Since CBD (cannabidiol) started to go into the mainstream, many people new to CBD are asking these simple but so important questions, you can scroll down to read more detailed answers.
- How does it feel? relaxed.
- How long it takes to feel effects? 30 min.
- Does it feel like smoking cannabis? No, no ‘high’ feeling at all.
- Will it make me high ? No.
- Can i drive or work while using CBD? Not recommended.
- Will it show up if i take a drug test? in most test instruments it might show.
I will try to answer all of these questions in detail and cover some basic rules: when to try CBD, how to consume CBD, how much CBD to start with, who should not try CBD.
CBD is the non-psychoactive cannabinoid ingredient in the cannabis plant. CBD comes in different forms: Oil, skin care products like CBD Lotion or CBD Cream, Capsules, Syrups, CBD powder. So the question ‘how it makes you feel’ and ‘how long it takes until it kicks in’ also depends on how you took it.
Once CBD effects kicks in, it’s not totally changing your current state but more smoothing your mind so you can still focus and keep working, for sleep you probably want to take a bit more to quiet down all thoughts.
CBD generally changes mental state by raising levels of anandamide and GABA within the brain, resulting in increased relaxation and decreased excitability. These effects are not intoxicating, yet certainly alter mood. Therefore, CBD will not impair function when it comes to driving in most people. However, it should be noted that some people experience side effects from the cannabinoid that could potentially lower driving capability. Many countries have strict zero tolerance laws when it comes to THC levels in the blood.
Time to effect by consumption method
Taking CBD Oil/Tincture under the tongue – The best consumption method, try holding it for 60 seconds under your tongue before swallowing it. The absorption process bypasses the digestive system and liver metabolization, allowing the compounds to reach your bloodstream and interact with the endocannabinoid system more quickly.
Capsules or gummies – Takes longer but last longer.
Smoking a cbd (only) joint: Fastest way, but with short effect.
| Method used | Absorption rate | Time to take effect |
| Ingested | 4 – 20% | 30 minutes – 2 hours |
| Under your tongue | 40% | 20-30 minutes |
| Rectally | 8 -50% | 30-60 minutes |
| Inhaled | Up to 60% | 5 – 10 minutes |
| Rubbed into skin / topicall | Can be up to 45% but stays localised. | 20 – 40 minutes |
The difference between smoking cannabis and taking cbd
Smoking cannabis bring you ‘high’, you are in less control, most of the times cannot focus or work (sometimes that’s the goal). Taking CBD just make you more relaxed.
When to try CBD?
If it’s your first time, take it 30-60 minutes before going to sleep, when you are not in a hurry to wake up too early the day after. so you can experience it fully and not worry to much.
How to consume CBD?
Best way is to take CBD oil and place it under the tongue for 60 seconds if the taste is bad just take a candy right after.
How much CBD to start with?
Start with a low amount, every person reacts a bit different, half a dropper ~5mg CBD should be enough.
who should not try CBD?
CBD alters the activities of some enzymes in the liver, such as the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, which speeds up the metabolism of pharmaceutical drugs in the body. It’s advisable you consult with your doctor before you use CBD oil alongside any pharmaceutical drug.