Key takeaways
- If you swallow CBD oil, it will pass through your digestive system and be metabolized by your liver before entering your bloodstream.
- CBD oil works by modulating the activity of the endocannabinoid system and other neurotransmitter systems in the body, leading to various therapeutic effects such as pain relief, reduced anxiety, improved sleep, and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Swallowing CBD oil does not reduce its effectiveness, but it may delay the onset of effects compared to sublingual administration.
- The effects of swallowed CBD oil typically last longer compared to sublingual administration, with effects lasting up to 6 hours or more, depending on dosage and individual factors.
Swallowing CBD oil is one of the most effective methods of accessing the therapeutic benefits of CBD oil. This is because swallowed CBD oils produce longer effect on users and come with other benefits some and short comings some of which are discussed in this article.
What happens if you swallow CBD oil?
If you swallow CBD oil, it will pass through your digestive system and be metabolized by your liver before entering your bloodstream. Here's what happens when you swallow CBD oil:
- Digestive Process: Once swallowed, CBD oil travels down your esophagus and enters your stomach, where it begins to undergo digestion.
- Absorption: CBD oil is absorbed primarily through the lining of the small intestine into the bloodstream. The absorption process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on various factors such as the formulation of the CBD oil, your metabolism, and whether you've eaten recently.
- First-Pass Metabolism: After absorption, CBD undergoes what is known as first-pass metabolism in the liver. Enzymes in the liver break down CBD into metabolites, including 7-hydroxy-CBD and 7-carboxy-CBD, which are then circulated throughout the body.
- Distribution: The metabolites of CBD are distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream, where they can interact with cannabinoid receptors located throughout the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS).
- Effects: Swallowing CBD oil results in systemic effects rather than localized effects. Depending on factors such as dosage, individual metabolism, and the specific formulation of the CBD oil, you may experience various effects such as relaxation, pain relief, reduced anxiety, or improved sleep.
- Duration: The effects of swallowed CBD oil typically last longer compared to sublingual administration, as the CBD is released gradually into the bloodstream over time.
How does CBD oil work?
Quality CBD oil works by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of neurotransmitters, receptors, and enzymes that helps regulate various physiological functions and maintain homeostasis (balance) within the body. Note how we emphasized on quality CBD products? It is because not all CBD products are created the same and the CBD industry is not regulated. This has posed as a major challenge to people who want to experience the best effects of CBD.
Here's how CBD oil exerts its effects:
- Interaction with Cannabinoid Receptors: CBD (cannabidiol) is a phytocannabinoid derived from the cannabis plant. It interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the ECS, primarily CB1 and CB2 receptors. However, CBD has a low affinity for directly binding to these receptors.
- Modulation of Endocannabinoids: CBD indirectly influences the ECS by modulating the activity of endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids), such as anandamide and 2-AG. It inhibits the breakdown of these endocannabinoids by enzymes like fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), leading to increased levels of endocannabinoids in the body.
- Allosteric Modulation: CBD can also act as an allosteric modulator, meaning it binds to a different site on the receptor and alters its activity. This mechanism can influence the effects of other compounds that bind to the same receptor.
- Interaction with Non-cannabinoid Receptors: In addition to cannabinoid receptors, CBD interacts with various non-cannabinoid receptors and ion channels in the body, such as serotonin receptors (5-HT1A), transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). These interactions contribute to the diverse effects of CBD on mood, pain sensation, inflammation, and other physiological processes.
- Neurotransmitter Modulation: CBD influences the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and glutamate, which play crucial roles in mood regulation, anxiety, and pain perception.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take for CBD oil to take effect when swallowed?
CBD oil typically takes 30 minutes to 2 hours to take effect when swallowed, as it needs to be digested and absorbed through the digestive system.
Does swallowing CBD oil reduce its effectiveness?
Swallowing CBD oil does not reduce its effectiveness, but it may delay the onset of effects compared to sublingual administration.
Can I mix CBD oil with food or beverages when swallowing?
Yes, you can mix CBD oil with food or beverages when swallowing to mask the taste or make it easier to consume.
How long do the effects of swallowed CBD oil last?
The effects of swallowed CBD oil typically last longer compared to sublingual administration, with effects lasting up to 6 hours or more, depending on dosage and individual factors.
Do I need to adjust the dosage of CBD oil when swallowing?
The dosage of CBD oil may need to be higher when swallowed compared to sublingual administration, as some of the CBD may be lost during digestion.
Sources
Lucas, C. J., Galettis, P., & Schneider, J. (2018). The pharmacokinetics and the pharmacodynamics of cannabinoids. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 84(11), 2477-2482. https://doi.org/10.1111/bcp.13710
Mostafeezur, R. M., Zakir, H. M., Takatsuji, H., Yamada, Y., Yamamura, K., & Kitagawa, J. (2012). Cannabinoids Facilitate the Swallowing Reflex Elicited by the Superior Laryngeal Nerve Stimulation in Rats. PLOS ONE, 7(11), e50703. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0050703
