When it comes to taking CBD, a lot of people feel like they’re “doing it wrong” or not using it the “right way.” While the terminology and technicalities of the cannabis plant can feel a little overwhelming sometimes, taking CBD shouldn’t be!
When Alexis Rosenbaum started Rosebud CBD, her mission was simple; to create a CBD oil that was simple and versatile enough to allow the powers of the hemp plant to speak for itself.
There are many different ways to use CBD, and each method delivers the cannabinoid to your body in slightly different ways- which can affect how you’ll want to use it, what it will be used for, and how often you’ll want to take it. As if that’s not complicated enough, each person’s body will respond differently to the CBD, which means that there is no “one-size-fits-all” recommendation. Let us help clear the air!
It may take time to find the right dose and consumption method that fits your desired effects or needs, so we wanted to break down the ways to consume CBD.
Different Ways to Use CBD
Sublingual
The most popular method of using CBD is by taking it orally. If you haven’t taken CBD before, this is a great place to start.
When you consume CBD oil orally, it passes through the digestive system, and is metabolized by the liver- eventually sending it to your bloodstream. With this method of taking CBD, it’s easy to adjust your dose by adding or subtracting a few drops.
Administration – Blood vessels in the mouth and under the tongue absorb the compound. Fill the dropper to desired amount, drop oil directly under the tongue, hold for 30-40 seconds before swallowing. For consistency, it’s best to avoid eating immediately before or after when using a CBD tincture.
Onset – 15-60 minutes depending on the size of the dose
Duration – may last 4-6 hours
Topical
If you’re looking to try CBD for aches and pains, a topical CBD salve (that you rub into your skin, not drop into your mouth) can be a great option.
CBD lotions and salves are much like any other body lotion- just gently massage it into the target spot, and sit back while it works it’s magic.
You can also relax in a bath with CBD bath soaks if you’re looking for additional ways to use CBD besides orally ingesting it.
Administration – Some people choose to use a CBD balm or CBD salve – and you can also apply CBD oil directly to your skin or mix it in with your favorite lotion. Cannabinoids applied topically will not be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Onset – 15 minutes
Duration – 2-4 hours
Inhalation
In most CBD vape pens, the coil inside heats up a vape liquid, which produces an aerosol that users inhale into their lungs.
However, the commonly-used thinning agents in many products on the market now are extremely harmful when heated and inhaled.
With all of the different ways to use CBD, vaping is not recommended as a safe and healthy way to consume CBD.
Administration – Cannabinoids enter the bloodstream directly from the lungs.
Onset – immediate
Duration – 2-4 hours depending on the dose
While vaping is very popular, we caution against a lot of the vape options currently on the market as many of them aren’t made with medical grade materials.
Edible
You’ve more than likely heard about CBD edibles at some point; these yummy and calm-inducing treats are growing like weeds (see what we did there?)
But did you know that CBD isn’t relegated to just the store-bought gummies that are sold on supermarket shelves?? That’s right, you can make your own “CBD edibles” at home by adding CBD to a food or drink that you already enjoy, but would like to improve with a few drops of CBD.
If you don’t love the idea of taking a supplement by itself, this is a great way to still reap the benefits of CBD oil, without having to take it straight.
Administration – CBD is absorbed through the bloodstream digested by the liver and distributing pretty evenly throughout the body.
Onset – 1-2hours, but may be erratic
Duration – may last 6-8 hours
Transdermal
Administration – While applying transdermal patches to the skin may seem similar to using a topical, the effects are completely different. Transdermal patches release cannabinoids at a constant rate into the bloodstream.
Onset – 15 minutes
Duration – may last up to 12 hours
Onset 15 minutes and usually lasts 12 hours
Can I Take Too Much CBD?
The short answer is: NO.
CBD, even in reasonably high doses, has shown little to no negative side effects.
Clinical trials have prescribed up to 1,200 mg of CBD daily to participants for extended periods of time, without any serious side effects. To put it into perspective, that’s more than an entire bottle of Rosebud CBD oil, or 60+ suggested servings per day. Furthermore, CBD is one of the only substances that appears to not cause dependency or addiction.
Studies have shown that CBD can potentially interact with some prescription drugs- be sure to check with your doctor before adding CBD to your wellness routine, if you’re taking any kind of medications.
Different Strokes for Different Folks
As you can tell, there are many different ways to take CBD; there is no “right” way, and there’s not really a wrong way either.
If you find a method that works for you, stick with it! Do what’s best for you. If you are having trouble finding your ideal CBD dosage or favorite method, try experimenting! And remember, consistency is key- so don’t give up if you start to feel frustrated with lack of results. Start low, and go slow- and keep a journal of your results to keep track of where you started!
FDA DISCLOSURE Representations regarding the efficacy and safety of Rosebud CBD have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA only evaluates foods and drugs, not supplements like these products. These products are not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease. Click HERE and HERE to find evidence of a test, analysis, research, or study describing the benefits, performance or efficacy of CBD Oil based on the expertise of relevant professionals. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always check with your physician before starting a new dietary supplement program. The Cannabidiol (CBD) in Rosebud CBD is a natural constituent of industrial hemp plant and grown in the United States of America. Rosebud CBD does not sell or distribute any products that are in violation of the United States Controlled Substances Act (US CSA). All products contain less than 0.3% THC. All products are legal in all 50 states.