How Long do CBD Gummies Last?

How Long do CBD Gummies Last? by Natalia Salamanca at CBD Origin

CBD has been rapidly growing in popularity over the last several years and is now one of the most sought-after products on the market, particularly CBD gummies. If you’re looking to dip your toes into the CBD waters, though, you might be wondering: How do CBD gummies work? What are the best CBD gummies for beginners? And what should I know before I start using it?

Bottom Line Up Front: CBD Gummies are an edible that must be processed through the digestive system first. This means it typically lasts longer than other methods of consumption. The length of time varies based on your weight, body fat, and other factors.

Why CBD Gummies

Last year, my doctor diagnosed me with Crohn’s Disease. I was devastated.

I’ve always been on the go: playing sports, working a part-time job, going out with friends, taking care of my family. But after I started down the path of managing my Crohn’s Disease with medication and dietary changes, I was left feeling like I was dragging a bag of bricks around everywhere. It was exhausting, and it made me feel like I couldn’t do anything.

I needed something that could help manage the symptoms without leaving me feeling groggy or sluggish. That’s when I discovered cannabidiol (CBD) gummies online and ordered a pack to try for myself.

When I started using them, I noticed a difference in how quickly my symptoms were relieved and how well I felt throughout the day. When I feel heavily tired or bloated, I use the gummies to help manage those symptoms until they subside.

I had always been told “sleep when you’re dead” when it came to my chronic illness, Crohn’s. But the fatigue is so debilitating I don’t know how I’d live my life if I didn’t have some help.

When I started taking CBD gummies, I realized how much better I felt.

Before, I would get so bloated and fatigued it was hard to even get out of bed. And then I would spend the rest of the day worrying about how bloated and fatigued I would be tomorrow.

But now? Now, whenever it starts to get bad, I just take a gummy or two and get right back on track. CBD gummies are like my secret weapon when dealing with my health issues.

They’ve helped me feel more energetic and optimistic than ever before—and they really have saved my quality of life with Crohn’s. But that’s just my story- and I have heard of countless more from people that use these tasty treats to improve their overall quality of life. Whether it’s to manage symptoms or simply wind down after a long week, CBD gummies are one of the most well-loved CBD products.

CBD Gummies: My Favorites

Remember, I am no doctor- but I have been on quite a long journey with health issues and using CBD to try and find some relief. So, if you are curious to know which brands are my favorite, then keep reading.

Exhale Wellness

Why I love them: I battle with inflammation in the lining of my intestines, which can result in varying degrees of severe pain and extreme discomfort. And I can’t pop a couple of anti-inflammatories because they tend to trigger a reaction due to Chron’s as well. So, I need to find an alternative solution. The Exhale Wellness gummies are my favorite when I need some relief from a highly inflamed intestine. While there is nothing close to a cure yet, I appreciate having these gummies when I need a little help to feel comfortable in my body again.

Hollyweed

Why I love them: these are the best gummies that have the least THC. They are highly effective, and their main claim to fame is their cannabinoid ratio. These are best during the day as my mind feels perfectly normal, but I can feel the easing of pain and discomfort in my stomach.

BudPop

Why I love them: They are vegan-friendly and highly effective full-spectrum CBD gummies. I enjoy their flavor, too- they are fruity but not overly sweet. Their gummies are well-thought-out as they contain the CBG cannabinoid and an extra anti-inflammatory helping of turmeric.

But I have to admit; my absolute favorite gummies don’t even have a branded sticker on them. I pop down to my local licensed CBD store and purchase my absolute favorite gummies from them. They are a small, family-owned, and run business committed to selling high-quality products. Are they the cheapest? Certainly not, but I love knowing exactly where my products come from. And the fact that they are a family-owned and run business makes the gummies taste all the sweeter. I still purchase gummies online from bigger businesses, but I also make sure to support the little local vendors.

Quick Recap: What is CBD?

CBD stands for cannabidiol, one of many compounds found in cannabis that people can use for holistic purposes. Most people are familiar with THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol—the compound in cannabis responsible for getting you high. Because CBD doesn’t get you high at all (it doesn’t contain any actual THC), it’s thought to be entirely safe for use by people of all ages and walks of life.

In this post, I want to answer some of your burning questions:

How long does it take for CBD Gummies to start working?
What time of the day is best to take them?
How often should (or can) I take them?
How long will I feel the effects?
How long will they stay in my system?
Do CBD gummies work, or is it just hype?

How do I know these are your questions? Well, I had these very same questions, too, before I began delving into the world of CBD research and CBD products. And now, I am a certified CBD nerd on the brink of qualification to become a CBD expert. Along the way, I want to share everything I have learned about the CBD compound and all the most common questions.

Are you ready? Let’s dive in.

It’s easy to see why many people are confused by how CBD edibles work! There are many factors to consider, and a one-size-fits-all approach definitely doesn’t apply. But that doesn’t mean you can’t equip yourself with the proper knowledge to understand what to expect when you take CBD edible gummies and how they work. Here are some things to think about when trying CBD gummies for the first time.

Quick Look: CBD Gummies ‘Fact’ Sheet

Gummies are classified as an edible
The digestive system processes edibles before you’ll start to feel any effects. Therefore, while you might wait a bit longer to feel them kicking in, they’ll typically last longer than other types of products that do not pass through the digestive system first.
A couple of factors weigh in on the length of time it takes for a gummy to kick in. These include, but are not limited to, metabolism, weight, recent meals, and even how often you have CBD.
CBD is an entirely separate compound from THC.
CBD will not cause the same feelings and effects as THC.

How Long do Gummies Last?

How Long do CBD Gummies Last

So you’ve just chowed down on some CBD gummies, and you’re feeling pretty good. Great!

But how long will the effects last? Technically, the duration of a CBD-related effect isn’t set in stone. But there are a few factors that can affect your experience.

For example, your body composition and exercise level impact how quickly you flush the compound from your system.

If you just ran a marathon, you’ll likely begin to feel the effects sooner than if you just sat on the couch all day.

This is because the higher your body fat percentage is, the longer it takes for your body to eliminate fat cells and flush them out of your system. If you have more fat cells, more CBD is stored in them—and thus, it will take longer to get rid of all of it.

In addition, CBD might linger in someone who has a faster metabolism. If metabolism burns through food quickly, it also breaks down CBD quickly. And if that person had a big meal recently, their body will be digesting food while also working to metabolize and break down CBD—so both processes take longer than they would otherwise.

How Long Does CBD Remain in your System?

You may be wondering how long CBD will stay in your system. Maybe you don’t want to be “caught” with traces of it after using one of the many CBD products available today, or maybe you’re hoping to pass a drug test. Either way, you’re not alone in asking this question. In fact, many people who use CBD and similar substances want to know how long they might expect traces to remain in their systems. The experts seem to agree that the time depends on various factors (such as quantity and frequency of use) and that it can vary quite a bit from person to person. Still, generally speaking, CBD remains in your system for about five days or more.

How Long Do CBD Gummies Take to Kick in?

When you consume CBD, it enters your digestive system and continues its path through the bloodstream. But your body absorbs the active ingredients from CBD in different ways—depending on which method you use to consume it. Here’s a closer look at how each method works:

When you ingest CBD, it enters your digestive system and travels to your liver, where it is metabolized into various compounds—some of which end up re-entering the bloodstream and making their way back into your body. This can produce effects within minutes.

All you Need to Know About Edibles

How Long do CBD Gummies Last?

Edibles—you know, like CBD oil-infused brownies or lollipops and lozenges—are one of the most popular ways to reach a high: tasty and discreet, what’s not to love?

Edibles are a popular way to enjoy CBD. They’re like common edibles, but with CBD!

So what is an edible? It’s any food item that contains cannabinoids (see the glossary for more information on cannabinoids).

Unlike most CBD products, CBD edibles are eaten instead of smoked, vaped, or applied to the skin. This makes them a little more complicated to use, but the benefits that come with consuming your CBD in this way can be well worth the effort.

The first time I ever tried a CBD edible, I was amazed by how long it took to kick in.

I’d eaten the cookie, and then… nothing. I waited a good 30 minutes. At first, I thought maybe it just wasn’t for me—maybe my body didn’t like CBD or something. But then I started seeing all these articles online about how edibles can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour and a half to kick in.

CBD Gummies are chewable edibles and can take longer to come into effect than you might think. It’s not just a matter of how long it takes for the sugar to get to your brain—that doesn’t take very long. It’s also about how long it takes for the cannabis to get out of your stomach and into your liver. It is then broken down by enzymes, which change the chemical structure of the cannabinoids so that they are easier for the body to digest. This process can easily take 30 minutes to complete, and sometimes even a full 90 minutes or more in extreme cases.

When planning out your edible-ingestion experience, remember: start slow and go slow!

Top Tip: Oral Administration Following a Meal

Taking CBD after eating a meal or mixing it into food or drink slows down its absorption rate because your body has already begun.

How Long Before a Gummy Kicks in?

Although many factors determine how long it takes for CBD to kick in, you can follow a general rule of thumb. The most common way to consume your CBD gummy is about one hour before you expect the effects to kick in. If you have an event or special occasion coming up and you’re trying to time it just right, using this method should yield favorable results.

It can be challenging to determine the right time to take CBD and how long the gummy will last. It all comes down to the user and how your body metabolizes cannabinoids.

There are a lot of factors that will determine if your CBD gummy will kick in as soon as you want it to or if it’ll take an hour or more. This guide will walk you through some of those factors.

How do CBD Gummies get Digested?

Your body works hard to digest everything you eat. Food goes from your mouth to your stomach, where it gets broken down by enzymes. Then the partially digested food moves into your small intestine and is broken down even further by more enzymes. Eventually, the nutrients that your body needs are absorbed into your bloodstream. For CBD to be absorbed, the digestive enzymes must fully break it down first. That’s a lot of work!

What Happens if There’s Already Food in my Stomach?

How Long do CBD Gummies Last

When you eat solid food, it gets broken down before being absorbed. If your stomach is full at the same time that you take your CBD gummy, then the digestive system has two jobs to do instead of one! Your CBD gummy will have to wait until all of the other food is digested before it can be broken down itself, which means that you may not feel any effects right away. If you want a quick, one-off burst of CBD that’s noticeable within a short time after swallowing it, then you should eat your CBD gummy on an empty stomach. This means eating it before or during a meal (and not after!).

If you’re looking for something that works overtime, try taking your gummy on a full stomach. Your body will be working to break down whatever food is in your stomach first, and the CBD will take longer to be digested and absorbed.

What Role Does the Metabolism Play?

Metabolism is a really important part of your body. It’s the process of breaking down food, whether that’s to make proteins like collagen or to turn it into energy.

What does a faster metabolism mean?

The speed at which your body breaks down food can vary depending on several factors: genetics, weight, age, gender, exercise level, stress level, and more. While these factors can impact how quickly you digest your food, CBD has been proven to help your body absorb nutrients from food even better. That means that eating an edible with CBD will increase the number of nutrients that your body can use from that food. For instance, if you have a fast metabolism, your body will break down the CBD in a gummy or edible much more quickly than someone who has a slower metabolism. You’ll be able to feel the effects sooner and get on with enjoying your day.

Your body is a fantastic machine, but it’s not perfect. It can be subject to many external factors that can slow down or speed up how your body processes and absorbs CBD gummies.

It’s important to note that what you eat can significantly impact how quickly you digest food, which affects the rate at which you process CBD into your system. If you’re going to eat something with CBD in it, make sure to let your body have time to do its thing before you eat something else.

It’s also worth considering what other medications you’re taking because they can affect how your body responds to CBD and vice versa. Prescription drugs like antidepressants, blood thinners, and anticonvulsants are notorious for slowing down the digestive process, making it harder for your body to receive the benefits of CBD. That being said, there are a lot of instances where people take these types of medications and still feel great. It’s just that they may need a higher dosage than someone who only takes ibuprofen for cramps and headaches.

It’s a common mistake to think that gummies work instantly, but how long each of them takes to work depends on a lot of factors. For instance, if you take a gummy on an empty stomach, it’s going to take a lot less time than if you take it with a big lunch.

A General Guideline: How Long Before the Effects Kick in

Gummies also vary in potency, so it’s essential to pay attention to the label and read the dosing instructions to get the most out of your edible. To give you an idea of how long each type of edible can take to kick in, here are some general guidelines:

Capsules — 30 minutes to 1 hour
Sublingual (under-the-tongue) — 15 minutes
Smoking or vaping — 5 minutes
Edibles like gummies — 30 to 60 minutes minutes

Remember: slow and steady wins the race!

You may know that various factors can affect how long it takes to absorb your CBD, including strain, consumption method, tolerance, and digestion speed. But did you know there’s a way to determine your own “average” absorption speed? Once you do this, you can adjust your consumption method in a way that matches up with the rate at which you usually absorb CBD.

The best part about CBD is that it doesn’t get you high as THC does. So if you’re still not sure whether or not it’s working after several hours, then you may want to consider upping your dosage next time around. And remember: start small and build up slowly to avoid any potential side effects. It’s also worth noting that some people may be allergic or sensitive to CBD—always consult with your doctor before adding CBD into your wellness routine.

When to Take CBD Gummies

There’s no one-size-fits-all recommendation for when you should take CBD gummies.

As you can probably guess, your schedule, frequency of use, and why you’re taking CBD in the first place will affect how you decide to use CBD gummies. You can take steps to understand how CBD works for you and when it’s best to consume.

Here’s How it Goes

Think about how long it takes for CBD to kick in for you. Some people feel the effects of CBD almost immediately, like after their first dose; others might feel the effects after a few doses. It all depends on your body and what you’re using CBD for—if it helps with a specific symptom or is more of a daily treatment (like prevention).
Think about how long the effects last if they do kick in: If they last six hours, then taking them in the morning will probably be the best time to do so if the gummies you take pep you up. However, if the gummies help you sleep, you should time it to match your bedtime. Similarly, you do not want to be caught waiting for the effects to wear off when you have a brunch or dinner date. In short, decide on the environment and reason and match that up with the amount of time the gummies will affect you.

I’m an athlete, not a top-tier athlete by any means, but I put my body through the motions daily. I’ve been an athlete for years now, and I know that when it comes to pain relief, that’s just the way it is sometimes for us. Whenever I have an ache or a strain – whether it’s from spending too many hours at the office or from a challenging time on the field – I know what to do: take my CBD gummies.

Please remember, this is my own experience, and I have developed quite a tolerance for gummies. My gummies are gentle, and I have found the perfect way to dose them. I generally buy the most potent gummies and take half a gummy sporadically throughout the day whenever I feel like my body and muscles are taking a bit of strain. The thing is, with CBD gummies, I don’t have to worry about taking them at specific points in time. I can take them throughout the day for more consistent relief! And if I feel especially roused or restless, I take them earlier rather than later.

Other Ways to Take CBD Include

Sublingual Administration

People who use CBD oil often prefer to administer it sublingually. This method of consumption allows the CBD to enter the bloodstream faster and thus begin working more quickly.

Lollipops and lozenges are all edibles, but they’re not the kind of edible that you swallow. Instead, they absorb your body through your mucus membranes—specifically, the blood vessels under your tongue. This direct route typically allows the CBD product to produce results quicker. The mucous membranes in your mouth absorb CBDmouth before entering your bloodstream, but this method produces effects within 15-30 minutes.

Topical Creams

What should you know about topical creams? First, they are a localized method of absorption. They help treat acute aches and pains in certain body parts, like muscles, tendons, and joints. The skin receptors usually have a low absorption rate, so topicals take between an hour and a half to kick in and can be used abundantly.

Topicals can be used with other treatments but may need to be applied shortly before or after the other treatment. Topicals are often used for:

muscle cramps
Strains
Sprains
Bruises
Arthritis pain
Back pain
Joint pain
Tendonitis
Bursitis
Tendinosis
carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)
tendon tears or ruptures
sports injuries such as shin splints (pain in the front of your lower leg); acute muscle spasms related to overuse of muscles (like those that occur when people play sports or lift weights and then injure themselves).

Topicals use only the outer layer of skin as a means of administration. The goal is to avoid using blood vessels—the blood vessels would prefer that you ingest the cream rather than rub it on your skin! Topical administration can help avoid hepatic (liver) issues related to oral medication.

Inhalation Administration

If you’re looking to get a quick hit of CBD, one of the quickest ways is through inhalation.

This is a method used for centuries: from hookahs to bongs and even pipes. The delivery method is especially popular with cannabis users and medical marijuana users. When you inhale, CBD goes straight into your lungs, which directly lines your bloodstream. This means you can feel the effects almost immediately.

If you’re thinking about trying inhaled CBD, there are two main types of delivery methods: vaporizing versus smoking. Vaping involves heating the cannabis oil or THC concentrate and then inhaling it in the form of vapor or smoke. It’s a fast process that takes just seconds, but it doesn’t leave behind any leftover smoke that could be harmful to your lungs (or your neighbors’ lungs!).

The other option is pre-rolls; basically, joints filled with cannabis oil or THC concentrates. These are longer than vaporizing, so they take more time to feel the effects – between three and 10 minutes – but they do give you the extra benefit of not having to actually prepare the product yourself. They’re also easier on your lungs than smoking because they don’t require combusting anything!

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: How Will CBD Gummies Make you Feel?

Answer: That’s a good question. CBD (short for cannabidiol) is a cannabinoid, or chemical compound, found in cannabis plants and hemp. CBD is often used to help treat anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. Some research even suggests that CBD can have a relaxing effect similar to THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana.

This relaxation is not the same as being high, though. It’s more like feeling a sense of calm or “I’ve got this!” You might feel less stressed than you did before taking CBD. However, CBD does not impair your cognitive abilities. In fact, some research suggests it may improve your focus and attention.

Question: How Many Gummies Should I Take?

Answer: Do you find yourself asking, “How many CBD gummies should I eat?” If so, I feel you. When you’re a first-time CBD consumer, it can be hard to know exactly how much of the stuff to take.

So let’s break it down for a minute. The short answer is 1–5 gummies, depending on the potency and your goals with CBD. Let’s say each gummy contains 10–25 mg of CBD, so if you’re new to CBD and want a low dose (1–2 mg) per day, try 1 or 2 gummies. If you want to take 5–10 mg per day for an ailment like stress or anxiety, start with 3–4 gummies. And if you’re looking for therapeutic relief from a condition like pain or inflammation, try 4–5 gummies per day.

Question: Can CBD Make you Drowsy?

Answer: CBD gummies have become increasingly trendy, but does CBD really make you sleepy? A lot of people are getting on board with CBD these days. Its supporters claim that it has no adverse side effects and is non-addictive. The World Health Organization has even said that CBD is “generally well tolerated with a good safety profile.”

But like any other product out there, CBD may also cause some side effects. The most common ones are dry mouth, diarrhea, fatigue, and drowsiness. Less commonly reported adverse effects include reduced appetite, nosebleeds, and trouble sleeping. Some people may also experience increased depression or anxiety symptoms when taking CBD.

The Bottom Line

There are many factors to consider when deciding whether or not to use CBD gummies, and it’s probably no surprise that there’s a lot of conflicting information out there. I’m here to help guide you through the process, answer your questions, and make sure you feel confident in making the right decision for you.

Everyone’s different, and while that’s not a bad thing, it can make understanding how CBD gummies affect you a little tricky. There are a lot of factors that go into determining how long it will take for you to feel the effects of a CBD edible gummy. The amount of gummy you’re eating has a lot to do with how it will affect you—and not just because the candies are dosed. One of the nice things about CBD is that it helps you find what works best for your body and your lifestyle, but figuring out how to go about doing that can be a little tricky. After this guide, I am sure you understand more about CBD and how long it can last.