How Long Does CBD Last?

Cannabidiol (CBD) products are surging in popularity. There’s an ever-growing number of people who use CBD for its potential health benefits. And the list of its reported therapeutic uses just keeps growing, which means many new users are considering their first CBD experience. We can not make claims, but we can encourage you to try it! 

Of course, with the growing interest in CBD products, many new questions come up. And one of the most frequent we see? How long do the effects of CBD use last? If you’ve never taken cannabidiol products before, it can be important to know how long its effects last to determine whether it is right for you. Knowing this information may also help you find your ideal dosage. 

CBD Delivery Methods and How Long the Effects Last

The effects of CBD products are based on the user, but this almost always depends on the form of product you use, your preferred delivery method, and your individual biochemistry. Here are some of the most popular delivery methods, along with information on how long their specific effects might last.

Vaping

Vaping CBD products (i.e. dabbing, vape oils, e-liquid, and vape juice) is generally the fastest way to experience the effects and benefits of CBD because inhalation is an almost immediate delivery to the blood system. That’s because vaping the product allows your lungs to quickly absorb the inhaled CBD, without your liver or stomach having to first break it down. Once absorbed in your lungs, it quickly finds its way into your bloodstream where it travels to various parts of your body.

The effects of vaping CBD products are experienced almost immediately but usually don’t last as long as what may be experienced with other delivery methods. You can expect the effects of vaping CBD to last anywhere from 2 to 3 hours. This really depends on the user, as weight and diet factor in. Plus, each endocannabinoid system processes cannabinoids differently. We have seen 100 lbs. women needing more CBD than 300 lbs. men. This is why experimentation is encouraged when trying hemp-extracted CBD products. 

Capsules or Pills

CBD capsules are taken just like regular supplements. Ingesting it orally in this way means the cannabidiol first passes through your digestive system and liver where various enzymes metabolize its molecules. This process reduces the concentration of cannabidiol that passes into your bloodstream. Since it has to pass through both the liver and digestive system, it takes longer for you to start experiencing the effects too. 

As a result, you won’t experience the effects for about 1 hour, but they generally last anywhere from 6 to 8 hours. Again, the time is based on studies of participants who have taken CBD orally. We know the Tanasi patent-pending University developed formula of CBDA/CBD works 2X better than CBD alone, and the time that CBDA/CBD lasts in your system is per user experience. We know the body stores cannabinoids for later use, and that the body removes the excess cannabinoids consumed. Therefore, you may need to experiment until you find what works best for you. 

Tinctures

Tinctures are perhaps one of the most popular CBD delivery methods. CBD tinctures are taken most effectively by mouth. Holding CBD under your tongue for 1 to 2 minutes allows it to be absorbed by your mouth’s capillaries, vessels, and salivary glands. You then swallow the remaining CBD which is absorbed into your bloodstream through your esophagus and stomach as your digestive system takes over. 

The effects of CBD tinctures can be experienced within 15 to 30 minutes and they are known to last anywhere from 4 to 6 hours. Again, this time period is generally identified based on various studies published today. We have confidence in our patent-pending University developed Tanasi product line. And we know that Cannabidiolic-acid (CBDA) that is as close to natural (unprocessed) hemp extract along with Cannabidiol (CBD) in a specific formulation is 2X better than CBD alone. Therefore, Tanasi products are uniquely different from CBD only products. We have a Satisfaction Guarantee and know that hemp-extracted cannabinoids are expensive. You must try it, and use it every day with different dosages to find what works best for you. 

Edibles and Beverages

CBD beverages and edibles work much like CBD capsules. If you consume CBD in the form of gummies, chocolates, infused hard candies, or other edibles, your stomach, intestines, and liver first has to break down the cannabidiol before it can be absorbed into your bloodstream.

The vast majority of people who take CBD edibles or beverages prefer doing so on an empty stomach, since this may reduce the amount of time it takes for it to make its way through your digestive tract and be broken down by the liver.

The effects of these edibles/beverages can be experienced within 1 hour and they can last anywhere from 4 to 8 hours. But this time period is not exact, it is generally based on various studies found on websites like the National Institutes of Health website, nih.gov. 

The Tanasi patent-pending University developed hemp extract formula is also manufactured into a water-soluble drink concentrate and we understand that the water-soluble formula absorbs faster than CBDA/CBD in triglycerides like MCT oil. 

Topicals

CBD topicals are usually applied directly to the skin and come in the form of creams, lotions, salves, and balms. These topicals are great for providing localized benefits, helping you target specific areas of your body. Cannabidiol administered through this method gets absorbed by your skin, your body’s single largest organ which is regulated by the endocannabinoid system (ECS). And it completely bypasses your digestive tract. 

Research shows that our skin has receptors for the endocannabinoid system, an internal network that’s associated with several of our biological processes, including sleep, mood, and pain. These topicals bypass the digestive tract as well as the liver, which means that their effects are usually experienced much sooner than with other delivery methods. 

The effects of CBD topicals can be experienced within 15 to 20 minutes and can last for up to 4 hours. And again, this time period is general in that many people experience different levels of effects based on many factors (ie; level of pain, other ailments like arthritis, and injury). 

We know our patent-pending University developed formula of CBDA/CBD works 2X better than CBD alone, and our customer reviews are a testament to the products we are providing to you today. 

Transdermal Patches

CBD transdermal patches are the longest-lasting method of delivery. Transdermal patches traditionally contain CBD isolate because of its concentration of CBD and can last anywhere from 1 to 4 days which is the same amount of time you will be wearing the patch. Certain patches release the CBD at specific time intervals over the lifespan of the patch, thus prolonging your experienced effects.

Of course, the downside with transdermal patches is that they take longer for you to first experience effects than is the case with other delivery methods. In some instances, you may not experience CBD effects until hours after applying your patch. Additionally, the hair on your skin or fatty tissue beneath your skin’s surface could interfere with the absorption rate when using this delivery method.

It is important to take these durations into account when choosing your CBD delivery method. If you would like to relieve an ongoing ache, chances are that you will want a method that provides relief for a longer period of time, as opposed to one that provides shorter-lived effects.

Other Factors Affecting How Long CBD Lasts

The delivery method used is not the only factor affecting the duration of your CBD effects. Other factors include the frequency of usage, lifestyle choices, body weight, and your preferred dosage. The following is an in-depth look into each of these factors.

Body Weight

CBD is a fat-soluble compound, which means that it is stored in your body’s fat cells. When it comes to any fat-soluble substance, such as vitamin K, vitamin D, or even CBD, weight plays a critical role in its rate of metabolization.

If you have a lean body with a lower body fat percentage, the effects might not last as long as those for a person with a higher percentage of body fat percentage. People with more muscle than fat typically have a higher metabolic rate, which means that substances such as CBD will be processed through the body quicker, thus reducing the duration of their effects.

With all of this said, we have seen female customers who weigh 100 lbs. who respond to or need more CBD than males who weigh 300 lbs. 

Lifestyle Choices

Your lifestyle choices and activity level are another factor that plays a role in how long CBD lasts in your body. If you lead an active lifestyle, your body will likely process it faster since your rate of metabolism will be higher. This will likely result in a reduced duration of effects.

Diet is also a factor. As an example, intermittent fasting allows your body to work on critical functions instead of processing fat and sugar all day long. When your body isn’t focused on digesting food all day it can work on repair and maintenance. Having Tanasi’s patent-pending University developed CBDA/CBD in your body will allow for your body to utilize the Tanasi hemp extract formula and put it to work. The same is true for someone who eats all day long, your body will be focused on digesting food and not restoring it to optimal health where CBD can be utilized. 

Frequency of CBD Use

The frequency with which you use CBD products can also influence how long their effects last. Unlike other substances, it is highly unlikely that you will develop tolerance to CBD. It is actually theorized that you can develop a “reverse tolerance” to it.

Simply put, with repeated use of CBD products, it is less likely that you will require less product to experience the desired effects over time. Cannabidiol is believed to increase the presence of endocannabinoids that are produced naturally in the body, which means that as your body adapts to create equilibrium, you will require less product to achieve the same effects. 

If these products are used regularly, the reverse tolerance that’s built up could make you feel its effects for a shorter length of time. But you will likely need less product to achieve your desired effect.

This is why we have a suggested use table inside each of the Tanasi patent-pending University developed hemp-extracted CBD products we sell. The same suggested use table is listed on our products page too. If you take too much it can be wasted as your body will remove the unused portion in waste. Just enough each day is all you need to identify with these products. 

CBD Dosage

The more CBD product you take, the longer it will take for your body’s processing to be complete, and the longer your effects are likely to last. We do, however, recommend that you start with the lowest suggested dosage, and work your way up to a desired amount. Until you know how you’ll be impacted by CBD, it’s wise to start low and gradually increase intake until you achieve your desired effects. The Tanasi patent-pending University developed hemp-extracted CBDA/CBD products are 2X better than CBD alone, and you might find that a little goes a long way, and your wallet will be happy too! Taking too much can be wasteful, and expensive.  

How Much CBD Should I Take?

Now that you generally know how long the effects of CBD might last, and you understand the factors that can potentially affect duration, you might be wondering how much you need to take to experience the desired effects in the first place. It is important to keep in mind that cannabidiol affects different people differently. This means that ideal servings will vary significantly based on many factors. It’s all about experimentation until you find what works for you. 

When you first start using CBD products, it’s a good idea to give your body time to adjust and be consistent with your use. If you keep the initial dosages low, as we suggested earlier, and you use it regularly each day, you can see how your body reacts before you fully adopt a regular routine. Start by slowly taking a small serving size, i.e. 5mg to 10mg per dose, and then work your way up over the course of several weeks until you find the sweet spot that gives you the desired benefits. You might find that 80mg per day is best, but we don’t encourage first-time users to start with 80mg. 

Final Thoughts: How Long Does CBD Stay in Your System

It is simply impossible to provide a concrete answer to how long CBD lasts in your body. Since many different factors play a role in how long the experience lasts, it impacts each person a bit differently. You must consider the product you use, the delivery method you choose, and even your own lifestyle choices and body to find a personal answer to that question.

There is an old adage from the marijuana experience that smoking a joint today will show up in a drug test even 30 days later. We know that the body stores cannabinoids and the body uses those like it does with fat cells it also stores. Just like intermittent fasting uses stored body fat for energy, your body will use cannabinoids stored when it needs them. 

Cannabidiol impacts different people differently and this ultimately determines how long the effects last for each individual. The type of product used and the delivery method also have a significant influence on how long the effects will last. But, generally speaking, you can expect its effects to last throughout the day. This is why we suggest taking a regular amount each day.

And, if you want to start experiencing the effects and benefits of CBD today, check out our patent-pending University developed full-spectrum hemp-extracted CBDA/CBD products by Tanasi!