CBD doesn't work? 8 reasons why it might happen

You bought CBD oil, but it doesn't work? This is a very real situation sometimes you may not see the results you were hoping for. In these cases, it is important to understand why CBD may not work and what you can change to get the results you want. Lets try to find out why this happens.

There are several reasons why CBD might not be effective. The main ones include using an incorrect (too low) CBD dosage, choosing the wrong type of CBD, poor-quality products, inconsistent use, or simply having overly high expectations.

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    Note: This and other articles on Hempo's blog are for informational purposes only. According to the directive of the European Commission, cannabidiol is classified as a 'novel food', therefore CBD products should not be used as a food supplement in Lithuania.

    Using the wrong dose of CBD

    When it comes to CBD, the dose you take is very important. Sometimes people use the same dose of CBD as their friends or family members who are cannabidiol users. At first glance, this seems like a good and safe strategy. But the problem is that everyone's body is different, so every person or animal metabolizes natural products differently, whether its caffeine or hemp extract.

    CBD works in your body by interacting with the endocannabinoid system ( ECS). It is a biological system found throughout the body. It helps regulate and balance most physiological processes, including digestion, mood and the nervous system.

    CBD can support the endocannabinoid system and its functions, but each person often needs different amounts of this cannabinoid. Thats why you may need to adjust the amount you use to get the results you want.

    You chose the wrong form of CBD oil

    Different CBD products are tailored to different needs. In Lithuania, you can choose from the following types of cannabidiol oil.

    • CBD isolate is a concentrate that contains only pure cannabidiol in addition to other cannabinoids and beneficial components found in hemp. Compared to other types of oil, the effects of CBD isolate are the mildest, but also the weakest.
    • Full-spectrum CBD oil is a product that contains all the cannabinoids and compounds that are naturally found in the hemp plant. Also, full-spectrum oil has a small amount of THC (in Lithuania, only products that do not exceed 0.2% THC are allowed).
    • Broad-spectrum CBD oil. This category includes CBD oils that contain virtually all of the beneficial cannabinoids (CBC, CBN, CBG, etc.), terpenes and flavonoids, but no THC. Its a middle ground between full-spectrum oil and isolate.

    You may be using the wrong form of CBD for your needs. In this case, you may not get the desired benefits. For example, you use CBD isolate instead of full- or broad-spectrum CBD oil.

    CBD isolates are perfect for people who want to get the benefits of CBD without worrying about the small amount of THC found in full-spectrum extract. However, many people claim that isolate does not provide the desired more intense effect. You can achieve it by using a broad-spectrum cannabidiol extract.

    Ideally, you should use a full-spectrum hemp extract that contains all the beneficial cannabinoids to induce the so-called entourage effect.


    The entourage effect is a phenomenon where the cannabinoids in CBD oil interact with each other and enhance the positive effects of cannabidiol on the body. It leads to better, stronger and longer-lasting results than CBD alone without additives. Read more in the article Full-spectrum CBD and entourage effect.

    CBD oil has no effect

    Unrealistic expectations

    Many people have really high expectations when they start using CBD. One of the most common mistakes is to think that it will start working immediately and the very next day you will enjoy great results: reduced pain, improved mood, better sleep, radiant skin, etc.

    Some people feel the desired result very quickly. But this is rather an exception to the rule. Most people need a little more time for their bodies to feel the effect of CBD.

    So don't be surprised or discouraged if you don't see the results you want in the first week of using cannabidiol oil. They usually appear within 10 to 15 days from the start of use.

    CBD Cannot Cure an Unhealthy Lifestyle

    It is very important to understand that while CBD is beneficial in many aspects, it cannot counteract the negative effects of harmful lifestyle habits. Many people believe that CBD can help them live healthier lives but rarely consider their daily habits that negatively impact their health and well-being.

    CBD should be viewed as an additional, complementary measure that can contribute to better well-being. Remember, for people who lead a healthy lifestyle, CBD helps to support the body's natural processes, but the foundation of good well-being will always be a combination of various daily habits. Using CBD without also incorporating other natural ways to improve overall well-being, such as regular exercise or healthy eating, will not lead to a significant improvement in how you feel. It is important to understand that CBD can be an excellent aid in achieving balance in daily life, but it does not have magical powers to cure an unhealthy lifestyle and the associated negative impacts on health and well-being.

    Body Tolerance and Sensitivity

    Another aspect to consider for those wondering why CBD might not be working is body tolerance and sensitivity. Body tolerance and sensitivity to CBD are often misunderstood phenomena, and not properly evaluating them might give the impression that CBD is ineffective. Developing tolerance to CBD is not like developing tolerance to other substances - it is a complex process influenced by various biological factors.

    CBD Tolerance

    Long-term use of CBD oil can lead to tolerance to this substance, reducing its effectiveness. In such cases, people may need to increase the amount of CBD they use to achieve the desired effect. Another alternative is taking a break from CBD use. If you no longer feel the desired effects of CBD, it is recommended to take a 1-2 week break to allow the body to restore its sensitivity to cannabidiol and to experience the effects of CBD again.

    CBD Sensitivity

    Some people naturally have a high sensitivity to CBD oil, which means they may need a very small dose of CBD to feel the effects. On the other hand, there are individuals who are less sensitive to CBD oil and may find that a standard dose is not sufficient. In such cases, they may need to increase the concentration of CBD or take more CBD drops to achieve the desired effect.

    Inconsistent use of CBD

    When it comes to the use of cannabidiol oil, regularity and consistency are very important aspects to achieve and maintain the therapeutic effect of this product. Like any other product, cannabidiol fully unfolds only when it is taken consistently, at the same time every day.

    Many experts recommend taking CBD twice a day once in the morning and once before bed. To stay consistent, you can track your results with cannabidiol in a journal or on your smartphone.

    Interactions of cannabidiol with other products

    If you are using prescription medications, antibiotics or other topical products, you should allow a time gap between CBD oil and those products. Experts warn that the interaction of cannabidiol with specific products or medications can change or reduce the benefits of CBD for your body or even cause unwanted side effects. Your doctor can help determine if there are possible interactions with your medications.

    Benefits of cannabis

    Poor oil quality = poor results

    While the shelves of physical and online shops are almost overflowing with CBD oils, cannabidiol products are very different in terms of properties and quality. So, before buying some oil you are interested in, you should know all its ingredients. Sometimes, even well-known and widely advertised brands have a very small amount of real CBD, so you don't get the desired result.

    To make sure that the product contains what it says on the label, you should find out if the product has been tested by an accredited laboratory, allowing you to verify that the information on the product label is correct and meets all quality standards. The analysis also confirms that the product does not contain harmful hazardous substances such as mold, pesticides or heavy metals.

    Using CBD Isolate

    Another reason why CBD might not be working is that you are using CBD isolate. CBD isolate is pure CBD - although this type of CBD has the highest concentration of CBD (cannabidiol) per gram (~990 mg per gram), it is considered less effective compared to broad-spectrum or full-spectrum CBD oil. This is because CBD isolate does not contain other beneficial cannabinoids (e.g., CBC, CBN, CBG, etc.) and natural terpenes that work synergistically to create the so-called "entourage effect," which significantly enhances the effectiveness of CBD oil.

    CBD isolate is commonly used in the production of food products (gummies, gum, various drinks, etc.) because this form of CBD is easily water-soluble. However, to achieve the greatest effect, it is recommended to consider using other forms of cannabidiol oil, such as full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD.

    How to ensure better CBD absorption?

    CBD is recommended to be taken with healthy fats. Studies have shown that CBD is better absorbed by the body when taken with healthy fats.

    That's why many brands mix CBD with MCT oil the specific molecular composition of MCT improves and accelerates the absorption of cannabidiol!

    Summary

    So, it is very important to understand that the effectiveness of CBD depends on its quality, the individual dosage, the body's reaction, tolerance and sensitivity to this natural substance, as well as the type of CBD you use. Remember that unrealistic expectations can lead to unintentional disappointment with the effects of CBD - it is important to understand that a holistic approach to a healthy lifestyle is key, and that more effort is likely to be required to improve your wellbeing, such as exercising or adjusting your eating habits. We hope that we managed to answer the question Why does CBD not work?, and you have avoided the described mistakes and will soon enjoy the positive effects of cannabidiol!

    Frequently asked questions

    Why CBD doesn't work?

    If you have purchased one of the CBD products and encountered the problem that it does not work, it is most likely because you are using the wrong dose of CBD, you have chosen the wrong type of CBD oil, or you have purchased a low-quality CBD product, or perhaps you are using CBD inconsistently. It should also be kept in mind that the reaction of each person's body to CBD is individual and the effectiveness of CBD can be influenced by factors such as the body's tolerance and sensitivity to CBD.

    How does the body's tolerance and sensitivity affect the effectiveness of CBD?

    The body's tolerance to cannabidiol can reduce the effectiveness of the product used over time. Sensitivity to CBD is an individual factor, so some people may need a higher dose of CBD to achieve the desired effect.

    Why is it important to take CBD consistently?

    Consistent use of CBD helps maintain a steady level of cannabidiol in the body, which is crucial to experiencing the long-term effects of CBD. It often takes at least 1-2 months for people to fully rebuild their endocannabinoid system and feel the long-term effects of CBD.

    How to determine the right dose of CBD oil?

    Each of our bodies is different, so in order to determine the right dose of CBD oil, it is worth following the golden rule - no matter what concentration of CBD product you have chosen, always start with the lowest recommended dose of CBD, which you can gradually increase (it is important not to exceed 200 mg of CBD per day) until succeed in achieving the desired effect. Please note that if you are using CBD for the first time, you will most likely not feel the effects of CBD immediately - your body's endocannabinoid receptors need to adapt to phytocannabinoids (CBD), and this may take a couple of days.

    How to choose the right type of CBD oil?

    The most effective is full-spectrum CBD oil. This is due to the so-called Entourage effect, since this oil contains practically all useful cannabinoids (CBD, CBN, etc.), terpenes and flavonoids. Full-spectrum CBD oil may also contain a small amount (within the legal limit) of THC. Broad-spectrum CBD oil differs from full-spectrum oil in its composition in that it contains completely removed THC material. This type of CBD oil is perfect for pregnant, lactating women and athletes. CBD isolate is pure CBD, the effect of which is the weakest compared to other types of CBD oil.