Following the federal legalization of hemp (defined as having no more than .3% of THC by weight of the product) in 2018, as defined by Congress passing The Agricultural Act aka The Farm Bill, CBD oil has become a must-have product. The CBD market has been growing at a rate of knots and you can now find CBD products in millions of homes across the US. Please note that each state has its own rights to determine the legality of CBD and THC in their respective states.
If you’re eager to try this substance for yourself, you might be wondering where to start.
How much CBD oil should you take, is it the right product for you, and should you opt for edibles, smokables, topicals, or CBD oil?
You’ll learn all you need to know in this beginner’s guide to CBD.
How Should I Start Taking CBD Products?
There are three questions to answer before taking CBD:
- Why are you taking it?
- How much CBD do you need?
- What is your preferred method of ingestion?
Let’s answer the “why” first.
CBD is not a magic wand that you can wave to magically fix all that ails you. We’re living in the golden age of CBD right now and everyone is seeking a new angle and a new reason to praise it, sell it, or use it. As a result, you’ll find articles saying that it can cure every physical, mental, and emotional disorder under the sun.
The first step to taking CBD oil and other CBD products is to separate the truth from the hyperbole; to differentiate the potential health benefits from the myth and to keep your expectations realistic.
Types of CBD Products
CBD comes in many forms:
- CBD Oil: A CBD extract mixed with a carrier oil and available in a variety of strengths.
- CBD Gummies: Sweet treats made from sugar, flavorings, and pectin/gelatin, as well as CBD oil.
- CBD Capsules: An easy way to consume CBD oil.
- CBD Drinks and Edibles: Includes chocolate, coffee, and a range of other products.
- CBD Vapes: A popular CBD product that can be smoked using a vape pen.
- Creams and Balms: Topical solutions made from CBD oil drops, flowers, fragrances, and other ingredients.
- Bath Bombs: Drop these CBD products into your bath, wait for them to fizz and dissolve, and then climb inside.
- Pet Products: CBD oils, edibles, and topical solutions designed for family pets.
- Intimate Products: Yes, CBD is great at helping you get intimate. Intimate products include both tinctures and lotions and are designed to be applied externally to a woman’s ‘downstairs’ area. Apply and have fun with your partner!
Oral vs Topical CBD Products
Should you ingest CBD (gummies, oil, edibles) or apply it to the skin (bath bombs, creams, balms)?
It depends.
If you’re using CBD as part of a nighttime bathing ritual or to help with skin conditions, you should look into topical formulations.
If you’re using it to support your digestive system or immune system, consider taking it orally.
CBD Oils vs Edibles
CBD oil is usually the cheapest way to get your fix of CBD, but edibles are often preferred for their convenience. Some people also don’t like the taste of CBD oil and prefer the sweetness of a fruit-flavored gummy.
Both are great options, but if you want the most bang for your buck without dropping oil under your tongue, check out capsules. A CBD capsule will give you an amount of CBD oil without tasting any of the oil.
CBD Oil Directions for Use
The ideal usage amount for CBD depends on the method of ingestion, the strength of the product, and the reason you’re taking it.
Most CBD gummies contain 5mg per gummy while oils typically have 1mg per drop. The label will tell you how much CBD you should take and what the lower and upper limits are.
How Much CBD Should A First-Time User Take?
It’s always best to stick with a low amount when taking CBD for the first time. Check the label, pay attention to the usage or directions for the use range, and take the lowest amount.
After a few days, you can consider increasing the amount if you feel that the low amount isn’t working for you.
By sticking with the lowest amount and taking it easy, you decrease the risk of side effects and will also save yourself a few bucks. There’s no point in taking the maximum amount if the lowest one provides the same benefits.
What Is The Most Popular Way To Take CBD?
CBD oil is the original way to take CBD and it remains the most popular.
It’s low-cost, widely available, and comes in a variety of strengths. It’s also available as full-spectrum oil, broad-spectrum oil, and pure CBD oil. The former contains all terpenes and cannabinoids (including THC) while the other methods are free of THC.
Can I Take Too Much CBD Oil?
It’s often said that there is no such thing as too much CBD. But everything has a lethal limit, even water. It’s true that CBD is known to be okay in moderate amounts, but the more that you take, the more likely you are to experience side effects.
Stick with the CBD usage recommendations and don’t exceed the limits on the label.
Are There Any Contraindications I Should Know About?
If you have a preexisting health condition or take any prescription medications, consult your healthcare provider before taking CBD. There are few known contraindications, but CBD has only been federally legally for a few years and we’re still learning about how it interacts with the human body.
For instance, it could alter the effects of certain prescription medications or increase the risk of side effects such as dry mouth, disrupted sleep patterns, constipation, and headaches when used with other drugs.
It’s always best to stay on the conservative side and take extra precautions.
Summary: Getting Started with CBD Products
There are dozens of CBD products on the market and more are being added all of the time. The CBD industry is huge right now, and oils/extracts are being added to everything. It’s easy to get lost in all of these ingestion methods, but if you find yourself getting confused and frustrated, just opt for CBD oil.
You can take CBD oil by adding a few drops under your tongue and then swallowing it, or mixing it with smoothies, cocktails, and edibles. Alternatively, you can apply it topically or make your own creams and balms.
It’s one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to take CBD, as there are no other ingredients and processes driving up the cost.
Once you’re accustomed to taking CBD, consider some of the other ingestion methods.