The Best Way to Take CBD

Understanding the different ways to take CBD

Cannabis and its extracts, such as CBD oil, can be consumed in an incredible number of ways. Most options fall into a few broad categories, each with its own pros and cons. You'll notice different effects depending on whether you use a CBD-rich flower, swallow a capsule or place a few drops of oil under your tongue.

Each method processes cannabinoids differently. Finding the right one for you may take some experimenting, based on four key factors: onset, dosage, how it is distributed in the body and how long it lasts.

Edibles and capsules: long-lasting

Swallowed cannabinoids pass through the digestive system and liver before reaching the bloodstream. This is known as first-pass metabolism.

• Onset: 1 to 2 hours.
• Distribution: Absorbed by the gut, processed by the liver, then distributed evenly.
• Duration: Up to 12 hours for some effects.

This method suits people looking for longer-lasting effects through the day or night. Be patient though: don't take another dose for at least three hours.

Edibles offer a slow, long-lasting release.

Tinctures and sublingual use: the perfect balance

Sublingual use means placing the oil under your tongue so it is absorbed directly through the lining of the mouth. It is often the preferred method for its precision and relative speed.

Effects usually begin after 15 to 30 minutes. For best results, hold the oil under your tongue for at least 60 seconds before swallowing. If you swallow it straight away, your body will process it like an edible, which delays the effect.

Inhalation: smoking and vaping for an instant effect

Inhalation is the fastest method. Cannabinoids pass directly from the lungs into the bloodstream and on to the brain, bypassing the liver. This gives high bioavailability (20 to 30%) and lets you adjust the dose instantly.

Smoking vs vaping

While smoking flower is the traditional option, combustion produces substances that irritate the lungs. Vaping dried flower is often seen as a less harsh alternative, releasing terpenes and cannabinoids at controlled temperatures without burning the plant material.

Other methods: topicals and transdermal patches

Topical products (balms, creams) are applied directly to the skin, for example on specific areas you want to focus on. Unlike other methods, they generally do not enter the bloodstream. Transdermal patches, on the other hand, are designed to release their ingredients steadily through the skin so they reach the bloodstream.