Medically reviewed by
Dr. John Rackham
Written by Michael Wright
Updated on April 15th, 2024
If you’ve read some of our other helpful blogs, you know a little bit about what CBD is and some of the benefits of this fascinating compound. As a wellness supplement, cannabidiol has a wealth of benefits, ranging from sleep support to possible pain relief to stress management — and more. As versatile as CBD is in supporting the body’s endocannabinoid system, CBD is equally versatile in its forms of delivery.
Although this remarkable cannabinoid begins its life in the hemp plant and is extracted as CBD oil, where it goes from there is as varied as the imaginations of CBD hemp innovators, like the research team at CBDfx. We offer hemp-derived CBD products in a broad range of forms, because we know that people who take CBD have different needs and lifestyles. When it comes to shopping for CBD products, it’s all about finding the right one for you.
So, with that in mind, let’s explore the different ways you can take CBD and the CBD products available in each category.
How to Take CBD: A Quick Note About Bioavailability
The term “bioavailability” refers to the extent and rate at which the body absorbs a compound into the bloodstream — in this case, CBD. Different methods of delivery offer different bioavailability.
For example, CBD oil tinctures can be taken sublingually or they can be blended with food or drink, qualifying them as a CBD edible. Because CBD taken sublingually enters the bloodstream quicker than CBD edibles, which have to pass through the digestive system, you feel the effects of the sublingual CBD tincture quicker.
There are other factors that affect your CBD’s bioavailability, as well. These include all the things that make your own body unique, including height, weight, metabolism, and your tolerance to CBD and other cannabinoids from prior cannabis/CBD use. Everyone is different, and CBD can affect each of us in a different way. Another factor in the bioavailability of your CBD is the strength of the CBD product you choose. This not only includes the milligrams of CBD in your serving, but also the kind of CBD in your product: full spectrum CBD (which is illegal in the UK) vs. broad spectrum CBD vs. CBD isolate.
In this discussion on how to take CBD, we’re going to concentrate on methods of delivery.
Sublingual CBD
Sublingual, literally, means under the tongue. This refers to the method of administration in which the CBD is absorbed through the capillaries under the tongue. In the case of sublingual CBD strips or CBD oil tinctures, the CBD product is held under the tongue for 60 seconds. This allows for maximum absorption.
The benefit of taking CBD sublingually is that this method allows the CBD to enter the bloodstream quickly and you feel the effects of the CBD faster than by taking it as an edible. This can happen as quickly as 15 minutes, depending on some of the other bioavailability factors mentioned above.
As mentioned, sublingual CBD can be absorbed at a much higher rate than CBD edibles. This is because CBD edibles, like CBD gummies or CBD capsules, have to pass through the digestive system and, in the process, lose some of their strength. CBD taken sublingually can have a bioavailability range of 15–35%. A good carrier oil, like natural coconut-derived MCT oil, helps the body to bump that number into the higher part of that range.
Absorbing CBD at a higher rate allows you to lower your dosage and still get the same effectiveness as other products. As methods of delivery go, sublingual is a solid, effective choice.
CBD Oil Tinctures
There are a lot of reasons to love CBD oil tinctures. For one, they’re versatile. You can take CBD oil sublingually, as mentioned above. But you can also take CBD oil tinctures as an edible, either swallowing them straight from the dropper or mixing them in with your favourite foods or drinks. This not only gives you the enjoyable “chill” of CBD, but it also allows you to open up your cookbook or cocktail guide and get creative. In fact, bar menus of several popular and trendy clubs are filling up with CBD-infused drinks. And CBD recipes can be found all over the internet.
For sublingual use, extract the CBD oil with the provided dropper and place it under the tongue. Allow the CBD tincture to sit there for 60 seconds for maximum absorption. Try not to eat or drink anything else for another 10 minutes, thus allowing any residual CBD oil tincture to still sink in.
As for serving size, our CBD tinctures come in a variety of strengths, ranging from 17mg CBD (in our 500mg bottles) to 50mg CBD (in our 4000mg bottles) per one-dropper serving. Our advice is to start with the lowest possible dosage, so that you can properly assess your tolerance level. If you don’t feel any effects, bump up your serving size the next day. Keep doing this until you find your own personal Goldilocks serving that’s “just right” to you.
Do not try to bump up your dosage the same day, though. Not only will you undercut your ability to determine the effectiveness of your first serving, but you may also inadvertently build up your tolerance level, making future doses less effective.
Store your CBD oil tincture at room temperature, away from light (in a drawer or cupboard) as direct light may degrade the oil over time.
We offer two effective CBD oil tinctures, each with its own unique purpose.
Our CBD + CBG Oil Wellness Tincture takes advantage of the Entourage Effect, the phenomenon that happens when you ingest multiple cannabinoids. Instead of simply working in parallel with each other, the two cannabinoids enhance each other’s effects, creating a deeper CBD experience. In this case, broad spectrum CBD and the “mother of all cannabinoids,” CBG — in addition to special terpenes, curcumin and coenzyme Q10 — combine to give you a blast of wellness benefits.
Our CBD Hemp Tincture also makes use of the Entourage Effect, allowing the broad spectrum CBD to shine, with no added terpenes or other ingredients. Both of our CBD oil drops contain coconut-derived MCT oil, which boosts the bioavailability of the CBD, and allows for greater absorption. Taking a drop of Hemp Tincture is a great way to unwind at the end of a long day.
Our flavoured CBD oil drops deliver 2000mg of CBD isolate in four delicious flavours: Zesty Orange CBD Oil Drops, Morning Mint CBD Oil Drops, Very Berry CBD Oil Drops, and Lush Lime CBD Oil Drops. These tasty drops are an ideal way to take the edge off your day.
CBD Edibles
CBD edibles have the lowest bioavailability rate among delivery methods (5–15%). This is because the CBD has to pass through the digestive system, losing some of its strength along the way. But there are also benefits to taking CBD as an edible. One of those benefits is that the CBD you do absorb stays in your system for a longer period of time, allowing you to experience its benefits longer. While it might take your CBD edible 20 minutes to two hours to kick in, you could potentially enjoy its effects all day long, which is one reason CBD Morning Capsules are so popular.
Another advantage of CBD edibles is that many of them are, frankly, enjoyable to consume. From CBD gummies to CBD capsules, there are a lot of great options out there. And with pre-portioned servings, they’re simple for beginners to take. Just look at the serving size and follow the directions.
For instance, the serving size of our original Mixed Berry CBD Gummies is two delicious gummies. You may choose to begin with one gummy to gauge your tolerance, before trying a full dose. Otherwise, consumption is easy: Just eat!
CBD Gummies
CBD gummies are among our most popular CBD products, because they’re not only effective and packed full of vegan, all-natural broad spectrum CBD, as well as other health-boosting ingredients, but they’re also delicious treats. Choose from classic Mixed Berry CBD Gummies, superfood-packed CBD Gummies with Turmeric and Spirulina, powerful CBD Gummies with Chamomile and Passion Flower for Sleep, diet-friendly CBD Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies, and nutrient-rich CBD Multivitamins for Men and Women. CBD gummies provide all the calming wellness you need in a tasty, little chew!
CBD Capsules
CBD capsules are a convenient way to get your daily CBD boost, perfect for people who are on the go. We’ve already mentioned the rise and shine power of our CBD + CBG Morning Capsules for Energy and Focus, but we also offer another option that is equally effective. Our CBD Soft Gel Capsules give you all the effects of broad spectrum CBD in a convenient cap, providing the calming effects that many people love about taking CBD. Many people pair our CBD Morning Capsules and CBD Soft Gel Capsules for morning/night use, providing around-the-clock CBD wellness benefits.
CBD Creams and Topicals
Topical CBD products can give localised relief to dry and irritated skin, as well as aches and pains in the muscles and joints. CBD topicals come in a variety of forms, from CBD creams and CBD balms to CBD masks and CBD bath bombs. These hemp-derived CBD products offer an effective, natural alternative to sports creams and bath products, which are often loaded with chemical perfumes and additives that can be ineffective, clog pores, stain bathtubs, and leave a strong, unpleasant scent. Our organic CBD products are also cruelty-free and contain no GMOs. The bioavailability rate of CBD topicals is quite high, compared to some other delivery methods, potentially reaching 45%.
CBD Creams and CBD Balms
CBD creams and CBD balm sticks are easy to apply. Simply cover the affected area and let it sit for an hour. If you don’t feel any relief by that time, you can reapply as necessary. It’s unlikely you can take too much CBD through a cream or balm, but we recommend no more than 3 or 4 applications per day.
CBDfx offers a good assortment of CBD topicals for pain relief in muscles and joints. Our rapidly absorbing CBD Cream for Muscle & Joint: Cooling Formula offers relief for aches and pains with up to 1000mg of broad spectrum CBD, along with anti-inflammatory botanicals, pain-relieving caffeine, and cool, soothing menthol. It’s a must for every training table and medicine cabinet. Our CBG Muscle & Joint Cream: Heating Formula adds muscle-warming camphor and wellness-boosting CBG to the mix. And our CBD Balm Stick Muscle and Joint offers similar relief for aches and pains, but in a convenient stick form — making it the perfect grab-and-go pain reliever for every gym bag.
Our CBD Calming Balm pampers your skin with relaxing broad spectrum CBD, soothing shea butter and Roman chamomile oil, and calming botanicals. It’s a great natural way to relax and restore your skin, so that it always looks and feels its very best.
CBD Masks
CBD masks are easy to use and a great way to treat your skin and soothe your mind. CBD Foot Masks are perfect to use on your aching peds. Just slip on the booties and kick your feet up for 20 minutes. When you remove the booties, simply rub in any excess CBD oil on your feet. The single-use CBD masks for feet can be thrown away when you’re finished. These soothing CBD foot masks come in two formulations: Peppermint for cooling and relaxing your feet, as well as refreshing and relaxing Lavender.
CBD Bath Bombs
CBD Bath Bombs give you spa-quality indulgence in the privacy of your home. Simply drop the single-use bath bomb into your bath water, swirl the bath water around with your hand or toes, and wait for it to dissolve. Then, enjoy a luxurious soak in 200mg of all-natural broad spectrum CBD, plus botanicals and nutrients to soothe and pamper your body. We recommend a 20 to 40-minute soak to make full use of the active ingredients. These all-natural CBD Bath Bombs have no artificial dyes or colours, so they won’t stain your tub or irritate your skin. Our CBD Bath Bombs come in four formulations: Soothing Lavender, Recharge Eucalyptus, Hydrating Mango & Shea Butter, and Calming Lemongrass & Chamomile.
CBD Vapes
Of all the available options of CBD delivery, nothing tops vapourising in terms of bioavailability. With CBD vapes, you can absorb up to 50% of the active ingredients. Unlike other vapes, our CBD vape products contain no nicotine or THC, and only use pure, natural CBD isolate.
CBD Vape Pens
CBD vape pens are incredibly easy to use, and come in a variety of flavours. Simply place the open end in your mouth and inhale. Usually one or two puffs will do the trick. Pause and see if you feel the effects. You can take more if you have a higher tolerance. CBD vapes are non-toxic, so the only real effect you might feel if you take too much is that you will probably get drowsy.
Our 1500mg disposable CBD vape pens are ready to use right out of the box, with no need to charge. These high-quality pens hold a whopping 2500 puffs for most users. Our broad range of CBD vape pen flavours includes refreshing Cool Mint, fruity Blue Raspberry, Strawberry Lemonade and Mango Ice.
CBD Vape Juices and Liquids
Many vapers prefer a reusable CBD Vape Kit, which can be refilled with your choice of CBD juices and liquids. To power on your vape kit, first press the power button five times in quick succession. After this, you’ll see the device power on and the LED light will blink pink/purple five times. Once the device is powered on, you should see the button light up blue any time you press it. To vape, you’ll need to hold this button down through the length of the inhale. As with vape pens, one or two puffs should suffice, though it’s okay to take a couple more puffs if you can’t feel anything.
The fun thing about using a CBD Vape Kit is the variety of CBD juices and liquids you can experiment with — each available in 500–2000mg bottles. Our CBD vape juice flavours include the fruity fun of Blue Raspberry, Wild Watermelon and Strawberry Kiwi, plus nostalgic favourites, Spearmint Gum and Strawberry Milk.
The Last Word on How to Take CBD
CBD is a wonderful compound that has a seemingly endless array of benefits. We encourage you to explore our wide range of CBD products to find the best one (or ones) for your needs. Hopefully, this guide will make taking CBD a little less intimidating. We wish you the best on your journey to wellness!
Ready to explore CBD? Try one of our delicious, wellness-boosting CBD Gummies!
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