How do you take CBD oil? Everything you need to know
If you're thinking about joining the growing number of people using cannabidiol, you may have some questions. First among them may well be, quite simply, how do you start taking it? This is especially true if you're planning to try CBD oil. Knowing how to take CBD oil can be a little confusing. That is where we come in! This post will explain the various different ways of taking CBD oil, and look at how they affect your experience.
Each of the methods you can choose will deliver CBD oil to your body in a different way. This will ultimately affect where you administer it, how often, and what times of the day you use it. Our bodies respond to the use of CBD oil differently, which then means that there is no specific method that suits everyone.
Whether this is your first time using CBD oil or you are just looking to optimize your current routine, our guide will help you decide how best to take CBD oil. But before we discuss the how, let’s be sure we are talking about the same thing!
What is CBD oil?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the two most pronounced compounds found in the cannabis plant. Unlike the compound THC, CBD is not psychoactive. Thus, it does not alter a person’s state of mind when used. CBD oil is made through the extraction of the CBD compound from the cannabis plant. It is then diluted with hemp seed oil or a different carrier oil like coconut oil.
Ways to take CBD oil
Here are some of the most common methods you can use to take your CBD oil:
Sublingual method
The sublingual method is one of the most popular and straightforward ways for taking CBD oil. "Sublingual" simply means under the tongue, and so you can probably guess how it works! It involves placing a few drops of CBD oil under your tongue. Most CBD oil products will come with a dropper in order to help you use this method. Holding the oil under your tongue for about 30 seconds allows the compound to dissolve and diffuse into your bloodstream through the tissues in your tongue. Its effects are rapid, just like with vaping.
What you need to know about the sublingual method
This method offers a fast and direct hit of cannabidiol. It’s effective because it involves CBD molecules passing through thin layers of tissue under your tongue, immediately diffusing into the bloodstream. If any is left in your mouth, you can swallow it.
Sublingual administration bypasses your digestive system and goes directly into your bloodstream, so it is one of the quickest ways of getting CBD into your system. Compared to CBD gummies or other oral ways of taking CBD, however, it will not stay as long in the body.
The biggest struggle people have with sublingual administration is the taste of CBD oil, which some people describe as earthy and grassy. Some users will eat a piece chocolate a few seconds before administering CBD oil drops to mask the taste. So if you find yourself struggling with the taste, try carrying around a chocolate bar for this purpose.
Oral method
The oral method simply refers to any way of taking CBD oil by swallowing it. Of course, with the sublingual method you may end up swallowing some of the oil anyway. But here, that's the main goal.
One common way of taking CBD oil using the oral method is combining it with food or drink. This can be anything from your favourite salad to a beverage you love. While it’s a common way of using CBD oil, some people do this just to mask its taste. Regardless, oral CBD takes a longer time to be digested before being absorbed into the bloodstream compared to the sublingual method.
If you're interested in trying this method, there are plenty of recipes online you can use. Baking using CBD oil is particularly popular. However, if you aren't much of a baker, or if you'd prefer ready made options, you should consider purchasing CBD gummies. CBD edibles are pre-prepared food items that contain CBD, such as gummies, chocolates and cookies. They are a tasty, discreet, and easy way of ingesting CBD.
What you need to know about oral CBD
It takes up to two hours for the effects of oral CBD products to be felt. This is because, once taken, the CBD goes through the digestive tract and the liver before it finally enters the bloodstream. This is a slightly longer route that sees the cannabidiol partially broken down. However, the effects of oral CBD last longer than the other methods.
CBD bath bombs
As CBD oil becomes more popular, people are experimenting and discovering new ways of taking it. One of the most enjoyable ways that has become popular quite recently is adding CBD oil to bath bombs. It's a great way to incorporate your daily dose of CBD into an indulgent and relaxing evening routine.
You can find a whole range of CBD bath bomb recipes online. There are also DIY tips to help you get started if you're new to the process. It can seem a little overwhelming at first, but start slowly and take it step by step. It may just be the perfect option for you!
Alternatives to CBD oil
CBD oil is one of the most popular ways to use CBD. It's simple and versatile, and easy to keep on top of the dosage you're taking. However, there are other options out there. Before you commit to trying CBD oil, it's worth considering some other types of CBD product that are out there.
Topical CBD
Topical CBD is used by applying the product to the skin. Most topical CBD products are often blended with fragrant hemp oil to make them easier to spread on the skin and produce a good smell. Topical CBD targets one specific area of your body and can be combined with the same soothing effects of other over-the-counter creams and lotions. It is normally sold in balm or rub form.
Topical CBD products
Of course, it is possible to take CBD oil and infuse it into your body creams, lotions, and other topical products yourself. You can even simply rub the oil directly on your skin. However, doing so has potential drawbacks. For instance, it may cause issues for sensitive skin. Generally, you are better off buying ready made CBD infused products. These include CBD muscle and joint rub and CBD face cream.
What you need to know about topical CBD
Topical CBD products are exclusively applied to the skin. The cannabidiols and other ingredients in it do not pass into the bloodstream. However, they penetrate the epidermis of the skin to affect the underlying tissues.
CBD vaping
This route involves the use of vape devices like vape pens and mods. They are easy to use and are a great option if you want to take CBD while you're out and about. When CBD is inhaled using a vape pen, it passes into your lungs, diffusing into the bloodstream through the alveoli.
It is very important to note that you should not mix CBD oil with e-liquids yourself. CBD e-liquids are specially designed and formulated to provide CBD oil in a way you can inhale. They come readily prepared for you. All you need to do is feed them into your favourite vaping device and enjoy.
What you need to know about vaping CBD
CBD vaping involves inhaling the vapour via a vape device. High-tech vapes give you the option to take control over your experience by selecting specific temperatures. You might need to experiment before knowing what best works for your body and lifestyle.
Inhalation may provide quick results but the effects do not last for long. With its fast onset, users are advised to start slow by taking only one hit at any given time. This will allow you to determine the right dosage before you can work your way up to desired effects.
Why you should establish a routine when taking CBD oil
The best way to enable you to get the most out of your CBD oil rests on developing a routine that is simple and easy to follow as well as compatible with your lifestyle. CBD does not behave the same for everyone; that’s why experimenting on a routine that is right for you is a good idea.
Although you can take your dosage in a single serving, there is also the option of splitting it into two or even more servings throughout the day. Once you do find what gives you the desired effects, repeat that daily to develop a routine that your body can work with.
Conclusion on how to take CBD oil
Personal experimentation stands as one of the best ways to find out which CBD delivery method works best for you. You can even combine different options from the various product categories. If you do so, just be sure that you keep a record of your total daily intake in milligrams. This will help you find your desired dosage as well as the most effective way of taking the product.
CBD is available in different formats that vary in terms of ingredients as well as dosage. It is therefore important to note that there is no standard dose for everyone. The amount and mode of delivery that works for you may not necessarily work for another person. Whichever method you decide to use to take your CBD oil, it is vital that you start low and slow for at least a week or until such a time that you determine the mode that gives you the desired effect.