How Long Does It Take for a CBD Drink to Kick In?

July 16, 2025 Norman Kremer

First sip down, and the question’s brewing: when does the mellow start? Should you expect a lightning bolt of calm or a slow slide into chill?

CBD drinks aren’t like coffee or tequila shots, and that’s kind of the point. They’re meant to ease you into your best self, one fruity mouthful at a time.

Here’s everything you need to know about how long a CBD drink takes to work (and why ours might just be your favourite new ritual).

Quick Answer: How Long Does It Take for CBD Drink To Kick In?

Most people start to feel the effects of a CBD drink within 20 to 40 minutes. Why the range? Because your body’s not a stopwatch. Factors like metabolism, stomach contents, and cannabinoid concentration all play a role.

Compared to oils or gummies, CBD drinks often hit a bit faster, thanks to the liquid format. That said, it’s still slower than smoking or vaping, but we’re in it for calm, not chaos. With 32mg of full-spectrum CBD per can, Little Rick is built for a steady rise, not a sharp spike.

Why Do CBD Drinks Kick In Quicker than Other Edibles?

Glass of hemp drink with hemp leaves put on wooden floor

Liquids, like our CBD drinks, begin absorbing in your digestive tract almost immediately. Some studies suggest that liquid-based CBD products may reach peak plasma concentration faster than solid edibles like gummies or capsules.

While it still takes a trip through your liver, the bioavailability (that’s a fancy term for “how much your body actually uses”) tends to be higher than traditional edibles. So even if you don’t feel it straight away, trust us, the chill is coming.

Factors That Affect How Fast CBD Drinks Kick In

Now, if your mate says their CBD drink kicked in after 15 minutes but yours took 45, you’re both probably right. Onset time is personal, and here’s why:

Body Weight and Metabolism

Close-up legs with socks weighing on a scale

Your metabolism sets the pace. If your body processes substances quickly, you’ll likely feel the effects sooner. Heavier folks may notice a slower onset, simply because there’s more body to distribute the CBD through.

Stomach Contents

Drinking a CBD beverage on an empty stomach? Expect faster effects. Just finished a roast dinner? You’ll be waiting longer.

A 2019 University of Minnesota study found that CBD absorption increases significantly when consumed with high-fat foods. In fact, pairing CBD with the right foods can even enhance absorption.

Serving Size and CBD Concentration

Some CBD drinks offer a light sprinkle of 5-10mg per can. We, on the other hand, don’t mess about, each Little Rick includes 32mg of full-spectrum CBD.

Why does that matter? Because knowing exactly what you’re getting means you can predict how your body will respond. And since our formulas are independently verified, you can check the actual cannabinoid breakdown on our Little Rick lab certificates.

Signs Your CBD Drink Has Kicked In

Young man taking a large cannabis plant in a garden

It might not come with fanfare, but the signs are there. Think:

Shoulders dropping away from your ears
A calmer, clearer mind
That subtle “ahh” moment
Less tension, more ease

CBD isn’t meant to overwhelm, it’s about balance. Our full-spectrum CBD includes not just cannabidiol, but a chorus of minor cannabinoids and natural terpenes working together in what neurologist Dr. Ethan Russo calls the “entourage effect.

How Long Do CBD Drink Effects Last?

Once it kicks in, the effects tend to last between 2 to 6 hours, depending on your dose, lifestyle, and metabolism.

Feeling mellow? Enjoy it. Just remember, effects taper off gradually, no harsh come-downs here. For a deeper breakdown of how long CBD sticks around, read our full explainer on how long CBD stays in your system.

Common Misconceptions About CBD Drink Onset

CBD drinks by Little Rick in all available flavours

Let’s clear up some common myths:

Myth: It hits like alcohol.
Nope. You won’t suddenly “feel it” like a pint of lager. It’s subtle.
Myth: More CBD means faster effects.
It doesn’t work like caffeine. A higher dose might amplify the effect, but won’t make it hit faster.
Myth: If you don’t feel it immediately, it’s not working.
Some benefits are cumulative, especially with consistent use.

Curious how many cans you can enjoy in a day? We break it down in our post on how many CBD drinks you can have.

Why Little Rick CBD Drinks Are the Smart Choice

Our CBD drinks aren’t just tasty, they’re backed by proper science. With 32mg full-spectrum CBD, real fruit juice, natural sweeteners, and third-party testing, we give you flavour, function, and full transparency.

Plus, we don’t cut corners on quality. From extraction method to lab results, everything’s designed for effectiveness and safety, all while delivering a blissful sip that won’t knock you sideways.

Little Rick’s mix pack is your go-to mate for a moment of calm when you need it most. And once it kicks in? You’ll know exactly why we put the chill in chill-out.