If you’re queued into the CBD scene, you’ve probably noticed how CBD gummies have bloomed in popularity. In fact, experts project the global CBD market will grow to USD 13.9 billion by the end of the decade.
It's easy to see why these mighty little gummies are so popular. Instead of tinctures or ointment, which can be messy and hard to measure, gummies are easy to dose, a breeze to transport, and super delicious.
And with a slew of academic reports showing how CBD might relieve anxiety, insomnia, and a whole list of physical ailments, it's more apparent than ever that CBD gummies are here to stay.
The Science Behind CBD Gummies
To understand how CBD gummies work, we first must understand the Endocannabinoid System (ECS).
Every mammal on planet Earth has an ECS (yes, even your dog has one). The ECS system is a complex cell-signaling system that plays a role in many body functions, including emotional regulation, sleep, appetite, cognitive health, memory, and reproduction, chronic pain and motor control, nerve function, and stress.
CBD and THC bind to the receptors that stimulate the ECS system. While THC binds to receptor CB1, CBD binds to CB2, which triggers the ECS system into gear without producing any “high” feelings.
In doing so, CBD can help regulate those body functions to deliver an assortment of health benefits.
How Long Does It Take for CBD Gummies to Work?
It can be tempting to pop another gummy or two (or three) when you’re waiting to feel the effects — especially when your friends start feeling pain relief, reduced anxiety, and a chilled-out vibe.
But patience is key in determining how effective CBD gummies are and what your CBD dose is.
The time your body takes to absorb CBD depends on a lot of factors. Generally, you should feel the effects within thirty to ninety minutes of ingesting the gummy, but for some people, it takes much longer.
That's because CBD must travel through your digestive tract and be processed by your liver before it can enter your bloodstream and start to deliver relief.
Other factors impact your body's absorption time. Are you popping those gummies on an empty stomach? If so, your body will absorb CBD much faster since your digestive system isn't preoccupied with breaking down other foods. Metabolic rate, body composition, and gummy quality also impact absorption time.
Factors Influencing CBD Gummies Onset Time
CBD gummies work differently for everyone because everyone’s body is different, and most forms of CBD are different.
Bioavailability and Absorption Rate
Bioavailability and absorption rate are the actual measures that determine how quickly CBD will start influencing the body. Higher bioavailability and absorption rate mean the influence of CBD is felt quicker. These numbers are derived from the other factors on this list.
Dosage and Concentration of CBD
The type and amount of CBD have a big impact on bioavailability and absorption rate. A low dose of CBD will take slightly longer to have an impact. Meanwhile, larger and more concentrated doses will take less time. In addition, larger doses will stay around longer, as they take longer to work through the body.
Individual Metabolism and Body Composition
The other big factor influencing bioavailability and absorption rate is a person’s body. People who have a naturally faster metabolism will absorb CBD faster. Meanwhile, people with greater body weight will generally take longer to absorb CBD. Even mental factors, like stress, can have an impact on this.
Interactions with Food and Other Substances
For a CBD gummy to be absorbed into your system, it must be digested. This happens quicker on an empty stomach than on a full one. This makes sense if you think about it. Eating a bunch of food and then taking a CBD gummy puts the gummy at the end of the digestion lineup. However, eating it on an empty stomach gives it priority.
In addition, CBD can have various interactions with medicines. To figure out exactly how your medication impacts CBD usage, it is best to talk with your doctor.
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How Do Individual Factors Affect The Onset Time?
Individual factors will either extend or reduce onset time. Factors like taking CBD on an empty stomach, taking more CBD, or having a faster metabolism will reduce the time. Meanwhile, taking less CBD, taking an ingestible form of CBD, or having a slower metabolism will increase the time.
CBD Gummies vs. Other CBD Products
CBD gummies are just one of many CBD products out there. How do they stack up against the competition?
Comparison of Onset Times with Oils, Tinctures, and Capsules
Different CBD products take different times for the body to absorb. Products that are ingested, like some oils, tinctures, capsules, and gummies, take a while to absorb because they have to wait in the digestive tract for absorption. However, some of these can be absorbed quicker. Placing oils or tinctures under the tongue and allowing them to be absorbed in this way allows quicker absorption.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Choosing CBD Gummies
As CBD gummies are ingested, they take longer to absorb. This is their biggest downside.
However, the biggest upside of CBD gummies is that they are incredibly easy to use. This can be helpful in many ways.
- Easy to dose: CBD gummies deliver a precise and measurable dose. This makes them easy to work with compared to measuring out doses of other products.
- Easy to take: Everyone knows how to take a gummy. However, some people may be intimidated by the process of taking oils or tinctures and may not want to smoke other products.
- Can be taken everywhere: A CBD gummy can go with you anywhere, and taking it simply requires putting it in your mouth and chewing. Meanwhile, tinctures and oils can potentially leak. On top of this, CBD cigarettes and vapes often can’t be taken in many places.
- Tasty: CBD gummies taste great and are fun to take. This is a small benefit but one that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Are CBD Gummies Faster or Slower than Other Forms?
CBD gummies are a little slower than some other forms of CBD. CBD that is absorbed under the tongue or CBD that is inhaled will absorb faster. Meanwhile, CBD gummies must be digested, so they will take longer.
However, this puts them at the same level as any other CBD product that needs to be ingested. So, if you put oil into food and then eat it, it will absorb at relatively the same rate as the CBD gummy.
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What to Expect When Taking CBD Gummies
When you ingest CBD, you might enjoy several physical and emotional benefits.
While CBD gained its claim to fame by being a possible remedy for chronic pain, reports show that CBD might also alleviate other physical ailments like insomnia, inflammation, and arthritis.
Some studies have shown promising results and that CBD might soothe the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and help you sleep better.
Dosage Recommendations for CBD Gummies
We know they're delicious, but it's vital to dose CBD gummies correctly instead of inhaling that whole pack. Why? Because overdoing it could lead to nasty side effects like dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, or nausea.
The CBD packaging should come with a dosing amount. If it doesn’t, here’s the general rule of thumb:
- If you weigh under 130 lbs, take 10 mg to enjoy mild effects and up to 17 mg to enjoy strong results.
- If you're under 230 lbs, take 18 mg or less for mild effects and up to 27 mg for strong results.
- If you're over 230 pounds, take 23 mg for mild effects and 45 mg for strong results.
Remember that taking too little has no adverse effects, so gradually increase your dose to a level that feels right for you.
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Choosing the Right CBD Gummies
A wide range of gummies is available on the market, including CBD with THC, higher-dosage CBD, low-dose CBD, and more.
Some companies will do anything to cut corners, so it's essential to look out for your health and keep in mind what extraction methods were used, if the company is third-party tested, what their reputation is like, and so forth.
How to Optimize the Effects of CBD Gummies
The best way to kickstart the CBD effects is to pair the CBD intake with fatty acids, like fatty fish, eggs, avocado, or oil (coconut, flaxseed, canola, etc.).
Another way to optimize the effects of CBD? To take it regularly.
Consistent CBD use empowers your ECS to maintain homeostasis and keep all your systems in good function.
Related: Add CBD to Your Self-Care Routine with Cooking
How Long Do the Effects of CBD Gummies Last?
Typically, people feel the effects of CBD gummies anywhere between four and six hours, although this can change depending on gummy potency and personal tolerance.
But be warned: CBD stays in your system much longer than you feel the effects. It can even stay in your body for several days and weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you overdose on CBD gummies?
You can't fatally overdose but taking too much CBD can elicit adverse side effects, like vomiting, diarrhea, and other GI issues.
Will CBD gummies make me high?
Nope. CBD gummies have no THC and are non-psychoactive, so you will not experience any high or mind-altering effects.
Can I take CBD gummies while on medication?
It depends on the medication. Some medications may negatively interact with CBD. Consult with your physician first to see if CBD is right for you.
Can I take CBD gummies every day?
You can, and it's even encouraged to create a homeostasis effect.
What Should I Do if CBD Gummies Don’t Work for Me?
If they don’t work for you, that doesn’t mean you should lose all hope with CBD products. Other products work differently; you may find they are more helpful than your current method.
We suggest trying a different method entirely. Instead of going with another ingested product, try something that you can inhale or absorb under your tongue. Effective oil drops or safe CBD cigarettes may work in this regard. Plenty of other effective CBD products are on the market, so trying something else may allow you to find one that works for you.
Let's Eat Some Gummies
Since you ingest the gummies through your digestive system, it can take about an hour to feel relief from the CBD. Still, expressing patience when trying CBD gummies is crucial to understand your correct dose and tolerance.
Related: A Comprehensive Guide to CBD