You may have heard of CBD, or cannabidiol, as a natural option people turn to for relief. It’s commonly used to support stress, anxiety, pain, and sleep concerns. CBD is available in several forms, including topical creams applied directly to the skin and ingestible products that are either swallowed or absorbed under the tongue. As each method works differently in the body, understanding how long CBD takes to take effect can help you choose the option that best suits your needs.
Sublingual Diffusion
Sublingual Diffusion is an incredibly effective method of taking CBD oil. Simply draw up your desired dose and place it under your tongue. Hold this for 30 to 60 seconds to allow for optimal absorption then swallow down.
Sublingual diffusion is one of the fastest methods of getting CBD directly into your bloodstream and takes 15 – 45 mins to begin to work. The effects can last for several hours, often up to around 6 – 8 hours depending on the individual.
Shop our range of CBD oils here! Not sure how much to take? Our dosage guide will help you find a starting dose.
Digesting
Digestive absorption is another common way to take CBD, typically through capsules, gummies, or other edible products. These are swallowed and pass through the digestive system before entering the bloodstream, and so are best taken with food.
Because the CBD must first be processed by the stomach and liver, this method takes longer to take effect. Effects are usually felt within 30 – 90 minutes, though this can vary depending on factors such as metabolism, body weight, and whether you have eaten recently.
Shop our wide range of CBD edibles here!
Topical Application
Topical application can be a useful option for localised discomfort or tension. When applied directly to the desired area, CBD creams and balms absorb into the skin and interact with receptors in the surrounding tissues.
Because they are applied to a specific area, topicals are often chosen for targeted support rather than whole-body effects. Many people report noticing effects within 20 – 40 minutes, although some may feel a difference sooner depending on the product strength and individual response.
Our Deep Relief creams come in a variety of strengths for painful areas — see how creams, balms, gels and patches compare in our format guide for joint, muscle and nerve pain.
Shop our CBD topicals here!
Why HempWell?
At HempWell, we pride ourselves on being more than just another CBD brand. Since 2017, we’ve been producing high-quality CBD products at our own laboratory in York Science Park, and we deliver across Ireland with DPD. As an award-winning CBD retailer, our “seed-to-shelf” approach ensures full transparency and consistency across everything we make. All of our products are manufactured in our world-class, SALSA and HACCP certified laboratory, and each product is independently lab tested — all reports are published on our lab reports page. With years of expertise and a reputation you can trust, we’re proud to supply premium CBD across Ireland and Europe.