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CBD, or cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid compound found in medical cannabis plant and hemp plants. Unlike the better known THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t produce a “high.” However, CBD has been gaining popularity for its potential therapeutic benefits. From anxiety and depression to chronic pain and inflammation, CBD is being used by many people as a natural treatment option.

If you’re new to CBD, learning how to take it can seem confusing at first. CBD product is available in many different product types, from oils and tinctures to edibles and topicals. We recommend reading our blog as well as this about exploring the health benefits of CBD. The method you choose will depend on your personal preferences and desired effects. This step-by-step guide will teach you how to take CBD oil, the most common form of CBD.

Choose Your CBD Oil

Not all CBD oils are created equal. There are three main types of CBD extract:

- Full-spectrum CBD contains all the naturally occurring compounds in the hemp plant, including trace amounts of THC. It may provide the full entourage effect, meaning increased benefits from the combination of compounds.

- Broad spectrum CBD contains all the compounds except THC, ideal for people who want to avoid any THC.

- CBD isolate is 99% pure CBD with no other plant compounds. It offers high potency CBD in its purest form.

Quality brands like BeMavic offer a variety of broad spectrum CBD products. We recommend trying these 3 cbd tincture with hemp oil:

- Be Well CBD + Vitamin E Oil Drops for overall wellness

- Be Healthy Immune Support Supplement CBD for immune health

- Be Restful CBD Oil Sleep Drops for better sleep

Additionally, CBD products come in different strengths or potencies. For beginners, it’s best to start with lower concentrations like 250-500mg CBD per bottle. Higher potencies like 1000-3000mg work better for more severe symptoms like arthritis. Check the product label for the total amount of CBD content and suggested serving sizes.

Choose Your Delivery Method

There are three main ways to use CBD oil:

Sublingual

This involves placing drops of CBD oil under your tongue and holding them there for 30-90 seconds before swallowing. Sublingual absorption allows the CBD to enter the bloodstream quickly via the mucous membranes in your mouth. It offers fast, efficient delivery. Most CBD oils are designed for sublingual use.

Oral

You can swallow CBD oil, CBD capsule or CBD gummies which passes through your digestive system before being absorbed into the bloodstream. The effects take longer to set in but last longer too. CBD oil, when taken orally is best for maintenance dosing and anxiety relief. Start with a small dose first to see how your body reacts.

Topical

CBD topicals can also be massaged into the skin as part of creams, salves or balms. Topical application allows the CBD to be absorbed directly through the skin for localized benefits. This method works well for treating muscle soreness, joint pain and skin conditions.

Measure Your Dose

Once you’ve chosen your CBD oil, use the dropper built into the bottle to measure your dose. Most droppers dispense 1mL per full dropper. The package will indicate how much CBD is in each 1mL serving. Start low, around 5-10mg per serving, then gradually increase to find what works for you.

Here are some general CBD guidelines based on your needs:

Mild effects: 5-20mg

Moderate effects: 20-45mg

Strong effects: 45-70mg

Potent, therapeutic effects: 70-100+ mg

For severe symptoms or conditions, even higher doses may be necessary. Speak to a doctor experienced in CBD use for guidance on finding a starting dosage.

Take CBD Oil Under the Tongue

Using the dropper, place your measured CBD oil dose under your tongue. Try to avoid touching the dropper to your mouth to keep the oil pure. Hold the oil there for about 60-90 seconds. This gives the CBD time to absorb sublingually into your bloodstream through the mucous membranes in your mouth.

Swallow any remaining oil after holding it under the tongue. The CBD will continue to be absorbed through your digestive system. You can also mix the remaining oil into drinks or food if you don’t like the taste, but it may be less potent.

Be Consistent

Consistency is key with CBD oil. Try establishing a routine so you remember to take your CBD. Many people take it first thing in the morning, after dinner, or just before bed. Find a schedule that works for you and stick to it.

Give it time to work. CBD is not instantaneous like many medications. It can take a while for your body and endocannabinoid system to adapt and start utilizing the effects. Most people notice benefits within 1-2 weeks of consistent dosing. Be patient and do not increase your dosage unless you have to. Less is often more with CBD.

Track Your Results

Pay close attention to how you feel before and after taking CBD oil. Keep a journal to track factors like:

- Symptom relief: How much did your symptoms improve? How long did benefits last?

- Side effects: Did you notice any unwanted side effects? How severe were they?

- Optimal dosage: How much CBD seemed most effective for you?

- Delivery method: Did sublingual, oral or topical work better for your needs?

- Time of day: What times seemed to produce the best results?

Monitoring your personalized experience will help you dial in an optimal CBD regimen that provides the greatest relief.

Maximize Absorption

There are a few tricks to get the most out of your CBD oil:

- Take CBD oil sublingually on an empty stomach. Food can impede absorption.

- Wait to swallow for at least 60 seconds. The longer you hold it under the tongue, the more gets absorbed sublingually.

- Use high bioavailability oil. Nanoemulsified CBD oil absorbs 5-10x more than regular. MCT or coconut oil-based CBD is also highly absorbable.

- Don’t vape CBD oil drops or tinctures. They are made for sublingual/oral use only.

- Avoid touching dropper to mouth or double dipping to preserve purity.

- Take CBD consistently at the same times each day for the best effects.

Potential Side Effects

CBD is generally very well tolerated, even at high doses. Potential minor side effects can include:

- Dry mouth - Drink plenty of fluids.

- Drowsiness - Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.

- Reduced appetite - Eat snacks between meals.

- Diarrhea - Stay hydrated and reduce dosage.

- Changes in mood - Lower your dose or try a different delivery format.

More serious side effects are rare but possible. Discontinue use if any severe reactions occur and consult your doctor immediately.

Is CBD Oil Right for You?

While CBD oil is generally safe, it may not be the best option for everyone. Talk to your doctor before trying CBD if you:

- Are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant.

- Have liver disease.

- Take prescription medications - CBD may interact with certain drugs.

- Have Parkinson's disease.

- Have low blood pressure - CBD can cause lightheadedness or dizziness.

Children and pets can also safely take CBD under adult supervision in reduced doses. Overall, CBD oil is very versatile and can help support wellness in people from all walks of life.

Now that you know how to take CBD oil, you can experiment with dosages and delivery methods to find the routine that optimizes your experience. Keep an open mind, be patient, and stick to a consistent regimen to enjoy the potential benefits of CBD.