Cannabidiol or CBD has suddenly become a household name. Everyone wants to use it to bring balance to their lives or boost the effects of the prescribed medicines that they have to take. But due to a lack of information, new users wonder how to take CBD oil.
In today’s world, everyone is suffering from some kind of ailment. It can be a disease of the body or the mind. Even if there’s no pathological issue, people just want to take CBD for stress relief, improved appetite and sleep, better focus, and everyday wellbeing.
High-quality CBD, derived from the hemp flower and every other plant material, has many health benefits – from anti-inflammatory effects to relaxing impact. If you are planning to buy over-the-counter CBD products, you must know how to use them!
What to Look for When Buying CBD Oil?
There are many brands of CBD-infused oil and other CBD products available on the market. So, how do you pick the right one? Unless you’re buying a doctor-prescribed CBD oil, there are a few factors that you must check before placing your first order.
Lab Tested or Not
A lab test proves the quality of the ingredients used in a CBD product as well as the level of THC or other cannabinoids in the product. While some brands have their own team to test and release reports, it is best to get products that are tested in a third-party lab.
A lab test performed by a third-party lab is proof that there has been no bias while examining and reporting the quality of the CBD product. So a CBD oil with a third-party lab test report is considered more trustworthy. Avoid CBD products with no test reports at all.
Full or Broad Spectrum
At the time of buying CBD-infused products, you will get the option to buy full-spectrum and broad-spectrum products. A full-spectrum CBD oil offers a full entourage effect and contains 0.30% of THC content. A broad-spectrum CBD oil has no trace of THC.
Just like CBD, there are other cannabinoids derived from hemp plants, which go into tinctures. THC is one such cannabinoid, but legally, you can only use products that have less than 0.3% THC. Plus, terpenes and flavonoids also make CBD oil more impactful.
Organic or Not
Organic CBD oil contains ingredients sourced from hemp plants that are organically farmed. It means that these plants do not harm the environment, and they also do not use harmful pesticides and other detrimental chemical products during farming.
Organic ingredients are eco-friendly and good for your health as hemp plants tend to absorb metals and toxins from the soil easily. But organic farming means following a range of criteria set by the FDA. A certification is proof that the CBD oil is organic.
You may be tempted to look at characteristics like the extraction process, flavor range, packaging, strength, etc. These secondary factors are more about your personal preferences. But check the factors mentioned above to ensure quality and efficacy.
How to Take CBD Oil?
There are many CBD-infused products now available on the market. But for new users, CBD oil is an excellent option. That’s because it is easy to administer. Plus, you will find it convenient to understand the dosage that works for you and adjust it accordingly.
CBD oil can be consumed twice a day for the effects to last throughout the day and night. Most people use it to get relief from physical and mental health problems and restore balance in their lives. It improves focus, sleep, appetite, etc., and alleviates pain.
Some people also use it only once a day and take the entire dosage that fits them in a single go. Usually, this is before bedtime. Others carry small, portable bottles of CBD oil with them and consume a small dose of the tincture whenever they want to feel better.
Either way, CBD can become a part of your life. It may cause some minor side effects like nausea or sleepiness, but these are only temporary. It is best to talk to your doctor to ensure that it doesn’t interfere with other medicines so you can only enjoy its positive impact.
8 Ways to Take CBD Oil at Home
The most common method of taking CBD oil is the sublingual administration of the product. You can also mix tinctures with your favorite beverages, soup, etc., and digest. Some tinctures are specifically formulated for vaping or topical applications.
Tincture Form
The most uncomplicated method of taking CBD tinctures is by placing a few drops under the tongue and keeping them there for about half a minute before swallowing the oil. This is known as sublingual administration of CBD tincture, and the effects kick in quite quickly.
Smoothie Form
Many people, especially new users, do not like the earthy, tart taste of CBD, especially in its natural flavor. To mask the flavor, you can add the tincture to a delicious smoothie with the fruits and veggies you love. You can drink it in the morning to calm your mind.
Capsule Form
Many brands produce capsules infused with CBD oil. Capsules ensure a fixed dosage, and you will be able to consume the same amount of CBD consistently. You can take it as a vitamin or medicine. Once it gets digested, it can take over 30 min to kick in.
Coffee
A great way to start your day is with a cup of coffee with a few drops of CBD oil added to it. The good thing about doing this is that CBD can alleviate the agitation and jitters that many people feel after drinking coffee. You can also find brands that make CBD-infused coffee.
In Cocktail
You can make your homemade cocktail recipe more interesting – with a touch of CBD oil! Alcohol and CBD amplify each other’s effects to make you feel relaxed. Interestingly, CBD oil protects you from the damage caused by alcohol. It also prevents addiction to alcohol!
Topical Balm
Many creams, lotions, serums, sprays, etc., come with a healthy dose of CBD oil in them. You can apply them for glowing skin. Or you can rub them on pain areas like joints or injuries for pain relief. Some CBD tinctures are also formulated for both oral and topical applications.
Cookies and Brownies
CBD oil can be easy to incorporate in baked goods like cookies and brownies. Baking does not affect the quality or efficacy of CBD oil, and you can enjoy a delicious treat that makes you feel good in multiple ways. You can keep the extras refrigerated to eat later.
Vaping
You can find CBD oil formulated to be used with vaping pens only. There are various vaping pens and refills for CBD consumption. You can also find tinctures that are fit for sublingual consumption as well as for vaping. But long-term effects of vaping CBD are unknown.
There are various other ways you can use CBD tinctures, most of which are variations of the above methods. You can incorporate tinctures into sweets and candies, juices, soups and sauces, and much more. You just need to make sure that the dosage is appropriate.
How Much CBD Oil Should I Use Per Day?
Determining the right CBD dosage can be a challenge, especially for new users. If you have not consulted a doctor who has prescribed dosage, you can refer to the suggestion of the brand whose CBD oil you buy. It’s best to start at the lowest dosage.
Usually, the initial dosage prescribed by CBD oil brands is 10-20 mg a day. Consume this amount and gradually increase the dosage after observing for a week to determine how your body reacts to the lowest dosage. This entire process is known as titration.
In clinical trials and studies, the amount of CBD administered is usually between 20 mg and 1500 mg. The amount of CBD that will work for you depends on body weight, health conditions, CBD consumption habits, medicines you take, age, etc. So titration is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) When should I take CBD oil, morning or night?
If you want to take CBD twice a day, you can consume it in the morning and at night. However, drowsiness can be a side effect of CBD oil, especially for new users. So it’s best to use it before bedtime so that you can sleep properly and wake up feeling fresh.
2) Is it OK to take CBD oil every night?
CBD does not cause addiction, and both preliminary studies and anecdotal evidence show that using CBD oil daily can improve your physical and mental health and bring balance to your life. Take small doses at the beginning to see how your body reacts to it.
3) Should I refrigerate CBD oil?
Storing CBD oil does not require a lot of effort. Most of them come in packages that are designed to maintain the tincture’s quality. You won’t need to refrigerate CBD oil as long as you maintain a temperature of 60-70 F. Keep it away from heat and sunlight.
4) How long does it take for CBD oil to work for joint pain?
The fastest way to experience the impact of CBD on joint pain is by consuming CBD oil sublingually or by vaping when the effects kick in within 15 minutes. If you take it in a digestible form, the time will increase to 30 min. Topical products kick in within an hour.
5) Can I rub CBD oil on my skin for pain?
Many brands produce topical products like lotions, creams, sprays, etc., infused with CBD oil. These can be applied directly to the skin to alleviate pain and inflammation. Some edible tinctures are also formulated for dual-use and can be used on the skin.
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