Beginner’s Guide to CBD Oil: How to Take CBD

Written by Cathy Rozyczko — Edited by Cathy Rozyczko on September 14, 2021

Today, it’s hard to go a day without hearing something about CBD oil, and for good reason. Cannabidiol (CBD) is currently being researched at fever pitch for its use to treat a variety of conditions, and the results are promising. More and more people are turning to CBD oil for relief from an array of ailments, including inflammation, anxiety, chronic pain, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

If you’re also curious about the benefits you might enjoy by taking CBD oil but are brand new to using it, don’t worry! With this guide, you’ll learn all you need to know to begin using CBD.

Is CBD Oil Safe?

In short, yes.

The World Health Organization has even stated:

CBD is generally well tolerated with a good safety profile. Reported adverse effects may be as a result of drug-drug interactions between CBD and patients’ existing medications.

So, before you begin using CBD oil, talk to your physician. It is important that you have this conversation as CBD can interact with common medications like antidepressants and antibiotics.

Other than these specific drug interactions, CBD oil is largely free of side effects, and could be a gentler and more natural alternative to prescription medications. You might also consider speaking to a naturopathic doctor who specializes in using CBD oil as a medical treatment option.

What’s the Best Way to Take CBD Oil?

There are lots of different ways to take CBD oil. The methods you choose will depend on what you need, how quickly you need it, how long you want the effects to last. In this section, you’ll find information on some of the more popular methods of taking CBD oil. Keep in mind, a mixture of CBD products may be what’s best for your needs. For example, if you experience chronic joint pain and occasional bouts of anxiety, you may want to invest in a CBD topical for long-lasting local relief, and a CBD vape pen for a fast-acting anti-anxiety solution.

But first, here’s a handy chart breaking down the different categories of CBD delivery methods you can use as a general reference point:

CBD Oil Vapes

Vaping CBD oil is one of the most effective ways to find fast relief. You will begin to feel the effects in a matter of minutes. In this instance, the CBD enters the bloodstream through the lungs, bypassing the digestive system and liver, which reduces the time you have to wait to feel the effects.

While vaping is fast-acting, it does not last for a particularly long time. The effects typically last 30 minutes to an hour. Luckily, vaping is fairly convenient, and as long as you have access to a vape friendly environment, you can get a dose whenever you need. This CBD oil delivery method is great if you need fast acting relief at home, or on the go.

CBD Oil Tinctures & Drops

Putting drops of CBD oil under your tongue is another fast way to find relief. Like vaping, the CBD in drops is absorbed into the blood through the tissues under the tongue. Whether you use a spray or a dropper, you will begin to notice effects about 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion. The effects will usually last between 4 and 6 hours, so you can go about your day with just one or two doses.

CBD Oil Edibles & Capsules

If you are eating your CBD oil, it will have to pass through your digestive system and be metabolized before you begin to feel its benefits. Depending on the speed of your metabolism and the amount of food already in your stomach, it could take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour to feel the CBD’s effect. Patience is golden!

The greatest benefit of taking CBD edibles and capsules is that once the effects set in, they generally last anywhere from 6 to 12 hours. You probably won’t have to take more than one dose daily, meaning you can take your CBD capsule or edible with your morning coffee and get  ready to conquer the day.

CBD Oil Topicals

You do not have to ingest CBD oil to reap its benefits; applying cannabidiol externally can have incredible anti-inflammatory effects. CBD oil topicals come in balms, lotions, gels, and even face creams.

Applying CBD oil to the skin can provide localized relief for sore joints or muscles and may even provide protection to your skin, improving dryness, itchiness, and the appearance of acne.

CBD oil topicals can take a while to go into effect, and the anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving effects usually become noticeable about an hour or so after application. However, the benefits typically last 5 or more hours.

When Is the Best Time to Take CBD Oil?

When beginning a CBD oil regimen, you may find yourself wondering, what is the best time of day to take CBD oil?

While it may seem like a ‘non-answer,’ the truth is that there is no perfect time to take CBD oil. For one, everyone’s body reacts differently to cannabidiol. Some people may find that CBD oil has a stimulating effect and prefer to use it in the morning, while others have found it can make them drowsy, preferring to use it as a light sleeping aid after dinner or before bed.

When you take CBD oil will also depend on when and for how long you are in need of its relief. If you’re using it to tamper pain you feel throughout the day, taking a long-lasting form of it (e.g. drops, edibles, or topicals) in the morning may be the best option. If you’re relying on CBD oil for on-the-spot relief, possibly from anxiety or unpredictable pain, keeping a vape nearby will ensure you have the quickest access to its benefits, day or night.

Simply put, the best time of day to take CBD oil, is the time of day that works for you.

How Much CBD Oil Should You Take?

As mentioned above, different bodies respond to and metabolize CBD oil in different ways. Because of this, it is important to always follow the recommended serving size indicated on the packaging of your CBD product.

If you’re looking for further guidance, we at CBD Oil Review have had the opportunity to analyze hundreds of CBD products and come up with a standard serving suggestion:

The CBD Oil Review Serving Standard is 25mg of CBD, taken twice daily.

This, of course, is just a suggestion. If you are not getting results from this amount, we recommend increasing your dosage by 25mg every 3-4 weeks until you find relief. For more information about dosage, check out our CBD oil dosage guide.

Over time, cannabidiol builds up in your body, leading to increased stimulation of the cannabinoid receptors and you may find that you do not need to take as much as you once did. The ultimate goal is to use CBD oil to get your sleep patterns, mood, inflammation—whatever is ailing you—to a state of homeostasis so you can live life free of any sort of discomfort or pain.

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