We’re seeing and hearing about CBD products everywhere lately. As one of the most popular wellness trends of the last decade, the natural compound is covered in the media extensively.
Considering its potential benefits, many people take CBD as part of their daily routine. Although it can be easily incorporated into anyone’s lifestyle, it can be tricky knowing where to start on your CBD journey. Consumers tend to ask when the best time of day to take CBD oil is.
The answer is, it’s different for everyone and there are several contributing factors. Because the answer can be unique to the individual, we’ve collected a few questions that will help you discern the best times for you.
Why are you taking CBD oil?
The reasons behind why you’re taking CBD oil will help to pinpoint the best time to consume it. Consider what first made you look into CBD and the diversity of products available. Did a friend recommend it to you? Did you read something about it online? What was the potential benefit that caught your attention?
CBD oil is used for many different reasons in varying doses, and as a result, one singular approach won’t be beneficial for everyone. Decide upon your goals before taking CBD oil. It might be that you heard it can help you unwind gently before bed. If this is the case, taking a few drops of CBD oil after your evening meal is recommended. Whereas, if you want to experience a sense of calm before a full day of hard work we’d recommend taking some just before you wake up. To begin testing it out, try CBD in the morning, pre- or post-workout, during your afternoon slump, or before bedtime.
What form of CBD are you taking?
CBD comes in many forms, from oil to drinks and capsules. Each method of consumption is unique in the way it is processed by the body, and therefore the speed and impact it may have. This will inevitably affect the time of day you may want to use CBD.
Oil
Perhaps the most common method of consumption, oil tinctures are preferred by many due to the speed at which they are absorbed. They are usually taken sublingually: a few drops under the tongue. On average, it would take about 10-20 minutes to affect your body using this form. Due to how quickly they work, they are a favourite among morning users as well as right before bedtime.
That said, CBD is quite an individual compound, so you may find that it takes longer to kick in for you, or that it also wears off early. In which case, experimenting with increasing the dose or using it multiple times throughout the day might be necessary.
Drinks
For those who'd rather employ a more beginner-friendly method, CBD drinks have become a staple in recent years. Not only that — they are delicious! This makes CBD drinks a perfect pick-me-up throughout the day or a great alternative to alcohol (or as an add-on — we love CBD cocktails). If you want to give a CBD beverage a try in the morning, though, this is also a fan favourite — we particularly recommend checking out our CBD Infused Cold-Brew coffee.
Other CBD forms
There are countless other ways to get your daily CBD fix, and each of these might affect when in the day you'd like to take it. For instance, capsules, gummies and other edibles are usually made to release CBD gradually. As a result, you should consider taking them a little while before the time you want them to work their magic. If you usually suffer from anxiety during the day, a morning dose could help you to find a moment of calm.
Other methods such as creams and salves are normally used topically on specific areas of discomfort. The CBD in these products will not enter your bloodstream but be absorbed into your tissue, so tend to start taking effect within an hour.
How much CBD are you taking?
Different dosages may work better at various times of day, so it's important to consider how much CBD you're taking when deciding when to consume it. Your perfect amount is based on a range of factors, for example, your body weight. However, CBD can affect people differently, so it's important to figure this out first. But how exactly do you do this?
Well, we usually recommend starting with a small dose and working your way up. It's common to try it out with 20mg per day and add on from there. The Food Standards Agency recommend taking up to 70mg per day so, once you've started taking CBD, you can build up to this using your favourite TRIP drinks and oils. You do you!
That said, by slowly and incrementally increasing the amount, you can figure out how it makes you personally feel, and choose the effects you prefer. It should also be noted that sometimes CBD won't have the desired effect immediately, and like anything in life, consistency is key when it comes to taking this wonderful compound.
Once you work your dose out, you'll be able to better understand when you should consume the product. If CBD makes you sleepy, it might not be the best idea to have it first thing in the morning! While, if it helps you focus, taking it before an exam or a meeting could be just the ticket. Of course, you can use
CBD more than once throughout the day, just ensure you understand its impact on you.
So, when should I take CBD?
The simple answer is any time you want! CBD consumption times vary based on what you use it for, how much you take, and which method you prefer. Experimentation is needed to figure out how to maximise the impact of this beautiful compound on you.
1. Take a moment in the morning
CBD oils or drinks might be the perfect addition to your morning routine. Before you start your day or even think about your to-do list, take a moment for yourself to re-balance and take a few drops of our natural CBD oil.
2. Before or after a workout
Whether you place a few drops under your tongue or grab a CBD infused drink before yoga, the compound may help you unwind, aiding you in your practice from the first initial stretch to the final Savasana.
3. A lunchtime pick-me-up
Instead of your normal sugar fuelled, artificially flavoured drink, why not grab a chilled can of a CBD infused drink with no added sugar and under 20 calories. It's the perfect companion to your lunchtime meal!
4. Before an important meeting
Got an important meeting coming up? Have technical issues with zoom? Or even just feel a little overwhelmed? Reach into your bag and grab a bottle of CBD oil.
5. During an afternoon slump
Imagine it is 3pm on a Wednesday afternoon, your to-do list isn’t getting any shorter and Friday still seems a million miles away. Instead of pouring that fourth coffee of the day into your mug, why not reach for a more natural remedy. Grab a healthy CBD-infused drink or a calming oil, and tick off all your important tasks before the clock strikes six.
6. At the end of day
Whether you never drink, are taking part in Sober October or Dry January, or just want to cut back on alcohol, a CBD infused drink can be the perfect alternative. Find relief at the end of the day with CBD when you just don’t fancy that glass of wine.
7. Instead of your nightcap
If you're still drinking alcohol, you can enhance its effects with CBD. Treat yourself after a long day with a CBD cocktail. We'd recommend TRIP and tequila.
8. Before bedtime
Have trouble shutting off in the evening? Consider adding some CBD to your nighttime ritual. We love a calming CBD oil for this, our range of CBD oils at TRIP are also infused with chamomile for its soothing benefits.
