The Ultimate Guide on How to Take CBD: 7 Effective Methods

What if you could manage pain or anxiety or improve sleep and improve your life with a natural and healthy product?

CBD has been the game-changer many people have been waiting for. And across the nation, CBD is more popular than ever before.

There is just one problem: when you're new to using it, you may not know how to take CBD. But our ultimate guide will answer all of your CBD questions and cover the most effective ways of taking it to help you figure out what’s best for your needs.

What Is CBD?

Our complete guide will help you learn how to take CBD. First, though, we need to answer a more basic question: what exactly is CBD, anyway?

"CBD" is short for cannabidiol. It comes from the cannabis plant, but it's very different from THC (more on this in a minute).

Over the years, scientists and practitioners alike have discovered more issues that CBD can help with. And thanks to many states relaxing their laws, it is easier to get legal access to CBD and even get medical advice for using it from your local doctor!

Will I Get "High" From CBD?

As soon as someone hears that CBD comes from the Cannabis plant, they ask the obvious question: "will CBD make me high?"

The short answer is "no." The part of cannabis that makes you high is the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

That part is psychoactive and can affect your mind, making you feel high. CBD, though, is a non-psychoactive part of the Cannabis plant. 

If a product is made from hemp-derived CBD, then there is no danger at all that you will get high. But in some areas, you may be able to legally buy products that contain a mixture of THC and CBD.

While this can be relaxing in its own right, you should be aware that you can get all of the medical benefits of CBD without using THC at all.

What Are the Benefits of Using CBD?

That brings up another obvious question. Why, exactly, should you take CBD in the first place?

First of all, CBD can work wonders for those with anxiety. It can offer a kind of mental relief and make your mind feel like it belongs to you once again.

Second of all, CBD is effective for those who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. If you long to live in the "now" rather than the traumas of the past, CBD may be the answer.

Thirdly, CBD can help those who suffer from addiction. It may be able to help you break a painful cycle and live a cleaner and healthier life.

Finally, CBD can help some who suffer from schizophrenia. And recent research shows that it may work wonders for those who suffer from inflammation or arthritis.

At the end of the day, CBD is no wonder drug or "cure-all." But it does represent a chance for you to feel better and take control of your life thanks to a safe, healthy, and natural product.

And the legalization of hemp has made it easier than ever for everyone to discover what CBD can do.

How Much CBD Should I Take?

Our guide below will walk you through different ways that you can take CBD. Before that, though, you may be asking how much you should take.

The truth is that there is no "one size fits all" answer. Different people may require different amounts of CBD to deal with various conditions.

And the exact effects may vary from one CBD product to another, so some level of "trial and error" is inevitable.

The closest thing to universal CBD advice is that: start with a lower amount before you work your way up. It is important to see how your body reacts to a small dose before you take a larger one.

Once your body has acclimated to the CBD, you can usually just follow dosage recommendations that come with your CBD products.

And it's important to keep your doctor in the loop before you make any changes to your normal routine.

Now that you know more about what CBD is, why to try it, and how much to take, let's dive into the different ways you can take CBD.

How To Take CBD - 7 Effective Methods

CBD is available in many different forms, including vapes and oils. It can even be mixed with food or drinks. CBD oils have been reported to help with a variety of physical and mental health conditions, including anxiety.

1. Oils and Tinctures

One of the best ways to take CBD is to do so orally. However, there are several different ways to do this. And one of the simplest ways is by using oils and tinctures.

There are multiple ways to consume oils and tinctures. Some CBD fans prefer to use a dropper and place a few drops under their tongue. You hold the oil there for about a minute and it is absorbed sublingually into the body.

If you're feeling more creative, though, you can add CBD oil to any food or drink as you so choose. This is a great way to add CBD to your existing lifestyle and diet.

And one of the upsides of this approach is that you can always increase or decrease how much you add to your food and drink to change the desired effect.

Pros:

• Requires very little effort and can be completed in a couple of minutes.
• Placing the oil under the tongue is one of the most effective ways. 
• Available in a wide variety of strengths and flavors.
• Great if you're just starting out, as you can start with a low-dose CBD oil and work your way up to better strengths to find what works for you.
• Reach the bloodstream more quickly.

Cons:

• Many users complain about the taste, which is usually very earthy and strong unless extra flavoring has been added.

CBD oils are easy to use for beginners but remain a favorite with experienced users.

2. Topicals

Do you suffer from chronic pain or conditions like arthritis or muscle and joint pain? If so, you'll probably enjoy administering your CBD topically as either a cream, lotion, balm, salve, or transdermal patches.

The biggest benefit of using topicals is that you can target very specific areas. Is there an area of your arm that is in serious pain? If so, you can rub CBD creams or lotions into that area to focus the pain relief.

Keep in mind that different kinds of topicals may be optimized for specific pains and specific uses. Depending on the kind of pain you suffer from, you may need to do a bit of research to discover the topical solution that is perfect for your own needs.

Pros:

• A fantastic way to treat specific problem areas.
• Very easy to apply and incorporate into your daily routine. 
• Since it is growing in popularity, more and more creams of different strengths are becoming easily available.

Cons:

• Not easy to dose, because you can’t tell how much CBD is in each application.
• Not suitable for all problems, it is best used for aches and pains.
• The effects are not as long-lasting as other methods.

CBD topicals can be great for those who don’t want to ingest CBD but instead want to use it for something specific. Simply massage a dollop into the skin whenever you feel like you need it.

3. Capsules and Pills

If you're looking into how to take CBD, you'll quickly discover that you have many different options. But the simplest option is to simply consume capsules and pills.

The idea is simple enough: the CBD that you need is contained inside the capsule or pill. And ingesting the CBD orally is a great way for you to address a wide variety of ailments and disorders.

These are most popular among older people who are just getting into CBD because they so closely resemble their experiences with medications.

Ultimately, capsules and pills are a great solution if you are traveling or otherwise short on time. However, because you have to wait for the capsule or pill to dissolve after you swallow it, you may need to wait a while before your body feels the full effects.

Pros:

• Remarkably easy to add to your daily routine, all you need to do is pop a capsule in your mouth and take a drink of water.
• The longer-lasting effect of capsules and pills make them suitable for many chronic conditions.
• Dosage is very easy, as the correct dosage is already contained in each capsule.
• Those who don’t like the taste of CBD oil can get the same benefits whilst also avoiding the strong earthy flavor.

Cons:

• You'll need to wait longer than under the tongue method before your body feels the full effects.
• You might not be able to get them in as many strengths as oils.

Remember that CBD capsules are not fast-acting. Pills release the CBD slowly over an extended period of time, so they are not the best option for quick relief.

4. Edibles

Edibles are a very close cousin to capsules and pills. However, with edibles, the CBD is infused inside of food.

CBD edibles in the form of CBD gummies are the most popular and sleep is among the most common because CBD gummies for sleep are long-lasting provide all-night relief.

A considerable benefit to CBD edibles is that, like capsules, you don’t have to mess around with a dropper trying to figure out the right dose.

You can take them anywhere with you and consume one whenever you see fit. Plus, they taste pretty good.

Honestly, there is little difference in taking CBD via capsules and pills or via a more traditional edible. And as with capsules and pills, one of the big charms of CBD edibles is that you know exactly how much you are consuming with each edible.

Pros:

• A delicious, fun way of consuming your CBD.
• CBD effects are longer-lasting.
• Depending on the edibles, they can be easy to portion.
• A huge variety of CBD edibles are available, so you'll have a lot of options.

Cons:

• The CBD edibles can be a bit expensive.
• Certain edibles are not healthy because they contain a lot of additives.
• The effects take longer to kick in.

Again, the CBD will take longer to kick in when using this method. Since it must pass through the digestive system, this method is slower acting than others. The CBD will be released over a more extended period, though, meaning the effects last longer.

5. Vaping and Smoking

There is no genuine "best" way to take CBD. Instead, there are several different methods, and it all comes down to your personal preference.

But if you are simply looking for the fastest way to feel the effects of the CBD, then the answer is vaping.

The actual mechanics of the vape work as they always do. In this case, though, it is filled with CBD e-liquids, which are sometimes called CBD vape oil, or CBD vape juice that you can conveniently inhale whenever you want to.

Simply put, vaping puts the CBD directly into your bloodstream, allowing you to feel the effects very quickly.

And it is very easy for you to carry around your own vape device (either disposable or refillable) wherever you go.

There is not currently much of a downside to using vapes, but the jury is still out on the long-term health impact of vapes.

So keep in mind that vaping CBD is most likely not safe. The questions over CBD vape safety mostly revolve around the additives, flavorings, and thinning agents used in CBD vape products.

Research suggests that these additives could be harmful when used in high-temperature vaporizers.

If you do decide to vape, avoid CBD vape cartridges made with thinning agents or carriers such as fractionated coconut oil (MCT), propylene glycol, or vegetable glycerin.

A 2017 review of Pulmonary toxicity of e-cigarettes found that these compounds can cause damage to lung tissue.

Pros:

• A variety of oils and vaping devices are available out there to suit your likes.
• Some oils actually taste quite good, making for an enjoyable consumption method.
• The CBD takes effect very quickly through inhalation making it the fasted consumption method.
  
  

Cons:

• Pens and vaporizers can be very expensive.
• Although cartridges will list the strength, the dose is not accurate making it not easy to dose the CBD accurately when vaping.
• Vaping CBD is most likely not safe. 

Vaping is not for everyone and for good reason. Some concerns are surrounding vaping at the moment, including health risks associated with some ingredients used in e-liquids.

6. CBD Inhalers

Because of the many concerns about the safety of vaping some companies have started to make CBD inhalers.

These resemble an asthma inhaler and can be used in the same way, only they harbor a compressed form of CBD in an aerosol.

CBD inhalers have become one of the easiest methods to administer CBD oil that provides precision dosing.

In addition to precision dosing, using CBD inhalers means faster uptake of the CBD into your system than other methods so you feel the effects almost immediately.

This might be a safer alternative to vaping and smoking, but still matches the fast effectiveness of vaping methods.

Pros:

• Takes effects in as little as 5 minutes.
• A CBD inhaler provides you with measured doses so that there is no room for error.
• The CBD takes effect very quickly through inhalation making it the fasted consumption method.
• This might be a safer alternative to vaping and smoking.
  
  

Cons:

• If you have not used an inhaler before, correctly using it may take time.
• You need to confirm from the seller that the inhaler delivers a measured dose every time.
• Because this is fairly new, finding inhalers is somewhat difficult.

The quickest way to get CBD into your system is by inhaling it. With health concerns understandably raised about smoking and vaping CBD products, you should look into other alternatives.

7. CBD Coffee Pod

Your love for coffee could also be the reason you’re feeling anxious, jittery, or having trouble sleeping.

This is why many people are turning to CBD-infused coffees instead. The effects of CBD provide a near-perfect solution to the misery of caffeine.

It relaxes the muscles and eliminates anxiety — all without compromising the stimulating effects you feel after a good cup of coffee.

CBD coffee pods have become popular over the last few years for those who want the pick-me-up effect of your daily coffee—and want to cut down on the caffeine jitters, yet have more energy and focus. 

Some CBD Warnings To Be Aware Of

• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Do not use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or are taking any medications.
• Not intended for use by anyone under 18 years of age.
• Consult your physician before use.

What are the side effects of CBD oil?

The most concerning side effect of CBD is its potential to interact with prescription medications. CBD is possibly safe to take in appropriate doses. However, other side effects of consuming CBD oil may include:

• Drowsiness and fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Decreased appetite
• Dry mouth

Studies examining CBD to treat various conditions, diseases, and side effects are still in the early stages, and more research is required to draw any conclusions.

As CBD is relatively new, many of the available products may not be what they appear, or may not have undergone quality control assessments for safety.

Doctors and healthcare providers recommend only using products that have been tested by a third party for potency and contaminants, such as pesticides.

See our guide about where to buy CBD oil online (best brands).

Final Thoughts: How to Take CBD

Because how to take CBD is a highly personalized experience, it’s hard to say what the best way to take CBD is. The best method will vary from person to person.

But at the end of the day, you want to take your CBD in a manner that works for you and fits into your day-to-day lifestyle.

Trial and error are most likely inevitable. Nonetheless make it fun trying all these fantastic products. Most CBD products are easy to use, so there’s no need to worry if you’re using them for the first time.

Disclaimer: This article does not provide medical advice.

The information, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, and other material contained in this article, are for informational purposes only. No material within this article is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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