Cannabidiol, or CBD, is immensely popular, so much so that an online survey of internet keywords revealed that it outranks Taylor Swift, Kanye West, The NBA, The Beatles, and AOC at this moment! It’s come a long way from its beginnings as a niche alternative natural supplement.
What's more, cannabidiol can now be consumed in a dizzying variety of ways. Once extracted from the plant material, CBD oil can be made into almost anything. Today, you can find CBD in makeup, lotions, creams, bath bombs, cocktails, and even bedsheets! This cannabinoid is just everywhere.
People use it for many different reasons, too. Unlike some other cannabinoids, CBD is not psychoactive, so it cannot get you "high." Instead, it has a wide range of beneficial properties that have been used to support pain and inflammation reduction, improve sleep quality, and reduce anxiety.
What’s the best way to take CBD if you want to experience these helpful effects for yourself? The answer may depend on what you hope to get from it, as certain ways of using CBD may be better for specific purposes.
At a glance:
For curious new users, the best option may be to purchase CBD oil and experiment with different techniques. Oil-based tinctures allow for lots of flexibility in dosing, and they can easily be mixed with many different foods and drinks to modify your experience. If you’re not sure where to start, we recommend our own premium CBD oil tinctures — they’re vegan, all-natural, and manufactured according to ironclad quality standards to ensure your safety.
Once you’ve found a CBD tincture you trust, there are tons of enjoyable and effective ways to take it. Keep reading for our top suggestions on how to use CBD oil!
Easy Steps to Take CBD Oil
CBD is short for cannabidiol, one of 100+ cannabinoids that exist naturally in the cannabis plant. These molecules differ in important ways, but they all interact with the human endocannabinoid system, a complex web of signaling molecules and receptors that helps regulate functions like mood, pain, sleep, and metabolism.
CBD oil is essentially a high-CBD extract from hemp plants diluted in a carrier element like oil. The most common oils for this purpose are MCT oil, coconut oil, or hemp oil.
In this form, CBD can be infused into practically anything – edibles, gummies, drinks, food, you name it. However, some people prefer a no-frills approach when taking CBD, which has a few advantages, including a stronger and faster-acting effect. Here’s how to use this method:
Step 1: Fill dropper with desired oil dosage
CBD oils and tinctures are sold with droppers to help administer the correct dose of CBD. Generally, the volume of a standard dropper is 1mL, which equals about 20 drops. However, this can vary depending on the manufacturer.
Knowing the volume of your dropper allows you to calculate the correct dosage. For instance, if the CBD bottle contains 30ml of CBD oil and 1000mg of CBD, then one full dropper will have roughly 3mg of CBD. Each drop will have around 1.65mg of CBD.
For most commercial CBD oils, the recommended serving is one full dropper. However, new users might want to start with one-half or even one-quarter to figure out how their bodies respond. You can increase the amount little by little until you get the effects you’re looking for.
Step 2: Squeeze oil under the tongue (but don’t swallow)
Once you have the correct dose in the dropper, squeeze the oil under your tongue. This is called sublingual administration, and it’s the key to maximizing your absorption of CBD.
If you swallow too soon, the CBD goes to the stomach, where it undergoes first-pass metabolism. This reduces the bioavailability of cannabidiol since much of it gets broken down by digestive enzymes. This reduces the amount that eventually gets into the systemic circulation. Sublingual administration enables the CBD to bypass first-pass metabolism and increases its absorption rate into your bloodstream.
Step 3: Allow the oil to sit under the tongue for 30 seconds
The area below the tongue is supplied by a rich network of blood vessels called capillaries, which facilitate the speedy transportation of CBD into the bloodstream. Let the CBD oil remain in contact with the soft tissue there for at least 30 seconds. This gives it time to slowly permeate into the bloodstream.
In addition to increasing bioavailability, sublingual administration allows CBD to get into your circulation rapidly. This means the effects kick in much sooner than they would if they have to pass through the digestive tract.
Step 4: Swallow
The last part of sublingual administration is swallowing. Most of the CBD should be absorbed within the initial 30 seconds, and if you’re using a high-quality tincture, the leftover liquid should contain nothing but flavorings and some easily digestible carrier oil.
11 Great Ways to Take CBD Oil At Home
As CBD grows in popularity, people are finding all kinds of creative ways to use it. CBD oil can be mixed so readily with other products, making it a great starting point for fun homemade concoctions such as drinks, snacks, and topical oils or creams. Here’s a small sample of the many ways you can customize your CBD experience.
#1: Take CBD oil sublingually
We discussed this in more detail above, but for readers who skipped straight to the list: taking an oil-based tincture sublingually (under your tongue) is among the most convenient ways to consume CBD. It delivers rapid effects and improves the efficiency with which your body processes the cannabinoid. Oral use of CBD oil is also practical for individuals on the move who need something convenient.
For maximum CBD absorption, hold the oil beneath your tongue for roughly 30-45 seconds before swallowing.
#2: Add CBD oil to a smoothie
Nowadays, many people add CBD to drinks and food. This is because it is highly versatile and will still give you the effects you want, and taking it with food can improve its uptake by your body.
Healthy fats work best for this effect, so mixing a dropper of CBD oil into a smoothie containing something creamy like yogurt or coconut milk is a great option. Avocado can also be a good base for a nutrient-rich drink — perfect for those using CBD for post-workout recovery. Add a few of your favorite fruits, juices, veggies, or herbs to create a delicious wellness-friendly treat.
#3: Massage CBD oil into your skin
While CBD is often consumed orally, studies show it can also be absorbed through the skin, where its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects may help with muscle, nerve, and joint pain.
When you’re feeling aches and pains, you could try applying a modest amount of CBD oil to problem areas. For example, many users find relief from headaches by rubbing it into their temples, while placing it on your neck and shoulders might help you shed stress-related tension. Having a partner use a CBD tincture as massage oil could offer an even more luxurious experience.
#4: Put some CBD oil in your coffee
Are you a coffee person? Adding CBD to your cup of java might improve the experience. Lots of users say that this cannabinoid produces a calm but focused alertness, potentially cutting down on the feeling of restlessness or anxiety that some get from caffeine.
You could try this out at home by making a typical cup of coffee and adding a few drops of CBD oil. We recommend starting with 15-20 mg of CBD (still remember how to calculate the correct amount of CBD from CBD oil?). Stir with a spoon and enjoy jitter-free energy.
Using milk or cream may help your body absorb the cannabinoid content more effectively. Readers who want something a little fancier can also try our delicious CBD oil latte recipe. If you prefer tea to coffee, a nice chai or black tea with milk could be a perfect substitute.
#5: Bake some CBD treats
Edibles are another easy method to consume CBD oil both at home and away. While they may not absorb as quickly as a sublingual dose, the effects often last longer. Baking cookies, brownies, or other sweets with hemp extract is one traditional and effective method. This can be a delicious way to get a relaxing dose of CBD before bed.
A plus with desserts is enjoying the tasty treat while getting your usual dose of CBD. Life is for the living, right? Plus, this can help mask the sometimes bitter aftertaste.
There are thousands of dessert recipes to choose from, so you won't be short of options. Just remember that you should pick one that calls for a temperature of 325-350℉ or lower — cannabinoids can start to break down when they get too hot. Mix a healthy dose of CBD oil into the batter you’re using and craft something delicious!
#6: CBD oil peanut butter
Peanut butter — or your favorite substitute almond or cashew butter — is another edible product that works great with cannabidiol. It’s already an oily food, so adding CBD oil is less likely to mess up the consistency, and there’s great synergy with the naturally nutty taste of hemp extract.
You can experiment to find the ratio that works best for you, but many recipes suggest combining nut butters and CBD oil in a 2:1 ratio. Using separated peanut butter may work best. That way, you can pour out a bit of the peanut oil first so that the end result isn’t too gooey.
#7: Mix up a CBD cocktail
CBD cocktails are the latest addition to a trend of innovative ways of taking CBD. There's an upsurge of CBD-infused cocktail drinks on bar menus as thirsty customers line up for the next big thing in the cocktail craft.
But you can be a mixologist at home too! Just be informed on what works with CBD. Bartenders contend that CBD works well with gin, so this is information you may need to factor into your recipe. Or, if you’re interested in cutting out alcohol in favor of cannabidiol’s relaxing and mood-lifting effects, you might be interested in our CBD mocktail recipes.
The oil may add an earthy flavor to the drink, though this doesn’t necessarily have to be unpleasant. You may find that it goes well with citrusy ingredients or herbal additions like mint or bitters.
As usual, start with a low CBD dose like 10-20 mg. Add the CBD oil to the cocktail before stirring or shaking, then play by the classic cocktail rules. Shake for 20 seconds if it has no citrus and 10 if it does.
#8: Add CBD oil to lotion
Customers who want to try applying CBD oil topically but want to minimize any greasiness might want to mix it into their preferred body lotion. This can be a gentle, soothing way to use CBD for arthritis or other forms of inflammation-related pain.
The simplest option is to add a few drops of CBD to a palmful of lotion, mix them up, and apply as normal. You could also add a larger amount to the entire bottle for convenience. Just make sure to do it little by little and test the feel as you go so that it doesn’t wind up too oily.
#9: CBD oil salad dressing
This is a pleasant way to surprise friends if you like to host parties. Cannabis-infused meals are becoming a thing, so a CBD salad dressing combined with avocado, olive oil, and vinegar sounds perfect.
You can also experiment with various flavors that complement CBD oil's nutty, earthy taste.
#10: CBD oil avocado toast
What better way to start your daily routine than by adding some CBD to the quintessential millennial breakfast? In all seriousness, avocado toast can be delicious when done right, and the healthy lipids it contains can boost cannabinoid absorption.
All you need for the basic recipe is bread, avocado, lemon or lime juice, and some salt and pepper. But you can also add fun garnishes and seasonings such as scallions, diced onions, sliced cherry tomatoes, cilantro, or sesame seeds. Feel free to exercise your creativity in coming up with your own recipe!
Toast the bread to your liking and mash the avocado onto it with a fork. Drizzle a bit of CBD oil and olive oil on top, then add the citrus and your chosen garnishes or seasonings. Chow down and enjoy the calming benefits of CBD as you go about your day.
#11: Use CBD oil for intimate lube
Yes, you can use CBD drops for lubrication in the bedroom! As long as they’re in a neutral carrier oil like hemp seed oil or medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) coconut oil, they should be safe for oral, anal, or vaginal use.
Many people who struggle with pain or tightness during sex find that the soothing properties of CBD oil help them unwind and enjoy themselves. It may also help increase blood flow to sensitive areas, making arousal easier. FOCL’s Arousal Oil is a perfect place to start — it combines CBD with peppermint, cinnamon, and Kava root for a warm, tingling feeling that enhances sensations.
Keep in mind that oil-based lubricants can degrade latex condoms and render them ineffective. Don’t rely on them for birth control or STI protection if you’re using CBD oil.
How Much CBD Can You Have in One Day?
CBD has a good safety profile, and most people tolerate it well enough. Studies show that you can take up to 1500 mg of CBD a day without adverse effects. But people respond differently to CBD.
Generally, CBD dosage depends on the condition you're using it for. For example, 300-600 mg of CBD is recommended for managing anxiety, while 25-75 mg is ideal for general sleep disorders. Very low doses, in the neighborhood of 5-10 mg, might create an energizing effect that could be good for those who need a mental boost.
These figures are not cast in stone; they vary based on factors such as metabolism, body weight, and individual tolerance. We usually advise beginning with a relatively small dose of CBD at first so that you can evaluate its effects. If you’re not getting the desired results, you can increase it little by little over a few days or weeks.
Though many people report the best results from using CBD daily, it’s fine to use it as needed instead. Just remember that the shelf life of CBD oil is around 24 months, so you might have to replace it if you haven’t used it up after two years.
Where To Buy the Best CBD Oil
Getting high-quality CBD oil can be challenging, with different CBD products entering the market every single minute. Some unscrupulous sellers apply very little quality control, resulting in products contaminated with unclean or even toxic ingredients. So it's advisable to shop at approved vendors and manufacturers who sell professionally tested products. Our detailed guide to recognizing high-quality CBD oil can help you choose.
At FOCL, we pride ourselves on crafting premium broad-spectrum CBD oil extracted from organic hemp and made in food-grade facilities. It’s analyzed by third-party labs to ensure you’re only getting the absolute best CBD out there.
Our Daily Calm Broad-Spectrum CBD Drops are a simple and effective way to calm your mind and body using the best quality CBD out there. It features THC-free CBD with MCT oil as a clean, natural carrier.
The drops are available in two different potencies (1000mg and an extra-strength 3000mg variety) and four delicious flavors (Citrus, Mint, Orange Cream, and Natural hemp flavor) so you can customize your dosage and get the taste you prefer.
FOCL broad-spectrum CBD oil is an excellent product for daytime use. Take it by itself or mix it into your favorite food, beverage, or skincare product as described above!
If you’re looking for something to help you get better rest, then our Sleep Drops are what you need. This clean, simple formulation includes both organic CBD and the sleep-friendly cannabinoid CBN. They’re infused in MCT oil, along with organic lavender and peppermint extracts to give you a perfect night's sleep.
Take a few drops of these 30 to 45 minutes before bed, or add them to your dessert of choice. By the time you’re finished with your bedtime routine, you should be ready for a perfect night’s sleep.
