CBD can be taken several different ways, including sublingually (such as CBD oil and sprays), ingested (such as gummies and capsules), through the skin (such as lotions and bath bombs), and inhaled (such as vaping and smoking).
The delivery method you select will have a different effect on your body. For example, how long it takes to kick in, how long the effects last, and even how strong the effects feel can all vary based on how CBD is consumed. By knowing how each delivery method will affect you and the outcome you are wanting to achieve, you can best plan what type of product to take and when.
General Information for CBD Use
CBD has been found to be well tolerated by most people. The most common side effects include fatigue or drowsiness, reduced appetite, dry mouth, upset stomach, and diarrhea.
In general, CBD is regarded as being safe even at high doses as long as it is a high-quality product made from industrial hemp in accordance with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s requirements and third-party lab tested (like Yummy CBD products).
However, it is important to know that CBD products are not intended for children under the age of 18 years old. Also, it is highly recommended that you talk to your healthcare provider before trying CBD if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Moreover, if you are under a doctor’s supervision for a medical condition and/or on prescription drugs, be sure to consult with them before you start taking CBD because it can interact with some drugs.
When should I take CBD?
You can take CBD whenever it makes the best sense for you and what you want out of the product. Just keep in mind that it can take up to 90 minutes for you to start feeling the effects, although it may kick in as quickly as 20 minutes depending on the person (more information about this is discussed below).
There seem to be three main times when most people use CBD. First, in the morning to start their day. Second, in the evening to help them unwind or ease into sleep. Third, in direct response to a specific event for which they want the added support CBD provides (for example, to help alleviate stiffness and soreness in their muscles after working out).
In general, it helps to take it with food. So, people commonly take CBD right after they eat a meal, such as breakfast and dinner. This is discussed next.
Keep in mind that – as with many health supplements – consistent use over time yields the maximum benefits.
Should I take it with food?
For most customers, it doesn’t seem to matter much if they take CBD with or without food. And, generally, people have no issue taking it on an empty stomach.
That being said, CBD works best when taken with at least some food in your stomach. To help even out the effects and to help it last longer, it helps to take CBD with or right after a meal or a snack. If you want to maximize its bioavailability (that is to say, how much of it is absorbed and made available for the body to use), CBD should not be taken on an empty stomach. Having food in your system helps slow things down and allows more time for absorption.
What’s more, some studies show that eating healthy fats along with your dose of CBD can increase its bioavailability by four times or more. And you get the additional benefits of things like omega fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.
Next time you take your CBD, try it with a handful of almonds and dark chocolate, some chips and guacamole, or some Greek yogurt with mixed berries to get the most out of it.
How much should I take?
Body chemistry, health situation, and goals all play a part in determining the right dosage amount for you. CBD doses are measured in milligrams. There is a wide range of dosage amounts, from 2mg a day to 300mg per day. The delivery method also plays a big part in finding the right dosage.
Some methods will have faster onset times with shorter lasting effects, like oil tinctures and vapes. Others may have longer onset times but with more powerful or longer-lasting effects, like edibles and topicals.
The best way to find out how much CBD works for you is to start out with the lowest recommended dose and adjust from there.
Please note that all Yummy CBD products are clearly labeled with the total potency, number of servings, and amount per serving.
How long will the effects last?
The time it takes for CBD to work and how long the effects last vary from person to person. Depending on the type of delivery, personal factors such as your metabolism rate, body weight, and recent food intake all can have an impact on how the natural compounds are processed by your body.
It is also good to know that regular use of CBD over time can improve its overall effectiveness. This is because there is evidence that as the natural cannabinoids build up in your system over time, it improves how the body processes them. So, it can be insightful to try it for a few weeks to best understand how your body responds.
Will CBD make me addicted or feel high?
No. CBD has been found to be not addictive nor does it make people feel “high”.
The amount of the psychoactive compound TCH in full-spectrum CBD is very small. It is such a low level that a person would have to consume a lot of it to feel any level of intoxication.
Yummy CBD products are made with high-quality full-spectrum CBD derived from industrial hemp, which contains less than 0.3% THC and fully complies with the federal regulations for safe, legal CBD products.
Instructions by Product Type
Each type of CBD product is intended to be used a certain way although some can be taken a couple of different ways. It is very good to know how to take CBD in order to get the most out of your product and maximize the potential benefits. Because there are so many types of CBD products on the market these days, this article will focus on the most common. But be advised that these are general instructions, so be sure to refer to the information printed on your product’s label for the particular details regarding that exact product.
Please note that the specific directions for our products are included on the product package as well as on our website.
How To Use CBD Oil
There are a couple of ways you can take CBD oil – either by ingesting it or by taking it sublingually. However, the most common way is to take it sublingually – in other words, you put a few drops of it under your tongue and hold it there for 30 to 60 seconds before swallowing. This allows the natural compounds to be absorbed into the capillaries – they pass through sublingual membranes in the mouth and reach the bloodstream. This mode of delivery is faster than when ingesting CBD (such as eating a gummy or ingesting CBD oil with food or in a drink).
Since this mode of delivery allows for fast absorption into your system, the onset is usually pretty quick, and the effects can last for several hours. Once taken sublingually, it can take effect in as little as 20-30 minutes. If it hasn’t kicked in after an hour, it might help to take a little more. Depending on the potency and the dose, the peak bloodstream levels are usually at about 1-5 hours after that. In general, the total duration of effect is about 2-6 hours.
In contrast, CBD oil can be mixed with food or in a drink, such as juice, if you prefer to take it that way. In this case, it will act similarly to a CBD gummy – with a slower onset but longer duration of effect. The effects of ingested CBD generally kick in after about 30-90 minutes and can last about 4-8 hours, but this varies by person. Since it does take a little bit longer to feel, make sure you plan ahead of when you want it to go into effect.
Whichever way you take your CBD oil really depends mostly on personal preference. We recommend trying both ways to see which you like best or even mix and match depending on what you want from it.
Be sure to shake the bottle well before each use. We recommend using the included dropper so you can precisely measure the amount you want to take.
To maintain its shelf life and maximize its potency, keep your CBD oil in its original opaque bottle and prevent unnecessary exposure to air and sunlight. It can be stored at room temperature; it does not need to be refrigerated.
How To Take CBD Gummies
If taking it sublingual product is not for you, a great alternative is an edible, such as a gummy. Gummies are popular because they are fast and easy to take. You just pop one in your mouth then chew and swallow.
Because CBD gummies are ingested, they go through the first phase of metabolism before the natural compounds enter the bloodstream. This might mean it takes a little longer for you to start feeling the effects, but the effects may also last longer in comparison to a sublingual application, such as CBD oil.
It varies from person to person, but many people notice the effects of CBD gummies in as little as 30 minutes, while others notice it after about 90 minutes. If you don’t feel any effects after about 2 hours, you may want to take another gummy and see how it affects you. If you want to take CBD gummies to help you fall asleep, try taking them about an hour before your bedtime to start.
Once it kicks in, the effects generally last about 6-8 hours. Again, keep in mind that each person is different. Factors such as body weight, metabolism, food intake, and experience with CBD – as well as the potency of the product and dosage amount – all come into play. So, start with the minimum recommend dose and make adjustments as needed from there.
Store gummies in their sealed pouch to maintain freshness. Be sure to keep them away from light and heat. If your gummies melt or get too sticky due to high temperatures, cool them off in the refrigerator for a few hours and then peel them apart to re-separate them.
Also, very important, keep your CBD gummies safely out of reach and securely stored away from children who might mistake them for treat gummies.
How To Use CBD-Infused Lotion
CBD-infused lotion, muscle rub, or cream are applied directly on the skin where they provide on-the-spot support. They are a great option for localized benefits or skin applications.
The permeability of the skin is much less than sublingual tissue (that is to say, under the tongue). So, if you try a topical product, you may want one with a high amount of CBD. Also, you may need to apply it liberally to wherever you want to experience the benefits. If you are using a CBD muscle rub to soothe achiness and stiffness, massage it in for at least 10 minutes for the best results.
These types of products can be used whenever needed. Typically, they can take effect very quickly although you may not notice the effects for up to an hour.
To keep a CBD lotion in good condition, store it at room temperature with the lid tightly secured to avoid it drying out. High temperatures and direct sunlight tend to prematurely age products because they break down the active ingredients. In contrast, cool temperatures can extend the shelf life of lotions, so you store such products in the refrigerator. But do not freeze it because many lotions and creams become unstable if frozen and then thawed.