CBD & You: What Happens in Your Body After a Dose?

Cannabidiol has gained attention over the last few years for its possible benefits for wellness-related purposes without the intoxicating effects of cannabis. CBD is being promoted in oils, gummies, creams, caps, etc., and many of you may still ask yourselves: What happens to your body after you take CBD?

This blog explores the science behind CBD Products in the human body: how it gets absorbed, metabolizes, and interacts with the different systems of your body. It will explore the endocannabinoid system’s (ECS) role, what researchers are saying about bioavailability, and how taking different forms of CBD can lead to different experiences. We have curated this blog for those who are new to using CBD and for someone who want to know more about the science behind the biology of CBD consumption. 

Consumption and Absorption

When you consume CBD, no matter if you are taking it in a capsule, putting oil under your tongue, or utilizing a topical, it goes inside your body through a specific route. The most common routes for ingestion are:

• Sublingual (under the tongue): CBD enters the bloodstream through capillaries located under the tongue, allowing relatively rapid absorption (usually within 15-45 minutes). 
• Oral (capsules or edibles): The CBD will go through the digestive system and the liver before it enters the bloodstream, which can take approximately 1-2 hours.
• Topical: Generally, CBD applied to the skin does not circulate through the bloodstream; the CB2 receptors are most commonly in the skin. 
• Inhalation (vaping): This route will provide one of the fastest effects because the CBD enters the bloodstream directly from the lungs, which takes a few minutes.

The route of administration will impact the timing of the effects, but also the amount that may enter your system, called bioavailability.

Bioavailability—How Much CBD Reaches Your Bloodstream

Bioavailability refers to the percentage of a substance that enters the bloodstream and has an active effect. For instance, looking at some states, the bioavailability (with some accepted estimates), the bioavailability of the following is noted below in approximate terms:

• Inhalation— ~30-50% bioavailability
• Sublingual– ~13-35% bioavailability
• Oral ingestion– ~6-15% bioavailability
• Topical— Minimal to negligible systemic absorption

During the digestion stage, especially when referring to the liver’s first-pass metabolism, a substantial amount of CBD consumed by mouth is metabolized before it even reaches your bloodstream. For this reason, someone who consumes a 25mg edible will often notice a milder effect compared with someone else who consumes a 10mg sublingual oil. 

Engaging with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) 

The primary effects of CBD Products occur from forming a relationship with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a cell-signaling system found by scientists in the early 1990s. The ECS is essential for almost all bodily regulatory processes, including. 

• Sleep 
• Mood 
• Appetite 
• Pain Perception 
• Immune response 

The ECS communicates through receptors, specifically two: CB1 and CB2 receptors. The receptors are found in many different parts of the body, from the brain to various areas of the immune system. THC binds to CB1 receptors (causing psychoactive effects), and CBD connects with the ECS. It holds the potential to:

• Block the breakdown of anandamide (the body’s natural “bliss” molecule)
• Interact with receptors that are outside of the cannabinoids, like serotonin (5-HT1A) and vanilloid (TRPV1), and GABA receptors.
• Modulate inflammatory responses and neurotransmitters. 

For this reason, CBD is being studied for a variety of applications, including anxiety, sleep, inflammation, and seizure control. 

Distribution Throughout the Body

Once CBD is in the bloodstream, it is transported to other tissues and organs throughout the body. Because CBD is lipophilic (fat-soluble), CBD is stored in the fat cells of the body and released over time. This may cause it to have a longer half-life, meaning its effects may last longer or come back again later when dosed repeatedly.

Factors like body fat percentage, metabolism, genetics, and overall health can affect CBD distribution in the body and how long it stays in your body. Some studies suggest CBD has a half-life of anywhere from 18-32 hours, but it could be detected in the body for days, especially with regular use.

Metabolism and Elimination

Cannabinoid is metabolized in the liver by the cytochrome P450 family, specifically CYP3A4 and CYP2C19. These are also enzymes that metabolize many prescription medications, which is what could create interactions with medications like blood thinners or antidepressants.

After metabolism, CBD and its metabolites are eliminated through urine and feces. CBD may typically be eliminated within a few days for occasional users. Elimination may take longer for chronic users because it will build up in the fat tissues.

Key Takeaways

Understanding how CBD Products work in your body demystifies some of the hype and helps set realistic expectations. From absorption to metabolism, each stage of CBD’s journey through your system plays a role in how it affects you—and why that effect can be so different from person to person. Science is still catching up, but growing research continues to shed light on how this complex compound interacts with the human body.

If you’re curious to learn more about CBD, plant-based wellness, or how natural compounds like cannabinoids can fit into a balanced lifestyle, check out the educational resources at Down To Earth. We provide valuable insights, helping you make informed, grounded decisions about your health.