Each form of CBD takes a different route through your body, impacting how long it takes to interact with your endocannabinoid system (ECS). CBD capsules are no different, making their way through your digestive system and onto the bloodstream. What does that mean for its impact on your body? Does it take longer for them to work, and how much do you need to take? The answers to these questions are not necessarily straightforward; after all, everyone is unique. However, there are some general guidelines you should keep in mind while exploring adding CBD to your routine.
What are CBD capsules?
CBD capsules are softgels filled with hemp extract, which contains naturally occurring CBD alongside terpenes, flavonoids, polyphenols, and sterols. Like our The Daily capsules, they can also be formulated with complementary oils and extracts designed to help your body find better balance from within*. They are typically taken once per day or as directed.
What is the suggested amount of CBD?
While there is no hard and fast rule about how much CBD you should take, we at Prima suggest that you start with a small amount and take note of how you feel. Do you feel different, and if you do, how so? Just as important, what do you not feel? After a week or two of taking CBD and noting your body and mind’s response, you might want to consider increasing how much you’re taking by a few milligrams at a time. Always follow the directions on the label before using a CBD product.
How long do CBD capsules take to work?
How long CBD capsules take to work varies, too. A combination of your metabolism, weight, and whether you've recently eaten can influence how long it takes CBD capsules to take effect. Generally, expect an hour or two to pass before you feel the effects of the suggested amount of CBD; as the capsule makes its way through your digestive system, it will make its way into the bloodstream and then around your body. However, the extract in our Daily CBD capsules is microencapsulated in a hydrophobic layer designed to increase the rate of absorption compared to traditional oil capsules and ingested oils. Even then, the effects of CBD are often subtle. Depending on what you are using CBD for, you might not immediately recognize a change at all.
It's also important to note that CBD builds up in the body over time, meaning that committing to your daily suggested amount is key to long-term success with your CBD product of choice. Staying on top of a daily schedule, and consistently taking the same amount of CBD each day, is key to allowing it to build up in the body to achieve the best results.
How does CBD interact with the body and brain?
Understanding the suggested amount of CBD for you starts with understanding how CBD interacts with the brain and body, and particularly with the endogenous cannabinoid system, also called the endocannabinoid system or the ECS.
The endocannabinoid system is a series of receptors found throughout the brain and body of most vertebrates. In humans, so far, two receptor types have been identified: aptly named the CB1 receptor and the CB2 receptor. These receptors tend to cluster in the central nervous system and the immune system. They are thought to work with endogenous cannabinoids such as anandamide, which are produced naturally by your body, to keep your body in homeostasis, or your body’s natural way of being. In addition, CBD is thought to interact with dopamine receptors, playing a role in regulating cognition, motivation, and reward-seeking behaviors.
Phytocannabinoids — cannabinoids found in plants and particularly in hemp — resemble endogenous cannabinoids closely enough that they are compatible with the receptors of the endocannabinoid system as well. This means cannabinoids like CBD from hemp can maintain this important state of homeostasis.*
Other CBD products and methods of taking CBD
While CBD capsules are a simple and straightforward way to take your daily amount of CBD, they are far from the only CBD products available. Here's a closer look at some of the common types of products you might encounter when looking for a CBD product that's right for you:
- CBD topicals: Topicals include items like gels, sports creams, and CBD-infused moisturizers that are applied to your skin. Topicals, as the name suggests, are applied directly to a localized area, rather than ingested orally. This means that CBD used in this manner doesn’t make its way through your digestive system.
- CBD edibles: Edible products include foods, beverages and dietary supplements that have been infused with CBD. In some cases, these products might be purchased already infused with CBD. In other cases, there are products that make it easy to add the suggested amount of CBD to your favorite drink. Edibles are, naturally, ingested orally. When broken down by the digestive system, the CBD is released into the body over time for total body support.*
- CBD wellness products: There are a wide range of other creative wellness products that are infused with CBD as well. These include items like effervescent CBD bath bombs, which can be added to your normal self-care activities to elevate a relaxing bath to a fully-immersive CBD experience.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to CBD
Our collective understanding of cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system is evolving every day. What we do know, though, is that no two people have identical experiences with CBD. Your suggested amount may be different from another person’s; knowing how much is right for you involves being in tune with your body and mind. Start low and go slow — observe how it affects you and increase incrementally if you need more. A product like our The Daily capsule, with 25mg of CBD, and our CBD powders, each with 10mg CBD, are pre-measured and individually packed for ease of use. Thorough lab tests verify that you’re getting exactly as much CBD as promised on the label. So no matter which Prima products you choose to begin your CBD journey, you’ll easily understand just how CBD affects your daily routine, and how long it takes to do so.
