By now, you’ve probably heard all about cannabidiol (CBD). The hemp-derived natural remedy is said to help muscle pain, anxiety, sleep, menopause symptoms and arthritis, among a whole host of other ailments. If you’re considering trying CBD oil (it makes sense!), but don’t know where to start, then we’re here to help.
CBD is one of many different types of cannabinoids in the hemp plant. Another cannabinoid you may have heard of is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol); a compound famous for providing the intoxicating effects associated with marijuana use. CBD is non-intoxicating and legal in the UK.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know including how best to take CBD oil, at what time of day and how frequently to use CBD.
What Do You Do with CBD Oil?
There are a variety of ways to take CBD oil; including orally, topically and through inhalation. The best method of taking CBD oil depends on your individual needs and preferences.
CBD oil can be taken orally by placing drops under the tongue, or by adding it to food or drink. CBD oil can be applied topically to the skin in the form of creams, lotions or salves (which CBD is infused into). It is possible to use a vaporiser with a cartridge that contains CBD oil for inhalation purposes, and the cannabinoid can also be taken in capsule form.
While there are various ways in which you can take CBD oil, for this article, we are going to focus on one of the most common methods of using CBD in the UK: using a pipette and dropping it under the tongue. A great starting point if you’re new to cannabidiol is to use a 500mg CBD oil such as Mission C 5% Day + CBD Oil. Drop half a pipette under the tongue and hold for 60 seconds. Experts agree that administering CBD sublingually efficiently enables the compound to penetrate blood vessels through a thin mucous membrane and interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to provide health and wellbeing benefits as quickly as possible.
However, there are other ways to enjoy CBD oil if you prefer. You can add drops to your morning coffee or a smoothie, for instance. Many CBD oils have a pleasant flavour but if you aren’t a fan of yours, this is a great way to mask the earthy essence of the hemp derivative.
How Often to Take CBD Oil?
The UK FSA recommends that healthy adults have no more than 70mg of CBD per day (unless advised otherwise by a medical professional). This equates to approximately 28 drops of 5% CBD oil, and you can take these as you wish throughout the day.
As our biochemistry differs among all of us, however, the effects of CBD can vary from person to person. If new to CBD, we recommend starting with a low dose once or twice each day and gradually increasing the dose and frequency to find out what works for you. Take CBD consistently for at least a month (the longer, the better) to determine its effects.
When Should I Take CBD Oil, Morning or Night?
When you take CBD oil depends entirely on your preference. You can take CBD oil in the morning to reduce anxiety, boost energy, ease pain and inflammation and feel more focused, for instance. Some products, such as Day + CBD Oil are specifically designed to energise and promote wakefulness.
Alternatively, you might prefer to try CBD oil in the evening. Due to its powerful relaxation properties (easing anxiety and stress), products such as Night + CBD Oil can perfectly prep you for a night of deep, restorative sleep.
If you’re unsure, experiment with CBD oil in the morning for a few days, and then change it to the night to see which time of day works best for you.
What Does CBD Oil Under the Tongue Do?
Holding CBD oil under the tongue enables the compound to reach your bloodstream quickly thanks to a thin mucous membrane and an abundance of capillaries. This is an effective method that takes bypasses digestion and allows cannabidiol to be rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream.
When CBD enters the bloodstream, it is transported around the body and interacts with our endocannabinoid system (ECS). The main function of the ECS is to maintain homeostasis, e.g. keeping the body balanced and content, which positively influences sleep, mood, appetite, pain and a whole host of other important functions. CBD has been shown to provide a ‘boost’ to the ECS and benefit many of our physiological processes.
How Quickly Does CBD Oil Work?
Taking CBD oil sublingually bypasses the digestion process and enables the effects to be experienced quite rapidly. After holding CBD under your tongue for 60 seconds, expect to feel the benefits within approximately 15 – 20 minutes. The time taken can vary due to your metabolism, body weight, etc.
How Long Do the Effects of CBD Oil Last?
Again, it all depends on your biochemistry, as well as how much CBD you have taken. In general, the effects of taking CBD oil under the tongue can last up to several hours.
How to Store CBD Oil
The best place to store CBD oil is in a cool, dark place, away from light and in its original packaging to prevent exposure to air. A cupboard or pantry is ideal. The lower temperature will protect cannabinoids, terpenes and additional ingredients within the product. If you store your CBD oil correctly, you’ll maximise its shelf life. A CBD-infused oil should last at least 6 months from when it is first opened.
How Much is CBD Oil in the UK?
CBD isn’t cheap. Expect to pay up to £15 per 100mg in the UK; some manufacturers charge even more. Of course, you often get what you pay for, and the expensive CBD oils can usually promise superior quality. These products are also usually very concentrated, so will often last longer than you might think.
Are There Any Reasons Why I Shouldn’t Take CBD Oil Sublingually?
There’s no reason why you shouldn’t use CBD oil under the tongue in terms of health and safety, but some people dislike this method or may be allergic to any additional ingredients in the product (always check the ingredients label first). If you find the sublingual method isn’t for you, you can still take your CBD oil orally by simply swallowing it, or you might prefer to purchase a different type of product such as sweet-tasting CBD gummies.
