How to Take CBD Oil – Part 1
CBD oils and other products have gained enormous popularity over the last few years. It can be connected with the fact that science knows more and more about cannabidiol as well as other cannabis compounds.
Most states, like California, Delaware, and Maryland, have legalized the usage of medical marijuana, which contains THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol), another well-known for its properties cannabis compound. CBD and THC both come from the same cannabis plant family, and their effects on the human body have been observed and studied for some time now.
Many have experienced the beneficial effects of CBD or THC, but more research is still needed to have a conclusive answer on whether cannabidiol can be a valuable component of treatments for cancer, chronic pain, and other serious conditions.
For now, CBD oil is treated as a supplement and can be used to address ailments like anxiety, insomnia, tiredness, and pain. To receive the best results from taking CBD, it is good to determine the dosage and the best method of administration.
How Much CBD to Take?
Every organism is different and can have various reactions to CBD. Determining the proper dosage of CBD that an individual should consume to get the optimal results is often done by trial and error. There are some frames that one can follow to find the correct dosage.
It is recommended to start with 10mg to 20mg a day. To observe the reactions and the results of CBD on the body, this dose should be administered for at least one week. An individual should observe their reactions carefully for the first six hours after taking the first dose to catch any potential side effects.
If this dose does not offer the desired effects, it is safe to increase it by 5mg a week until the correct dosage is reached.
Can You Overdose CBD?
Like in the case of basically any other substance, it is possible to overdose on CBD. However, one would have to consume substantial quantities of the compound to experience any severe side effects.
In clinical trials, dosage of 1500mg a day did not have any adverse effects on the human body. Of course, the research is still in its early stages, so these results should be taken with the appropriate precautions. For some individuals, who struggle with chronic pain, it can be the proper dosage, but for many, it could be too high.
It is recommended to consult with a doctor to determine the right dosage of CBD, especially when being on medications, receiving treatments, or having other significant circumstances, for example, pregnancy.
You can always read more on CBD Dosage in our dedicated Guide.
8 Ways to Take CBD
The CBD product market is quite large and offers many different specifics. This means that there is more than one way to administer CBD. It’s not a complex task to find a way that will be most suitable, but it may require doing some research.
Here are some of the most accessible ways to take CBD oil and other CBD products.
Oil
One of the most common ways to introduce CBD is with oil. These products are usually a mixture of CBD extract and some kind of carrier oil. The application process is very simple – it’s done by putting a few drops of oil under a tongue and holding it for 60 seconds before swallowing.
Why is it one of the most effective ways to take CBD? Under a tongue, there is a capillary-rich area that allows the substance to enter the bloodstream quickly. Typically, it can take up to two hours before any effects of CBD start to work.
Tincture
Although sometimes producers use the words oil and tincture interchangeably, these are not the same. A CBD tincture is an alcohol-based product. High-proof alcohol is used in its production as a solvent in order to extract the natural compounds of cannabis plants.
There are a few more ingredients besides the alcohol and CBD extract that can be found in a tincture. These could be sweeteners, flavoring, vitamins, herbal extracts, etc. CBD tincture can be administered the same way as CBD oil. Also, there are no significant differences in the effectiveness of both products, so the choice between them comes down to a personal preference.
Capsules
CBD capsules, also known as CBD softgels, usually contain a few essential ingredients, like CBD extract, some oil (a popular choice is coconut oil), as well as purified water, gelatin, and glycerin that make the capsules’ coating. The exact list of ingredients will vary between different producers.
Capsules are easy to administer as the proper dosage of CBD is already served in each of them.
Coffee
There are coffee brands that offer CBD coffee. The application of CBD, in this case, is simultaneous with drinking the beverage. This might be an interesting alternative for individuals who don’t want to incorporate an additional product into their routine. CBD coffee can be a suitable replacement for standard coffee.
Producers of CBD coffee argue that CBD mitigates some undesirable effects that sometimes come with drinking coffee, like excessive agitation or nervousness. Nevertheless, choosing CBD coffee instead of a regular one may be helpful with anxiety management.
Vape pen
A popular way to take CBD is by inhaling it, meaning vaping it. How to vape CBD oil? It is done with special vape pens. These vape pens allow the inhalation of what really is a CBD vape juice or CBD vape carts (as CBD oil is for oral consumption).
Vaping can be suitable for some as a relatively simple method of administering CBD. What an individual inhales goes straight to the lungs, which can be quickly passed into the bloodstream.
However, there are no studies on the long-term effects of vaping, which means this method may not be safe. Vaping is also not recommended for individuals who suffer from respiratory system problems.
Edibles
There is a wide selection of CBD edibles, from cookies and brownies to gummies and other candies. This is one of the ways to incorporate CBD into one’s daily routine in the guise of something entirely different. For example, individuals with anxiety surrounding taking capsules can find edibles an interesting option.
Some requirements need to be met with CBD edibles. For once, they should be kept in the cold for CBD to keep its properties (or they should be consumed when they are fresh). It is also advisable to control the daily sugar intake, meaning CBD edibles that contain sugar shouldn’t be consumed in large amounts.
With that in mind, they might be ill-suited for individuals with some dietary restrictions or illnesses (like diabetes). In such situations, consultation with a medical professional is recommended.
With Food
Apart from edibles made especially for CBD consumption, there are ways to add CBD oil to various foods and drinks and supplement it that way. It’s a relatively easy way to take CBD without much additional effort. One can add CBD oil to salad dressings, smoothies, cocktails, or even plain water.
It might be a preferable way of taking CBD for those who do not enjoy the CBD oil taste. Adding a few drops to food masks the flavor of the oil and allows individuals to still receive the benefits.
When adding CBD oil to food and drinks, it might be preferable to do it mostly with cold foods. Although heat is not entirely detrimental to CBD, it can cause it to lose some of its beneficial effects. The boiling point of CBD is between 320 degrees and 356 degrees Fahrenheit.
One important rule to keep in mind is that CBD oil shouldn’t be consumed on an empty stomach. It is best to consume it after or during a meal. Some foods may also impact CBD absorption in the body, so further research on this topic might be needed before adding CBD oil to the food.
Topical Creams
Topical creams may be a good alternative for individuals who do not wish to ingest or inhale CBD products. It is also a solution for people interested in self-care products to enhance their skin’s condition and receive additional benefits from CBD extract.
More and more brands offer CBD creams and other products. These products can have various compositions. When choosing such cosmetics, it is important to check the list of ingredients and see how predominant CBD extract is in the composition. The higher it is placed on the ingredients list, the more CBD is in the cosmetic and the more benefits it offers.
Bottom Line
Supplementation with CBD doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, there are a lot of ways to incorporate CBD products into one’s day-to-day routine. CBD oil can be ingested or applied in various cosmetics. It can be added to food or consumed in the form of edibles or capsules. There is also a possibility to inhale CBD vape juice via a vape pen.
Although science doesn’t have all the answers about how beneficial CBD really is, many can observe the positive changes in the quality of their life after supplementing with it. One is certain – there is a lot of potential in CBD that can be used to our advantage today.
You can check more information about different ways of taking CBD in How To Take CBD Oil – Part 2
Disclaimer
The statements expressed on this website are purely opinion of the author and not factual. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any products referenced on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It’s highly suggested to consult with your medical professional prior to any use of the products referenced on this website. This website and author specifically disclaim any liability in connection with the products contained on the website.