How Do You Take CBD Oil?

Cannabidiol, also known as CBD oil, is oil extracted from the cannabis plant. Plenty of studies have found that it’s effective in the treatment of many medical conditions and ailments. Some consider this treatment controversial, however, it’s important to note that CBD oil contains no or very little THC, the ingredient that produces the “high” sensation often associated with cannabis.

How Do You Take CBD Oil?

CBD oil can be taken in four main ways. The most effective method varies depending on the specific medical condition being treated as well as the individual taking it. Individual differences generally come down to personal preference of the user, lifestyle, and any other underlying medical conditions they may have. In answer to the question of how do you take CBD oil, the four methods are as follows:

• Inhalation via smoking or vaping
• Sublingual via drops placed under the tongue
• Topically via direct application to the skin
• Ingestion with food or “edibles”

Inhalation

When people think of cannabis products, inhalation is usually the first method that comes to mind. Many who are uninformed instantly form the belief that medicinal marijuana products are all smoked. While inhalation is a very valid method for taking CBD oil, either by smoking or vaping, it’s not the only one and others will be discussed further below.

Smoking CBD oil can be done by the use of a small pipe-like device known as an “oil rig.” Using the oil rig means you’re only smoking CBD oil, whereas if you elect the other smoking method of directly smoking a cannabis joint, you’re more likely to be inhaling THC. Vaping is achieved through the use of CBD oil in a vape pen and differs because there is no smoke, only vapor.

Benefits of smoking or vaping are fast effects, high concentration, and ease of managing dosage. Drawbacks of both are that effects may be stronger than desired and additional costs are involved for purchase of oil rigs or vape pens. The most significant con with smoking, especially cannabis joints instead of CBD oil, is the harsh effects of smoke on the lungs and body.

Sublingual

CBD oil is most commonly purchased in small bottles known as tinctures, which come with a dropper. This makes the sublingual method the easiest and most hassle-free to use. Simply place a few drops under your tongue, hold it within your mouth for around 30 seconds, then swallow. The effects are usually felt less quickly than the smoking method, but the biggest advantages are discretion and ease of dose control. The effects are also longer lasting and you will not be required to purchase anything additional to the CBD oil in its existing tincture.

Topically

CBD oil can also be applied directly to the skin as a topical treatment. You can purchase CBD oil balm specifically for this purpose, however, you can also just use regular CBD oil. All you need to do is simply rub the oil onto the affected area of the skin. Rubbing it into your temples can aid with treatment of headaches and migraines and this method has also been shown to help alleviate muscular aches and pains. The drawback with this method is that the effects tend to be far milder than other methods and usually require you to use more CBD oil. Effects are generally fast, but not long lasting and often require multiple applications.

Ingestion

The final method, ingestion, refers to what is sometimes commonly known as edibles. It’s cooking or adding CBD oil to edible items, such as gummy bears, cakes, brownies, cookies — the only limit is really your imagination. Perhaps the most discreet method, this one also gives the longest lasting effects. The biggest downside is that the time it takes to feel any effect is the longest of all methods. But given the effects are also the longest lasting, and eating edibles is a pleasant way to take CBD oil, many believe the benefits outweigh this drawback. It may take you some time to perfect your recipes to the ideal dosage amount, so if you’re going to choose this method, be prepared to experiment.