Best Ways to Take CBD Oil: Complete Guide

• Updated October 17, 2024

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The legalization of hemp has been a popular debate for a number of years now. Not everyone supports the use of medical marijuana because of the ‘high’ that it can provide. A safer alternative is CBD, a form of CBD that can be taken orally or sublingually. CBD oil contains all of the beneficial cannabinoids that people are looking for.

Let’s break down the four methods of taking CBD oil to consider when sourcing products for wellness!

1. Oral Ingestion

Oral ingestion means that you consume CBD by mouth. This often means partaking in edibles. However, it can also include swallowing tinctures instead of placing them under your tongue. Edibles can be purchased in packs or made at home using your own oil production.

Pros:

• Very easy.
• Enjoyable.
• Many different edible products and recipes to use.

Cons:

• Purchased edibles don’t allow for custom dosages.
• CBD dosages must be divided properly in recipes.
• Some reduced bioavailability.

Types of Products:

• Edibles (brownies, cookies, or cake pops).
• Mints.
• Drinks and beverages, syrup.
• Gummies and lollipops.
• CBD pills and capsules.

Absorption:

• Orally consumed CBD absorbs through the salivary glands, stomach, and digestive organs.
• It is processed through your liver, pancreas, and stomach acids.

Duration Effect:

• It typically takes 20 to 30 minutes for orally consumed CBD to take effect.

2. Sublingual Consumption

 

Using tinctures sublingually means that you are applying the oil under your tongue. Sublingual CBD products are absorbed quickly into the bloodstream. What’s more, many people like the very fast and direct consumption method offered by sublingual CBD tinctures.

Pros:

• High absorption rate.
• Very easy to use.
• Very portable.

Cons:

• Less “pleasurable” than edibles.
• Not tactile at all.

Types of Products:

• CBD oils and tinctures.
• Sublingual drops.
• CBD sprays.
• CBD concentrates.
• CBD oral applicators.

Absorption:

• Enters via salivary glands to get to varicose veins under your tongue.

Duration:

• Typically takes 15 to 25 minutes for absorption to be complete.

3. Topical Application

CBD topical products are creams and ointments that are used to address skin issues, beautify the skin, and combat signs of aging. Many people who prefer to switch to non-processed beauty products love the soft touch of CBD face creams.

Pros:

• Easy to use.
• Good alternative to mainstream products.
• Can be used for a variety of skin issues.

Cons:

• Pricier than “mainstream” creams and lotions.
• Results can vary based on skin type.

Types of Products:

• CBD lotions.
• Creams.
• Balms.
• Serums.
• Patches.
• CBD salves.
• CBD lip balms.
• CBD roll-ons.

Absorption:

• Diffuses through skin lipids travel cell to cell.

Duration:

• CBD products applied to the skin offer slower absorption than most other methods. It typically takes between 25 and 45 minutes for topical CBD products to be processed by the body.

Read more about how long it takes for CBD oil to effect after a dose in the article.

4. Transdermal Administration

The transdermal delivery method includes using CBD patches. A CBD patch doesn’t look much different from a nicotine patch or motion-sickness patch at first glance. These patches are actually activated by your own body heat to release controlled amounts of CBD through your skin. CBD that is released from a patch is slowly absorbed into your bloodstream after penetrating your skin via heat activation. Next, the CBD that is absorbed travels through your entire circulatory system.

Pros:

• Easy to use.
• A discreet way to get CBD benefits.
• The sustained and consistent delivery.
• CBD goes directly into your bloodstream.
• Precise dosages to create long-lasting results.

Cons:

• Can’t be applied before or after bathing.
• Some problems when removing patches.

Types of Products:

• CBD patches

Absorption:

• CBD penetrates your skin via heat activation and then goes directly into your bloodstream. Once absorbed, it travels through your entire circulatory system.

Duration:

• It typically takes between 10 and 15 minutes for CBD products to be absorbed by the body transdermally.

5. Inhalation

Many CBD users prefer the experience and results of inhaling vape juice. Typically, you will use an inhaler or vape pen to inhale CBD products. This is a popular option among those who enjoy a tactile experience when consuming CBD. Your consumption can be drawn out as part of a long process when you opt for inhalation.

Pros:

• It is a pleasant, satisfying experience.
• You can “control” your experience.
• Products often offer various fruity flavors.

Cons:

• Requires equipment.
• Takes time.

Usage:

• Vape oil cartridges.
• Vape tanks and pens.
• CBD e-liquids.
• CBD concentrates.
• CBD waxes.
• CBD dabs.
• CBD inhalers.

Absorption:

• CBD is inhaled directly into the lungs using this method. The product then passes from the lungs to the bloodstream.

Duration:

• It typically takes just 10 to 20 minutes for absorption via inhalation to be completed.

Bioavailability, Onset and CBD Duration Chart

Tips on How to Take CBD Oils

1. Start with low doses.

You should start with low doses and work upwards from there. Take one dose for three weeks before increasing the amount or frequency.

2. Alter the dosage.

Only change the dose if you are comfortable with the results and have not experienced any negative side effects. If you change products after a few months, pay attention to the dosage information on the new product. Also, keep in mind that dosing information can vary based on the condition that you are trying to treat.

3. Examine the bottle.

CBD oil typically comes in a dark-colored glass bottle. You’ll get a certain amount of CBD at a certain level of potency. The included dropper will allow you to accurately measure the amount of product that you are interested in taking. You can take this type of product on the go with you.

4. Take CBD oils sublingually and swallow.

The most common method of taking CBD oil tinctures is by mouth. Most products come in a drop form. The oil should be taken under the tongue so it can be absorbed quickly by the mouth. If you simply swallow the product, this can result in the body’s digestive system breaking down the CBD too quickly. The body wouldn’t have enough time to absorb it.

Key Takeaways

You may be wondering how different consumption options affect your actual CBD experience. The answer can be complicated regarding the best methods of ingestion. The potency of your product, the amount you take, and the frequency of consumption will actually impact the “strength” and duration of your CBD results.

The bottom line is that the best way to take CBD oil ultimately comes down to your personal preference. Many people who are trying CBD for the first time like to order a medley of products to try out the various sensations and experiences that are to be had from popular options.

Yes, piecing together your own starter kit is a great idea if you’re curious about different CBD products. It’s also possible that you’re laser-focused on trying a specific method of CBD consumption because you simply know your habits enough to know what will work for you. The only real takeaway is that being smart about sourcing quality products and getting an appropriate dosage are the two necessities when trying CBD!

About the Author

Alex Malkin

Alex Malkin is a CBD enthusiast, researcher, and the editor-in-chief at CBD.market. He's also the author of the book "CBD: A Door to Better Health" and a certified nutrition-and-wellness specialist.

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