Whether you want to try CBD for the first time or are looking for a discrete way to enjoy CBD throughout the day, CBD gummies are a fantastic option.
Gummies are popular with people new to CBD as they are easy to eat, and the sweet taste masks the flavor of the CBD.
28% of American adults who have never tried CBD say they would be interested in trying gummies, and this guide will answer some common questions for those who have never tried them.
In This Article
What are CBD Gummies?
CBD gummies are chewy sweets with cannabidiol, one of the chemical compounds extracted from the hemp plant. To the untrained eye, they just look just like regular candy!
Unlike oils and tinctures, there is no need to calculate the dosage, making them ideal for people who are unsure how much CBD they need to take.
Another advantage of CBD gummies is the convenience they provide. All you have to do is pop one in your mouth and chew, meaning they can be taken on the go and are ideal for travel.
How long do CBD Gummies Take to Work & How Long Do They Last For?
As a general rule, depending on how the CBD is formulated, if water soluble CBD was used it will take less than 30 minutes to work. If oil is used than it’s more like 1-2 hours before it starts working.
However, these numbers aren't set in stone. You and a friend could take the same gummy at the same time and have completely different experiences.
If you're trying CBD gummies for the very first time or are giving a new type of gummy a go, we always recommend taking notes. Write down:
- The amount you took (the dosage of the gummy will be on the container)
- When you started feeling the effects
- How strong the effects were
- How long the effects lasted
This information will let you see if you are happy with the effects you experienced and if you need to increase or decrease your dose.
Which Factors Influence the Effects of CBD Gummies?
It's important to remember that no two people respond to CBD gummies in the same way. Our bodies all function differently, and this can affect not only how long gummies last in our system, but how we react.
The type of gummy can have an effect too, with some being more efficient and of higher quality than others.
Bioavailability
Bioavailability refers to how much of a substance enters your bloodstream when you consume it. The higher the bioavailability index, the faster and more comprehensively the substance will take effect.
Most orally ingested CBD (like gummies) has a bioavailability rate of between 6 and 13% if oil-based CBD and 25-50% if water soluble CBD is used to formulate the gummies. This is because ingested CBD is broken down in the digestive system and then moves to the liver, where enzymes reduce the concentration of the CBD.
There are things you can do to improve bioavailability, for example, taking your gummy alongside food. The CBD gummy you choose will also have an impact.
NextEvo Naturals’ clinically developed SmartSorb™ formula improves the bioavailability of CBD, so that more CBD gets into your system, in as little as 10 minutes. It also allows a greater amount of CBD to be delivered to your body, meaning NextEvo’s CBD is equivalent to 4x the amount of CBD in oil-based formulations.
Metabolism
Metabolism is the process of how we convert food and drink into the energy that allows us to function.
Some people have faster metabolisms than others, meaning they will process CBD gummies more quickly and see effects sooner.
Younger people and those with more muscle mass tend to have faster metabolisms.
Bodyweight/Mass
CBD is fat-soluble. This means that when you ingest it, it's stored in your body's fat cells until it's ready to be released into the bloodstream and excreted.
This means your body fat percentage can affect how you react to CBD.
People with a lower proportion of body fat typically need to take less CBD. However, as fewer fat cells mean CBD is expelled from the body sooner, the effects don't last as long.
Conversely, people with a higher proportion of body fat have to take more CBD, but the effects last longer.
Lifestyle & Exercise
An active lifestyle and intense fat-burning exercise can also impact how CBD gummies affect your body.
Food Consumption
If you want to enhance the effects of your CBD gummy, taking it with food will enhance absorption.
Popping a gummy after eating makes it easier for your stomach to break down the CBD. While the effects of the CBD will set in later as your stomach has other food to process, you'll see longer-lasting results.
As CBD is fat-soluble, eating a gummy alongside foods containing healthy fats like avocado, nuts and seeds can increase absorption even further.
In contrast, your body will quickly start to process a gummy if your stomach is empty, but the effects won't last as long.
Medicine/Food Supplements
Certain drugs and dietary supplements can affect how your body absorbs CBD.
There is an enzyme in the body called CYP3A4 , which is responsible for metabolizing several types of medication. If these medications inhibit the enzyme, it affects how the CBD in your system is processed, and vice versa.
If you're taking medication, always consult your doctor before taking CBD gummies, and never stop taking medication unless your doctor says it's okay to do so.
Gender
While no specific research has been carried out on the effects of CBD, studies have shown that women react more intensely to CBD than men.
This means that men may need to take more CBD to feel the desired effects.
Concentration
Not all gummies contain the same amount of CBD. Potency can vary from 5mg to 60mg, so it's important to do your research before you buy.
A more highly concentrated gummy will take effect faster and last for longer. However, if you're new to CBD, we recommend sticking to a smaller dose. At Next Evo, all our gummies contain 10mg of CBD.
The formulation of the CBD gummy can also have an effect. A water-soluble CBD gummy is absorbed more quickly by the body, as 60% of the body is made of water.
Shelf Life
Like any supplement, CBD gummies lose their potency over time. The cannabinoids in the gummies break down, meaning they have less of an effect when consumed. The gummies may also dry out and lose their flavor, making them less pleasant to eat.
You can keep your CBD gummies at their best by storing them in a cool, dark, dry place.
A high-quality product (like our premium gummies ) will have an expiration date on the container, backed-up by tried-and-tested shelf-life data.
Frequency of Use
As CBD is fat-soluble, it compounds in your body over time. This means when you take it regularly, you see improved results.
The good news is that it's impossible to build up a tolerance to CBD , meaning you don't have to take more to feel the same effects if you're a regular user.
How Many CBD Gummies Should I Take?
Always consult a physician prior to taking CBD for the first time. If it's your first time trying CBD, we recommend starting on a low dose. Try one gummy a day, and you can slowly increase the amount until you get the benefits you are after.
Most people can take up to 1,500mg of CBD a day without adverse effects, but it's likely you won't need to take this much!
Think about what you want to achieve from taking CBD gummies. Someone looking to ease occasional stress and nervousness will not need to take as much as someone who wants to gain other health benefits.
If you are taking other forms of CBD, for example, adding edibles to your meals, you'll need to factor this into the total amount you consume.
Our range of delicious CBD gummies contain 10mg of CBD per serving, making it easy to find your ideal dose.
If you have any concerns, we always recommend consulting your doctor before introducing CBD to your wellness routine.
How Long Will CBD Last In My System?
Like all supplements, CBD will remain in your system long after the effects have worn off.
All supplements have a unique half-life. This is the time it takes for half the dose to leave your body.
Following a study in adults and children, it was identified that the half-life of orally consumed CBD was between 2 and 5 days.
As you can see, CBD concentrations vary depending on how it is taken. This is down to bioavailability, or how much of the product enters your bloodstream.
CBD has a longer half-life if you take it regularly, as it builds up in your system over time.
When Should I Take My CBD Gummies?
We're often asked if it's best to take CBD gummies in the morning or evening, but the honest answer is that there isn't an optimal time to take them.
Instead, it's best to think about what you want to get out of your gummies and use them at the time of day that's right for you. For example, you may benefit from taking CBD in the morning before work if you suffer from occasional stress during the work day. If you have occasional trouble sleeping, taking a CBD gummy a few hours before bed may help.
Find out more about the best time of day to take CBD
A Few Final Tips
The effects of CBD gummies and how long they last can vary greatly depending on several factors from metabolism to your gender and lifestyle. If you’re unsure on how much to take, it’s best to start with a low dosage to see how it affects you, and adjust your future intake accordingly.
There are several brands of CBD gummies out there, and it can be hard to know which is the right one to choose, especially if you're trying CBD for the first time. Many brands are prone to mislabeling and poor-quality control, which can have a knock-on effect on the consumer.
Here's what to look for to ensure you have an effective, comfortable, and safe CBD experience.
- Only shop from trusted, licensed dispensaries. Bear in mind that as knowledgeable as the sales staff may be, they aren't medical professionals
- CBD products should be tested by an independent laboratory to ensure they are labeled accurately. Our certificates are available here
- A healthcare provider who knows your medical history is always the best person to go to for advice about whether CBD gummies are suitable for you and what dose you should take
At NextEvo, our CBD gummies are made in the USA and are tested four times from farm to packaging to ensure exceptional quality.
Sources
CFAH – CBD gummies dosage: how many hemp edibles should you take?
Daily CBD – How long does CBD stay in your system?
Healthline – CBD and drug interactions: what you need to know
Healthline – How long does CBD stay in your system?
MedlinePlus – Cannabidiol (CBD)
Medsafe – Drug metabolism – the importance of Cytochrome P450 3A4
National Library of Medicine – A systematic review on the pharmacokinetics of cannabidiol in humans
National Library of Medicine – Cannabidiol
National Library of Medicine – How important are sex differences in cannabinoid action?
PubMed – Safety and side effects of cannabidiol, a cannabis sativa constituent
ScienceDirect – Exercise increases plasma THC concentrations in regular cannabis users
