Here’s why the CBD you bought isn’t working

When using CBD or cannabinoids of any kind, consistency is essential. One of the biggest mistakes you can make when taking CBD is expecting an instant fix. (For the sake of simplicity, cannabinoid preparations of any kind are all referred to hereinafter as CBD.)

Often people take CBD expecting it to work like a drug: noticeable and immediate. But CBD is less like Tylenol and more like a good exercise program—it may take a while before you notice a difference.

And as with any good supplement, regular use of CBD is key to experiencing its benefits. If you’re using CBD and aren’t sure why you haven’t noticed a difference, here are a few things to consider.

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You must use CBD consistently

When using CBD (or cannabinoid supplements of any kind), consistency is essential. The majority of successful CBD studies involve giving participants a daily dose of CBD, not a one-time dose. These studies often extend over weeks or months.

Most experts advise that CBD takes a while to build up in the system. Because of this, you cannot expect instant results after a single dose.

What does that mean for you? To reap the benefits of CBD, it is best to use CBD on a daily basis. We recommend using your CBD product at around the same time each day to notice a difference.

How long does it take for CBD to work?

Most of our customers — and, anecdotally, most CBD users we know — start noticing a difference after at least five days of regular use. Some people use it for three weeks before fully feeling the benefits of CBD.

Some people claim that they notice an immediate effect. While this might be the case for you, it’s more likely that you’ll need to take your time.

RELATED: What’s the Best Time of Day to Take CBD?

You may find it best to use CBD at around the same time each day. You can take it multiple times a day – say morning, evening and during your lunch break – if you prefer. This can give you a consistent dosage throughout the day.

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How much CBD do I need to use?

If you’ve been using CBD consistently for over a week and aren’t noticing a difference, you may be underusing.

If you are an experienced cannabinoid user, we always recommend starting with the higher recommended milligrams. However, if you are completely new to using CBD or cannabinoids, it is best to start with a low dosage and build up slowly. Although fairly rare, some people experience side effects from CBD (such as nausea and fatigue). If you experience these side effects, you should try taking it with food, lowering your dosage, or stopping altogether.

We recommend experimenting a bit – try a higher dose if you like. However, remember that time and consistency are more important than dosage when it comes to reaping the benefits of CBD.

Tips to enhance the effects of CBD

If you want to get the most out of your hemp tinctures, we recommend using CBD with a high-fat meal. A 2016 study found that fat helps us absorb more CBD, increasing bioavailability from less than 10% to around 30%. In other words, fat helps your body absorb and use CBD.

Add a little black pepper for a bonus. One animal study found that circulating CBD levels were six times higher when taken with piperine, which is found in black pepper.

RELATED: CBD Slows Aging, Says Study, So When Should You Start Taking It?

Finally, we recommend keeping a dosing diary. Whether you write it down on a piece of paper or use your notes app, try to record your daily dose of CBD. If you’re new to CBD, this can help you learn what your body needs while figuring out your ideal dosage. Because no two bodies are the same, only you can hear what your body is saying.

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The best things in life come slowly

We’re used to instant gratification. We take pills to relieve pain and headaches, we click a single button and have thousands of movies at our fingertips, we place orders online and receive them the next day.

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While that’s convenient, it’s important to remember that the best things in life often come slowly. Consistently sticking to healthy habits, like exercising, eating healthily, taking supplements, or using CBD may not bring instant results, but it can certainly improve our lives for the better. Slow, sustained changes might be just what your body needs.

This article originally appeared on Astraea.com and has been republished with permission.