How Long Does It Take for CBD to Make Me Feel Relaxed?

If you're taking CBD for relaxation, it's important to take it at the right time. But when is that, exactly?

We break down the science behind CBD's effects to help you figure out the perfect time to take it for relaxation.

Key Takeaways

• Many people take CBD for relaxation.
• How long it takes for CBD's effects to start depends on many factors, including your method of consumption.
• Taking CBD sublingually, or under the tongue, usually causes effects in 15-30 minutes.
• Edibles take a little longer to kick in because they have to pass through your digestive system.

See More: Does Delta 9 Make You Sleepy?

Taking CBD for Relaxation

Meredith Farrow, founder of Clean Remedies, says:

"Relaxation is one of the most common reasons people use CBD. Oils taken under the tongue can kick in within 15 minutes, while edibles usually take at least 30."

CBD is prized for its uplifting, relaxing effects. It's one of the main reasons millions of people use CBD.

In fact, the majority of people who use CBD say they use it to reduce stress and relax. Many more people say they use CBD to help them relax before bed and support their sleep. 

Modern research into CBD has confirmed its ability to promote relaxation. Today, you can get high-quality CBD products carefully designed to help you unwind and decompress. Reputable manufacturers will provide careful dosage recommendations to help you get the effects you want.

But that still leaves one important question. How long does it actually take for CBD's relaxing effects to kick in? 

To determine that, we need to explore how CBD works.

How CBD Works

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound produced by hemp plants and cannabis plants. It's chemically very similar to THC. 

However, unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive. It does not get you high in the same way as THC. 

Instead, it interacts with different systems in your body. That's why it has so many potential benefits and uses. These include relaxation, of course, but also sleep, pain, stress, and even recreation. 

Endocannabinoid System

The main system through which CBD provides its effects is the endocannabinoid system. It's a complex network of signals and receptors spread throughout your body. Many of the receptors are concentrated in the brain.

The endocannabinoid system is connected to and helps regulate many crucial bodily functions. It's linked to sleep, mood, pain, immunity, appetite, and more. 

The signals used by this system are called endocannabinoids. They're cannabinoids, like CBD, that are naturally produced by your body. The receptors are called cannabinoid receptors.

You might be able to see where this is going. As a cannabinoid, CBD is able to interact with the endocannabinoid system. It does this in several ways, one of which is supporting your body's natural cannabinoids to enhance their effects. 

In other words, your body's endocannabinoid system naturally helps you respond to stress and relax. CBD supports and enhances this process. In doing so, it may help promote relaxation.

Legality

Another difference between CBD and THC is their status under federal law. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp. It defined hemp as plants containing less than 0.3% THC by dry weight.

Hemp plants might contain trace amounts of THC, but they can have large concentrations of CBD. This law effectively made hemp-derived CBD products legal, at least under federal law. State and local laws may vary.

Different Blends

Hemp plants also naturally produce hundreds of other compounds. These include other cannabinoids, like CBN or CBG. They also include compounds like terpenes.

When you extract all of these natural compounds from hemp, the result is called a full-spectrum hemp extract. Full-spectrum CBD products, therefore, have the full range of natural compounds. That includes small amounts of THC.

But why include these other compounds at all?

Well, many of them have their own potential health benefits. For example, some terpenes are thought to help promote relaxation, too. 

The presence of these other compounds, including THC, is also thought to make the CBD more effective. It's a phenomenon called the entourage effect.

Nevertheless, if you don't want THC in your CBD product, you can grab a product using broad-spectrum hemp extract. That means all the natural compounds are included, except THC.

And if you want CBD and nothing else, you can grab a CBD isolate.

Drug Tests

Most drug tests aren't looking for evidence of CBD use. They're looking for evidence of THC use.

To do this, drug tests usually screen for compounds called THC metabolites. They're the things left over when your body breaks down THC. 

Full-spectrum CBD products do contain tiny amounts of THC, which may trigger a positive test. Broad-spectrum and CBD isolate products technically contain zero THC and therefore should not trigger a positive test.

However, CBD product labeling can be inaccurate. In order to be certain, make sure to look for products that have been independently tested. 

All of Clean Remedies' CBD products are tested by a third-party lab. You can check the certificate of analysis from these tests by scanning the QR code included with your product.

Bonus: Can Delta 8 THC Be Used to Help With Pain?

The Science of CBD and Relaxation

Millions of people use CBD for relaxation. As we mentioned, it's one of the most common reasons people use CBD.

Multiple studies have found that CBD can promote relaxation. 

For example, one 2024 review of eight studies involving hundreds of participants analyzed whether CBD could help reduce stress. It concluded that CBD had a "substantial significant impact" on stress in both the short- and long-term. 

What might that look like? Well, one study gave participants a CBD capsule before a stressful speech to an audience. Participants given the capsule said they felt less stressed. 

How Much CBD to Take

CBD's effects vary between individuals based on many factors. Age, size, metabolism, tolerance, and other things can all affect how you experience CBD. 

That makes it difficult to calculate specific doses. You can see this in research, which has tested doses ranging from just 10mg all the way up to 1,500mg per day.

Experts generally recommend starting with a low dose. If you don't feel the desired effects, you can increase the dose gradually until you do. 

It's also a good idea to follow the dosage recommendations provided with your product. For example, we recommend taking one or two of our Sleep & Soothe Gummies depending on your desired effects. We also recommend taking them with a meal.

How Long Does CBD Take to Work

The time it takes for CBD to kick in can also vary widely. Several factors can influence this.

One of the most important factors is the consumption method. There are plenty of ways to take CBD. Some are much faster-acting than others. 

For example, when you vape CBD, many people feel effects within five to ten minutes. Another fast method is taking CBD oil or tinctures sublingually, which means placing a few drops under your tongue. It passes into the bloodstream quickly and usually results in effects within 15 to 30 minutes.

Edibles, like CBD gummies, usually take longer. For example, we recommend taking our Sleep & Soothe Gummies 30 minutes before bed. Some people find that CBD edibles take an hour to fully kick in.

These timeframes are general and can also vary between individuals. For example, someone with a faster metabolism may find CBD kicks in faster for them compared to someone with a slower metabolism. 

Where to Get CBD for Relaxation

When choosing CBD products, it's important to look for quality. One way to do that, as we mentioned, is to look for products that have been independently tested. 

Another thing to consider is your method of consumption. Each method has its advantages.

CBD Oil

CBD oil is incredibly versatile. You can place it under your tongue for fast-acting effects, add it to your favorite food or drink, or use it to make delicious homemade edibles.

If you want the potential benefits of the entourage effect, grab our Full-Spectrum CBD Tincture. It's crafted from whole hemp plants to preserve the natural synergy of cannabinoids and terpenes, working together. 

For a blend with zero THC, consider our Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil Tincture. It's crafted in small batches and is free from artificial ingredients.

You might remember we mentioned that other cannabinoids can have their own potential benefits. If you want to pair your CBD with one of its cousins, try our CBD & CBD Optimal Wellness Tincture Oil. It's a 1:1 ratio of CBD and CBG to restore harmony between mind and body.

CBD Gummies

One of the most popular ways to take CBD is with gummies. They're an easy and delicious way to take CBD.

We've already mentioned our Sleep & Soothe CBD Gummies. These blend CBD with other sleep-supporting ingredients, like GABA, L-Theanine, and CBN.

Another great option for relaxation is our Relax & Calm CBD Gummies. They're made with broad-spectrum hemp extract, which means zero THC. Each gummy contains 10mg of CBD for relaxation and balance. 

"I love our Relax & Calm Gummies," says Clean Remedies founder Meredith Farrow, "especially during the day when I still need to be alert and able to perform at work or at home with my kids.… They're great just to take that edge off and just help you relax."

Other CBD Products

Looking for CBD and nothing else? Then you might want 99%+ Pure CBD Isolate Powder. It's a flavorless, versatile powder that you can blend into your morning or evening rituals with ease. 

Conclusion

CBD is widely used for relaxation. How long it takes to kick in depends on several factors, including the method of consumption. For edibles, which are one of the most popular methods of consumption, you can usually expect to wait at least 30 minutes before feeling CBD's effects. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Know If CBD Is Working?

CBD's effects can be subtle. There might not be a sharp or sudden shift, as with THC. Instead, you should ideally feel a general sense of relaxation or a reduction in stress. 

Do You Feel a Buzz From CBD?

CBD is non-psychoactive, so it won't get you high. Many people describe experiencing uplifting or calming effects. 

How Long Until You Feel the Effects of CBD?

That depends on many things, including how you took the CBD. If you placed oil under your tongue, you might have to wait around 15-30 minutes. Edibles usually take at least 30 minutes to kick in because they need to work their way through your digestive system. 

Keep Reading: Does CBD Actually Help With Muscle Recovery?

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Clean Remedies is a woman-owned, independent family business that uses clean and natural hemp extract to create products that are free from harmful chemicals, cruelty-free, and made in the USA, meant to benefit your well-being and meet our own high standards of efficacy. For CBD facts, product discounts, and more, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.