Can You Take CBD on an Empty Stomach?

Have you been thinking about starting a CBD routine? As more people discover the many potential benefits of CBD, the leading compound in the hemp plant, we’re seeing a large portion of the population taking it on a daily basis in any one of the many product forms that are on the market right now.

When it comes to planning out a routine, there are some things that you want to consider carefully. One is how much you take daily, as this will determine the efficacy, as well as the risk of (very minor) side effects like drowsiness. Of course, the product type and formulation are also important. But, another thing that doesn’t get brought up a lot is whether or not you should take CBD on an empty stomach. So, we’re going to answer that question as thoroughly as possible.

What is CBD and Why Do People Take It?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical compound from the cannabis sativa plant, which’s also known as marijuana or hemp. It's one of over a hundred cannabinoids found in cannabis plants, but unlike the more famous tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not cause a "high" or any form of intoxication. This is largely because CBD and THC act in different ways on different receptors in the brain and body.

People take CBD for a variety of reasons, asd ome of the most common reasons include:

1.Pain Relief: Research has shown that CBD may help reduce chronic pain by impacting endocannabinoid receptor activity, reducing inflammation, and interacting with neurotransmitters.

2.Anxiety and Depression Management: CBD has been studied for its potential role in easing symptoms of anxiety and depression. It's thought to interact with receptors in the brain that regulate mood and social behavior.

3.Neuroprotective Properties: Researchers believe that CBD's ability to act on the endocannabinoid system and other brain signaling systems may provide benefits.

4.Sleep Aid: Many people use CBD to improve sleep or manage sleep disorders like insomnia, due to its calming effects on the central nervous system.

Is it Dangerous to Consume CBD on an Empty Stomach?

First things first: it’s absolutely not dangerous to take CBD on an empty stomach, as CBD is nontoxic no matter how much you take. There is no risk of major side effects caused by taking CBD without consuming good first. Only one exception, however, are CBD products that combine this cannabinoid with certain active ingredients that can cause symptoms if taken on an empty stomach, like certain probiotics, for example.

In general, while cannabidiol does have a small side effect profile, none of its side effects are known to be severe or long-lasting in any regard. The most common ones are drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth, none of which’re actually cause for real concern. Still, taking CBD on an empty stomach in a heavy dose can mean feeling these side effects more acutely, although they still shouldn’t be too strong.

Basically, the most likely thing to happen if you take CBD on an empty stomach is that you’ll feel the effects sooner, and more strongly. That’s because there isn’t a backup of foods that need to first make their way through the digestive tract before the cannabidiol can be processed to enter the bloodstream. At the same time, if you have a very fast metabolism, taking CBD on an empty stomach can mean that the CBD metabolizes very quickly because there isn’t anything else slowing down the process, and sometimes, that can cause a paradoxical effect in which not enough CBD enters the bloodstream since it’s been metabolized rapidly before absorbing and becoming effective.

Will I Get High from Taking CBD on an Empty Stomach?

Another thing we want to clarify is that you won’t get high taking CBD whether it’s consumed on an empty stomach or not. No matter how much cannabidiol you take, you cannot get intoxicated, because CBD is strictly nonintoxicating. It has no ability to attach to cannabinoid receptors in the brain that produce a psychoactive effect.

Does the Delivery Method Matter?

Now, one thing we want to point out is that so far, we’ve mostly been talking about consuming CBD through ingestion, whether in the form of an oil or an edible, like a gummy. But, it’s likely that the same information applies even if you’re vaping or smoking it, just to a lesser extent. Obviously, when we smoke or vape CBD, it’s not going through the digestive tract, and so it doesn’t interact with food you may have eaten earlier. Still, if your metabolism is busy breaking down, say, the sugar you just consumed, it can take longer for the CBD to absorb into the bloodstream, even when it’s consumed via inhalation.

What if I Take CBD on a Full Stomach?

If you take CBD on a full stomach, there’s a good chance that the effects will be a bit subtler, and even have a longer onset time. Again, this is because the body is busy breaking down the food in the digestive tract, which inhibits the absorption of the CBD into the system. Because of this, we recommend that those who want to get the fullest extent of CBD’s effects wait for an hour or two after eating a heavy meal, or consuming a large amount of a beverage, like coffee or alcohol.

The Key Takeaway: You Can Take CBD on an Empty Stomach

Fortunately, CBD can be perfectly effective no matter how much you’ve eaten beforehand, and many people get significant results whether they take it on an empty or a full stomach, regardless of the product type. But, in general, you’re more likely to get potent and fast-acting effects when you didn’t just consume a large meal. So, for the best absorption possible, consider waiting to take your CBD until you’ve digested the last thing you’ve eaten. This way, you won’t miss out on the full potential that cannabidiol has to offer.

It's important to note, too, that everyone's body reacts differently to CBD, so experiences can vary. Some people might find taking CBD on an empty stomach works well for them, while others may experience discomfort or less effective results. If you're new to CBD or considering changing your intake method, it might be helpful to start with small doses and observe how your body reacts, adjusting as needed.