Does CBD oil work? And what exactly can it do for you? The popularity of this hemp-derived compound has been steadily growing. Mostly due to its assumed benefits for various ailments and wellness concerns. CBD (short for cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant that doesn't get you "high" like THC [1]. In the UK and the EU CBD is legal as long as it's derived from approved strains of industrial hemp - which contain less than 0.2% THC.
Use of CBD is widespread and there are many CBD products on the market: including gummies, tinctures and pure CBD oil. The quality (and with it the efficacy) of these products can vary widely so it's essential to choose high-quality CBD products with third-party lab testing. When using CBD oil the dosage is important and very individual – the FSA suggests not to surpass 70 milligrams of CBD per day [2], and a lot of users start to experience effects starting from around 10mg.
Research continues to uncover new potential benefits of CBD. Some studies have found that CBD oil could assist in pain management, anxiety reduction and inflammation relief [3] - contributing to its widespread appeal. But if you have an underlying health condition you want to address it's still essential to consult your healthcare provider before incorporating CBD into your wellness routine!
Does CBD Oil Work? Understanding Cannabidiol
CBD is a compound found in cannabis plants - including industrial hemp. CBD extract is derived from these plants and can come in various forms, such as full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate. Full spectrum CBD contains all the cannabinoids, terpenes and other compounds found in the plant. While broad spectrum CBD retains some of these elements but is free of THC. CBD isolate is a purified form of CBD containing no other cannabis compounds. Either extract is diluted in a carrier oil (or a mix of more than one vegetable oil) to make CBD oil. It can also be used to make many other products, like CBD gummies, capsules, topicals or vapes.
Research on CBD oil is still in the early stages meaning concrete medical claims cannot be made. But first results are very promising and supported by many users that have reported benefits. With that in mind please remember that individual results may vary – what works for one person might not work for another!
How Does CBD Oil Work?
CBD interacts with your body's endocannabinoid system which plays a crucial role in regulating various functions like pain, inflammation, mood and sleep [4]. When you use CBD oil it may enhance the signaling of so-called endocannabinoids that your body produces naturally. This, in turn, could lead to a range of beneficial effects.
One of the primary and most famous effects of CBD oil is its potential for inflammation and pain relief [5]. It may - for example - help people with arthritis find relief from joint pain and improve mobility [6]. Studies have shown that CBD can be helpful in managing both inflammatory and chronic pain [7].
Another significant advantage of CBD oil is its potential to reduce anxiety and stress. If you struggle with daily stress or occasional bouts of anxiety CBD may help restore balance to your emotional well-being [8]! And with that it could also help you sleep better [9].
It's crucial to choose a high-quality product. One notable CBD brand in the UK and EU markets is Harmony. We offer a wide range of the best CBD products that cater to different preferences and needs.
How Quickly Does CBD Oil Work?
It's quite normal to wonder how quickly does CBD oil work after taking it. The truth is: the time it takes for CBD oil to work varies depending on several factors!
Firstly the amount of CBD you take plays a crucial role in determining the time it takes for the effects to kick in. The more CBD you consume the faster you might feel its effects. But more isn't always better! It makes more sense to start with a low dose and gradually increase it based on how you feel to avoid potential side effects.
The form of CBD product you choose also impacts how quickly it works. For instance: taking CBD oil sublingually (under the tongue) tends to have a faster onset compared to CBD edibles or CBD capsules. This is because the CBD content is absorbed directly into your bloodstream through the blood vessels under your tongue instead of passing through the digestive tract [10]. Using a vaporiser is another fast-acting method that is attractive for vapers and smokers. Topical applications of CBD creams and CBD patches may take longer to work but be more localized.
No matter which CBD product you choose - consider opting for a reputable brand like Harmony! We test the CBD content of our products regularly and also make sure the THC content is within legal limits.
Keep in mind that everyone's body is different. The time it takes for CBD to work can vary from person to person. Some may feel the effects within minutes - while others might take a few hours. Patience and persistence is key when experimenting with CBD.
Sources
Schizophr Res. 2015 Mar;162(1-3):153-61.
A systematic review of the antipsychotic properties of cannabidiol in humansRead the publication[2] Official FSA website.
J Clin Med Res. 2020 Mar;12(3):129-141.
Dosage, Efficacy and Safety of Cannabidiol Administration in Adults: A Systematic Review of Human TrialsRead the publicationBiol Psychiatry Cogn Neurosci Neuroimaging. 2021 Jun;6(6):607-615.
Review of the Endocannabinoid SystemRead the publicationCurr Rheumatol Rep. 2022 Jul;24(7):238-246.
Cannabidiol (CBD) in Rheumatic Diseases (Musculoskeletal Pain)Read the publication[6] Heineman JT, Forster GL, Stephens KL, Cottler PS, Timko MP, DeGeorge BR Jr. A Randomized Controlled Trial of Topical Cannabidiol for the Treatment of Thumb Basal Joint Arthritis. J Hand Surg Am. 2022 Jul;47(7):611-620.
Neurotherapeutics. 2015 Oct;12(4):825-36.
Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety DisordersRead the publicationPerm J. 2019;23:18-041.
Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case SeriesRead the publicationInt J Pharm. 2020 May 15;581:119276.
Prolonged oral transmucosal delivery of highly lipophilic drug cannabidiolRead the publication
