Taking CBD oil in brief
- You can take CBD in four ways: orally, sublingually (under the tongue), transdermally (through a patch) and through skincare.
- With the exception of skincare, the CBD is absorbed throughout the body in every form.
- Each way has its own advantages and drawbacks. There is no single best way: it depends on your personal preference.
1. Using CBD orally
Oral use means you take CBD by mouth and swallow it, just like food or a food supplement. A simple way, ideal for beginners or for anyone looking for convenience. Bear in mind that, depending on your digestion, it takes about an hour for the CBD to reach your blood, and that part of it stays behind in the digestive tract.
Would you like to use CBD orally? Then CBD capsules or edibles such as gummies are handy. Because every capsule or gummy contains the same amount of CBD, you dose precisely. You can also make your own edibles with CBD paste or crystals.
Advantages of taking it orally
- Very simple.
- You dose precisely.
- No oily taste in the mouth, and good edibles taste fine.
Points to note
- It takes about an hour for the CBD to reach your blood.
- The bioavailability is fairly low: the CBD is not fully absorbed.
- Not the cheapest way.
2. Taking CBD sublingually
Sublingual intake resembles oral use, with one difference: the CBD is absorbed through the blood vessels under the tongue. You put drops of CBD oil or water-soluble CBD under your tongue and let it sit there for a minute. That gives a higher bioavailability, but is slightly more fuss than swallowing it straight away.
Advantages of sublingual intake
- Faster absorption and higher bioavailability.
- An economical way of using it.
- Plenty of choice from different types of CBD oil.
Points to note
- Not everyone likes the taste of CBD oil.
- Slightly less simple than swallowing.
3. Transdermal CBD
Transdermal means ‘through the skin’. That is possible with CBD patches. These contain a dose of CBD that is gradually absorbed into your bloodstream. The advantage is the high bioavailability: the CBD goes straight into the blood and is not partly broken down by digestion. On top of that, you only apply a patch once a day.
Advantages of transdermal use
- Direct absorption into the bloodstream, with a high bioavailability.
- Applying it just once a day.
- Gradual release.
Points to note
- The patches are not waterproof, so not suitable in the shower or the swimming pool.
- Apply the patch to clean skin without much hair.
- Adhesive residue can be left on the skin.
4. CBD skincare
CBD skincare products are topicals: ointments, lotions and creams with CBD. Like other skin products they often contain vitamins and other caring ingredients. They are applied locally to the skin and only a small part of the CBD reaches the bloodstream.
Advantages of CBD creams and ointments
- Easy to apply locally.
- Caring products for your skin.
- Pleasant to use as part of your care routine.
Points to note
- CBD cream is barely absorbed into the bloodstream.
- This form works mainly locally on the skin, not throughout the body.
