When to Take CBD Gummies: Timing Strategies

The taste and texture of CBD gummies are undeniably similar to the fruit-flavored treats most of us have enjoyed since childhood. Most CBD gummies sold in pharmacies, specialty shops, and direct-to-consumers on brand websites are made with hemp extract, tapioca starch, natural or artificial flavoring agents, sugar, and gelatin – or a vegan equivalent. Consumers have more options than ever before. CBDistillery’s CBD gummies are vegan and feature 100 percent clean ingredients – that means we use no corn syrup or artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners and preservatives. 

Some gummies deliver CBD alongside the full array of cannabinoids and terpenes intended by nature. Others have non-detectable levels of THC or are enhanced with precise amounts of one or more naturally occurring minor cannabinoids selected to fine-tune their overall effects. With experience, you'll learn how long it takes for your system to respond. Until then, we have a few suggestions for optimizing the timing of your gummies for overall wellness, better sleep, relaxation, stress relief, and more. 

Topic Overview: Why Timing Matters for CBD Gummies  

CBD (cannabidiol) oil tinctures are known for delivering fast-acting, long-lasting relief. Most CBD oil enthusiasts can expect a noticeable impact in as little as 20 minutes of sublingual use. CBD topicals are said to work even faster.¹ With gummies (and softgels), the cannabinoids are broken down in your digestive tract and directed through your hepatic portal system to your liver. Your liver enzymes break down CBD into more than 100 different metabolites.² Those processes take time. 

A Deeper Dive: Exploring the Factors Impacting Onset Times  

Once the cannabinoids in your CBD gummies are circulating through your system, they're free to interact with more than 65 molecular targets, including the receptors of your serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), dopamine, and endocannabinoid systems.³ After decades of research, most cannabis experts believe CBD's indirect influence on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) receptors CB1 and CB2 helps promote homeostasis.⁴  

According to a 2019 CBDistillery® survey of 1,900 customers, most CBD users report a positive impact using our high-quality hemp-derived products for relaxation, better sleep, mild or temporary anxiety, and discomfort after physical activity. Of the many adults who prefer supporting ECS function with CBD gummies, most find that it can take 1-2 hours for their effects to peak – more or less. Individual results can vary because onset times are impacted by several key factors. 

Body Composition and Metabolism 

CBD is lipophilic – meaning it's attracted to, dissolved by, and stored in fat. A person with a higher BMI might experience slower onset times than someone with more lean muscle because a higher percentage of CBD could be stored in their adipose tissues. Metabolically active muscle, on the other hand, tends to promote faster onset times. Age, genetics, lack of sleep, and other factors impacting metabolic function can also influence how long it takes for CBD to kick in and the duration of the cannabinoid's effects.⁵

Product Type  

Full spectrum hemp extract is considered the more potent of the three main types of oil used to make CBD gummies because of the "Entourage Effect" cannabis is known for – which could result in faster onset times. Broad spectrum gummies also have the minor cannabinoids and terpenes needed for that potency-optimizing entourage effect but non-detectable levels of THC – a detail some CBD users feel diminishes its impact.⁶ Gummies made with CBD isolate have no additional cannabinoids or terpenes. 

Frequency of Use  

A considerable number of CBD users are pleased with the results of keeping a jar of gummies on hand for occasional use. But that's not the ideal approach for everyone. According to the feedback of our nearly 2,000 survey respondents, most adults report achieving their best results within 7-14 days of consistent daily use. Compared to CBD users enjoying hemp-derived gummies "as needed," our survey respondents also reported faster onset times with frequent use. 

CBD Sensitivity  

Every person's endocannabinoid system is different. Someone with a higher number of ECS receptors could be more sensitive to CBD – meaning they could notice the effects sooner than those with fewer receptors. There can also be significant internal or environmental factors impacting how rapidly CBD metabolizes. Unresolved stress, for example, has the potential to alter ECS function, contribute to the downregulation of CB1 receptors, and temporarily reduce ECS sensitivity to CBD.⁷ 

Timing Strategies: Tips for Integrating CBD Gummies into Your Daily Routine  

Hemp-derived CBD gummies are not habit-forming, and The World Health Organization found "no evidence of public health-related problems" during their investigation.8 Although the cannabinoid is generally well-tolerated, side effects are possible. You can, however, reduce your risk of unexpected fatigue, dry mouth, nausea, or appetite changes by disregarding the serving size suggestions printed on product labels and brand packaging. 

Instead, consider starting with a partial serving – maybe half a gummy. If you're not getting the effect you're aiming for with that partial serving, increase the amount of CBD you're using gradually in small increments. Consider tracking any changes in how you feel throughout the day. Since CBD gummies are discrete and highly portable, it's easy to adjust your timing to achieve the following goals. 

General Wellness  

The key to supporting general wellness with CBD is consistency. The best (and easiest) way to ensure that consistency is by making CBD gummies part of your morning routine. Consider enjoying your gummies immediately after waking, adding a serving to your supplement regimen, or savoring their flavor immediately after breakfast. It takes about 66 days for new behaviors to become a habit.⁹  

Focus and Mental Clarity  

Contrary to popular belief, the human brain is not wired for multitasking. Focus and mental clarity require memory recall, executive function, and the ability to filter distractions – brain functions impacted by the stress hormone cortisol. Chronic stress can also disrupt the balance of dopamine and serotonin.¹⁰ Most adults can count on the brain-boosting potential of their morning CBD to last 6-8 hours. 

Mild or Temporary Anxiety   

The human brain responds to any threat to your health or happiness the same way – by initiating a surge of cortisol and adrenaline. Your system remains in "fight or flight" mode until receiving signals that the danger has passed.¹¹ To help calm mild or temporary anxiety naturally, try taking a CBD gummy about 1-2 hours before the most stressful part of your day so the influences of cortisol and CBD are well-aligned. 

Relaxation 

Most people find it difficult to dial down when they're worried, overworked, or overwhelmed – another complication of stress. But you need calmness and relaxation for your stress hormones to return to baseline. To help keep the stress-inducing aspects of your day from enjoying your downtime, try enjoying one of your gummies 1-2 hours before engaging in activities or hobbies that help you unwind. 

Discomfort After Physical Activity  

Joints and muscles that don't have what they need to recover after physical exertion are at risk of recurring injury and permanent damage.¹² Even sitting or standing for extended periods can cause activity-induced discomfort. CBD Gummies can be used 1-2 hours before physical activity for their potential to ease pain and stiffness or any time after exercise to help support athletic recovery. 

Sleep Support  

Deep, restorative sleep has a positive impact on nearly every cell in the human body.¹³ Although a single night of sleeplessness is not too concerning, most U.S. adults aren't getting the amount of rest they need for optimal health and emotional well-being.¹⁴ If you have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, try taking one of your fruit-flavored gummies 1-2 hours before you plan on turning in for the night. Unlike most pharmaceutical sleep aids, hemp-derived CBD gummies won't cause morning grogginess. 

Practical Advice: Tips for First-Time and Long-Term CBD Gummy Users  

The best CBD gummies for overall health and well-being are made from naturally farmed, U.S.-grown hemp flower extract by brands ensuring the purity and potency of their inventory by investing in batch testing and shelf-stability assessments. But only about 13% of CBD brands labeling their CBD products as third-party tested submit samples for at least 90% of their products.¹⁵ 

The easiest way to avoid ingesting gummies tainted with heavy metals, extraction residue, pesticides, or potentially harmful bacteria is to stick with brands linking their products to a verifiable Certificate of Analysis (COA) – the proof needed to back those claims. That's something that can't be stressed enough. There are also several other things you can do to boost your odds of a favorable experience. 

Try Enjoying Your Gummies with Food  

Enjoying the health and wellness potential of CBD gummies on an empty stomach is absolutely fine. Current evidence, however, suggests their effects are stronger and longer lasting when combined with food. Study participants had four times more CBD in their systems after a high-fat meal than subjects taking CBD while fasting. The increase in bioavailability with low-fat foods was less impactful.¹⁶ 

Consider Your Activity Levels  

If you feel that the effects of your CBD gummies are taking too long to optimize, consider increasing your activity levels to help boost your metabolism. A more efficient metabolism could easily translate to faster absorption rates and effect onset. If your regular serving sizes make you feel a bit sluggish on days you're more sedentary, on the other hand, try reducing your consumption to compensate for your inactivity. 

Stay Hydrated  

As stated earlier, the cannabinoids in CBD gummies could make your mouth feel dry. Although cannabidiol does not cause dehydration, its impact on the ECS receptors on your salivary glands could temporarily decrease saliva production and make your mouth feel dry. Sipping water throughout the day, avoiding caffeine, chewing gum, and running a humidifier while you're sleeping could help. 

Avoid Medications and Alcohol  

CBD gummies are not ideal for people with certain conditions. They can also interact with over-the-counter treatments, prescription medications, and alcohol. CBD and alcohol, for example, interact with specific neurotransmitters in the brain. When used together, CBD could alter how alcohol processes, intensify its intoxicating properties, impair motor function, and amplify alcohol's sedating effects.¹⁷ 

Product Selection: Choosing the Best CBDistillery® CBD Gummies for Your Needs  

Our recommendations for timing CBD gummies are pretty standard. We typically suggest starting with a partial serving an hour or two before you want the effects to peak and working from there. With experience, you'll have a better understanding of your ideal serving size and how long it takes your unique system to respond. Now that you're more familiar with the basics of timing, consider browsing the diverse selection of CBD gummies crafted by the expert botanists at CBDistillery®. 

CBDistillery® ahhh distilled Full Spectrum CBD Gummies give you the full array of minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and other phytonutrients in the same ratios found in nature. Our ahhh distilled Broad Spectrum CBD Anytime Gummies have a delightful tropical fruit flavor and non-detectable levels of THC, and our shhh distilled Broad Spectrum Sleep Gummies give you 5mg of melatonin per serving.    

CBDistillery® shoppers also have the option of selecting full spectrum CBD gummies infused with precise amounts of CBG (cannabigerol) for a sense of calm and clarity, CBN (cannabinol) for enhanced sleep support, and Delta-9 THC for relaxation and a mild uplifting buzz. If you're not quite sure which of our vegan gummy formulations would be the best fit for your needs, consider taking our 3-minute CBD Product Quiz or scheduling a Personal Consultation. 

References 

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2. Millar S, Maguire R, et al. (2020) Towards Better Delivery of Cannabidiol (CBD). 13(9) Pharmaceuticals 219. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph13090219 

3. Elsaid S, Foll B. (2020) The Complexity of Pharmacology of Cannabidiol (CBD) and Its Implications in the Treatment of Brain Disorders. 45 Neuropsychopharmacol 229-30 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41386-019-0518-1 

4. Sallaberry C, Astern L. (2018) The Endocannabinoid System, Our Universal Regulator. 34(6) JYI 48-55. https://www.jyi.org/2018-june/2018/6/1/the-endocannabinoid-system-our-universal-regulator 

5. Child R, Tallon M. (2022) Cannabidiol (CBD) Dosing: Plasma Pharmacokinetics and Effects on Accumulation in Skeletal Muscle, Liver, and Adipose Tissue. 14(10) Nutrients 2101. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14102101 

6. Wilkins T. (2022) What Is the Entourage Effect? How This Enhances CBD Effects. Marijuana Takers. 

7. Morena M, Patel S, et al. (2015) Neurobiological Interactions Between Stress and the Endocannabinoid System. 41(1) Neuropsychopharm 80-102. doi: 10.1038/npp.2015.166. Epub 2015 Jun 12. PMID: 26068727; PMCID: PMC4677118 

8. World Health Organization. (2020) Cannabidiol (CBD) Critical Review Report. PDF https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/controlled-substances/whocbdreportmay2018-2.pdf?sfvrsn=f78db177_2 

9. Fetters K (2021) How Long Does It Really Take to Make Healthy Eating and Exercise a Habit? U.S. News. 

10. Protect Your Brain from Stress. (2021) Harvard Health Publishing. 

11. Chu B, Marwaha K, et al. (2022) Physiology, Stress Reaction. StatPearls https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541120/ 

12. Fitzgerald M. (2013) Is Inflammation Holding You Back? Active.com 

13. Dworak M, McCarley R, et al. (2010) Sleep and Brain Energy Levels: ATP Changes During Sleep. 30(26) J Neurosci 9007-16. https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1423-10.2010 

14. Med Alert Help. M Dobric (2021 April 19) 48 Surprising Sleep Statistics & Facts to Know in 2021. 

15. Harrington A. (2021) 25% of CBD Products Are Not Tested for Purity. Forbes. 

16. Birnbaum A, Karanam A, et al. (2019) Food Effect on Pharmacokinetics of Cannabidiol Oral Capsules in Adult Patients with Refractory Epilepsy. 60(8) Epilepsia 1586-92. doi: 10.1111/epi.16093. Epub 2019 Jun 27. Erratum in: Epilepsia. 2019 Sep;60(9):2009. doi: 10.1111/epi.16331. PMID: 31247132. 

17. Sadowska J. (2024) CBD and Alcohol: What You Need to Know. Healthnews.