How to take CBD oil

CBD products are popping up everywhere, from local supermarkets and restaurants to health and wellbeing retailers. The compound (which is extracted from the hemp plant) comes in many forms and may offer a range of benefits. It may have the potential to soothe symptoms of stress and anxiety, promote feelings of relaxation, and may even improve your quality of sleep due to its interactions with the body's Endocannabinoid System.

It’s highly likely you’ve heard of CBD oil (an oil derived from the hemp plant that’s diluted with a carrier oil like coconut or hemp seed oil), but you might be wondering how to consume it. Using CBD doesn’t have to be as boring and ritualistic as remembering to take your vitamins daily, however — there are multiple ways to include it in your everyday routine. Here we’ve got some different methods to try out and help you find the most suitable one.

Six ways to consume CBD oil

CBD oil is most commonly used sublingually in a tincture — a concoction you use directly via a dropper or spray. Placing CBD oil under your tongue is simple, efficient and tends to take effect quickly as this part of your mouth is a capillary-rich area, which allows CBD to reach your bloodstream faster. Some may think this method is unusual, as it’s not everyday you place something under your tongue, but it couldn’t be easier to do. 

If you’re using a dropper, squeeze your chosen dosage into it, tilt your head back and drop it under your tongue. Be sure to hold it there for 30 to 60 seconds before swallowing, as this causes the oil to bypass digestion and absorb rapidly.

CBD in capsule form is a great option for those who want to maintain a consistent level of the compound in their body. They typically come in soft gel form and tend to be taken twice a day (once in the morning and again at night).

CBD capsules are quick and easy to consume, however, this method can take longer to take effect as the CBD has to go through your digestive system first. You’ll likely feel its impact for four to six hours after as it takes time for your body to break down the compound.

While flavoured CBD oils — here at TRIP we offer them in orange blossom and wild mint — are delicious, it’s also easy to mask the earthy taste of a non-flavoured version by adding CBD to other ingredients. 

For example, just half a teaspoon of CBD oil blended into your morning green smoothie is all you need to add calmness to your day. Whereas others like to put it in their coffee as it may counteract the anxious jittery feelings experienced as a result of caffeine. Although research into the combination of CBD and coffee is still underway, some report feeling mentally alert and less anxious. However, it’s worth remembering that these compounds impact people differently, so it might be a case of trial and error before you find what works.

Coffee isn’t the only beverage that may have a positive impact when combined with CBD, as it can be added to cocktails too. The earthy taste of CBD  can actually be a great addition to alcoholic drinks, especially gin and amaro-based concoctions. The terpene content of citrus fruits like lemon, orange and mandarin, which are commonly used as gin flavourings, match well with CBD as the compound also contains terpenes. It’s the perfect way to wind down after a day’s stress. Not only do you get a delicious drink, but you may also benefit from increased focus and reduced stress levels.

If you’re less keen on these flavours, our CBD drinks are suitable for mixing with your favorite spirits to create the most delicious cocktails.

Ingesting CBD doesn’t have to be done through drinks or capsules — you can also eat it. From brownies and cookies, to gummies and hard boiled sweets, you can enjoy these goodies and potentially reduce social anxiety and improve your sleep at the same time. CBD sweets are great for when you’re on the go, though if you’re planning to cook a batch of brownies these will need to be refrigerated to ensure they stay fresh. 

The effects may take over an hour to kick in with this method, so don’t be tempted to consume too much if you don’t feel anything immediately. Digestion takes between six and eight hours, though how long CBD impacts you can depend on a variety of factors, including your metabolism, weight and how much of the compound you use. Start with small doses and see how you feel.

Taking CBD oil orally isn’t your only option. The compound can be found in many beauty and skincare products, meaning you can use CBD as part of your self-care regime. This could be in the form of lotions, creams, balms, roll-ons and salves that include it in the formula. 

The base of a topical product, whether that’s oil, cream or wax, acts as a carrier agent which improves the bioavailability of CBD (the rate at which your body absorbs something). While you can also target specific areas, like sore muscles and joints to provide localised relief. Although there are anecdotal reports into how CBD oil is beneficial for the joints, further studies are being undertaken to fully understand the impact.

Now you know about all the different ways of taking CBD, we’ve answered some other commonly asked questions about doing so.

FAQs

The pantry is the best place to store CBD oil as it’s dark, airtight and cool, helping to protect the compound’s terpenes and cannabinoids — some people also store it in the fridge. It’s possible for separation to occur though, so give it a good shake before using if this happens.

When you first begin using CBD oil, it’s best to start with small doses, between 15 to 30mg a day. Do this for a week and see how well your body tolerates it. If after this time you think the dosage doesn’t give you the desired effect, we suggest increasing in increments of 5mg each week until you find the sweet spot. For reference, one full dropper of our CBD oil contains 20mg CBD in the original or 66mg CBD in the strong version.

Since CBD impacts people differently, you should first see what works best for you. From AM to PM, CBD oil can be taken at any time of day, depending on what you’re using it for. For example, it could make you feel energised and clear-headed, making it ideal to start your day, or you may use it to relax and unwind before you go to bed in the evening.

How long it takes for CBD oil to take effect depends on multiple factors, including your metabolism, diet, weight, genetics and method of consumption. Generally speaking, if placed under the tongue, effects may be felt within 15 to 45 minutes, while capsules have a delayed onset and take around 60 to 180 minutes.

This ultimately depends on what you intend to use it for. What works best is different for everybody. It’s also worth considering the lifestyle factors that can impact how CBD oil affects you — weight, alcohol intake and other medications may play a role in how CBD affects you.

The percentage of CBD in a product refers to the amount of the compound compared to other ingredients within it. For example, a 10ml bottle of CBD oil with around 200mg of CBD per bottle would be sold as 2.0% strength CBD. Meanwhile, CBDmg is the total amount of CBD in an item. So, that same size bottle could be listed as ‘CBD Oil - 200mg'.