more quickly.

Tolerance to Cannabis

If you are a frequent CBD user, your body's endocannabinoid system has adapted to the effects of Cannabidiol. However, you would require a higher dosage of the edibles to experience your desired effects.

Infrequent users would require a small amount of CBD; their bodies have not adapted to the cannabis derivative. Therefore, the edibles would take a shorter time to take effect.

Type of CBD Edibles

Although all CBD edibles are ingestible by mouth, some are not gut-processed; they are absorbed into the bloodstream. For example, CBD lollipops kick in quicker since the Cannabidiol extract is absorbed through sublingual means while sucking them. On the other hand, gummies and capsules must be processed by the digestive system before being absorbed into the bloodstream.

Medications

Before purchasing CBD edibles, please consult your doctor about their possible interaction with the edibles. Cannabidiol may influence the metabolism of other medications in the liver, affecting their efficacy. CBD may also adversely react with medications such as blood thinners and heart rhythm treatment. 

CBD Potency

CBD edibles with a higher potency would move through the gut faster, causing it to kick in quicker. High-potency edibles would last in the system longer.

How Do CBD Edibles Work?

Cannabidiol interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex system that moderates and balances biological processes in the body, such as digestion and breathing.

The ECS comprises endocannabinoids, enzymes, and receptors interacting with CBD in varying ways. Cannabidiol has natural endocannabinoids that share a similar structure to the endocannabinoid receptors in our bodies. Therefore, it binds indirectly with CB2 receptors, transmitting impulses that relieve pain and inflammation. It also influences the activity of 5-HTP receptors, converting them to serotonin to reduce high stress and anxiety levels.

Medical Benefits of CBD Edibles

Dawidowicz et al. (2021) suggested that CBD edibles have anti-oxidant properties that alleviate oxidative stress in body tissues and muscles. Taylor et al. (2018) suggested that CBD edibles have anti-emetic properties that improve gastrointestinal health. On the other hand, van de Donk et al. (2019) opined that CBD edibles have analgesic properties that alleviate joint pains and muscle aches. Cannabis derivatives also have anti-anxiety properties that reduce stress, depression, and anxiety while improving sleep quality (Calapai et al.,2019).

Possible Side Effects of CBD Edibles 

CBD edibles may cause migraines, changes in appetite and weight, fatigue, and diarrhea. However, these side effects are often caused by consuming edibles contaminated with pesticides.

The Legality of CBD

Cannabidiol is often presumed to be illegal since it is obtained from a cannabis plant strain. However, Congress passed the Farm Bill in 2018. This legislation led to the removal of hemp from the Controlled Substances Act since hemp was considered a non-psychoactive plant strain and was distinguished from marijuana. Therefore, hemp extracts such as are legal under UK laws. 

How Many CBD Edibles Should You Consume?

 Starting small and increasing your dosage with time is advisable if you are new to CBD. Ensure you consult your doctor concerning the right dosage. The dosage depends on the patient's age, sex, weight, and tolerance to cannabis.

Summary

CBD edibles are ingestible substances infused with a precise amount of Cannabidiol oil. They include gummies, capsules, lollipops, sodas, and snacks. The edibles disguise the earthy taste of hemp, although not all CBD edibles have a distinctively delicious taste. The cannabis-infused edibles kick in after 30 minutes, although some could take up to 2 hours to manifest; the time taken for the edibles to kick in depends on the user's metabolism, weight, and tolerance to cannabis. If you are new to Cannabidiol, start small and increase your dosage as your body gets used to the compound.

References

Calapai, G., Mannucci, C., Chinou, I., Cardia, L., Calapai, F., Sorbara, E. E., ... & Firenzuoli, F. (2019). Preclinical and clinical evidence supporting use of cannabidiol in psychiatry. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2019.

Dawidowicz, A. L., Olszowy-Tomczyk, M., & Typek, R. (2021). CBG, CBD, Δ9-THC, CBN, CBGA, CBDA and Δ9-THCA as antioxidant agents and their intervention abilities in antioxidant action. Fitoterapia, 152, 104915.

Jastrząb, A., Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., Markowska, A., Wroński, A., Gęgotek, A., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2021). Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of cannabidiol contributes to the decreased lipid peroxidation of keratinocytes of rat skin exposed to UV radiation. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2021.

Taylor, B. N., Mueller, M., & Sauls, R. S. (2018). Cannaboinoid antiemetic therapy.

van de Donk, T., Niesters, M., Kowal, M. A., Olofsen, E., Dahan, A., & van Velzen, M. (2019). An experimental randomized study on the analgesic effects of armaceutical-grade cannabis in chronic pain patients with fibromyalgia. Pain, 160(4), 860.