A CBD vape delivers effects quickly, usually within a few minutes. That may help relieve anxiety in a stressful situation, boost cognition during an afternoon slump at work or lift moods during a depression episode. It also helps alleviate pain from arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Some people in CR’s survey who used CBD reported better sleep and less fatigue, while others found that CBD eased muscle cramps or headaches.
Edibles, on the other hand, take a longer time to enter your bloodstream because the body has to break down the food before it can absorb the CBD. They can also be unpredictable in terms of how long it takes to kick in and you might experience side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth or dizziness.
If you’re new to using CBD, start with a small dose and wait a few minutes to see whether it does anything for you. Then add more, taking care not to exceed the recommended maximum dosage for your weight and tolerance levels.
You should avoid combining CBD with any medications you’re already taking unless you talk to your doctor first. CBD can interact with certain drugs and reduce their effectiveness, including benzodiazepine sedatives like Klonopin (clonazepam), Ativan (lorazepam) and Valium (diazepam). It also might interfere with immune-suppressants, such as cyclosporine, used to treat transplant patients or to fight tuberculosis.
If you’re taking CBD to alleviate chronic pain or an anxiety disorder, it can take a few weeks of daily dosing before you feel the full effects. But that’s the case with any kind of medication, whether it’s a prescription drug or a natural supplement.