How Long Does CBD Last?

As a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, CBD in the UK is often used by individuals seeking to improve their well-being without experiencing the high associated with THC. But how long does CBD last? When considering incorporating CBD into your routine, it’s important to understand how long its effects last and how this varies so you can find the best product for your needs. 

The duration of CBD’s effects can depend on several factors, including the type of product you use, your metabolism and the dosage. Generally, the effects of CBD should last anywhere from 4-8 hours, depending on the person and the method of consumption. However, CBD can remain in your system for varying amounts of time, from as little as 30 minutes up to 2 days or more, depending on the product and your unique biochemistry.

Key Takeaways

• CBD’s effects can last from 4-8 hours.
• CBD’s presence in your system can range from 30 minutes to 2 days or more.
• Factors such as product type, dosage, and individual metabolism can all affect the duration of CBD’s effects.

Factors Affecting CBD Duration

The length of time CBD remains effective in your body depends on factors such as the method of consumption, your metabolism, and BMI. Keep in mind that the effects of CBD are generally felt for 4-8 hours, with some methods allowing for longer durations. Always remember to use CBD products as directed and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or questions.

Determining the Right Dosage

Finding the right dosage of CBD is crucial to ensure its efficacy and duration. The ideal dosage varies widely among individuals, as metabolism, body weight, and overall health all influence how your body responds to CBD. It is recommended to start with a low dose and gradually increase it until you find the optimal amount that works for you. Monitoring your intake and observing its effects on your body will help you understand how long CBD lasts for you. Our CBD oil strength guide explains how you can calculate the best CBD dosage for your weight, age and other factors, which can help with extending the duration of CBD oil effects.

Quality and Shelf Life of CBD

CBD oil’s quality, freshness, and shelf life impact its duration in the body. High-quality products use pure ingredients, contain minimal contaminants, and often last longer. To maintain the optimal quality of your CBD oil, store it properly in a cool, dark, and dry place. This reduces the risk of degradation, which can shorten the duration of its effects. Additionally, checking the product’s expiration date and ensuring it is within the appropriate range is crucial for the longevity and effectiveness of your CBD oil.

Method of Consumption

The method of consumption plays a significant role in determining how long the effects of CBD last in your body. Different methods have unique absorption rates, which directly impact the duration. When you consume CBD orally, such as in the form of CBD gummies, capsules or oil, it has to pass through your digestive system. This process can take a bit longer, causing the effects to last between 4-6 hours. In contrast, using a CBD patch allows the substance to be absorbed directly into your bloodstream, offering longer-lasting effects between 24-48 hours. 

Types of CBD Products

If you’re concerned about how long CBD lasts, you should consider a CBD product that suits the duration you want to feel the benefits of taking CBD. To help you better understand these options, you can use these guidelines on how long you can expect to feel the benefits of taking CBD oil, CBD edibles, and topical CBD products.

CBD Oils and Tinctures

CBD oils and tinctures are popular choices for those looking to benefit from the therapeutic properties of CBD. These products are typically oil-based and are available in various concentrations. CBD oils can be consumed by placing a few drops under your tongue or even by adding them to your food or drinks. When it comes to CBD oil drops, options range from full-spectrum to broad-spectrum and CBD isolate, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences. 

Individuals usually start to feel the benefits of taking CBD Oil within about 15 minutes, however, this may vary depending on your tolerance, dosage and metabolism.

CBD Edibles

If you prefer a more enjoyable and discreet way to consume CBD, CBD edibles might be the ideal choice for you. This category includes various edible products infused with CBD, such as CBD gummies, chocolates, and even beverages. CBD edibles are not only tasty, but they also offer a predictable and consistent dosing method. Keep in mind, however, that CBD edibles usually take longer to take effect than other forms of CBD, as they need to pass through your digestive system before entering your bloodstream. 

CBD edibles can take up to 1-2 hours to kick in, as it takes longer for your system to digest them than taking CBD oil directly.

Topical CBD Products

Topical CBD products, like creams, lotions, and balms, are designed to be applied directly to your skin. They are commonly used to alleviate localised aches, pains, and inflammation or to address specific skin conditions. CBD topicals come in various forms, such as CBD-infused creams, patches, gels, and even roll-ons. These products are known for their ability to target specific areas by delivering CBD directly to the affected tissue.

You should feel the benefits of topical CBD products within 1 hour of applying them but most individuals find they experience a “peak” of these effects after 24 hours of use.

Can the duration of CBD’s effects differ between individuals?

Yes, the duration of CBD’s effects can indeed vary between individuals. As you begin taking CBD, we recommend that you closely monitor how your body responds to different dosages and consumption methods. This will help you tailor your CBD regimen to meet your specific needs and preferences.

How long does it take for CBD to have an effect?

The time it takes to feel the effects of CBD generally depends on the type of CBD product you have taken and how long it takes for CBD to be absorbed into your system. Topical CBD products, such as CBD suppositories, tend to “kick in” sooner than oral CBD products, like CBD oil or gummies. 

How long does CBD last in your system?

While the effects of CBD can last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, CBD can actually remain in your system for days or even over a month in some cases. Typically, CBD can last in your system for a few hours up to several days. It is important to remember that this duration might influence how you metabolise other medications, so you should always consult your GP before starting any new medications if you take CBD.

The form in which you consume CBD also plays a role in determining how long it stays in your system. CBD from topical products typically stay in your system for 10 hours to about 2 days. If you consume it orally, CBD may stay in your system for anywhere between 10 and 25 days.

Keep in mind that everyone’s body is different, meaning the duration for which CBD remains detectable in your system might vary from person to person. As a result, it is imperative to consider your unique physiology and individual factors when determining the potential length of time CBD may stay in your system.