Let me guess––you’ve just taken a CBD capsule and thought, “Wait, how long does this thing last?” You might’ve checked the directions on your CBD capsules’ box or just came straight to ask the internet. Well, the truth is more complicated than you might guess. But the short answer is that the effects of CBD capsules last around six to eight hours.
The long answer is: it depends.
When we explore the timeline of effects from CBD capsules, we’re really looking at three things: your body’s unique physiology, the type of CBD in your CBD capsules, and your tolerance for hemp-derived compounds. While other smaller factors are at play, knowing these three helps us tailor a timeline for when (and how long) you can expect the effects of one of the most popular CBD products on the market.
If it all sounds a little too science-heavy, don’t worry. We’ll break it down for you. After all, it’s just hemp science––the field that’s the most fun, right?
What Is CBD?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of the most abundant cannabinoids native to the hemp plant. Cannabinoids, like CBD, CBG, CBN, and CBC, are organic chemical compounds unique to hemp. These compounds interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system and incite a host of wellness-boosting effects.** Though there are over a hundred different cannabinoids found at hemp’s molecular level, CBD is certainly the one hogging the spotlight.
In recent years, thanks to a surge of interest surrounding the hemp plant, our understanding of CBD has grown exponentially––as has our understanding of how the body processes CBD. That brings us to our first factor affecting the longevity of CBD’s effects: bioavailability.
A Short Lesson on Bioavailability
Bioavailability is how much CBD gets absorbed into the body. When you enjoy a CBD product, whether it’s a CBD gel cap or a CBD vape, the cannabinoids find their way into your bloodstream, engage your endocannabinoid receptors, and promote wellness-boosting benefits.** But just how much CBD ends up at this crucial point in the process determines the length and potency of the product’s effects.
You’re unique, and your body’s physiological makeup is as well. Factors like height, weight, body mass, and metabolism affect how your body processes chemical compounds like CBD.
Let’s say you and your best friend take the same CBD capsule at the same time. Likely, you both won’t have the same experience. One might feel the wellness-boosting effects earlier, while the other feels the effects more profoundly.** Although you both took the same capsule simultaneously, your bodies’ physiologies affect the CBD’s bioavailability––or how much of the cannabinoids are absorbed.
Now, the type of CBD products you take also affects bioavailability. Let’s say your friend decides to enjoy a CBD vape instead of taking a CBD cap. Because the CBD vapor isn’t digested like capsules, but is rather absorbed through the lungs, the cannabinoids reach the bloodstream quicker and in larger numbers.
CBD capsules, on the other hand, trek through your digestive system before entering the bloodstream. On this journey, a percentage of the cannabinoids fall by the wayside. So, fewer cannabinoids engage your endocannabinoid receptors, possibly leading to subtler effects.
In short, your body’s unique composition will influence the capsule’s bioavailability, impacting how long the effects last. Also, because they travel through the digestive system, CBD capsules inherently have a lower bioavailability than products like CBD vapes. On the plus side, the effects of edibles, like CBD pills, last much longer than vaped CBD.**
Choosing the Right Type of CBD
The next deciding factor is the CBD inside your gel capsules.
There are three different CBD types: full spectrum, broad spectrum, and CBD isolate. Knowing which type of CBD is in your capsules will help you gauge the timeline for wellness-boosting benefits.**
Full-Spectrum CBD
First, we have full-spectrum CBD. When formulated from hemp, a full spectrum CBD capsule carries hemp’s complete cannabinoid and aromatic profiles. This includes the plant’s THC content, which is less than 0.3%.
Because the cannabinoids remain intact, you can enjoy the benefits of the Entourage Effect.** This is when more than one cannabinoid simultaneously engages with your endocannabinoid receptors, leading to a more profound CBD experience.**
Broad Spectrum CBD
Broad spectrum CBD has gone through an extra filtration step to strip down its THC concentration to undetectable levels. Broad spectrum CBD still nearly has the plant’s full aromatic profile and non-THC cannabinoids. But, because its THC molecules have been whittled down, broad spectrum’s Entourage Effect is lessened.
So, your effects might not be as noticeable and long-lasting as full spectrum CBD. Yet, broad spectrum capsules are perfect for those who want to avoid detectable levels of THC altogether.
CBD Isolate
Lastly, if we strip away all the non-CBD compounds, we are left with our last type of CBD: CBD isolate. Because there are no other cannabinoids, CBD isolate doesn’t capture the Entourage Effect. But products with isolated cannabidiol are perfect for those who want a pure CBD experience!
Knowing the Right Dose of CBD for You
The last thing influencing how long your CBD effects last is your tolerance level. If hemp-derived CBD products are a staple to your daily routine, they may have built up in your system over time. So, you’ll gradually need more CBD to experience the same level and duration of effects.** For beginners, we recommend 25–50mg of CBD.
What Are CBD Capsules?
CBD capsules are little gel caps that introduce an effective dose of CBD through your digestive system. CBD pills break down along your digestive tract before reaching your liver, where it enters your bloodstream. Like CBD edibles, this process can take 1–2 hours.
We formulate our capsules with other cannabinoids and healthful ingredients to enhance CBD’s wellness-boosting effects.** For instance, a serving of our CBD + CBN Night Capsules comes with 30 mg of CBD and 2.5mg of CBN, the ultimate relaxation cannabinoid. This broad spectrum formula is perfect for your nighttime unwind.**
We also offer CBD + CBG Morning Capsules. A serving of these organic CBD capsules offers 30 milligrams of CBD, 5mg of CBG, and 150mg of extended-release caffeine. Take two capsules during the morning and enjoy a boost of wellness and energy throughout your workday!**
Check the graph below to see our full collection of CBD capsules and how many cannabinoids come in each.
| CBDfx Product | Type of CBD | Mg of Cannabinoids per Serving |
| CBD Soft Gel Capsules | Full Spectrum CBD | 25mg/50mg CBD |
| CBD + CBG Morning Capsules | Broad Spectrum CBD | 30mg CBD & 5mg CBG |
| CBD + CBN Night Capsules | Broad Spectrum CBD | 30mg CBD & 2.5mg CBN |
| CBD + Delta-9 THC Microdose Capsules | Full Spectrum CBD | 25mg CBD & 2.5mg THC |
Finding the Right CBD Gel Capsules
So, by now, you know that your journey with CBD capsules (like any other CBD product) is highly unique and determined by your body’s physiology. But there are ways to ensure you find the best CBD capsules that offer long-lasting effects**
First, find CBD capsules formulated with high-quality hemp. The quality of hemp in your capsules will influence your CBD experience.** Each of our products comes with a QR code printed on the box. When you scan this code, you’ll find the Certificate of Analysis (COA) associated with that specific product and batch.
This is a lab report, and it will show the product’s full chemical composition, including its cannabinoid breakdown. An up-to-date Certificate of Analysis is essential to discern whether or not your capsules are made with the highest-quality CBD.
Next, check the product’s formula. Various healthful ingredients can be added to boost CBD’s wellness-boosting benefits.** We use MCT oil in our softgel capsules to increase absorption, which helps increase its bioavailability. We also use other organic compounds to heighten relaxation, promote a calmer mood, and ease mind-body tension.**
Other CBD Products With Higher Bioavailabilities:
If bioavailability is important to your CBD experience, be sure to check out our CBD tinctures or vapes.
CBD Tinctures
Like our CBD capsules, our CBD tinctures are formulated with MCT oil to boost absorption. However, to use a CBD tincture, administer the oil sublingually, under your tongue. Here, the mouth’s cells take in the cannabinoids and filter them into your bloodstream, bypassing your digestive tract entirely. This leads to a quicker and more profound onset of CBD effects.**
CBD Vapes
CBD vapes are a popular and quick way to enjoy the benefits of CBD.** With vapes, the cannabinoids filter through your lungs and directly into your bloodstream. This happens much faster than capsules, so you’ll feel the effects in a matter of seconds. But this also means that you won’t experience the effects for as long, which might be a deciding factor.
Final Thoughts
So, when can you expect effects from CBD capsules, and how long will they last? A good rule of thumb is to expect effects after 30 minutes to two hours and to be ready to enjoy them for up to eight hours.** This is generally speaking, of course. As we’ve discussed, this is based on unique factors and varies from person to person.
The best way to find out is to try your favorite CBD capsules and keep an eye on the clock. Once you find your ideal capsules and dosage, it’s smoothing CBD sailing ahead!
Looking for a way to enjoy CBD capsules? Be sure to check out our collection of CBD capsules!
