With CBD’s rise in popularity, many users wonder if they are taking it at the right time of day; or if such a thing even exists.
Many factors play into this. Your metabolism, weight and other factors all influence how well CBD works. In addition, the best time of day to take CBD may also depend on the type of CBD you use or what you’re looking to use it for.
Understanding how CBD interacts with your body is key to knowing what time of day is best to use it.
In this article, we’ll explore the different factors that go into choosing when to take CBD and how it works in your body for various health concerns. We’ll also explore the different types of CBD available on the market and how to choose accordingly.
What is CBD?
Cannabis is a controversial plant, but one of the most exciting discoveries in recent years has been how humans can potentially use it to help ease chronic pain, inflammation, anxiety, insomnia, depression, stress, and much more.
The legalization of cannabis has led to the creation of all kinds of hemp-based CBD oils. These are now readily available for purchase online and in dispensaries across Canada.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants. It belongs to a group of compounds called cannabinoids; CBD is mainly extracted from the hemp plant due to its naturally low THC content.
Cannabinoids work by interacting with specific receptors in the Endocannabinoid System. This system is responsible for several functions in the body, including regulating mood, pain sensation, memory and more.
What is the best time of day to take CBD?
Different factors influence how well CBD works in your body; the best time of day to take CBD may also depend on what you’re looking for from a CBD product.
For those using CBD for anxiety, depression, pain relief and other conditions, taking it during the day might be preferable; those suffering from a lack of sleep might choose to use it at night instead.
It also depends on how CBD makes you feel.
How does CBD make you feel?
There’s no doubt about it; CBD affects us all in different ways. How it affects you as an individual will have a significant impact on when you use it.
If you feel more energized after taking CBD, consider taking it in the morning to boost your energy levels. You can also use it throughout the day to keep your energy levels up.
Drinking your morning coffee with CBD can help get you going in the mornings. In addition, the CBD has the added bonus of potentially negating the more negative effects of coffee, like anxiety or the “jitters.”
If you’re someone who feels more relaxed or gets a bit drowsy from CBD, it may be best to take it in the evenings only.
A Natural Solution for Pain Management
Taking CBD as a preventative measure may allow you to experience its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects before the pain even starts.
If you’re using CBD for pain, it is best to take it first thing in the morning.
For those suffering from chronic pain, using CBD multiple times a day might be necessary to keep up adequate levels of CBD in the bloodstream.
Taking CBD for anxiety relief
For those with anxiety, using CBD multiple times a day may be more helpful than just once at any given time.
However, anxiety can be a sporadic condition that comes and goes throughout the day; it may be beneficial to experiment with using CBD regularly or just when you feel anxious.
Taking CBD for sleep
For those using CBD for sleep, taking it at night is the best option. Ensure you give yourself enough time to let the effects of the CBD fully kick in before heading to bed – 1 hour is recommended at the very least.
Is it safe to take CBD multiple times a day?
According to research on the subject, doses of CBD up to 1500mg were well tolerated in adults, with few side effects. You definitely can take too much CBD, but the upper limits are way more than anyone would ever consider taking at a time – 20,000mg.
CBD also works best when taken on a consistent, regular basis. CBD may not necessarily work to its full therapeutic potential if you are taking it sporadically.
Taking CBD in smaller doses throughout the day also may provide more benefits than one larger dose.
Each person has their own unique Endocannabinoid System; what works for one person may not work for another.
Experimenting with your CBD at different doses and times of day will give you a better understanding of how it works specifically for you.
How much CBD should I take at any given time?
Most CBD products will provide recommended dosages on their packaging.
However, the best way to figure out how much CBD you should take is to start with a low dose and slowly increase it until you get the desired results.
There is no one-size-fits-all dosage for everyone’s Endocannabinoid System, so find what works best for you.
Starting with 5-10mg twice a day is generally recommended if you are new to CBD.
Once you know how your body responds to the lower dose, then use that as a guide for determining where to go from there.
As always, consult your doctor before taking any new supplements or medications. CBD may interact with certain medications due to how it is processed in the liver.
CBD’s Quick Impact: Time to Feel the Difference
Different CBD products have different absorption and bioavailability rates.
The bioavailability rate of CBD refers to the amount of the substance that is absorbed by your system and available for cell uptake.
The rate at which CBD will be absorbed can vary depending on how it is consumed. For example, if you ingest an edible CBD product such as gummies or brownies, the CBD in them will be processed more slowly than if you were to vape CBD.
It can take anywhere from 30 minutes up to 2 hours for CBD to start working, depending on the method of ingestion.
CBD oils/tinctures
Oils and tinctures usually take 10-20 minutes to start working. This makes CBD oil a fantastic option to have on hand at all times, as you can begin to feel relief very quickly, and the effects typically last up to 6 hours.
CBD edibles like capsules and gummies
It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours for CBD gummies and capsules to start working. Therefore, these types of products may be best for nighttime or preventative use, and their effects generally last as long as oils do – up to 6 hours.
Topical CBD products
CBD topicals also go to work very quickly but are limited to localized external issues only, mainly those that have to do with pain and inflammation.
As these types of products are generally not absorbed into your bloodstream, they are not exactly ideal for treating conditions such as anxiety or depression.
CBD topicals can be used pretty much as needed, and are the best option for localized aches and pains.
CBD vapes
Vaping CBD is one of the quickest ways to get CBD into your system, but it also doesn’t last as long.
CBD vapes are great for those who need relief fast. The CBD is instantly absorbed through the lungs and goes to work almost immediately.
Those with anxiety or pain might find this one of the best methods, but vaping CBD is still considered controversial and should be used with caution.
It is important to note that the onset rates vary by the specific product you are using.
Products that contain ingredients designed to increase the bioavailability rate or aid in rapid absorption will generally start to work faster than products without them.
These variables may influence your choice of when to take your CBD.
Using other cannabinoids alongside CBD
CBD isn’t the only cannabinoid you should have in your wheelhouse. There are many different products available now on the Canadian CBD market, which target specific issues.
The Entourage Effect is a term used to describe how cannabinoids from plants interact with one another to produce specific effects; in many cases, using cannabinoids together provides greater potential benefits than any one of them used alone.
Introducing these other cannabinoids to your daily routine may provide you with additional benefits specific to your health concerns.
CBG
Cannabigerol (CBG) is a non-psychoactive compound. This cannabinoid has been studied for its ability to potentially enhance the immune system, improve skin issues, provide energy, and produce strong anti-inflammatory effects.
While cannabigerol is not as widely studied as THC or CBD, it has significant potential therapeutic benefits.
CBG is an excellent choice for daytime use.
CBN
Cannabinol (CBN) is a cannabinoid that research suggests has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. In addition, many claim it to also have sedating and relaxing effects, making it a great bedtime choice.
The compound has been shown to have potential analgesic effects, meaning it reduces pain when it is introduced to the body.
Most people use CBN at night to help with sleep issues.
CBC
Cannabichromene (CBC) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiviral properties. The studies done on CBC have also linked it to potentially increasing the Entourage Effect.
CBC is a great cannabinoid to take at any point in the day.
Side effects of CBD oil
While CBD does come with the risk of some side effects, they are generally mild and tend to dissipate the longer you take it.
Most people adjust to using CBD reasonably quickly, but be aware of the following side effects:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Low blood pressure
- Changes in appetite
- Medication interactions
Your CBD concentration (potency), how much you use, and the ingestion method may affect the side effects you experience with CBD.
If you find the side effects too intense, cut back your dose and see if that helps. You may also consider using a different form of CBD altogether.
CBD also interferes with some medications. Always speak with your health care provider before starting any new dietary supplements or medications, including over-the-counter medications or supplements.
Final thoughts on when to take your CBD
CBD can have potential therapeutic benefits when used correctly. The trick is finding the time that works best for your body and meshes with your lifestyle.
Some products are geared more towards providing a sedative effect, while others promote energy and pain relief.
Experiment with different products to see how they affect you and remember – there is no right or wrong time of day to take CBD. It all depends on your symptoms and what you are using CBD for.
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