In recent human history, the medicinal uses of the hemp plant have often been misunderstood or denied, but now the popularity of hemp derivatives is growing by leaps and bounds: Stores around the UK are selling everything from CBD tinctures to CBD massage oil and hemp-based cosmetics!

CBD (or cannabidiol) is one of the most popular derivatives of hemp, partly thanks to a growing amount of scientific evidence showing it has various medical benefits. These studies show that CBD has therapeutic and anti-inflammatory effects, though many people are afraid of trying CBD products because they aren’t sure how to use them best.

The best way to take CBD oil:

There are dozens of different CBD products available – from edibles to scented candles – but which is the best way to get the benefits of CBD? To help you find the best product for your needs, we’ve investigated the pros and cons of different delivery methods below:

Inhalation:

Inhalation is one of the quickest ways to absorb something into your bloodstream, and there are two main ways to turn CBD into something you can breathe:

1.    Smoking:

It’s possible to smoke CBD oil by using specialist equipment such as vaporisers or by smoking specially made CBD cigarettes.

2.    Vaping:

You can also vape CBD by using special e-liquids in your vape kit in the same way that you would use regular e-liquid. Make sure your vape kit can safely use CBD e-liquids and puff away.

Pros:

By inhaling CBD, it is directly absorbed by your lungs and distributed in your bloodstream, creating quicker, more powerful effects.

Cons:

This delivery method is inherently dangerous, as particulates from the CBD can damage your heart and lung health over time.

Ingestion:

One of the simplest ways to take CBD oil is by ingesting (eating) it, whether you consume it pure or mixed it into other products such as capsules and gummies. Depending on the type of product you get, you may need to follow different procedures, i.e., placing a drop of CBD tincture underneath your tongue.

Pros:

Ingesting CBD is much safer and simpler than smoking it, and the wide range of edible CBD products – from tinctures to syrups and gummies – mean there’s something for all tastes.

Cons:

Although ingesting is very simple, it’s also very slow and hard to predict, as the CBD takes a lot of time to reach your stomach and be absorbed into your bloodstream, and you may not absorb the whole dose…

Topical:

CBD oil can also be applied topically (i.e. on your skin) in the form of lotions, creams and CBD massage oil to help with muscle aches and skin problems. If you’re interested in using CBD to help with skin problems or just to relax, then a topical application is the way to go.

Pros:

This method of taking CBD oil is very easy and safe, while the essential components of CBD oil absorb in the skin immediately, offering effective results.

Cons:

Like ingestion, topical CBD oil usage takes time to show results, especially when using it to treat non-skin related problems. Also, the results are not as long-lasting as the other methods.

Sublingual:

Sublingual (from the Latin for “under the tongue”) administration is used for CBD tinctures applied under the tongue and absorbed into the bloodstreams nearby. Like inhalation, this means the CBD is quickly absorbed into your bloodstream but without the risk to your lung health.

Pros:

The sublingual method is simple, easy, and shows quick results without the health risks associated with sugary CBD edibles or vaping.

Cons:

Results may vary, and high-concentration CBD tinctures can taste unpleasant to some people, making it difficult to hold the dose in your mouth for the required time.

How is CBD best absorbed?

We should differentiate between direct application and general CBD levels when discussing CBD absorption, as they have different causes and benefits: Topical applications are better at delivering CBD to a specific area, but you need to raise your blood levels of CBD to see results throughout your body.

While inhalation is the most direct way to get CBD into your body, the risks associated with smoking or vaping mean that we do NOT recommend it as the best way to take CBD. Instead, we believe that the sublingual method is the quickest and safest way to increase your blood levels of CBD,

Is it better to take CBD at night?

If you have recently started using CBD as part of your health routine, you may be wondering about the most effective time for doses and how soon you will see results. Depending on your reasons for taking CBD, you may prefer to take CBD in the morning or evening, so let’s discuss the different effects of CBD and how they complement day or night dosing.

Because CBD seems to have some invigorating and relaxing effects (likely due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties), it can work as an energy boost in the morning and relaxation aid in the evening. If you want a pick-me-up, consider a CBD tincture with your morning coffee and if you want to relax, try CBD massage oil before you go to bed.

Can you use oral CBD oil topically?

No, it’s generally not advised to use CBD designed for oral use on your skin, as CBD tinctures are made from alcohol or water and alcohol-based solutions, which may irritate your skin.

Can you take CBD oil orally?

While you can take pure CBD oil orally, you shouldn’t ingest CBD massage oil, as they are often mixed with essential oils and other ingredients which are not pleasant to eat, to say the least.

How to make CBD more effective?

If you haven’t noticed any results from your CBD, it may be caused by a variety of factors – not just a low dose – so check for the following causes before upping your dose:

• CBD quality– If your CBD product does not contain a significant amount of pure CBD, then you won’t be getting the expected results.
• Incorrect dosage – You may not be taking enough CBD to get noticeable results, so read the label to find out the CBD strength and advised dosage
• Impatience – CBD does not have instant benefits, so it may take several weeks to see noticeable results. This is normal, so keep up your CBD routine.

Bottom Line:

There is no perfect way to take CBD oil, as the best option depends on your individual requirements and situation. While a topical application of CBD massage oil is a great way to reduce muscle soreness and dry skin, the sublingual application of a CBD tincture is better at tackling health issues like epilepsy and anxiety.