How long does CBD oil take to work for anxiety?

CBD comes in a selection of product types, (tinctures, edibles, oils and more), and CBD oil is sometimes used by people with anxiety.

So, the big question is, does CBD oil actually help in reducing the symptoms of anxiety, and if so, how long does it take to be effective?

The short answer is, potentially, or, at least that's what the current science is alluding to, with more research needed. Timing for the treatment to be possibly effective is a nuanced and multi-faceted issue and one that requires a longer answer. 

How long does CBD oil take to work? 

When inhaled, CBD oil may start working in around 5 to 15 minutes. When ingested in oil form, it may take around 30 to 90 minutes to work and in gummy form, it may take around 1 to 2 hours to kick in. However, this varies by person and can be affected by weight, metabolism and tolerance to CBD.

How CBD works for anxiety

We mentioned in the intro that more research is needed before we can make any sweeping claims about how CBD works exactly, but there are some indications from recent papers and studies that point towards CBD affecting the way the brain processes serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical messenger involved in mood, and it’s thought to play a part in anxiety.

CBD may act on 5-HT1a receptors, which are involved in mood regulation. It is also believed that CBD may block the enzymes responsible for breaking down the naturally-occurring endocannabinoids (cannabinoids produced by the human body). Anandamide, one of these endocannabinoids, is linked to emotions of happiness and contentment, and higher brain processing. This study, while not looking at anxiety, reports “that inhibition of anandamide deactivation” is produced when CBD is administered.

There’s also anecdotal evidence, with some people who live with anxiety reporting a reduction in symptoms after taking CBD oil on a regular basis. However, much more certain scientific evidence is needed before we can truly understand the link between CBD and anxiety levels. 

Factors that affect CBD's onset of action

There are a couple of key factors that can affect how long it could take for CBD to have a potential effect. The size of the dose taken, how often this dose is consumed, and the method by which the dose of CBD is delivered all need to be taken into account.

Before we dive in, it is important to state that everyone reacts to treatments differently, and consultations with a healthcare professional are vital before making any changes to your current treatment plan.

The best dosage of CBD for anxiety hasn’t yet been established. One study suggests that a dosage size of between 300 and 600 mg may be helpful in reducing subjective anxiety symptoms. This study showed that at this dose size, the antianxiety effect may be felt within thirty minutes to two hours.

Another trial, which looked at CBD, anxiety, and sleep hours, showed that doses as low as 25 mg may also be effective at reducing anxiety, although the treatment was enacted for 4 weeks before any noticeable changes occurred. It also noted that “CBD appears to be better tolerated than routine psychiatric medications”.

However, the FSA advises that healthy adults don’t exceed 10mg of CBD per day. If you’re new to CBD oil, it’s important that you start with as low a dose as possible and slowly increase it, while staying within the suggested 10 mg limit. 

The method of administration also plays a role in how quickly CBD might be able to take effect. For example, when someone vaporises CBD oil they may feel an onset of action within ten minutes, while someone who ingests CBD gummies may not feel any effects until a couple of hours have passed. This is also the case for THC.

Other factors such as your metabolism, your diet, the quality of CBD oil being administered, and genetics can all play a part in how long CBD may take to work and how long it may stay in your system. 

How do you know if CBD oil is working? 

You might be able to tell that CBD oil is working for anxiety if you feel a subtle reduction in anxiety symptoms such as stress response, muscle tension and feelings of worry. However, one study suggests that a decrease in anxiety symptoms could be partly due to a placebo effect because participants who strongly believed that CBD oil would have an effect experienced a reduction in anxiety, even though they were given CBD-free oil. 

FAQs 

How does CBD oil make you feel the first time?

When someone takes CBD oil for the first time, they may feel a slight reduction in mental and physical tension, but this isn’t guaranteed. Many factors, including body weight and method of administration, can impact how someone feels after taking CBD oil for the first time, so experiences will vary. It may also cause side effects, including drowsiness. 

You should chat to a GP or pharmacist before taking CBD oil for the first time, and check that you’re not on any medication that could interact with it. 

Is 1 drop of CBD oil enough?

The most effective dose of CBD oil is yet to be established, but it’s best to start low and go slow. 1 drop of CBD oil may be enough for some people, but it depends on a few factors, including weight and metabolism. The FSA advises that healthy adults shouldn’t exceed 10mg a day, which is equivalent to about 4 to 5 drops of 5% CBD oil. 

Conclusion

While the research is still emerging, there’s some promising research about CBD and anxiety. However, CBD oil treatment options are best discussed with healthcare professionals, as the combined effects of CBD dosage size, frequency, and administration methods can affect your individual response to it.

Anxiety is one of the many mental health conditions that Releaf may be able to help with. If you’re curious about whether medical cannabis could be an option for you, our online eligibility checker is quick and free.

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