How to take CBD: A guide to the many ways of using CBD
As CBD continues to grow in popularity, the number of different ways of using it also increases. We’ve seen a wide range of CBD products come on the market, including:
- edibles
- CBD-infused vaping products
- beauty products
- And many more!
However, when it comes to different options for how to take CBD, there are some you might not have considered before. When it comes to CBD oil in particular, there are a range of creative and interesting ways to take it that can add a little fun and excitement to your daily CBD usage.
In this post, we'll cover some of the simplest and most popular ways of taking CBD, and we'll also offer you a few outside-the-box suggestions to try out.
From this list, feel free to choose one method that works for you. Keep in mind that the time it takes for CBD to enter your system and how long it stays in your body will depend on how you take your CBD.
So, let's start with some of the popular methods, and give you all the ins and outs you need to be aware of.
Vaping
Vaping is one of the most popular ways of taking CBD, not least because it's highly convenient. However, you do need some equipment.
Using this method requires a vape pen and CBD e-liquid. The vape pen heats the CBD e-liquid, turning it to vapour. The user then inhales this vapour, which enters the lungs and then is absorbed into the bloodstream.
Despite its many advantages, vaping can be a little bit intimidating for beginners. If you're interested in trying it but find yourself a little bit overwhelmed, why not read our handy guide explaining how to use a CBD vape pen? Once you get started, you may well find it's a particularly easy and enjoyable way to get your daily dose of CBD.
Not only is it a great way to use CBD while you're out and about, but there are also a lot of different delicious flavours of CBD vape to choose from.
However, it's important to note that you shouldn’t make your own CBD vape juice, as it can be risky for your health. Mixing CBD oil with your existing e-liquid is not a good idea, and is something best avoided. However, this isn't a big issue. There are plenty of premade CBD e-liquids you can choose from that are specially designed for vaping.
Sublingual method
The sublingual method is a simple and highly popular way of consuming CBD oil. This method delivers CBD straight into the bloodstream. It involves placing CBD oil under the tongue and keeping it there for a minute or two before swallowing it. Indeed, "sublingual" itself simply means "under the tongue". Again, this method can seem a bit strange and scary for beginners. But in fact, it's quite easy to learn to take CBD oil using this method, especially if you follow our tips.
The sublingual method is a fast and effective way to get CBD into your body. When you place the CBD oil under your tongue, the molecules pass through the tissues under the tongue before diffusing into the bloodstream, capillaries, and cells.
If possible, swish the CBD oil around your mouth to get the oil in all the tissues in the mouth. This will increase the absorption rate.
It's worth noting that CBD oil comes with different concentrations. This means that the number of drops you need to use can vary. Be sure to check the dosage recommendations provided by the manufacturer. It's important that you do not exceed the recommended dosage.
CBD pills and capsules
In this case, CBD comes infused into small pills and capsules. These capsules come in a pre-measured dosage, which is usually indicated on the products’ label to make dosing easy. Some manufacturers include a variety of ingredients in CBD capsules and pills. Read the label carefully to identify any allergens in the ingredients.
CBD tablets and pills are one of the better options for first-timers. This is because they are easier to use and can be digested quicker and faster than CBD edibles. CBD pills and capsules are small and easy to carry around.
Just like with other formats, you can get CBD isolate pills, full-spectrum CBD and broad-spectrum CBD pills. The three have different concentrations of CBD and other compounds found in the hemp plant. If you want to know more, why not check out our blogs explaining all about full-spectrum CBD and broad-spectrum CBD?
In most cases, CBD capsules and pills do not come in flavours, which is good news for consumers who don’t like different tastes.
The only downside of CBD capsules and pills is that they take more time to enter your system. This is because, just like edibles, they go through the digestive system.
CBD edibles
If you’re looking for a fun and discreet way to take CBD, try CBD edibles. These are food products infused with CBD. Edibles come in all kinds of shapes and designs. This means you have plenty of options to choose from, and will no doubt be able to find something to suit your tastes and preferences.
You can make your edibles at home (see below for some suggestions) or buy them from local shops or online. When shopping for CBD edibles, take note of the THC content levels and the rest of the ingredients. According to regulations in the UK, all CBD products must contain less than 0.3% THC.
CBD edibles are first absorbed in the digestive tract before they make their way into your bloodstream. It takes more time before the CBD to enter your system, usually 30 to 60 minutes. This will also depend on factors like your body weight and fat saturation, among others. The good thing is that the CBD will stay in your system for longer.
The most popular CBD edibles include gummies, soft drinks, cakes, and many more. Often, a CBD edible will taste like the original product without CBD would taste. CBD gummies come in different colours and flavours to suit different needs.
CBD topicals
Topical products are those meant for external use on the human body. CBD topicals come in various forms, including creams, lotions, balms, roll-ons, rubs, and many more. Some people add drops of CBD oil in their cosmetic products.
When applied to the skin, they penetrate the skin and connect to the cannabinoid receptors nearby via the skin pores. They don’t enter the bloodstream. Most people use topical CBD in the form of creams, balms, salves, or CBD muscle and joint rubs to soothe their bodies.
It's easy to use CBD topicals. You only need to apply them to your skin the way you do with your cosmetic products. Some come with special instructions for use. Here’s an example of instructions you’d expect from a CBD infused skin product.
- Place the CBD topical on your palms and in small quantities
- Rub the topical with your hands to soften the product and to make it easier to apply
- Gently apply the CBD topical on specific parts of your skin
- If it's a lotion or a beauty product, apply it to the face
- If it's a CBD balm, apply it to the neck or back
The effects of CBD topicals vary depending on factors such as: the type of CBD and concentration of CBD in the product, total dosage, individual needs, and the additional ingredients in the product.
Before using CBD topicals, it is a good idea to test them on a small section of your skin to avoid irritation.
4 fun ways to take CBD oil
You've read about the most common types of CBD products and the most popular methods for taking them. However, why not think outside the box? There are a whole range of other ways you can take CBD oil. Some of them you might never have even considered. Let's look a few suggestions of fun and unusual ways to take CBD.
CBD bath bombs
There's nothing better than a relaxing soak after a tough day. But why not combine a hot bath with your daily dosage of CBD? Check out our tips for making CBD bath bombs at home, as well as 5 handy CBD bath bomb recipes for you to try out.
CBD butter
Infusing your CBD oil into butter makes for a perfect cooking ingredient that also offers a handy dose of CBD. Why not follow our simple recipe to make CBD butter yourself at home? And once you have your CBD-infused butter, the possibilities are endless – you can even add it to your morning coffee!
CBD salad dressing
When it comes to adding CBD oil to food, we tend to think of making sweet treats. Baking with CBD is a popular pastime, and you'll find a range of recipes for CBD-infused brownies and cakes. But don't overlook the savoury options! Virtually any recipe that includes oil – be it olive oil, vegetable oil, or avocado oil – is a great choice for adding some CBD oil. So why not add a few drops to a tasty salad dressing? We recommend combining your CBD oil with white wine vinegar, some finely chopped garlic, and some freshly ground black pepper.
CBD smoothies
Smoothies are a great way to start the day, and are the perfect choice for the health-conscious. But if you want to add CBD to your morning routine, why not consider adding it to a delicious fruity smoothie? Just add a few drops to your existing recipe – you just need to make sure you follow the manufacturer's recommended dosage.
The bottom line
As we've seen, there are wide range of ways to take CBD. Each of them has its advantages:
The sublingual method, for instance, is highly effective as the CBD oil is absorbed quickly by the thin tissues under the tongue.
CBD pills and capsules, meanwhile, are highly portable and easier to use.
CBD edibles take a little longer to absorb but come in many varieties and flavours.
When it comes to taking CBD, you truly have an enormous range of options. Why not try out various different approaches and see what suits you best?