How To Take CBD Oil

The 2018 farm bill marks the complete turnover in the market with the emergence of a new strong player – CBD oil. Since then, we’ve been flooded with different CBD products, be it oils, tinctures, capsules, topicals, and the list goes on. As of 2021, the global CBD market is estimated to reach USD 3.5 billion in 2021.

Where traditional medicine fails, CBD offers an alternative treatment that may help alleviate the symptoms of various health conditions. Some people even believe that CBD oil is a miraculous treat-it-all mixture. That’s why the popularity of CBD oil has skyrocketed since the legalization of hemp in late 2018.

According to a SingleCare survey from 2020, one-third of Americans have used CBD. Among them are many celebrities like Kim Kardashian, who threw a CBD-themed baby shower, or Whoopi Goldberg, who deals with the legal distribution of medical marihuana.

With the abundance of choices, you might wonder what available options are right for you and how to take CBD oil. However, CBD isn’t a universal treatment, and its usage depends on the user’s needs. In this article, you will find a guide on different CBD products so that you can figure out what will work best for you.

What is CBD Oil?

CBD is one of the many chemical compounds found in Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa. Among the substances found in cannabis, the most popular ones are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). The latter is non-psychoactive and doesn’t have the mind-altering effects – unlike THC. The extracted CBD is then mixed with a carrier oil – hemp seed oil or coconut oil – to create different CBD products.

Since it doesn’t produce a high, CBD oil is often used by people who wish to stay clear of any side effects caused by THC. It has been found to be effective in treating various symptoms of illnesses and conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, or seizures. These products may be an alternative for those who can’t tolerate the side effects of prescription medications, such as drowsiness or grogginess.

The endocannabinoid system is an important molecular system responsible for controlling homeostasis and is becoming an increasingly popular target of pharmacotherapy. (Source)

Different CBD Products

As mentioned before, there are several different delivery methods for CBD oil. Before buying the oil, you will need to consider what type of product you need and how you should take it. This depends on whether you want to treat a symptom or issue or if you just want something to relax at night. Each of the following CBD oil products is broken down based on the method of consumption.

1. CBD Oil Tinctures

CBD oil tincture is a liquid form of cannabis extract that you can directly use on your tongue or with drinks. It comes in Full-Spectrum (contain THC), Broad-Spectrum (THC-free), and CBD isolates (pure CBD without any other cannabinoids). CBD tinctures are one of the most popular ways to take CBD oil because they allow you to control the dosage of intaken oil with a dropper.

They are best delivered by sublingual administration (under the tongue) since they’re absorbed directly into your bloodstream instead of through your digestive tract. Therefore, they’re ideal for those who want quick relief on busy days. Unfortunately, pure CBD oil tincture has a strong and bitter flavor which for some may be off-putting. This is why producers add a flavoring agent to their products and use coconut oil or olive oil as the carrier.

To take CBD tincture, you simply put a few drops of CBD oil under the tongue and let it sit for around 30 seconds before distributing the rest to your inner cheeks. You should start feeling the effects in about 30 to 45 minutes. It would be best to take CBD oil after a meal since your organism will be prepared to absorb the substance.

As said before, CBD tinctures are perfect for those people who look for instant relief. Nevertheless, they may be inconvenient during traveling. Not only they’re rather evident and noticeable, but it’s also very easy to make a mess. You may want to add CBD oil to your drink in this situation.

2. CBD Oil Capsules

CBD capsules are an excellent option for those who want a quick and easy way to take CBD oil. They come in two forms: hard shell and soft gel; both are made of gelatin or cellulose and contain highly concentrated CBD extract inside. It’s a perfect solution for those who want a consistent way to take CBD since each capsule has a premeasured amount of oil inside.

CBD capsules are convenient to consume because they don’t need to be mixed with anything and can be easily integrated into your daily routine. You can just swallow them with water, juice, or any beverage you like. Moreover, if you take different supplements, you can safely add CBD capsules to your daily intake. They’re also an excellent choice for those who don’t like the taste of CBD oil or are traveling.

They’re easier to take than tinctures, but they’re not as potent. Because you swallow the pills, the CBD oil is absorbed through the stomach, which impedes the absorption rate. You might have to wait over an hour before noticing any effects. Additionally, capsules aren’t as versatile as tinctures because you cannot change the dose of CBD.

3. CBD Topicals

Topicals are CBD-infused lotions, balms, and oils that are absorbed through the skin for localized relief of aches and pains. These products are made using various ingredients, including CBD oil, beeswax, and medicinal ingredients. They deliver a concentrated dose of cannabinoids directly to the place where they’ve been applied.

Topicals are easy to apply, making them an ideal option for those who deal with arthritis, back pain, and sore muscles. Topical oils are fast-acting and start working almost immediately when applied to your skin. This means that they could prove helpful against inflammation and skin problems such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema. When applied correctly, you shouldn’t feel any discomfort or irritation while using topicals.

However, you should always take into account the other ingredients in these products, as some may irritate your skin or cause allergic reactions. You should also consult your doctor before using topicals so that you don’t end up with unwanted health issues.

You’ll find that CBD oil topicals come in different concentrations, so you should make sure to read the label before purchasing one. When it comes to application, you simply rub the product into the desired area and wait until it dries. You may use it up to 4 times a day until you the pain subsidies.

4. Vaping CBD Oil

Vaping CBD oil is one of the most popular ways to take CBD, thanks to its convenience and efficiency. By vaping, you’re ingesting CBD oil directly into your lungs and bloodstream through an electronic cigarette or vape pen. This allows you to bypass the digestive system, so the absorption is very fast – usually within minutes rather than hours like other methods of consumption.

Since you can vape any time and anywhere, it’s an ideal way to get instant relief without taking CBD tincture, which may be quite messy. Moreover, if you aren’t a fan of the original taste, CBD vape juices come in many different flavorings. All you have to do is fill your vape pen with the liquid, and you may enjoy the relaxing vapor.

Despite the efficiency of this method, it has negative effects connected to vaping. Even though vape pens are considered a safer alternative to smoking, it isn’t recommended for people with respiratory health problems.

5. CBD Edibles

CBD edibles are a great choice if you don’t like the idea of having to swallow pills or if you want to try something new. Edibles come in many forms like CBD gummies, candy bars, brownies, cookies, and even beverages. These products are infused with CBD hemp extract to provide you with an easy way to add CBD to your diet.

CBD edibles are very popular because they offer an easy and discreet way to take CBD oil. Moreover, they can be easily integrated into your daily routine. Imagine that you have a long stressful day ahead of you. You may simply eat a CBD gummy that will slowly alleviate the signs of stress and also won’t catch any negative attention. You may also start your day by adding one or more drops of CBD oil into your morning coffee.

Although edibles are very effective and safe, they have some drawbacks too. As a general rule, you need to wait for about an hour or two for the effects to kick in. The delay is caused by the method of absorption; first, your stomach needs to digest the edible before the CBD enters your bloodstream. For some, it may be too long.

6. CBD Transdermal Patches

CBD transdermal patches are yet another convenient way to take CBD oil. The patches contain CBD and often other medicinal substances. Triggered by the body heat, the components are slowly released and absorbed through the skin so you can enjoy its relaxing features. In addition, you may use them to treat pain in targeted areas.

To use CBD transdermal patches, you just have to stick them on your body. Then you may forget about them for a few hours as they’ll start working with time. You don’t have to worry about people noticing the patches, as they will pass as regular ones, or you could cover them with clothes.

It’s recommended to use the patches according to the producer’s instructions that you should find on the packaging. Also, you might want to look up the other ingredients and check whether you’re allergic to them. If you notice signs of irritation or other bad reactions on your skin, immediately remove the product from your body.

7. CBD Bath Bombs

CBD bath bombs are another new trend in the CBD market that allows people to relieve pain and stress in a natural way. These bath bombs are made from hemp extract, herbs, flowers, and essential oils, which improve their scent and make them more relaxing and beneficial.

The cannabinoids are absorbed through your skin thanks to the aromatic properties of the ingredients. After using a CBD bath bomb, most people say they feel more relaxed and refreshed, so they’re perfect to use before going to bed or after a stressful day at work.

CBD Oil Dosage

After you figure out how to take CBD oil, you might wonder about the proper dosage for yourself. The daily dose of the average CBD oil user amounts to around 25mg of CBD. However, it’s just an estimate, and the dose will depend on your specific needs and your way of taking CBD oil.

The experts recommend starting at lower doses of 5-10mg in one take and seeing how the amount influences your body. If you feel that it’s not sufficient, you may consume the same dose several times during the day or slowly increase the dosage. Still, you should remember that the CBD builds up over time, so it’s better not to overdo it with a double dose.

Before you reach for your CBD product, make sure to contact your doctor to find out whether your overall health or medical condition doesn’t forbid you from using CBDs. As professionals, they should know about the appropriate amount of CBD oil for your body and condition. They also may some product recommendations.

You may also estimate the dose on your own using the information on the package. Each product should include detailed instructions on how to take CBD oil in this particular form. Moreover, you might try online calculators – with the capacity of the product, its concentration of CBD oil, and your weight, it’ll calculate a precise dose for you.

Why Is Dosage Important?

As we mentioned before, CBD oil has a few side effects that occur with excessive dosing. Without careful estimation of your intake, you may experience such conditions as:

• Anxiety
• Changes in mood
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Changes in appetite
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness

If you notice any of those symptoms, you should immediately stop using CBD oil and consult your doctor.

Side Effects

Even though there is still a lot to learn about CBD oils, there seem to be a few side effects that mainly occur at excessive doses. Moreover, there are no reported cases of overdoing. Yet, as of today, CBD isn’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As the CBD industry is rapidly growing, further research is bound to be conducted.

Contrary to its reputation as a cure-all remedy, CBD oil isn’t a sufficient form of treatment for any minor or serious medical condition. It may only help to alleviate the symptoms. Furthermore, not everybody is allowed to use CBD oil as it may interact with certain medications such as antidepressants, antibiotics, or blood thinners, making them less effective.

If you suffer from liver diseases such as cirrhosis, CBDs might not be your best option. They may cause elevated levels of liver enzymes in some users, which are a marker of liver inflammation. Taking CBD oil can also result in drug tests that show positive results for THC since the two compounds come from the same source.

Conclusion

As extracts from cannabis plants are revolutionizing the market, you might be interested in taking CBD oil and seeing for yourself its many benefits. To avoid unwanted side effects and achieve the desired medical benefits, you should follow the proper dosage of CBD oil. Hopefully, in this article, you have found enough information to choose what works best for you.