CBD is one of the most popular and well-known cannabinoids besides THC. People have praised CBD for its ability to help alleviate anxiety, insomnia, pain, and a variety of other common conditions. There have been several studies on the benefits of CBD for overall health, yet some who take it claim to feel no effects. In cases like this, it is usually because they did not take it on a consistent schedule. To maximize effects, CBD should be taken for at least 2-4 weeks. Here’s why: 

CBD is Different Than THC

When first experimenting with CBD, some may expect the familiar and almost immediate “high” that comes with THC. THC is the ingredient in cannabis that produces the side effects we typically expect from marijuana. CBD and THC are different in many ways, and one of them is that CBD does not contain any psychoactive ingredients. Another is that the therapeutic effects of CBD take longer to notice. 

You will not feel a “high” with CBD, but that does not mean it’s not working. Before ruling CBD out as a helpful addition to your care continuum, consider increasing the dose you are taking and giving it more time to work biologically. 

CBD Has Cumulative Effects

CBD is a cumulative drug, meaning that the longer you take it, the better its effects will be. While THC works immediately by binding to certain receptors in the nervous system, CBD works by blocking the enzymes that break down cannabinoids in the body. This is a relatively slow process compared to THC, but it means that CBD needs to remain in the bloodstream consistently for 2-6 days to have a reasonable effect. 

You would never go to the gym once and expect to see results right away. The same applies to CBD. To assess CBD’s effectiveness in your life, we recommend trying it consistently for 2-4 weeks. This will allow your body to absorb and metabolize the compounds completely and effectively. 

Try tracking your doses and keeping a symptom-relief journal. Keep a record of your insomnia, stress, pain, and other symptoms, noting when you take your CBD and in what dose. This will help visualize your symptom relief and provide a clear picture of what is working. 

Combining THC and CBD

Cannabinoids work better together. Combining THC and CBD creates an “Entourage Effect,” where each compound enhances the natural properties of the other cannabis compounds in the body. That means that CBD will increase the effectiveness of THC and vice versa. 

Before your next trip to the dispensary, consider adding CBD to your THC treatment. If you suffer from a qualifying condition, MMTCFL can help you get started with medical marijuana. Get started with medical marijuana today by taking our online eligibility survey.