When do CBD Gummies kick in and how long will they last?
You might be curious about the buzz surrounding CBD gummies, especially if you’ve heard about their potential benefits for relaxation and pain relief. If you’re considering trying them, you may be wondering how long it takes for CBD gummies to kick in and how long the effects will last.
There are many assumptions made about CBD, but due to the almost untraceable amounts of THC, consumers won’t experience feeling ‘high’ or intoxicated upon consumption. You’re not alone in wanting clarity on how quickly your body processes these gummies and what you can realistically expect in terms of effects.
Understanding the time it takes to feel the benefits and how long the effects will linger can help you make the most of your CBD experience. Let’s look at what you need to know about CBD gummies, so you can feel confident in your choices.
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When do CBD gummies kick in?
Gummy sweets containing CBD typically take 30 minutes to 2 hours to take effect.
To learn more about the general benefits of CBD gummies and what they are, check out this guide on CBD gummies.
The method of ingestion can also affect the onset time, with sublingual consumption typically producing faster effects than ingesting gummies through your digestive system.
Vaping CBD, for example, brings about the potential impact quite quickly - typically within just five minutes. It's important to note that CBD affects individuals differently, and some might experience faster or slower onset times than others.
Factors that affect the time for CBD gummies to kick in
✅ Metabolic rate / absorption - For you to feel the effects of CBD, it goes through a two-step process of absorption. Starting with the ‘first-pass effect’ which explains the role of the liver and the digestive system processing the CBD, within this stage around 25% of the CBD is metabolised during the first 2 hours of consumption. During the next 2 hours after ingesting CBD, the remaining 75% will be completely absorbed in the “full absorption phase”. [1]
There are some issues which can affect this process, such as liver issues, which may lead to a build-up of CBD in the body, as the liver struggles to fully metabolise it. Alongside this, excessive alcohol consumption can actually increase the absorption of CBD in the body by up to 63%. [2]
To summarise, the slower your metabolism is the longer it will take for you to feel the effects of CBD as your body will take longer to absorb and process it.Whether the gummies are taken on an empty stomach
To put it simply, the emptier your stomach is, the faster the absorption rate of CBD into your system. This is due to the CBD being able to pass through your digestive tract faster, speeding up the metabolism process. So, if you want to feel the effects quickly, take your CBD on an empty stomach. [1]
✅Dosage size - Not everyone’s dosage size will be the same, as it’s reliant on your individual body composition and the intended outcome you want to achieve with CBD.
Low Potency CBD (300mg <): The lower strength CBD is ideal for people who are using CBD to improve their overall health and to potentially alleviate very mild symptoms of anxiety, aches and body pains. If you are new to CBD consumption it's always best practice to start with the lower potency to gradually introduce your body to the effects of CBD.
Medium to High Potency (600mg >): These strengths of CBD are ideal for users who need a higher strength to achieve their desired effect, this strength is recommended for people suffering from chronic conditions such as severe anxiety disorders or ADHD.
The recommended best practice is to start with a smaller dosage and gradually increase based on how your body is adjusting to the effects of CBD.
✅Individual body composition / Calculating dosage - Your individual body composition plays a key part in understanding the correct dosage for your body; factors such as weight and your unique body chemistry along with the specific condition you’re looking to treat all need to be considered. Additionally, the concentration of CBD in the gummies will also play a key role in determining the right dosage.
The best practice is to start with a small dose, typically around 20-40 mg of CBD per day. It’s advised to monitor how your body reacts to CBD, and depending on how your symptoms progress, you can gradually increase the dose by 5 mg increments.
This gradual approach to CBD consumption allows your body to slowly adjust to CBD, along with helping to ensure a balanced and beneficial experience. Many factors such as metabolism, tolerance and severity of the condition you're treating will all impact how quickly you’ll notice the benefits. [3]
How does it feel when it kicks in?
Generally, the effects of CBD are more gradual rather than immediate. You likely won't feel a sudden or intense sensation, as CBD is not psychoactive like THC.
Instead, the onset is often subtle, with users reporting a gradual sense of relaxation, reduced tension, or relief from mild discomforts like anxiety or pain.
How noticeable the effects are can vary depending on factors like dosage, your body's unique response, and what you're using CBD for. Some people may feel a gentle calming effect, while others might experience more physical relief. It's important to remember that the effects build over time, and consistency in use can lead to more pronounced benefits.
How long do the effects of CBD gummies last?
Typically, the effects of CBD gummies will last from 4-6 hours, with the effects felt within the first 2 hours. However, factors such as the strength of CBD dosage and metabolism rates may have an effect on the duration.
Factors that affect how long CBD gummies last
Here are several factors which can influence how long the effects of CBD gummies last:
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Dosage Size: As expected, a larger CBD dose size will mean the effects will last longer, as there is more for the body to metabolise.
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Frequency of Use: Regular CBD users may begin to experience shorter effects over time due to a higher tolerance of CBD. This is as a result of the body adapting to regular CBD consumption leading to feeling the effects for a shorter amount of time.
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Metabolism: The faster your metabolism the quicker your body will metabolise CBD leading to shorter-lasting effects. Meaning that individuals with a slower metabolism will experience the effects of CBD over a longer period.
- Body Weight & Fat Percentage: Due to CBD being stored in fat cells, people with higher body fat will experience more prolonged effects, as CBD will accumulate in the fat tissue and be released over time. On the other hand, people with a lower body fat percentage will metabolise CBD faster leading to short-lasting effects.
When is the best time to take CBD gummies?
The timing of your CBD consumption can affect the results you’re wanting to achieve:
🧘♂️For relaxation & stress: If you’re looking to use CBD as a means to reduce stress, particularly before bed, it’s recommended to take your CBD 1-2 hours before bedtime. In turn allowing for enough time for the effects of CBD to set in.
❤️🩹For Pain or Discomfort Relief: It’s advised to take CBD gummies in the morning or afternoon if using CBD for the alleviation of pain or discomfort. As the results of CBD last for 4-6 hours, spacing the doses can provide consistent relief, especially for chronic conditions.
👩⚕️For Overall Wellness: When taking CBD for aiding overall wellness, it's recommended to take the gummies at consistent times each day (like with breakfast or dinner) helping to maintain steady levels of CBD in your system.
The timing of your CBD consumption can influence the onset and duration of the effects. Experimenting with different times of the day and adjusting your needs according to your body’s reaction is a great way to determine the ideal dosage.
Can you take too many CBD gummies in one day?
It is possible to over consume on CBD gummies, however the effects are still mild and generally well-tolerated even for higher dosages. [4]
The very mild side effects of CBD overconsumption may include drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea or digestive discomfort. These effects are typically temporary, but it’s still important to start with a low dosage and monitor how your body reacts, and slowly increase the dosage.
Finding this specific dosage it's important you take into consideration your own unique circumstances based on your body chemistry which will help to understand how many CBD gummies you should eat to achieve your desired effect.
When should I take more CBD gummies?
If you feel as though your current CBD dosage isn’t providing the desired effects, that’s why it’s recommended taking more to achieve the results you want. To avoid overconsumption, it is advised to stick to the recommended dosage on the product label, despite CBD being generally safe.
To stay safe when consuming CBD, always start with a small dosage and gradually increase the amount you're taking to ensure a safe balance and to allow for your body to become accustomed to the effects of CBD.
The importance of good quality CBD gummies
High-quality CBD gummies will directly impact the effectiveness, safety and consistency of your experience using CBD so it’s essential to choose high-quality and lab-tested products. [5] Here’s why it matters:
- Ingredient Purity: To ensure you’re getting the most out of your CBD products, you need to be assured they’re made with pure and clean ingredients. This is to ensure it doesn’t contain artificial additives or contaminants which could alter your desired effect.
- Lab Tested: Checking the CBD brand uses third-party lab testing allows you to be sure that the CBD you are consuming is free from harmful substances and every batch is safe to consume.
- Consistency: High-quality CBD gummies offer consistent dosages, ensuring you are aware of the exact amount of CBD you are getting in each order. This also allows for a consistent experience without any adverse effects.
Are you curious about trying CBD gummies but not sure where to start? Our CBD Gummy Bears Grab Bag is a perfect way to experience our quality CBD gummies for just £10. 
Whether you’re looking for relaxation, pain relief, or just a sweet treat, try our grab bag today!
Research
[1] - Cannabinoid Delivery Systems for Pain and Inflammation Treatment
[2] - Oral delivery of cannabidiol: Revealing the formulation and absorption challenges
[3] - A systematic review of cannabidiol dosing in clinical populations