21 Sep How Long Does it Take for Hemp Oil to Work?
Before taking hemp oil it is important to understand what it is, how long does hemp oil last, where it comes from and what you might find in it. Hemp oil is derived from the cannabis sativa plant, but could come either from the hemp plant or the marijuana plant. Hemp oils all contain CBD (a cannabinoid) which in itself is not a psychoactive ingredient and will not get you high. Some hemp oils also contain THC – most likely hemp oils derived from the marijuana plan. THC, on the other hand, is a cannabinoid type that has psychoactive effects. This is a component that gets you high and is illegal in many places. Many hemp oils that are sold on the market contain less than 0.3% THC because they come directly from the hemp plant.
Factors that Affect the Length of Time it Takes Hemp Oil to Work?
If you’re new to CBD products, a few questions you might want answers to are how long does it take for hemp oil to work and how long do the effects of hemp oil last in the body. The answers to both questions depend on a variety of factors:
The dosage/amount one has taken
The dose or amount of hemp oil taken does have an impact on how long it will take to see its effects and how long it will last in the body. Hemp oil comes in varying concentrations and you can generally control your dosage by controlling how much of it you take. While the dosage may not affect the speed at which you will notice effects, it will have an impact on the length of time you will notice the effects for.
How CBD is consumed
There are a variety of ways you can take hemp oil (detailed below) and these will directly impact the length of time required for you to notice effects.
The person
Certain people will see results instantly while others may see results of their CBD intake after a week or two of daily use. Two people will not respond in the same manner when they take CBD oil even if the dose is the same because of their age, weight, genetics, fitness and various other factors.
How is hemp oil used? What are the pros and cons of each method?
Through application
One of the easiest ways to take CBD oil is by applying it on the skin through ointments or balms. You don’t need to have any experience or any other tools, all you have to do is apply the dosage on the part of the body you want. This is effective for people who have skin conditions like acne, migraines and sore muscles. If you’re suffering from muscle pain, an application of CBD or hemp balm may relieve your symptoms.
Pros
- A very easy method to use
- No tools or accessories needed
- Works wonders for chronic pain and sore muscles
- Mild effects compared to other methods of consumption
Cons
- The effects don’t last long when compared to other consumption methods
- This is one of the slowest methods of absorption
Smoking and vaping through inhaling
Vaporizing CBD or hemp oil is one of the quickest methods of consumption because it bypasses digestive processes, with the chemicals hitting your bloodstream through your lungs. Most electronic cigarettes or “vapes” can accommodate hemp oil cartridges and there are even hemp oil or CBD e-liquids available for purchase.
Pros
- You can easily manage your intake/dosage
- The fastest way to consume CBD oil
- Maximum effects
Cons
- Requires accessories and extra tools
- Smoking and vaporizing can be harmful to your lungs and throat
Under the tongue (Sublingual)
CBD oil tinctures normally come in dropper bottles that are very portable, discreet, and can be taken quickly by applying a few drops under the tongue. You may feel the effects of the hemp oil in this manner in a matter of minutes.
Pros
- You don’t require any extra accessories or tools
- Portable and very discreet
- You can control how much you use
- Long lasting effects
Cons
- Taste – most hemp oils are not particularly delicious
- Results do vary from one person to another
Edibles
CBD oil can be taken by adding it to your favorite food or other edibles like lollipops and gummy bears. Consuming too many at one time can cause an upset stomach which is that last thing anyone needs. Be sensible and consume your edible CBD oil sparingly to realize the medicinal effects you are trying to achieve.
Pros
- Effects last longer compared to the other methods of consumption
- Just like the droplets under the tongue, edibles are very discreet and often just look like candy
Cons
- It can take between 30 minutes – 2 hours to feel the effects
- It can be tricky to get the right dose at times
- You need to rely on the manufacturer to have properly measured dosages
How long does it take you to feel the effects of hemp oil?
As discussed above, dosage, method, amount of CBD taken, body mass, age and fitness all affect the speed of absorption when hemp oil is taken. So here is the average time each consumption method takes for a person to feel the effects of CBD and answers the question how long does it take for hemp oil to work, for each consumption method.
- Topically – Very Slow, between 25 minutes to an hour to take effect
- Orally (Edibles) – Very Slow, between 30 minutes to several hours depending on the edibles that you are consuming and your digestive processes
- Sublingually (Under the tongue) – Between 5-30 minutes
- Inhalation (Vaporization) – Between 2-10 minutes
Vaping is fast but what do I need to start vaporizing hemp oil?
Before starting to vape hemp or CBD oil you want to make sure you have the right tools for the job. You can currently purchase CBD oil cartridges from many manufacturers – these will contain a dosage of CBD and the cartridge will be threaded to fit on most vape pens or battery mods. You will also require a vape pen and/or battery mod unless you have purchased a disposable CBD vape pen on its own. It is also possible to purchase refillable cartridges or tanks and make your own “vape-able” hemp oil at home – but make sure you know what you’re doing or you may just waste a bunch of your hemp oil and ruin your vaping device in the process.
How long does hemp oil last once it kicks in?
How long do the effects of hemp oil last? It depends on the dosage and consumption method. Generally speaking, high dosages will cause you to notice the effects of hemp oil for longer, and the consumption methods that work the fastest will also likely have the lowest longevity for medicinal effects. Vaping and sublingual application work very quickly, but you might find yourself having to take more hemp oils after 2-3 hours. On average, CBD oil doses last anywhere between 2 to 6 hours (the longer lasting method will almost always be edibles, since your body digests things very slowly and the CBD will be released into your bloodstream over a longer amount of time).
Final thoughts
Addressing the question how long does it take for hemp oil to work is not a particularly simple answer. There are plenty of different factors that affect how CBD and hemp oil is processed in the body. Overall it is very important to be aware that dosage and consumption methods both play a large part in the speed of absorption and the effect time of your hemp oil once consumed. Above everything else, please make sure you consult with your doctor to see if hemp oil is right for you before you start experimenting with the products and/or different consumption methods. Your doctor may even be able to suggest the correct consumption method for you and for your condition.
No Comments