Cart (
How To Take CBD Oil | 10 Simple and Effective Methods
Knowing how to take CBD oil correctly can mean the difference between experiencing little to no relief and unleashing the true potential of CBD. The most effective option is to hold CBD oil under the tongue for one minute before swallowing, but there are lots of other ways to enjoy all the benefits CBD offers.
Understanding CBD Oil
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a major cannabinoid of the Cannabis sativa plant. The CBD found in today’s wellness products is obtained from industrial hemp plants, which contain high levels of CBD and low levels of THC.
Different Forms of CBD Oil
When exploring CBD products, you’ll find that there are three different forms of CBD.
- Full-spectrum CBD, thought to be the most effective form, contains the full profile of compounds naturally occurring in the hemp plant, including trace amounts of THC.
- Broad-spectrum CBD is almost the same, except that all THC has been removed.
- CBD isolate contains only CBD—everything else has been filtered out.
Uses and Benefits
Despite the fact that research isn’t yet complete, people are using CBD to help with a variety of issues and restore their bodies’ homeostasis to maintain wellness. CBD is thought to help the following:
- Arthritis pain
- Muscle and joint pain
- Inflammation
- Appetite control
- Stress and anxiety
- Sleep issues
- Overcoming addiction
- Depression
- Migraines
- Relaxation
- Seizures
- Focus and clarity
Precautions
CBD is still being studied, and there might be issues associated with long-term use that have not yet come to light. So far, known possible side effects include dry mouth, digestive upset, fatigue, drowsiness, diarrhea, and irritability, but these are not very commonly experienced.
Because CBD is not yet regulated, no standards are in place to guarantee purity and safety. Your best bet is to check the Certificate of Analysis (COA) for the product if one is available.
Dosing
For beginners, starting with a low dose, such as 10 milligrams, is wise; however, because potency can vary widely, it’s usually best to follow the directions for your particular CBD product.
It’s generally advised to take one dose in the morning and another at night, but taking additional doses when needed is fine too. In fact, keeping consistent levels of CBD in the body tends to provide the greatest benefits.
10 Ways To Take CBD Oil
You’ll find that there are plenty of options when it comes to using cannabidiol to support health and improve overall well-being. Some are more effective than others, but you’re sure to find one that meets your needs and is pleasant to take.
1. CBD Oil Sublingually (Most Effective Method)
CBD oils consist of CBD extract suspended in an oil base, typically coconut oil or hemp seed oil, though other oils can be used too. Sometimes, essential oils, flavorings, sweeteners, or other additives are present as well.
To reap the most benefits, use a dropper to place the recommended dose under your tongue. Hold the oil in place for a full minute before swallowing.
This allows time for the oil to be absorbed and introduced directly into your bloodstream. You should begin to feel the effects within 30 minutes or so.
2. CBD Tinctures
CBD tinctures are similar to CBD oils, except that instead of being mixed with oil, the CBD is mixed with alcohol. The taste can be rather bitter if there are no flavorings added, but the effectiveness is comparable to that of CBD oils.
Take CBD tinctures just as you would CBD oils—place the CBD under your tongue, hold it for 60 seconds, and swallow. Like with CBD oil, full effects are typically felt within half an hour.
Just so you know, many CBD companies market their CBD oils as tinctures even though they contain no alcohol and are not true tinctures. Always read the ingredient list carefully so you’ll know exactly what you’re taking.
3. CBD Gummies and Other Dissolvables
CBD gummies come in a range of potencies and shapes, such as bears, worms, and rings, and are almost always sweet and fruity. Dosing is as easy as popping one in your mouth. Other dissolvable CBD products, such as lozenges and hard candy, work in a similar manner.
To correctly take a CBD gummy, put one in your mouth, and chew slowly for one minute before swallowing to allow the CBD to be partially absorbed by the tiny capillaries in your mouth before making its way to your stomach. It might be an hour or more before you feel the effects.
4. Topical CBD
Topical CBD products are applied directly to the source of pain. Various potencies are available, and other ingredients are often added to produce cooling effects, add scent, maintain texture, or enhance moisturizing properties.
People use CBD topicals to alleviate arthritis pain, soothe painful muscles and joints, treat skin conditions, and fight inflammation. You can choose from CBD lotions and creams, CBD muscle rubs, CBD salves and balms, CBD gels, and more.
To use CBD topicals, rub or spray the product on your skin to cover the entire targeted area. You should feel relief within minutes. Many products can be reapplied as often as needed.
5. CBD Edibles
CBD-infused edibles include treats like cookies, brownies, chocolate bars, candies, and gummies. A wide variety of choices are available for purchase, and you can make your own at home too.
Getting an accurate dose of CBD with baked goods can be tricky. With purchased products, it’s best to follow the recommended dosage guidelines.
6. CBD Softgel Capsules and Tablets
Softgels containing CBD have two main benefits—they make dosing very easy, and you won’t taste the CBD oil. Tablets made with CBD are also available and easy to take. They are typically made either to dissolve in your mouth or to release CBD slowly over time after swallowing.
7. CBD Drinks
You can add CBD to tea, coffee, juice, smoothies, cocktails, or any other beverage. You can also find dissolvable CBD powder packets that can be added to drinks. When adding CBD oil to your favorite drink, simply squirt your usual dose into the drink, and stir well.
8. Incorporating CBD With Food
Try adding CBD oil to your favorite salad dressing recipe, soup, brownie mix, yogurt, ice cream—the list goes on and on! Taking CBD with healthy fats can increase its absorption, but high heat can reduce its effectiveness, so keep that in mind when experimenting in the kitchen.
9. CBD Vape Pens
Vape pens with CBD are a popular dosing option because the CBD enters the bloodstream quickly; however, the effects don’t last very long, and there are safety concerns surrounding vaping as well.
10. CBD Transdermal Products
Transdermal CBD products are a step up from CBD topicals but are applied in the same way. They are designed to penetrate the skin layers and enter the bloodstream to provide both targeted relief and whole-body effects. You can choose from transdermal CBD patches, gels, gel pens, and creams.
Feel Your Best With Spruce
Now that you know how to take CBD oil, don’t waste time with inferior products that don’t deliver results—choose Spruce for the purest, most potent full-spectrum CBD products available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you swallow CBD oil?
You can swallow CBD oil right after placing it in your mouth, but the effects will be delayed and possibly diminished because your digestive system will begin breaking down the CBD before it reaches your bloodstream.
It is better to place the CBD under your tongue and hold it there for a minute before swallowing.
Can you drink CBD oil directly?
For best results, do not swallow CBD oil immediately. Hold it under your tongue for a full minute to allow the capillaries to absorb it. This allows the CBD to enter your bloodstream in the fastest, most efficient manner possible.
You can also add CBD oil to tea, coffee, smoothies, and other drinks; however, because the CBD will pass through your digestive system, this option isn’t quite as effective as taking the oil sublingually.
How much CBD oil should a beginner start with?
First-time users of CBD should generally start by taking a small dose, such as 10 milligrams, twice per day for several days to judge how their bodies respond. If the low dose doesn’t produce the desired results, increase dosing to 25 mg twice daily.
Some people might find that relief is only felt when they take more than the recommended amount, and that’s okay. You can’t overdose on CBD.
CBD has cumulative effects. This means that you’ll notice better results as the CBD accumulates in your body over time, and after several weeks, you might find that a lower dose is sufficient.
What happens when you take CBD for the first time?
CBD interacts with the cannabinoid receptors of your body’s endocannabinoid system to make you feel calm, relaxed, and less stressed. CBD is not intoxicating, so it does not produce a high, but it can help to efficiently manage any pain or discomfort you feel.
If you take CBD during waking hours, you’ll likely notice an improvement in your ability to focus because you are in a calm state. When taking CBD at nighttime, you should note that sleep comes easily because of the lower stress and pain levels.
