How to Take CBD Oil

Since industrial hemp was legalized on the federal level in 2018, the market has been flooded with a wide range of CBD products, including CBD oils. The sheer number of methods by which such oils can be taken, ranging from CBD oil softgels and CBD edibles to CBD oil tinctures and CBD topicals, can leave you feeling overwhelmed. How are you supposed to take CBD oil? Are some delivery methods better than others?

In the end, the answer to that question depends on your needs and preferences. In the article below, we break down how different delivery methods of CBD work. In addition, we touch upon a few important things, such as what CBD oil can be used for and whether you can take prescription medication with CBD oils.

Ways to Take CBD Oil

Tinctures

A CBD tincture is made by using a mixture of water and alcohol to pull cannabidiol out of the hemp plant. You might also be able to find extracts that are called tinctures, but instead of alcohol, they use carrier oil, such as coconut oil or olive oil. While they are completely alcohol-free, they may not have the same potency as a tincture made with alcohol and water.

A tincture is a fairly common way to ingest CBD oil. Its popularity stems from its simplicity. You use a dropper to measure out the desired dose and put it under the tongue. With such a route of administration, you get complete control over the amount of CBD you take, unlike with transdermal patches or vape juice.

How Do You Use CBD Tinctures?

Tinctures are mainly intended for sublingual absorption. In other words, you are supposed to put a few drops of your tincture under your tongue and hold them there for around thirty seconds before swallowing. During that time, the CBD in the tincture is absorbed into your blood. Adding CBD tinctures to your favorite recipes and beverages is also viable.

Just keep in mind that you should be able to feel the effects of sublingual absorption in around 15 minutes. If you want to ingest CBD tinctures with food and drink, their effects can take up to two hours to kick in.

Softgels

A CBD softgel is a pill-like product that consists of a casing and a filling. The casing is made with either gelatin or its substitute, while the filling contains a specific amount of CBD oil. If you want to take CBD on the go, softgels are something that you should consider.

They provide you with an easy and efficient method for taking a precise amount of CBD oil. You do not have to use any droppers or measure anything. Instead, you just put a softgel in your mouth and swallow it down with water.

How Do You Use CBD Capsules?

As mentioned above, using CBD oil in softgel form is simple. You just have to swallow a softgel with water or any other type of drink you have on hand.

You should feel its effects in an hour or so, as the CBD oil in it has to pass through the digestive tract first.

Gummies

If you have a sweet tooth, you could opt for taking CBD oil in the form of gummies. They combine the convenience of capsules with tastiness and a little fun. As a result, they are a great option if you feel like softgels and tinctures seem too regimented or medicinal.

Aside from that, CBD gummies give you an inconspicuous way to enjoy CBD oil in the company of other people. If you pop one or two into your mouth, it looks like you are eating regular candy.

How Do You Use CBD Gummies?

You eat CBD gummies just like you would eat regular candy. However, you should keep in mind that such gummies are not meant to be eaten in large quantities. Instead, you have to follow the instructions on the packaging.

Vaping

You could start vaping CBD oil mixed with vape juice. It is an incredibly fast-acting method of getting CBD into the body. In fact, you should be able to feel its effects within 15 minutes of vaping. However, in spite of how quick and convenient it is, it is not for everyone.

Vaping is not recommended for people with lung problems, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Other than that, it is not the best option for athletes. While an occasional serving of hemp seed oil through a vaporizer is unlikely to inhibit your performance, you might want to opt for a different delivery method instead.

How Do You Vape CBD Oil Products?

CBD vape juice should work with just about any vape device that uses regular vape juices. The way you are supposed to vape it is the same as well. To begin with, you have to either put the vape juice onto your dripper or fill up your tank, fire up your vape device, and this is it. You can start vaping as you would with any e-liquid!

Consider the ingredients of the vape juice that you are buying, though. Avoid ones that contain thinning agents and carrier oils like propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin. When exposed to high temperatures, the substances listed here produce compounds that cause serious damage to lung tissue!

Topicals

CBD topicals are a combination of hemp oil and other hemp extracts, as well as botanicals and topical pain relievers. For that reason, they are an excellent choice for people dealing with joint pain. They can also come in handy if you are an athlete who needs quick relief in specific areas of your body.

It is also worth noting that CBD topicals come in a wide range of forms. To give an example, you should be able to buy a CBD gel that smells like your favorite fruit. If that is not something you are into, you could opt for a CBD cream that contains not only CBD oil, but also hyaluronic acid for reduced skin wrinkles and lines.

How Do You Use CBD Topicals?

Like with any other product meant for topical application, you should apply your CBD topical to the area where you need it and wait for it to be absorbed through your skin. If your skin becomes itchy or irritated, stop using it.

Transdermal Patches

Transdermal patches with CBD oil are a neat alternative to topicals. You stick one on, your body heat gradually warms it up, and the CBD gets absorbed through your skin. In the meantime, you can hide the patch under your clothes and go about your day.

The best thing about patches is how effective they can be. You can imbue such a patch with more than just CBD oil. For instance, some patches contain pain-relieving compounds and botanicals, too. In other words, transdermal patches can impart the exact same targeted effects as topicals, but with the added benefit of being very discreet and convenient.

How Do You Use Transdermal Patches?

When it comes to transdermal patches, you should follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer – it is the key to making the most out of it.

The instructions should outline when and how often you should apply a new patch and how you should cleanse the area before you apply them.

Bath Bombs

You might also try to take your CBD oil with the help of CBD bath bombs. You could use one whenever you have trouble relaxing and feel like you need extra support. By doing so, you would get to benefit from the combined power of CBD, essential oils, botanicals, aromatics, and Epsom salts!

How Do You Use Bath Bombs?

For starters, you have to draw a warm bath and remove the plastic wrapping or packaging from the bath bomb. Once you do that, drop the bath bomb into the water and let it dissolve. That is all there is to it!

What Is the Best Way to Take Your CBD Oil?

Again, it depends on your needs and preferences. For example, if you want to be able to take your broad-spectrum CBD oil with coconut oil on the go, you might want to buy CBD oil capsules or transdermal patches. You could also use a combination of different CBD products.

It is up to you to make that choice, though! In case you feel confused and do not know where to start, experimenting with a wide range of products and delivery methods is always a viable option, and so is asking a licensed naturopathic doctor for advice.

What Are CBD Oils Good For?

CBD oils have a number of interesting natural health benefits. According to peer-reviewed studies, CBD has shown significant effectiveness in treating seizures caused by two rare medical conditions.

The said conditions are Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, which are very rare genetic disorders that come with lifelong seizures.

CBD might also be able to help alleviate anxiety, as well as relieve chronic neuropathic pain and help treat various skin conditions.

Can I Drink Water After Taking CBD Oil?

Yes, you can drink water after taking CBD oil. Food and water should not affect the CBD in the oil, even if you like to take it sublingually.

The tissue under the tongue can absorb the CBD from the oil into the bloodstream in a matter of seconds. Because of that, it is absolutely fine to drink water afterward. You do not have to worry about disrupting the absorption process.

How Much CBD Oil Do I Need Per Day?

There are plenty of different variables that you have to take into consideration before deciding how much CBD oil to take. Before giving it a try, you might want to talk to your doctor about potential risks and appropriate dosage.

If your doctor gives you the amount of CBD you should go with, stick to their recommendation.

If your doctor does not provide you with clear instructions, you should start slowly. Begin with a small dosage of 10 milligrams per day and keep increasing it until you achieve the desired effect. If you want to use CBD to treat severe pain or strong migraines, you could start with 40 milligrams per day.

Remember to keep track of how much CBD oil you are taking and whether you are feeling any better. You could do so by using an app or a piece of paper. It will give you a general idea of how much CBD makes you feel better.

What Happens When You Swallow CBD Oil?

The CBD oil goes into your digestive system to be metabolized.

After an hour or two, your body should be able to use the CBD in the oil.

Do You Just Drink CBD Oil?

You should put it under your tongue for at least thirty seconds. That way, it will not have to be metabolized by your digestive system.

Instead, the CBD from the oil will get absorbed straight into the bloodstream and take effect in as little as 15 minutes.

How Long After Taking Cannabidiol Oil Will You Feel It?

It depends on the method of administration. If you take your full-spectrum CBD oil sublingually or vape it, you should feel its effects in about 15 minutes. If you ingest it with food or drink, take a CBD softgel, or apply a topical CBD product to your skin, it should kick in after an hour or two.

Can You Take CBD Oil Before You Go to Bed?

Yes, you can take CBD oil before you go to bed. It should help you wind down and forget about stress and worries. If you use your CBD oil sublingually, do it around 15 minutes before going to bed. If you prefer to ingest it, take it around an hour or two before bedtime.

How Much CBD Should I Take at Bedtime?

As already mentioned, if you have never used CBD before, start with a low dosage of around 10 milligrams. If that ends up not being enough, increase the dosage to 15 milligrams. You can keep on gradually increasing the dosage until you get the desired results.

Does CBD Need to Be Refrigerated?

No, you do not have to refrigerate CBD oil. Still, keeping it in the fridge is a great way to prolong its shelf life.

But do keep in mind that lower temperatures cause CBD oil to become thicker and much more difficult to use. As such, it’s recommended to store it in a cool and dry place, e.g., in a cabinet.

Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Cannabidiol?

They are safe to consume together, provided you are not going overboard. Using both CBD and alcohol in large amounts is likely to cause sleepiness and sedation.

Can You Take Prescription Medications While Taking Cannabidiol?

Unfortunately, CBD products can interact with many herbal products and medications. Some medications, including blood thinners and levothyroxine, should never be taken with CBD. The use of a number of other medications should be modified in order to prevent serious health conditions from occurring. So, if you want to take medications together with CBD, it would be best if you asked your doctor for permission first.

Can You Mix CBD and Caffeine?

It is not clear what the exact interaction between CBD and caffeine is. At low doses, CBD acts as a stimulant. In higher doses, it can cause sleepiness. Consequently, your reaction to a combination of both caffeine and CBD is not easily predictable.

Various doses of each substance can result in vastly different responses. Some people say that combining the two can make you more energized. It is just anecdotal evidence, though. At the moment, research on the topic is still ongoing.

What Are the Downsides of CBD Oil?

CBD oil tends to be well-tolerated but can cause some side effects, particularly when taken in large amounts. The said side effects include dry mouth, reduced appetite, diarrhea, fatigue, and drowsiness.

In addition, full-spectrum CBD oils, which contain both CBD and THC, might show up on a drug test.

Does CBD Oil Make You Lose Weight?

Research does not show a clear effect of CBD oil on weight.

Some studies indicate that it might boost metabolism and reduce appetite and body fat, but others show an increase in appetite.

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