Whether you’re having trouble winding down after work or you feel the stress gripping you from the moment you wake up, CBD can help. But how long does it take for CBD to relax you? This is one of the most common questions we get asked, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
It mostly depends on the type of CBD you take. For instance, our CBD mints start working their magic in 60-90 minutes, as do our microdose gummies. A CBD shot, on the other hand, works quite a bit faster - sometimes in just 20 minutes.
Your metabolism, how much (and what) you’ve eaten recently, and a few other factors come into play as well. We’ll take a closer look at all these moving pieces below to help you set your expectations and make the most of CBD for relaxation.
Just know Mr. Moxey’s is your one-stop shop for low-dose cannabis products tailored to what you need most, in this case, relaxation. From our stress gummies to calm mints and anxiety shots, there’s something just for you in our online storefront!
“A nice little mint for some daily anxiety.” - Mary
“Especially great on nights when I can’t sleep due to pain or anxiety. They just very gently help me to drift off.” - Yvette
“I usually take the mints but tried this liquid shot and I felt relief instantly.” - Jen
How Does CBD Help You Relax?
You’re probably all too familiar with what stress feels like. Tight shoulders, racing thoughts, the inability to truly unwind even when the day is over. Relaxation can feel out of reach when your mind and body are stuck in overdrive. So how does CBD help?
Let’s be clear, it’s not a quick fix. What it can do is subtly help ease those anxious feelings and the physical tension that prevents you from being present in the moment. Let’s take a look at how it works to create a balanced sense of bliss.
CBD and the Endocannabinoid System
Your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a network of receptors responsible for how cannabis makes you feel. Cannabinoids bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptors to create some sort of response.
What makes CBD so interesting, though, is it actually doesn’t directly bind to CB1 receptors in the brain, like THC does. This is why CBD doesn’t get you high. Instead, it influences the way your body uses its own endocannabinoids.
Research suggests CBD can slow the anandamide breakdown. This is sometimes called the “bliss” molecule, which is what helps you stay calm and centered even when things feel a little chaotic.
Calming the Nervous System
Stress often keeps the nervous system in a state of alert, which is why you feel restless or on edge. CBD doesn’t just work with the ECS, though. It may also influence receptors linked to serotonin, a neurotransmitter strongly tied to mood and calmness.
CBD also has the potential to support GABA signaling, the system responsible for slowing down neural activity and quieting the mind. It’s through these two synergistic effects that CBD helps downshift your nervous system away from fight-or-flight mode and toward a calmer state.
Physical vs Mental Relaxation
A lot of people struggle with the physical side of stress just as much as the mental turmoil. That’s why the concept of CBD for muscle relaxation is so interesting.
This cannabinoid could also help ease the physical tension that comes with stress, whether that’s a clenched jaw, stiff muscles, or a racing heartbeat. It works simultaneously to force those worries out of your mind and feel more present in the moment.
In this sense, CBD addresses both the overwhelming mental chatter and physical strain. It’s a powerful way to wind down naturally without sedation or impairment. The only question is, how long does it take for CBD to relax you?
How Long Does it Take for CBD to Relax You?
You don’t want to wait hours to feel relief when you’re stressed or tense. You want something reliable, predictable, and fast.
The reality is, though, that CBD doesn’t work the same way for everyone. Timing depends on the way you take it, your body’s own rhythms, and the specific formulation you choose. So, how long does it take for CBD to relax you? Let’s break it down by consumption method:
Onset Times by Consumption Method
The way you take CBD has the biggest impact on how quickly you feel its relaxing effects, and the good news is we have quite a few different options here at Mr. Moxey’s:
- Wellness Shots: Liquids are absorbed quickly because they bypass most of the digestive process. You’ll feel something within 20-40 minutes. This is the fastest choice for quick relief before winding down at night or stepping into a stressful situation.
- Mints: Sublingual options dissolve under the tongue, where CBD is absorbed through the mucous membranes. This lets it enter the bloodstream faster than standard edibles. Expect onset in about 30-60 minutes. It feels more controlled than other methods, too.
- Microdose Gummies: Gummies travel through the digestive system, so the effects take longer to appear - typically 45-90 minutes. The upside is that once they kick in, they tend to last longer, perfect for sustained relaxation over the course of several hours.
Now, there are other options worth considering as well. Oils and tinctures are fairly similar in activation rate to our mints since they’re considered a sublingual method. Capsules or baked edibles will work more like gummies, so expect that same 45-90 minute window.
Vaping or smoking CBD has the fastest onset (just a few minutes), but the shortest duration, and it’s not always the most discreet or consistent method. That’s why you really can’t beat our wellness shots when it comes to the balance between timeliness and staying power!
Other Factors to Consider in Terms of Timing
Aside from the specific consumption method you choose, there are a few other factors to consider that dictate how long it takes for CBD to relax you. That includes:
- Metabolism: A faster metabolism translates to quicker onset and shorter duration, while a slower metabolism can stretch both.
- What You’ve Eaten: Taking CBD on an empty stomach may speed absorption, but consuming it with a meal - especially one with healthy fats - can lead to longer-lasting effects.
- Tolerance and Sensitivity: Some people feel subtle effects at very low doses, while others need more consistent use over days or weeks to notice results. We think CBD works best when taken regularly, so it can build up and support the ECS over time.
Cannabinoid synergy matters as well, which is something we’ll take a closer look at below. For instance, taking CBD and THC together may lead to more pronounced effects on stress because of something known as the entourage effect.
Similarly, you’ll see that each cannabinoid brings something special to the table in comparing CBG vs CBD for anxiety. That’s why we don’t just give you CBD in our formulas at Mr. Moxey’s. Along with other complementary cannabinoids, you’ll find herbal allies to really help you relax.
How Long Does CBD Relax You For?
So how long does it take for CBD to relax you? Anywhere from 20 minutes in our minutes to 90+ minutes in our gummies. The second question you probably have is regarding longevity.
Most people experience a sense of calm for 2-6 hours once the effects start, but again, it all depends on the specific method you choose to consume. The ones that kick in the fastest (like shots) tend to fade the fastest, too. The opposite is true. Our gummies may not kick in quickly, but they offer sustained relief for much longer.
The key is matching your method to your moment: a wellness shot for quick relief, mints for controlled flexibility, and gummies for long-lasting ease. With a little experimentation, you’ll find the rhythm that works best for you.
That’s why ultimately, you may discover that you need a combination of our stress mints, calm gummies, and anxiety gummies so you’re ready for whatever life throws your way!
Feel Relaxing Relief Fast With Mr. Moxey’s Targeted Formulas!
We believe relaxation should feel both natural and intentional. Since 2015, every product we’ve crafted has been guided by precision, care, and a commitment to quality.
Our Relax CBD | THC Gummies pair 10 mg CBD with 5 mg THC in a 2:1 ratio for those moments when you want to slow down without switching off. These are great for nighttime wind-downs, a long bath, or celebrating a productive day.
Or, consider our Relax CBD | THC Mints for a bit more support. Along with 5 mg CBD with 2.5 mg THC, you get herbal allies like hops flowers and linden blossom. These kick in quicker than gummies - but our fastest-acting products are definitely our shots.
Take our Relief THC | CBD | CBG Shot when you need quick support. You get a balanced 5 mg blend of CBD, THC, and CBG alongside organic ginger, lemon, and agave.
Whether you choose gummies, mints, or wellness shots, each product is handcrafted to help you relax in your own way - precisely dosed, naturally made, and always dependable.
With over 50 million products sold and third-party lab testing for every batch, you can rest assured you’re getting the reliable, safe support you need to relax on your own terms!
Final Words on How Long it Takes for CBD to Relax You
So, how long does it take for CBD to relax you? As we wrap things up, hopefully you have a solid grasp on what you can expect depending on the specific type of product you take.
You can learn more about CBD vs CBG vs CBN or how to microdose THC for anxiety in our blog if you’d like. Otherwise, the last thing to do today is shop targeted relief formulas at Mr. Moxey’s and put stress and its harmful effects on notice.
Discover your perfect dose of calm. Explore our full collection and choose the formula that fits your lifestyle for fast, reliable relief every time!
Frequently asked questions
Does CBD actually make you relaxed?
Yes. It works with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps regulate stress, mood, and overall balance. Many people find that it softens racing thoughts, eases physical tension, and creates a calmer baseline without feeling sedated or “out of it.”
How quickly does CBD calm anxiety?
Timing depends on how you take it. Sublingual options like mints or tinctures may bring a sense of calm within 20-40 minutes. Gummies and other edibles usually take longer, closer to 45-90 minutes, since they need to be digested first.
How do you know if CBD is working?
CBD’s effects are often more noticeable in what you don’t feel. Less tension in your shoulders, an easier time focusing, or less reactivity in stressful situations. Don’t expect a super jarring sensation, CBD is pretty subtle - and that’s a good thing!
How much CBD should a beginner start with for anxiety?
Most beginners start with a low dose, often around 5-10mg, to see how their body responds. You can gradually increase from there until you find your “sweet spot.” Consistency matters, so try the same dose for several days in a row for a clearer sense of whether it’s working for you.
