How Long After Taking CBD Oil Can I Drink Water?

The Absorption Process of CBD Oil 

First of all, let’s start with the basics of the absorption process of CBD oil.  

The absorption process of CBD depends on its method of consumption.  

Here are the major ways CBD is absorbed into the body: 

1.    Sublingual (Under the tongue) 
2.    Topical or Transdermal (Through the Skin)  
3.    Inhalation (Vaping or Smoking) 
4.    Ingestion (Oral Consumption) 

Taking CBD oil sublingually means applying it under the tongue. There are mucous membranes underneath your tongue which consist of a high concentration of blood vessels. These blood vessels can absorb molecules and compounds rapidly into the bloodstream.

Note that holding CBD oil under the tongue for 30 to 60 seconds before swallowing allows maximum absorption. Also, sublingual administration of CBD oil produces a higher bioavailability rate compared to oral or topical administration methods.  

In the case of topical application of CBD oil, it is absorbed through the skin when you use topicals such as CBD body rubs, creams, or lotions.  

Similar to sublingual administration, inhaling CBD through vaping or smoking offers rapid absorption. It is absorbed through the lungs and provides a quick onset of effects. 

Lastly, ingestion or oral consumption of CBD goes through the entire gastrointestinal (GI) tract including the esophagus, stomach, and intestine. This way it may take 30 minutes to 2 hours to feel the effects of CBD. 

How Long After Taking CBD Oil Can I Drink Water?

You are now aware of the absorption process of CBD. So, it’ll be easy for you to understand the timing of drinking water after taking CBD oil. 

The time of drinking water after the consumption of CBD oil depends on the method of administration.  

If you take CBD oil sublingually (under the tongue), wait at least 1 minute after placing CBD oil under the tongue before drinking water. It will ensure maximum effectiveness. Oppositely, drinking water too soon can potentially minimize CBD effects as it can wash out the unabsorbed CBD.  

However, it is fundamental to bear in mind that the human body is made up of 60 percent water. Therefore, to maintain good health, hydration is essential. That’s why even if you refrain from drinking water, you must stay hydrated.  

To be on the safe side, you can follow a general rule of not eating or drinking anything for at least 30 minutes to an hour after taking CBD. This will give your body enough time to absorb and process CBD oil in your system and you’ll most likely experience the maximum effects of CBD oil. 

Note that it can take up to two hours or longer to feel the effects of CBD oil depending on various factors including age, gender, metabolic rate, weight, and CBD potency. 

However, if you don’t feel comfortable taking CBD oil sublingually, you might try it orally or topically. In both cases, drinking water does not significantly affect absorption. In short, water can be consumed alongside or after taking CBD orally or topically to support hydration. 

Related: How Long Should I Wait to Eat or Drink After Taking CBD Oil? 

Can Drinking Water Reduce the Efficacy of CBD Oil?

Long story short, consuming water is unlikely to directly reduce the effects of CBD oil or other forms of CBD edibles. However, the timing of drinking water can be a factor in CBD absorption. 
 
For instance, drinking water too soon after sublingual application may mix with unabsorbed CBD. This may potentially diminish its effectiveness as it goes through the digestive tract. 
 
Another factor is bioavailability. It refers to the amount of CBD that enters the bloodstream and is available for use by the body. Drinking fat-free plain water too soon after taking CBD oil may impact the time it takes for CBD to take effect. 
 
However, if you feel extremely thirsty, you can drink water before taking cannabidiol oil sublingually. It’s also normal to crave something to eat or drink, especially if the CBD oil left a bad taste or odor on your tongue. 

What About Other Drinks?

Some users prefer adding CBD to fluids like coffee, or smoothies. The combination of CBD with various drinks involves factors such as bioavailability, fat content, and potential interactions. 

You can add CBD oil to hot or cold beverages like tea, coffee, or even water. However, the drink should ideally contain some fat for optimal absorption. The research found that “fat supplementation of the fed digestion significantly increased the bioaccessibility of CBD” [2]. So, you can add fats like coconut oil, olive oil, or whole milk to enhance CBD’s bioavailability.  

Adding CBD oil to smoothies is a popular choice as well. Healthy sources of fats in ingredients like coconut water, olive oil, or fruits can aid in CBD absorption. In addition, some CBD-infused drinks products use Nano-Encapsulated technology to boost water-soluble absorption and bioavailability rate.  

Besides, if you want to add CBD oil to alcoholic beverages, caution is advised. According to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), “use of CBD with alcohol or other drugs that slow brain activity, such as those used to treat anxiety, panic, stress, or sleep disorders, increases the risk of sedation and drowsiness, which can lead to injuries” [3]. 

To avoid these side effects, it’s better not to mix CBD with alcohol and wait at least 6 hours after consuming CBD before drinking alcohol. You can learn more if you’re inquisitive about “How long after taking CBD can I drink alcohol”. 

Type of CBD Also Matters

If you’re one of those who is inquisitive about “how long after taking CBD oil can I drink water”, you need to know that the type of CBD also matters when it comes to drinking water after ingesting CBD and its effectiveness.  

The three types of CBD – Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, and CBD Isolate can also make a difference. Full-spectrum CBD has all the cannabinoids (Including THC – AKA Tetrahydrocannabinol), terpenes, and flavonoids that work synergistically and give an entourage effect. Terpenes are lipids that make a suitable environment for breaking down CBD. So, it may also assist in increasing the bioavailability of cannabidiol.  

Taking the Full-Spectrum CBD oil, CBD syrup, or CBD gummies can offer quick and effective outcomes. Therefore, you don’t have to wait too long to drink water compared to taking Broad-Spectrum or Isolate CBD. 

Besides, water-soluble CBD offers a superior bioavailability rate. Simply put, water-soluble CBD such as CBD syrups, or CBD tinctures are easier for the body to absorb than fat-soluble CBD products. 

Additional Considerations of Taking CBD and Water 

Here are some additional considerations when it comes to taking CBD and water:

• Clean Mouth and Hydration: If you intend to use CBD oil or tincture sublingually, maintain a clean mouth through practices like brushing teeth, or rinsing. This may optimize CBD absorption. Also, make sure to keep yourself hydrated as it supports various functions including the absorption of substances.

• Timing of Eating with CBD: Although CBD works fine on both an empty stomach and a full stomach, certain foods with fats such as olive oil, coconut oil, avocado, and fish can improve CBD absorption.  

• Method of Administration: Sublingual administration of CBD oil can provide higher bioavailability compared to oral consumption methods.  

• Recommended Dose: One of the big mistakes people make is taking the full dose of CBD oil. Consuming higher doses of CBD oil can lead to side effects such as drowsiness, lightheadedness, dry mouth, and low blood pressure. 

• Research Your CBD Oil Product: Before selecting a product, do your research well. Read a lot of reviews and check the potency, purity, and quality of CBD oil.
  
• Consult a Healthcare Provider: If you’re on certain medication or have any underlying medical conditions such as liver disease, kidney disease, epilepsy, or heart issues, consult a healthcare professional before taking CBD oil. Also, it is advisable for pregnant and nursing mothers to avoid any form of CBD. 
 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some queries that are asked by searchers related to “How long after taking CBD oil can I drink water”. We have answered these questions to provide better insights. 

How Do I Maximize CBD Oil Absorption?

Ans: To maximize the absorption of CBD oil, you can take it sublingually and hold it under the tongue for 30 to 60 seconds. Besides, you can choose nano CBD (AKA water-soluble CBD) that increases the CBD particle’s absorbability. 

Is CBD Fat or Water-Soluble? 

Ans: CBD is normally a fat-soluble substance. However, it can be converted into a water-soluble substance by a process called emulsification. 

Does CBD Oil Work If You Just Swallow It?

Ans: According to research, only 5% of CBD is absorbed into the bloodstream if you swallow CBD oil. That’s why it is not a recommended method of absorption. Taking CBD oil sublingually, on the other hand, can enhance the absorption rate by up to 30%. 

Should I Brush My Teeth After Taking CBD Oil?

Ans: Yes, you can brush your teeth if you want after taking CBD oil. However, it is not mandatory. In fact, CBD is considered healthy for teeth for its analgesic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects. 

Can You Drink Water After Taking CBD Oil? 

Ans: Yes, you can drink water after taking CBD oil. There is no health risk for doing it. But, if you drink water too soon after the sublingual application of CBD oil, it may wash out some of the unabsorbed CBD in your digestive system. This may have an impact on the effectiveness of CBD oil. 

The Bottom Line

Hope you have got your answer to “How long after taking CBD oil can I drink water”. To sum up, when you use CBD sublingually wait at least 1 minute after placing oil underneath your tongue before drinking water. Drinking water too early can decrease the absorption of cannabidiol oil which will eventually negatively impact the effectiveness of the CBD-infused oil product. 

References:  

1.    Corroon, J., & Phillips, J. C. (2018). A Cross-Sectional study of cannabidiol users. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 3(1), 152–161. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2018.0006

2.    Mozaffari, K., Willette, S., Lucker, B. F., Kovar, S. E., Holguín, F. O., & Guzmán, I. (2021). The effects of food on cannabidiol bioaccessibility. Molecules, 26(12), 3573. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26123573

3.    Office of the Commissioner. (2020, March 5). What you need to know (And what we’re working to find out) about products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds, including CBD. U.S. Food And Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/what-you-need-know-and-what-were-working-find-out-about-products-containing-cannabis-or-cannabis