How to Take CBD Oil: Tips for First-Time Users
This article will povide comprehensive guidance on the various methods of consuming CBD oil, determining the correct dosage, and ensuring safe and effective usage, particularly for those new to CBD oil.
CBD or cannabidiol comes from the cannabis plant. It is a popular natural remedy to help with things like relaxation or pain relief without any of the hallucinogenic aspects related to THC, another part of the cannabis plant.
CBD oil gets extracted from the plant and diluted with other oils like hemp seed or coconut oil. CBD oils can also be found in:
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Bath products
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Drinks
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Food
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Dietary supplements
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Topical products
The extraction process for CBD oil is very similar to any form of oil extraction as it applies to plants. Several methods are used to press the plant material in such a way that the oils inside the plant fibers get released and collected.
Benefits of CBD oil
CBD oil can be used for several benefits. Perhaps the most common is pain relief. Researchers have found that CBD oil interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system by reducing receptor activity and inflammation which helps to treat chronic pain.
CBD oil is also a promising natural treatment for mental health disorders including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and symptoms of psychosis.
Other research has found that it is very useful in improving certain symptoms of cancer including nausea, pain, and vomiting.
There are neuroprotective properties associated with CBD and CBD oil can help reduce muscle spasms or pain for multiple sclerosis as well as provide relief for other neurological disorders.
Legal status
There are several states where cannabis use is now legal and in many more CBD oil and similar products are legal so long as they do not contain THC. It’s important to check the laws in your area so that you know which types of products you can use.
Different methods of taking CBD oil
If you are a first-time user, and you have CBD oil, there are three ways you can take it:
– sublingual method
The sublingual method is where you place the oil under your tongue. This is the most common way to use it especially if you have a CBD oil that has a dropper or spray top. You can enjoy the effects within about 15 minutes with the peak effects happening about 2 hours after you initially take your CBD oil. Some studies indicate that doses between 5 and 20 mg can last up to 8 hours.
– ingestion
You can also ingest CBD oil by way of mixing the oil into foods or drinks and this offers similar ingestion and bioavailability as the sublingual method.
– topical application
Of course, you can always apply CBD oil topically. This is better if you have CBD oil with a spray top because you can spray it along the affected area. It’s recommended for things like CBD oil for sleep or pain management especially if you want to get faster contact with the skin or the affected area instead of waiting for the oil to be processed through your digestive system and then into the bloodstream.
How to take CBD oil for first-time users
If you have questions about CBD oil how to take it, when to take it, and how long it lasts, rest assured you are not alone. Below are our sun tips on the best way to take CBD oil.
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Start with a low-dosage
For starters, you want to begin with a low dosage. The dosage you take will vary based on several factors including:
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Your metabolism
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Your tolerance
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Your weight
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What you are trying to treat
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The severity of your symptoms
For example, the recommended dosage for treating mild symptoms of insomnia or anxiety is about 1/3 that which you would use to treat severe symptoms. Of course, this is something that is highly subjective based on the individual.
As a beginner, you don’t have to worry about tolerance because chances are you don’t have any if you’ve never used any CBD product before.
Note: If you have used CBD products before but just not CBD oil, then you might need to factor in a potential tolerance especially if you use other products regularly.
You should always start with a low dosage and that dosage is almost exclusively based on how much you weigh and equates to approximately:
(0.1) x (your body weight in pounds) = the daily dosage you should start with in mg
However, most recommendations listed on an oil product will state a dose of between 20 mg and 40 mg per serving.
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Sublingual application (how to do it right)
The best way to take CBD oil is a sublingual application which, simply put, means placing the drop of oil under your tongue. When you do this you should wait a few hours to monitor for any adverse effects.
To do this correctly:
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Lift your tongue and apply oil with a dropper or spray, making sure to use the right dosage
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Put your tongue back down into place and hold the oil for at least thirty seconds before you swallow
When you take CBD oil this way, it can take up to one hour to feel the effects, though most people feel them within twenty minutes.
The peak availability is reached about 1.5-2 hours after you put the oil under your tongue so you will feel the effects at their strongest an hour or so after taking it.
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Monitor your body’s response
A big reason you want to start with a low dosage is so that you can monitor the response you have. This is best done by keeping something as simple as a journal each time you use your CBD oil.
Figuring out how to take CBD oil and the best way to take CBD oil comes down to monitoring the effects that each product you try has on your body.
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Maintain consistency
You should remain consistent, taking the same dose for the same symptoms for several weeks at a time. This will help you monitor any potential side effects or adverse reactions as well as efficacy. Only make gradual changes every couple of weeks and when you do so continue to maintain consistency.
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Choose high-quality CBD oil
The best way to take CBD oil is to choose a high-quality oil to begin with. All the monitoring in the world won’t help if the quality is poor. Poor quality products can have a negative impact on the consistency and increase the risk of side effects because of other additives.
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Consult with a healthcare professional
Figuring out how to take CBD oil is not something to be taken lightly if you are using it for any type of treatment. if, for example, you are using CBD oil to treat insomnia, an anxiety disorder, or any other mental health issue or physical health issue, you want to consult with a healthcare professional.
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Consulting with your doctor will give you an opportunity to determine whether there are any possible contraindications for the specific oil you want to use if you are taking other medication.
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Consulting with your healthcare professional gives you an opportunity to verify whether the dosage you are taking is best for your circumstances and the severity of your symptoms.
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If you consult with a healthcare professional you can also review the responses your body has had to different products after you have remained consistent with your dosage for several weeks and make adjustments where necessary.
You should absolutely consult with a healthcare professional if you have any current mental or physical health problems or if you are pregnant or nursing.
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Be patient
As a first-time user, it’s natural to want results immediately especially if you are using CBD oil as a form of natural treatment for pre-existing conditions. However, all medication whether over-the-counter, prescription, or natural takes time to be effective. It takes time to produce viable changes in your body. it takes time for you to notice the long-term change in certain symptoms.
That is why it’s imperative that you remain patient as you are using your CBD oil.
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If you don’t feel effects immediately, don’t take more oil to try and increase how quickly it gets metabolized.
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If you aren’t feeling the effects within the first few days, don’t immediately increase your dosage.
Be patient and give your body several weeks of consistently low doses while monitoring the effectiveness before you make increases. If you do make increases, they should be gradual. you shouldn’t immediately double your dosage after two or three weeks because you aren’t feeling the effects.
Instead, you should make much smaller increases over time and do the same exercise where you monitor any changes that are felt, and you do so for several weeks consistently before increasing.
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Avoid certain activities
With CBD oil, how to take a sublingual approach also requires that you avoid certain activities. About fifteen minutes before and after you apply your oil, you should avoid eating.
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Storage and shelf life
Always store your CBD oils away from direct sunlight and in a cool and dry place. check the shelf life of each product, something that should be listed on the label, and adhere to it.
Summing Up
Learning how to take CBD oil for the first time is very easy. Oils can be applied topically or ingested, but most commonly are placed under the tongue. There are several different methods and it’s important that you find the one that works best for you. By following these tips you can incorporate CBD oil as a regular part of your Wellness routine.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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How much CBD oil should I take?
The ideal dosage of CBD oil can vary depending on factors like your weight, metabolism, and the reason for use. For first-time users, it’s recommended to start with a low dose, such as 5 to 10 mg per day, and gradually increase until you find the dose that works best for you. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized dosage advice.
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How long does CBD oil take to work?
The time it takes for CBD oil to work depends on the method of consumption. When taken sublingually (under the tongue), CBD oil can start working within 15 to 45 minutes. If ingested, it might take an hour or more. The effects can also vary based on individual factors like metabolism and the concentration of CBD.
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When should I take CBD oil?
The best time to take CBD oil depends on your personal routine and the reason for using it. For instance, if you’re using it for sleep issues, taking it before bedtime is ideal. If it’s for general anxiety or pain, you might prefer to take it in the morning or throughout the day in smaller doses. Observing how your body responds at different times can help you decide the best schedule.
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How often can I take CBD oil?
CBD oil can be taken daily, and some users take it multiple times a day depending on their needs. Start with once or twice a day and adjust based on how your body reacts and what you’re using it for. Consistency is key for the best results.
