CBD seems to be on everyone’s minds–and for good reason. As more people understand its potential benefits, wellness brands continue to develop innovative products to suit almost every need and preference.
But for those new to CBD, it can be confusing to know not only what products to buy but also how to take CBD. While everyone is different, there are some general guidelines for establishing an effective CBD routine to fit your lifestyle.
Key Takeaways
- Unlike immediate-effect medications, CBD's effects often require about five days of regular intake to become noticeable.
- This is due to the ‘cumulative effect’ as CBD builds up in the endocannabinoid system over time, creating a foundation for more consistent therapeutic outcomes.
- Keeping a journal of CBD intake can help users track results and refine their approach, noting factors like timing, dosage, and effects.
How Often to Take CBD?
With CBD, it is crucial to take your doses consistently. One of the biggest misconceptions about CBD is that you will feel the effects immediately upon taking your first dose.
The truth is that you probably won’t.
This myth has led many a first-time user down the road to disappointment since they misunderstand how CBD works in the body. So, setting your expectations right is important.
Generally, you should begin noticing the effects of CBD after about five days of consistent use, that is, five days of consuming one to two servings each day. There are a couple of reasons why doing this is necessary to get the most benefit from your product.
Anytime you introduce a new compound into your body–be it food, medication, or supplement–your body requires time to process and acclimate. CBD is no different.
Each body reacts differently to cannabinoids, so some users may experience noticeable effects after five days, while others may take a week or even longer. This is totally normal (and in our opinion, it’s always worth the wait!).
The principle of ‘cumulative effects’ is another reason you should take a daily dose. CBD interacts with receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) and remains in your system for a while after you’ve consumed it.
This allows its concentration to build up in your system to sufficient amounts to produce therapeutic benefits. This is generally how supplements work. So, if you tried CBD one time and did not notice any benefits, you probably stopped dosing too early.
This is why consistency is vital to getting the most out of your CBD experience.
How Long Does CBD Take to Work?
How long it takes CBD to work depends on several factors.
The first one is the delivery method and there are three main methods: ingestion, topical application, and inhalation.
Each of these methods has its pros and cons. For example, ingestion is usually the preferred consumption method for edibles (e.g., gummies, softgels, capsules). Edibles typically take longer for the effects to kick in but last longer.
Topicals (e.g., creams, balms, lotions, roll-ons) are applied directly to the affected area. This method delivers targeted relief and is ideal for localized injuries and inflammation. It also carries minimal risks of side effects since you do not ingest the product.
Inhalation is another way to take CBD. It is the fastest in terms of effects onset but comes with risks to your respiratory system, so always ensure such products are of the highest quality should this be your preferred method.
Your metabolism also determines how quickly you feel the effects. People with faster metabolisms typically feel the effects faster than those with slower metabolisms. But also, those with faster metabolisms will need to dose frequently to maintain enough CBD levels in their systems.
Body physiology also plays a part. If you use cannabis products frequently, you develop tolerance, meaning your ‘effective dose’ (accumulated CBD levels in your system) will be higher than someone new to these products.
The same applies to taking CBD with or without fatty food. In most cases, taking CBD with food delays the onset of effects but offers a prolonged experience. The reason is that cannabinoids are stored in fatty tissues from where they are slowly released back into your system.
When to Take CBD?
The question of when to take CBD all comes down to what you use it for. As mentioned, it’s important to take it consistently to reap the maximum benefits. But there are specific times of day when you may want to take your dose(s) depending on the issues you aim to address.
For Healthy Sleep Cycles
To promote healthy sleep cycles, take CBD in the evening. We recommend our Softgel Capsules, which are designed to have prolonged effects and help you fall and stay asleep the whole night. If you are taking CBD for sleep, we recommend dosing 30-45 minutes before bed.
R&R’s Softgeexls are available in full- and broad-spectrum versions. Our Full-Spectrum Softgels contain 15 to 30mg of CBD plus 3mg of other cannabinoids, while our Broad-Spectrum, THC-Free version delivers 30mg of CBD along with minor cannabinoids.
To Manage Stress
We all get stressed, whether because of work, social situations, or when matters seemingly get out of control. That’s why we recommend dosing up on CBD throughout the day to help target and manage stress.
CBD’s calming effects are well documented in research, so if you have a big presentation at work that is making you nervous or a hot date in the evening, try CBD to calm you down.
For such situations, we recommend one dose in the morning and another at midday. Our CBD Gummies are an excellent option and are quite popular for their effectiveness and mouth-watering taste.
We partnered with a candy manufacturer to develop a recipe people would look forward to eating. Soft, chewy, sweet, and potent, our Gummies are truly a culinary experience.
R&R’s CBD Gummies are vegan and gluten-free and come in full- and broad-spectrum variants offering 25mg of CBD per Gummy. And with 30 Gummies per jar, that’s a whole lot of calmness to experience!
To Address Discomfort
CBD may help target symptoms related to pain, inflammation, and other health issues.
For localized pain, you can take CBD whenever you feel pain. However, for chronic pain, we recommend taking CBD regularly and in high enough doses for a meaningful effect.
For localized pain, we recommend our award-winning CBD Cream. This is the real deal: each quarter-sized dollop delivers around 33mg of CBD plus over 4mg of minor cannabinoids. Plus, it’s formulated with anti-inflammatory and moisturizing ingredients to leave your skin well-soothed.
For chronic pain, you need something you can easily dose routinely. Our Tinctures come in two flavor options: Unflavored and Fresh Mint. Depending on your preference, you can choose the full-spectrum or broad-spectrum (THC-free) versions.
These Tinctures come with graduated droppers for easy and precise dosing. We recommend taking them sublingually for potent, fast-acting, and effective relief.
Take CBD 30 Minutes Before Eating
What is the correct order of taking CBD? Do you eat first and then take CBD, or vice versa?
For maximum effects, we advise consuming CBD on an empty stomach roughly 30 minutes before eating. This fast-tracks its digestion and gets it into your bloodstream faster.
Track Your Progress to See What Works Best for You
CBD’s effects are influenced by many variables, including how much you take, what time of day you take it, what product you’re trying, and how consistent you are with dosing.
A helpful practice is to keep a journal to get a complete picture of CBD’s effects on you. You may be wondering how journaling comes in, but it can be helpful since it’s easy to forget when and how you took your doses, especially when looking back weeks or months (which you should).
A journal helps you identify longer-term patterns so you can hone in on what works. Here are a few things to make note of as you journal:
- Did you take CBD on a full stomach or an empty stomach?
- What time of day did you consume the dose?
- What kind of mood were you in before versus after?
- What was your level of discomfort or stress before and after?
- Notice anything particularly good or bad about the experience?
Remember, consistency–dosing regularly and keeping accurate records of your CBD experience–can help you make the most of your CBD routine.
In Conclusion
CBD is in vogue for its health and wellness benefits. It is natural, non-psychoactive, and boasts a myriad of potential therapeutic benefits. However, to derive these benefits, it is imperative to dose correctly and consistently.
However, people respond to cannabinoids differently—it is all a matter of knowing your body, experimenting with new products and doses, and not being afraid to branch out and try new things.
Most importantly, the quality of the CBD you take makes all the difference. For the best results, buy CBD from reputable brands like R&R CBD. Our products are third-party tested for potency and purity and are formulated with health and wellness experts to ensure they deliver.
So, head to our online shop and browse our selection of high-quality CBD products.
More resources to enhance your cbd routine
Knowing how CBD interacts with your body and how to use it effectively is key to creating a routine that works. For instance, knowing the difference between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD can help you choose the right product for consistent results.
Tracking your CBD intake can also help refine your approach over time. Our guide on how to use CBD consistently highlights strategies for incorporating CBD into your daily routine for maximum benefits.
Lastly, if you’re looking to cannabinoids for specific wellness goals like improving energy or focus, learning about what CBD is best for boosting energy can provide practical tips for enhancing your overall vitality.
These resources are valuable tools to support your journey toward a balanced and effective CBD routine.
How Should I Take CBD: Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Take CBD?
Consistency is vital with CBD. Take it daily for five days to start noticing the effects as it builds up in your system. Most people need one to two servings each day for optimal benefits.
How Long Does it Take for CBD to Work?
The onset varies by method and individual metabolism. Edibles take longer, but last longer, topicals provide quick, localized relief, and inhalation is fast-acting. Expect effects to build with regular use.
When Is the Best Time to Take CBD?
The best time depends on your goals: take CBD in the evening for sleep, twice daily for stress, and as needed for pain. Morning and midday doses help manage daily stress, while evening doses support restful sleep.
Should I Take CBD with Food?
Take CBD on an empty stomach for faster effects, ideally 30 minutes before eating. However, taking it with a fatty meal can slow absorption but may prolong its effects.
