How to Use CBD Oil Effectively: A Beginner’s Guide

Posted on by TJ
A variety of Sunset Lake CBD oil tinctures scattered on a table with the text "How To Use CBD Oil Effectively.

CBD oil is everywhere these days—supermarkets, drug stores, even hardware stores. You might be reading this because you’re wondering how to use CBD oil or if it’s the right product for you. In this post, we’ll cover:

  • How to take CBD oil sublingually
  • Oral dosing
  • How often you should dose

For more information on calculating an appropriate dose, please read our post on dosing.

Understanding CBD Oil

CBD oil, derived from the cannabis plant, has gained immense popularity due to its potential health benefits. Unlike THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, CBD does not produce a “high.” This makes it an attractive option for those seeking relief from pain, anxiety, and other conditions without the mind-altering effects of marijuana.

CBDcan be used in various forms, including tinctures, capsules, edibles, and topicals. Each form has its own set of benefits and usage methods, making it versatile and adaptable to different needs and preferences.

How Do You Use CBD Oil?

CBD oil is a versatile product. How you use it may depend on the strength of your oil. With Sunset Lake’s CBD oils, you’ll want to get comfortable with our recommended 25mg doses before moving on to a more robust dosing schedule.

We suggest getting acclimated to 25mg doses taken in the evening after you’ve settled in for the night. Take your CBD either orally or sublingually every night and see how you feel after 1 to 2 hours. After two weeks of adjusting to 25mg, feel free to adjust your dose as needed.

Once you’re used to ingesting CBD, you can get more creative with dosing. CBD can make a great additive to dips, drinks, and can even take the edge off of your morning cup of coffee.

Using CBD Oil Orally vs. Sublingually

There are two primary ways to take CBD via your mouth. When you take your CBD orally, you swallow it and wait for it to reach your digestive tract before experiencing any benefits. If you take your CBD sublingually—under your tongue—you should feel the effects much quicker.

Sublingual Application

Sublingual consumption involves putting CBD under your tongue where the membrane to your bloodstream is thinner than anywhere else in your mouth. Cannabidiol will traverse this membrane more quickly and you should feel the effects in as little as 15 minutes. Once you’ve held it under your tongue for roughly 20 to 30 seconds, swallow it.

Are There Benefits to Using CBD Oil Sublingually?

Taking CBD sublingually has some advantages over consuming it orally. Because you’re applying CBD directly to a capillary-rich membrane in your mouth, the active cannabinoids get into your bloodstream faster.

However, using CBD sublingually does have certain disadvantages. For instance, if you’re taking unflavored CBD, you’ll need to hold it under your tongue for 20 seconds before swallowing, which can be unpleasant if you don’t like the taste of hemp. Luckily, there are flavored products available, such as Sunset Lake’s mint and citrus flavors.

Oral (Ingestion)

Using CBD oil orally is more straightforward than sublingual ingestion— it involves swallowing your CBD either by itself or mixing it with food or beverages.

The downside of using your CBD oil orally is that you’ll have to wait for the active cannabinoids to reach your digestive tract and liver before you notice any benefits.

What Are the Benefits of Using CBD Oil Orally?

Using CBD orally rather than sublingually has the distinct benefit of versatility because you can add it to just about any recipe that calls for cooking fat. This method allows you to experience all the benefits that CBD has to offer without the aftertaste.

You can add CBD oil to:

  • Your morning coffee or tea
  • Your pre- or post-workout smoothie
  • Homemade salad dressing (made with hemp oil!)
  • Your evening cocktail
  • A snacking dip, like guacamole

Which Is Better? Oral or Sublingual?

Taking your CBD orally vs sublingually shouldn’t affect how long the benefits from your dose last, but sublingual ingestion should allow you to feel more immediate effects.

Topical Use

You can also use CBD oil topically by applying it directly to your skin in affected areas.

The benefits of topical application include:

  • Rapid effect on the area
  • Targeted relief
  • No risk of triggering a positive drug test with topical CBD

While CBD oil can work topically, it’s probably best to use topical products formulated with CBD. These are crafted with skincare in mind and contain other moisturizers and vitamins that benefit your skin.

Comparing Methods: Oral vs. Sublingual vs. Topical

When comparing the methods of using CBD —oral, sublingual, and topical—each has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Understanding these can help you choose the best method for your needs.

  1. Oral Ingestion
    • Pros: Easy to incorporate into daily routines, can be mixed with food and drinks.
    • Cons: Slower onset of effects, may lose some potency through digestion.
  2. Sublingual Application
    • Pros: Faster onset of effects, higher bioavailability.
    • Cons: Requires holding oil under the tongue, which can be unpleasant for some.
  3. Topical Application
    • Pros: Directly targets specific areas, rapid relief.
    • Cons: Limited to skin-deep benefits, may not be as effective for systemic issues.

How Often Should You Use CBD Oil?

This is a common question. How often you take CBD oil will vary depending on your body, your goals, and your ingestion method.

If you take CBD orally or sublingually, we recommend starting with daily 25mg doses to get comfortable and observe how your body reacts before changing your dose strength and frequency.

If you use CBD topically, you don’t need to adhere to this adjustment period. Instead, use as needed.

Tips for Maximizing CBD Oil Benefits

To maximize the benefits of CBD oil, consider the following tips:

  1. Consistency is Key: Use CBD oil regularly to maintain its effects in your system.
  2. Find Your Optimal Dose: Start with a low dose and gradually increase until you find what works best for you.
  3. Consider Full-Spectrum Products: Full-spectrum CBD oils contain other beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes that can enhance the effects of CBD through the entourage effect.
  4. Monitor Your Body’s Response: Keep track of how you feel and adjust your usage accordingly.
  5. Consult with a Professional: If you have any medical conditions or are taking other medications, consult with a healthcare provider before starting.

Get more info in our website.

FAQs

How should I start using CBD oil?

  • Start with a 25mg dose taken in the evening. Take it orally or sublingually and observe how you feel after 1 to 2 hours.

What is the difference between oral and sublingual CBD oil usage?

  • Oral CBD oil is swallowed and takes longer to feel effects, while sublingual CBD oil is placed under the tongue and acts faster.

Can I add CBD oil to food and drinks?

  • Yes, CBD oil can be added to various foods and drinks such as coffee, smoothies, salad dressings, and dips.

How often should I take CBD oil?

  • Begin with daily 25mg doses and adjust based on how your body responds. For topical use, apply as needed.

What are the benefits of sublingual CBD oil usage?

  • Sublingual usage allows CBD to enter the bloodstream quickly, providing faster relief compared to oral ingestion.
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