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How to Take CBD: Step-by-Step for Beginners

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How to Take CBD: Step-by-Step for Beginners

New to CBD? Curious but cautious? You’re in the right place.

If you’ve been wondering whether to try CBD oil, capsules, or gummies — but aren’t sure where to begin - this guide is for you. With so many options out there, it can feel a bit overwhelming at first. 

There’s no one “right” way to take CBD - it all comes down to what fits your body, your lifestyle, and your goals. Whether you're looking for fast relief, long-lasting calm, or just a simple starting point, we'll walk you through everything you need to know.

 

CBD Delivery Products Explained

CBD comes in a few different forms, and each one works slightly differently in terms of how fast it kicks in, how long it lasts, and how convenient it is for daily use.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Format

Onset Time⏱

Duration⏳

Taste👅

Best For🎯

Oils

15–45 mins

3–6 hours

Earthy/natural (flavoured options available)

Fast-acting relief, flexible dosing

Capsules

30–90 mins

6–8 hours

Neutral

Daily routines, precise dosing

Gummies

30–90 mins

4–6 hours

Sweet/flavoured

Easy, discreet, travel-friendly

Topicals

10–20 mins

Varies

Scented/neutral

Targeted relief, no ingestion

 

If you want fast relief and control over your dose, oils are a great pick. Capsules and gummies are better if you prefer convenience and a consistent daily intake. Topicals work well when applied to specific areas of discomfort. And sprays? Ideal for quick use throughout the day.

 

How to Take CBD Oil (Step-by-Step Sublingual Use)

CBD oil is one of the most effective and versatile options available. Here’s how to use it properly with sublingual consumption: [2]

  1. Shake the bottle gently before use.

  2. Squeeze the dropper and place the desired number of drops under your tongue.

  3. Hold it there for 30 seconds to allow absorption through the mucous membranes.

  4. Swallow any remaining oil.

This sublingual method allows CBD to bypass the digestive system, meaning you’ll feel effects within 15 to 45 minutes, lasting up to 6 hours.

Try building it into your routine - some take it with morning supplements, others before bed to relax.

How to take CBD oil graphic

 

How to Take CBD Gummies & Capsules

Looking for something tasty, simple, and discreet? CBD gummies, capsules, and edibles might suit you better.

  1. Take your chosen dose (check the label for mg content).

  2. Swallow with water (for capsules) or chew (for gummies).

  3. Wait 30 to 90 minutes for effects — these are slower to kick in but often last longer.

This format is great for beginners, travel, or anyone who wants a no-fuss option.

How to take CBD gummies infographic

Using CBD Topicals and Balms

Topical CBD products — such as creams, balms, and gels — are designed for external use and do not enter the bloodstream.

They’re ideal for:

  • Sore joints or muscles after exercise [3]

  • Targeted tension relief, like shoulders or back [3]

  • Skincare routines, such as calming irritated areas [4]

You may not feel instant effects — but with regular use, many find they support localised discomfort and improve skin condition over time.

How to take CBD topicals/balms infographic

 

When Is the Best Time to Take CBD?

There’s no fixed schedule. The best time depends on your personal goals and lifestyle.

  • Morning: For calm focus, start your day with a low dose of CBD oil or capsule.

  • Evening: For better sleep or wind-down time, gummies or a few drops of oil before bed may help.

Pair it with a habit — like brushing your teeth or making a cup of tea — to keep your routine consistent.

When should you take CBD infographic

 

Tips for Taking CBD: Dosage, Timing, Quality & Safety

  • ✅Start CBD dosage low at 5–10mg per day; the UK FSA recommends no more than 10mg daily.

  • ✅A 5% CBD oil gives roughly 2.5mg per drop — always check product labels for % and mg content.

  • ✅CBD oil takes 15–45 mins to work, capsules/gummies 30–90 mins, and topicals 10–20 mins (for localised use)

  • ✅Timing when taking CBD matters — some take it in the morning for calm focus, others in the evening to wind down.

  • ✅CBD is non-intoxicating and won’t make you high. [1]

  • ❌Side effects may include drowsiness, appetite changes, dry mouth, or digestive discomfort.

  • ❌Avoid mixing with alcohol or medication unless approved by a GP, and always store CBD safely away from children and pets.

  • 🏆Look for lab-tested products with <0.2% THC, organic hemp, and UK novel food compliance for quality assurance.

We’re proud to be one of the UK’s most awarded CBD brands, known for high-strength oils, bestselling gummies, and rigorous third-party lab testing on every batch. All our products stay well within the UK’s legal THC limit and follow FSA Novel Foods guidelines - so you can shop with confidence.

 

CBD Gummy Bears Grab Bag

Looking for relaxation, pain relief, or a delightful treat? Give our high quality CBD oil a try today!

Research

 

[1] – Study: Cannabidiol (CBD) in Clinical Care

Source: NCBI – StatPearls, Last Updated May 7, 2024

Summary: This comprehensive clinical overview outlines CBD’s approved uses in treating Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex. It also explores CBD’s mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, adverse event profile (including hepatotoxicity), and interactions with medications. While CBD is non-intoxicating, the article highlights the importance of careful dosing, patient monitoring, and interprofessional oversight in clinical settings.


[2] – Study: Advances in Nanoparticulate Drug Delivery Approaches for Sublingual and Buccal Administration

Source: PMC6848967 – NCBI

Summary: This review discusses the benefits of sublingual and buccal drug delivery routes for fast systemic absorption, bypassing first-pass metabolism. It explains how nanoparticulate formulations can enhance retention, permeability, and absorption in these mucosal tissues. The sublingual route, in particular, supports rapid onset of action and is effective for drugs with low oral bioavailability. Nanoparticles offer controlled release, improved solubility, and protection from enzymatic degradation — promising features for enhancing sublingual CBD oil delivery.


[3] - Study: Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis

Source: PMC4851925 – NCBI

Summary: In a preclinical trial using arthritic rats, topically applied CBD significantly reduced joint swelling, limb posture scores, and pain-related behaviours. No adverse effects were observed, suggesting potential for safe anti-inflammatory use.


[4] - Study: Cannabidiol exerts sebostatic and antiinflammatory effects on human sebocytes

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25061872/   


Summary: This study found that cannabidiol (CBD) significantly reduces oil production and inflammation in human sebaceous glands. By activating TRPV4 ion channels, CBD blocked lipid production pathways and reduced cell growth. It also triggered anti-inflammatory responses via A2a adenosine receptors and suppressed NF-κB signalling. Together, these effects suggest CBD may be a promising therapeutic option for managing acne.

 

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