How to Take CBD Oil: A Beginner's Guide

One of the most appealing features of hemp-derived CBD oil is its remarkable versatility. Once mature hemp plants are harvested and dried, the oil extracted from their stalks, stems, and flowers is used to make an impressive assortment of appealing products. But with so many options, many people shopping for the first time are hesitant to commit to a purchase. We get it. There's a lot to take in. 

So, let's start with the basics. In this beginner's guide, you'll find a brief explanation of how CBD (cannabidiol) works, a quick rundown of some of the best products for beginners, suggestions for their use, and an overview of some of the many reasons adults of all ages are adding our high-quality hemp-derived CBD oil products to their daily routines. 

Why Are There So Many Ways to Take CBD Oil?  

When you invest in hemp-derived CBD oil, you're choosing a plant-sourced product with considerable health and wellness potential. The reason you'll find such a diverse assortment of products is because there are so many ways for the cannabinoids to absorb into your system. Once the CBD in your product begins circulating in your bloodstream, it's free to interact with important chemical receptors in your body and brain, your endocannabinoid system (ECS) receptors (Marzo & Piscetelli, 2015). 

When you swallow CBD, the cannabinoid is first processed through your digestive tract, then absorbs into your bloodstream. When applied topically, the CBD in your product absorbs through your pores and interacts with the ECS receptors in tissues far below the surface of your skin. Although most of the evidence is based on lab results, clinical studies, and user testimonials, most cannabis researchers believe CBD helps support ECS function in a way that promotes homeostasis (Sallaberry & Astern, 2018), the internal balance all living organisms must maintain to survive.   

Which CBD Oil Products Are Best for Beginners?  

As you're browsing your options, you'll find an impressive number of products ideal for beginners. But before delving too far into their descriptions, you might want to narrow your options a bit. You can do that by deciding between full spectrum CBD oil products, broad spectrum CBD oil products, or an alternative made with pure CBD isolate. While it's essentially a matter of personal preference, many CBD users feel full spectrum products are more potent because of the combined impact of their terpenes and additional cannabinoids, including a small amount of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) (Nahler et al., 2019), the cannabinoid responsible for the type of intoxication marijuana is known for. 

But full spectrum CBD oil products aren't ideal for everyone. If you'd rather avoid full spectrum's less than 0.3% THC, broad-spectrum CBD oil or CBD isolate products are the better choice. Their THC content is reduced to non-detectable levels. Broad spectrum CBD oil products have many of the same additional cannabinoids and terpenes as full spectrum. Pure CBD isolate gives you the health and wellness potential of a single cannabinoid on its own. Once you've determined which you prefer, consider how the following products might fit into your daily routine. 

CBD Oil Tinctures  

CBD Oil tinctures are made with a blend of hemp extract and a carrier oil. Since CBD and other hemp-derived cannabinoids are fat-soluble, the oil in your tincture helps improve cannabinoid absorption and bioavailability. CBDistillery® CBD Oil Tinctures are available in concentrations ranging between 500-5000mg per bottle. 

CBD Oil Softgels  

With CBD oil softgels, you get a pre-measured serving of hemp-derived cannabinoids in an easy-to-swallow gelatin shell. Formed, filled, and sealed in a single operation, softgels are popular with CBD users most interested in convenience. CBDistillery® Full Spectrum and Broad Spectrum Softgels are available in 30 and 60-count bottles.

CBD Oil Gummies

Like our softgels, CBDistillery® CBD Gummies also give you a pre-measured, consistent serving size of hemp-derived CBD. They're as convenient as our softgels, but far more delicious. You'll get 30mg of full spectrum or broad spectrum CBD per serving and 30 gummies per jar.   

How To Take CBD Oil Tinctures 

CBD oil tinctures are quite popular with beginners. You can use your tincture to add a serving of CBD to hot or cold beverages and snacks. You can also use the product topically or to add CBD to your favorite recipes to make CBD edibles. But it could take an hour (or longer) for the cannabinoids to clear your digestive system. For fast-acting results, shake the bottle, measure, hold a serving beneath your tongue for 45-60 seconds, then swallow. 

Although you'll find serving size suggestions on the label, we generally advise beginners to start with a partial serving, then increase in small increments at a pace you're comfortable with. The bulbed dropper makes it easy to adjust your serving sizes as needed. 

How To Take CBD Oil Softgels  

CBD softgels are popular with first-time CBD users because they make it exceptionally easy to add the health and wellness potential of hemp-derived cannabinoids to any daily routine. With softgels, you never have to worry about shaking bottles, mixing, or measuring a serving. The work is already done for you, and every softgel gives you a precise serving of hemp-derived cannabinoids. You also won't taste the hemp.   

Taking CBD Softgels couldn't be easier. Each single-serving softgel contains 30mg of CBD, an amount that seems to work well for most people. We suggest swallowing one softgel - once or twice each day. You can always adjust the number of servings as needed. The ease of use and exceptional portability makes capsules great for home use and travel. If you'd rather not carry an entire bottle, transfer a few servings into a pill case or vitamin caddy. 

How to Take CBD Oil Gummies  

Our 30mg CBD gummies are just as convenient and portable as our CBD softgels. And like our softgels, we also suggest enjoying a one gummy serving once or twice each day. Our full spectrum CBD gummies have a subtle strawberry flavor selected to complement the taste of our natural plant extracts. Our tropical-flavored Broad Spectrum Anytime Gummies are the better option if you prefer non-detectable levels of THC. 

Although our softgels and gummies give you the same amount of CBD per serving, gummies offer one distinct advantage you may want to keep in mind. Like CBD oil tinctures, CBD gummies give you the ability to determine their ideal serving size. They're soft and easy to cut into smaller portions. While there's no harm in taking more CBD than you might need, there's also no additional benefit. 

How Long Does It Take for CBD Oil Products to Work? 

Based on the feedback of nearly 2000 CBD users, most survey respondents report positive results for better sleep, relaxation, discomfort after physical activity, mild or temporary anxiety, and more. Although you're sure to find numerous reports from CBD users claiming impressive results within hours of their first serving, you may need to be patient. It could take a while for your system to adapt and respond. While you're waiting, you may find it at least somewhat helpful to know that most of our survey respondents report achieving their best results within 7-14 days of consistent use. 

Could You Benefit from Adding a CBD Oil Product to Your Daily Routine?  

As a new CBD user, it's important to begin your journey with a product that suits your needs, preferences, and lifestyle. It's also important to understand that the purity and potency of the products you select could have a huge impact on your overall experience. That's why it's essential to choose CBD oil products from a reputable brand, a name you can trust. When you purchase CBDistillery® hemp-derived products, you've got those bases covered. 

At CBDistillery®, our tinctures, topicals, softgels, gummies, and CBD pet products are made with non-GMO, naturally farmed hemp and other 100% clean ingredients. They're also quality assured, rigorously tested, and backed by our 60-day risk-free satisfaction guarantee. If you're intrigued by what you've learned so far, but not sure which of our high-quality hemp-derived products is right for you, consider taking our 3-minute CBD Quiz or scheduling a consultation with an expert. If you have a medical disorder or take medication, please consult your healthcare provider before committing to a purchase. 

References: 

Marzo, V, Piscetelli F. (2015) The Endocannabinoid System and Its Modulation by Phytocannabinoids. 12, Neurotherapeutics 692-98. 

Millar S, Maguire R. (2020) Towards Better Delivery of Cannabidiol (CBD). 13(9) Pharmaceuticals 219. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph13090219 

Nahler G, Jones T, et al. (2019) Cannabidiol and Contributions of Major Hemp Phytocompounds to the "Entourage Effect"; Possible Mechanisms. J Altern Complement Integr Med 70(5) PDF download 

Sallaberry C, Astern L. (2018) The Endocannabinoid System, Our Universal Regulator. 34(6) JYI 48-55. https://www.jyi.org/2018-june/2018/6/1/the-endocannabinoid-system-our-universal-regulator