CBD edibles, often referred to as “CBD snacks,” are any food items infused with cannabidiol oil. Among the most popular and tasty options are gummy fruit snacks, offering a sweet alternative to directly placing CBD oil in the mouth, but the question still remains, how long does it take for CBD gummies to work?
Gummies offer a tasty and convenient way to consume CBD. However, there is one significant drawback: the effects take longer to kick in. Typically, you can expect to feel the effects within 30 minutes to 2 hours, and these effects can last for 4 to 6 hours.
It is essential to choose high-quality products and start with a lower dose to find what works best for you. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
What Are CBD Edibles?
CBD edibles, often referred to as “CBD snacks,” are any food items infused with cannabidiol oil. Among the most popular and tasty options are gummy fruit snacks, offering a a sweet alternative to placing CBD oil directly into the mouth.
The best CBD edibles are organic, but finding gummies free of animal byproducts can be challenging. This is because gelatin, typically derived from animals, is a common ingredient in gummies. However, modern techniques have made it possible to produce completely vegan gummies.
While gummies are the most popular form of CBD edibles, there are plenty of options available for everyone. We’ll explore all the different types later in this article, but for now, let’s take a look at the effects of CBD edibles.
What Are the Effects of CBD Edibles?
Using CBD edibles can help us in many ways. While the benefits of cannabidiol are still being researched, many people take CBD to soothe their bodies and center their minds. CBD products promote these relaxing effects by interacting with our endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The endocannabinoid system is present in nearly all mammals. The ECS regulates essential body functions like heart rate, breathing, digestion, and more. We can complement this support system by intaking natural cannabinoids such as CBD.
There are more than 100 cannabinoids in cannabis plants, THC and CBD being the two most popular. When we take CBD, the molecules interact with our CB1 and CB2 receptors. These receptors, in turn, communicate with our ECS, promoting its overall efficiency.
A healthy ECS is crucial for our overall wellness. Cannabidiol’s ECS-boosting properties can be felt in many different ways. CBD may affect one person differently than another, but the following four effects are commonly reported.
Relieves Tension
When the day comes to a close, and it feels like life’s responsibilities are making you tense, you might want to take a load off with some cannabidiol. A CBD edible can help that tension melt away. Eat some gummies, or CBD Gum, as a sweet treat after dinner, and you’ll be kicking your feet up in no time.
Promotes Natural Sleep
Tossing and turning? Taking CBD before bed might be the best (and most natural) way to get deeper sleep. When we utilize CBD for sleep, it eases the mind and body. A relaxed state prompts more slow-wave (deep) sleep.
CBD is also non-intoxicating, which draws many to it instead of some over-the-counter nighttime aids. Moreover, some people with disruptive schedules may frequently awaken, wanting to quickly fall back asleep without feeling groggy when they get back up later. Try a CBD edible before bed to assist with restful sleep!
Relaxes Nervousness and Agitation
Racing thoughts, fearful tendencies, and worrying can make anyone feel off. CBD products offer uplifting benefits without inducing intoxication or “high” feelings. Those cannabinoid receptors we mentioned earlier can be found throughout our bodies, but they are also found in the brain.
While CB2 receptors are primarily located throughout our immune and digestive systems, there is a dense concentration of CB1 receptors in our brains. This is why CBD can not only soothe physical tension, but it can promote mental tranquility as well.
Appetite Booster
Taking CBD can also aid our hunger. Some assume that this means cannabidiol can give you the “munchies,” but this is not the case. Rather, CBD-infused edibles relax our gastrointestinal tract, which may promote our natural hunger.
Can CBD Edibles Get You High?
No, eating a CBD edible will not get you high or intoxicated. It also won’t leave you feeling groggy like some other products might. Instead, a CBD edible provides clear-headed feelings of focus, peacefulness, and well-being.
An edible can also affect you in different ways based on when and why you take it. For example, if you eat a CBD edible product before your morning meditation, you may find that you feel energetic. On the other hand, taking that same edible before bed may usher you into a deep, relaxing sleep.
That’s the beauty of CBD and why people of every lifestyle can find a product that suits their needs. Some CBD has trace amounts of THC (0.3% or less), but even these products won’t induce a “high” effect. Low levels of THC strengthen the entourage effect. The entourage effect refers to the boost in overall effectiveness when multiple compounds naturally found in cannabis are ingested at the same time.
How Long Does it Take for CBD Edibles to Kick in?
For those who are curious about how long it takes for CBD edibles to kick in, it really depends on several circumstances. However, as we discussed earlier, a CBD edible will typically take effect within 30-60 minutes of consumption. Once again, this is a loose estimate that is dependent on many different factors. Such factors include:
- Whether you have a full or empty stomach
- Metabolism
- Weight
- Activity level
- Diet
- Sex
- Tolerance to cannabis
For example, a CBD edible product could take longer to kick in for a large man on a paleo diet than it would for a small vegan woman. The bodies’ familiarity with CBD products can also influence how long it takes a person to feel the effects. Luckily, the easy dosage is another benefit of CBD edibles.
Edibles are usually separated into 10mg pieces. However, this is not universal, and you should never assume an edible product is 10mg without first checking the label. We generally recommend between 0.25 mg (regular dose) to 0.5 mg (strong dose) of CBD per every 1lb of bodyweight. For example, if you weigh 160lbs, multiply that by 0.25 to get your regular dosage (40mg).
For those that are new to the world of CBD, we usually suggest starting slightly below a regular dose to introduce it to your body. If a few hours go by and you don’t feel any effects, you can increase your dosage next time. Keep repeating this process until you find the dosage amount that works for you.
How Long Do CBD Edibles Last?
“How long does it take for CBD edibles to kick in” is just the first question you are asking yourself. Of course, the next question in line would be, “well how long is this thing going to last?” The benefits of CBD edibles are generally felt for 6-8 hours. They last much longer than the effects of smoking or vaping CBD. The “peak” of these effects are typically experienced 3 hours after consumption.
CBD edibles can last longer in the body than smoking cannabidiol because it goes through a different process to reach our bloodstream. CBD’s effects can be felt almost instantaneously when inhaled because the vapors are quickly transferred through our lungs and into our blood.
An edible or swallowed CBD oil must first pass through the gastrointestinal tract. It goes through a process of digestion, which can take longer for some people if they have recently eaten. Our digestive system breaks down the CBD before it reaches the bloodstream.
By the time it can get to our blood, some of the original dose has been deconstructed by our bodies. This may sound like we’re waiting a longer time for less of CBD’s effects, while vaping can work much faster. However, the benefit of edible CBD consumption is that the dose stays in our bloodstream for a much longer time, allowing for longer-lasting effects. Different people can benefit from each form of CBD, so try a few out and find what works best for you.
What Types of CBD Edibles Are There?
The effects of edible CBD depend on factors like dosage, consumption method, absorption process, and amount of time spent in the bloodstream. The types of CBD edibles are much more straightforward. It all comes down to the best ingredients, the tastiest flavor, and the highest quality CBD oil.
CBD oil, also known as a CBD tincture, is extracted from hemp material. We can then use that oil to create delicious CBD treats. At Cheef Botanicals, we use full spectrum CBD in our gummies recipe. “Full spectrum” means that the product contains all of the compounds that are extracted from hemp, including small amounts of THC (0.3% or less).
Since CBD and THC are both found in hemp plants, the entourage effect is strongest in full spectrum products. Full spectrum products contain a lot more than just THC and CBD, including tasty terpenes and beneficial flavonoids. Broad spectrum products don’t contain THC, though the entourage effect is still somewhat present in this form of CBD. Broad-spectrum cannabidiol is an excellent choice for those who want to avoid THC.
CBD isolate is another great choice for anyone who dislikes THC. Isolate is a tasteless white powder that is over 99% pure CBD molecules. There’s a CBD ingestion method for everyone, so let’s have a look at some of the most flavorful.
Gummies
CBD tinctures can be infused into countless foods, but these are a classic. Cheef Botanicals’ all-natural, organic, and vegan CBD gummies are the best way to get your daily dose of cannabidiol. With a high potency and long absorption rate, our CBD gummies deliver CBD’s powerful effects in bite-sized pieces.
We have options for 300mg, 750mg, 1500mg and 3000mg sizes. Each bottle comes with 30 gummies. You can even bundle and save with all of our sizes to get the best bang for your buck.
Honey Sticks
C-Bee-D? With our old-fashioned barrel blended recipe, these all-natural honey sticks can fit any occasion. Whether you need a quick pick-me-up in the middle of the day or a sweet snack after a meal, our CBD honey sticks (10mg each) provide all the benefits of both CBD and honey.
Honey has been proven to provide a long list of benefits. It carries antioxidants that can help protect your body from cell damage due to free radicals. Honey also has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Rich in phytonutrients, honey can assist blood pressure regulation, soothe sore throats, and aid digestion.
Hard Candies
While hard candies are eventually chewed and swallowed like many other edibles in this article, they provide a unique delivery method. Sucking on CBD hard candies allows you to moderate and extend your cannabidiol absorption.
While you can spend more time sucking on a hard candy than eating a CBD chocolate, this doesn’t mean there is more cannabidiol in a hard candy than chocolate. You might be extending your CBD’s lifespan, but it is also being stretched thin. Use hard candies when you want light CBD effects.
Related: CBD Mints [Dosing Has Never Been So Easy and Breezy!]
Baked Goods
Baked goods are another classic food to infuse CBD tinctures with. This can include brownies, cookies, bars, pastries, etc. These are a popular choice for those looking to make their own CBD edibles at home.
It is not as easy to dose a baked good as it is a honey stick or gummy. If a person offers you a CBD-infused pastry, make sure you know how much you’re taking before getting too enticed by the aroma. If you make baked goods yourself, consider factors such as dosage and absorption rate.
Chocolates
Usually split into 10mg pieces (though this is by no means a rule), cannabidiol chocolates pair the soothing effects of CBD with everyone’s favorite flavor. Consider trying cannabidiol with dark chocolate to utilize its health benefits. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants and nutrients. Plus it prompts the brain to release endorphins!
Can You Make Your Own CBD Edibles?
Absolutely! With Cheef Botanicals’ CBD paste, isolate powder, or oil, you can add a dose of CBD to any recipe. Remember, CBD isolate is odorless and flavorless, allowing you to benefit from CBD’s effects without tasting it. CBD oil has a slightly earthy flavor that is the perfect complement to some dark chocolate or coffee.
Keep in mind, the boiling point of CBD is between 320 degrees and 356 degrees Fahrenheit. Heating CBD beyond this point will destroy the cannabinoid. There are countless methods and recipes for creating your own CBD edibles, but these are some of our favorites:
- Brownies: Heat either oil or butter and mix it in some CBD (oil or isolate, up to you). Choose your favorite brownie recipe and substitute the butter or oil with your cannabidiol concoction.
- Chocolate: Luckily, CBD chocolate is relatively simple to make. The best way to create your very own soothing chocolate is to buy some bars that are made for baking. Bars are different from chocolate chips because they are made to melt faster, which will help you easily combine your isolate or oil. You can even use this chocolate in your favorite brownie recipe.
- Coffee: CBD stays active when added to drinks like coffee or tea. Some oil or isolate would complement a nice cup of tea well. Though, the earthy flavors of coffee pair with CBD oil in a unique way that has to be experienced.
Related Article: Everything You Should Know About Cooking with CBD Oil
Final Thoughts – How Long Does it Take for CBD Edibles to Kick in
Many different factors can impact how long it takes for CBD edibles to kick in. The amount of CBD and the individual’s body could be the difference between minutes and hours. There’s a sweet cannabidiol-infused treat out there for everyone, and no matter how you use CBD, Cheef Botanicals has you covered!