Cannabidiol (CBD) gummies can take up to 2 hours to start working. Unlike other CBD consumption methods, such as vaping, your body needs to digest and metabolize edibles before you can feel their effects.

Factors like your individual biology and what you eat before taking CBD gummies may speed up or slow down the time these edibles take to work.

The intoxicating chemical compound in cannabis is called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). If a CBD product contains little to no THC, it won’t make you feel intoxicated or “high.” CBD itself isn’t intoxicating.

Instead, many people usually consume CBD for its health benefits. It may improve mood, reduce pain, and soothe inflammation, among other benefits.

Several factors can influence how quickly you feel the effects of CBD gummies. These include:

  • Metabolism: The faster your metabolism is, the quicker your CBD gummies can kick in.
  • Body weight: If you have a higher body weight, it may take longer before you feel the effects of CBD.
  • Unique biology: Some people feel the effects faster than others.

You can control some factors. For example, a 2021 study showed that CBD absorbs faster and more effectively when consumed with a high fat meal.

A 2020 study suggested that CBD absorbs quicker when consumed with piperine, a compound in black pepper.

However, the research used in both studies showed that many experts performed scientific experiments on rats, and no guidelines exist yet on consuming piperine or a high fat meal for CBD absorption in humans.

The effects of CBD gummies typically last 4 to 6 hours. Some people might experience prolonged effects, especially if you take a higher dose or have a slower metabolism.

Traces of CBD might stay in your system for several days. The half-life of CBD gummies can be up to 5 days after eating them. Your body usually eliminates substances within 4 to 5 half-lives.

Are CBD gummies more effective than other CBD edibles?

No research is available right now to suggest which types of CBD edibles are more effective. However, many people prefer CBD gummies to other edibles because they’re quick and easy to consume.

How much CBD do you need to take for it to work?

Currently, there are no evidence-based guidelines on how much CBD you need to take. Generally, 10 to 20 milligrams (mg) of CBD is a good amount.

If you’re new to taking CBD, it’s a good idea to “start low and go slow.” In other words, start with a small amount of CBD and gradually increase it over time if needed.

For example, you could start taking 10 mg per day for the first week, and if you want a stronger effect, you can increase it to 20 mg the next week.

Although it’s possible to take too much CBD, it’s not an extremely high risk. Data used in a 2017 research review showed that humans can tolerate even high doses of 1,500 mg per day.

If you’re not sure what CBD dosage to take, it’s a good idea to chat with a healthcare professional who’s familiar with CBD. You can also check out our guide to taking CBD for the first time.

Are some types of CBD more effective than others?

Some research suggests that full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD may be more effective than CBD isolate because of the “entourage effect.” This effect is the idea that cannabinoids are more effective when taken together.

Full-spectrum CBD contains all the cannabinoids and terpenes in the cannabis plant. Broad-spectrum CBD contains many cannabinoids but not THC, while CBD isolate contains only pure CBD.

It’s also important to get quality CBD products from reputable companies. Some companies mislabel low quality CBD products — they contain much less or much more CBD than advertised.

You can use our CBD product reviews to find lists of tried-and-tested, Healthline-approved CBD products.

Gummies can be a tasty, convenient way to get your dose of CBD. There’s one major disadvantage of taking CBD edibles, though. The effects take longer to kick in.

Typically, you can expect to feel the effects within 30 minutes to 2 hours, and these effects can last for 4 to 6 hours.

Choosing high quality products and starting with a lower dose is essential to find what works best for you.

Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or take medications.

Sian Ferguson is a freelance health and cannabis writer based in Cape Town, South Africa. She’s passionate about empowering readers to take care of their mental and physical health through science-based, empathetically delivered information.