How should CBD be used

Do you want to try CBD (cannabidiol) for the first time, but are finding it difficult to deciphering all the different forms and ways of consuming CBD? You’ve come to the right place! Depending on your sensitivity, taste, and preference, there are 7 different ways to safely take CBD and enjoy all the therapeutic benefits of hemp. So, how do you use CBD? Read our comprehensive guide!

7 ways to use CBD

1. Capsules

When looking at how to use CBD, the first method of administration that comes to mind is oral ingestion in the form of CBD capsules. This is a very practical method, which is discreet and accessible to all. You can take your box of capsules to work or out and about and no one will know you are taking CBD. They are easy to carry around, to slip into your bag for consuming quickly when the need arises (headaches, pain, stress, etc.). CBD supplements are generally tasteless and odourless, which appeals to many people. However, the relaxing and anti-inflammatory effects will take a while to kick in, as the cannabinoids have to reach your digestive system.

2. CBD flowers

The CBD flowers look just like regular cannabis buds, the only difference being that they do not induce psychoactive effects. We do not recommend smoking them, as inhalation can cause health problems (as with tobacco or any other form of burning substance). These flowers should be consumed in CBD infusions. Simply crumble the flowers and put them in hot water with a fatty substance such as vegetable oil, milk, or cream. This way you get a CBD herbal tea to help you enjoy the benefits of therapeutic hemp. You can add crumbled CBD flowers to your recipes, although getting the right dosage is more tricky.

3. Resins

You may also come across CBD resins or pastes. They are consumed via inhalation using a suitable vaporiser (to limit the affect on the lungs as much as possible), as an infusion in hot drinks, or in food dishes. The first effects appear quite quickly after inhalation, while you maintain a high level of self-control. And as CBD resin is ingestible and fat-soluble, you can add it to dishes by grating or melting it. However, you need to know the right dose for you to avoid being shocked by the effects!

4. E-liquids

Vaping CBD is becoming more and more common as it is now legal to buy e-liquids containing CBD for e-cigarettes in France. There are several types of e-liquids:

• The booster version: it has a high concentration of CBD and is made with a neutral base.
• Classic e-liquids: ready for consumption, there are several CBD content levels to suit everyone.

With this method of administration, you’ll enjoy gentle inhalation rich in active ingredients. You can get the unique flavours of cannabis, but without the health risks as there is no burning or irritation. There’s no risk of addiction either! You only benefit from the therapeutic properties of hemp. For example, if you are a former smoker who wants to quit, this is a solution which allows you to get the same feeling, but in a healthier way.

5. CBD oil

Another form that is particularly well known and enjoyed by consumers isCBD oil. For the best results, sublingual administration is recommended, that is, placing a few drops of oil under your tongue. The product is left to work for a few moments (about 30 seconds) before you rinse your mouth with a glass of water. The product will be quickly absorbed by your mucous membranes and you should feel the first effects within 10 minutes. How should CBD oil be used for longer lasting results? You can also add a few drops of oil to your dishes or drinks. The effects then last for several hours, but will take longer to kick in as the CBD must pass through your digestive system.

6. Crystals

CBD crystals are the purest form of cannabinoid. They are 98% pure because they are free from any other components. Thanks to the extraction process used, there is no bitterness, and the product does not contain THC. Crystals can be consumed in several ways:

• Sublingually: let the CBD crystals melt under the tongue and hold for 60-90 seconds before swallowing and rinsing.
• Vaping: you can dissolve the crystals in a neutral e-liquid base. However, the temperature must be adjusted.
• In food: infuse the crystals into melted fat at a low-temperature and stir until completely dissolved.
• In a carrier oil: feel free to dissolve the crystals in hemp, coconut, or olive oil heated in a bain-marie. You can then consume it like regular CBD oil.

7. Cosmetics

Finally, you can apply CBD topically in the form of cosmetics. CBD skin care products can be used to relieve the symptoms of conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, acne, or psoriasis. Hemp also has nourishing and moisturising properties which are suitable for all skin types. Thanks to CBD’s anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, CBD cosmetics are also suitable for sportsmen and women looking for a tension-relieving product to use after exercise. This is an ideal form of CBD for achieving a targeted effect within approximately 15 to 30 minutes. Cream, oil, lotion, gel: choose the most appropriate option for you and massage the product into your skin until it is fully absorbed.

How to choose and find the right dose of your CBD product

Dosage and frequency of use

In order to understand how to use CBD, you must choose your product carefully and, above all, determine the most appropriate dosage for you, as it is specific to each individual. Currently, there is no "perfect CBD dosage": if this is your first time using CBD, we advise that you start with a low concentration and then gradually increase the dosage to obtain the desired effects. CBD dosage depends mainly on weight and height, the sensitivity of the body, and the symptoms to be treated. For daily use, consuming 3 equal doses of CBD oil is recommended, spread out evenly: cannabidiol acts for 6 to 8 hours on average, which means that you can enjoy its benefits all day long. For occasional use, you can take it at any time (except before driving, as cannabidiol may induce mild drowsiness).

CBD concentration

Not all CBD products have the same concentration. For example, CBD resins will contain very high concentrations, whereas infusions are milder. This concentration is expressed in milligrams of CBD in the product, as percentages: 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, etc. Depending on how you feel and your sensitivity, you will choose a more or less concentrated product. The fatty substance associated with CBD also plays a role: manufacturers generally use hemp seeds, MCT (Medium Chain Triglycerides), or an essential oil. A product’s CBD content also depends on the presence or absence of THC (full spectrum or broad spectrum), within the limit of 0.2% which is the maximum legal level authorised in France and Europe.

Hemp plant quality

If you are wondering how to use CBD safely, the answer lies in the quality of the product and the hemp plant. If the CBD is high-quality, it is safe to consume (except for some very specific contraindications). The type of extraction, the plant chosen, whether the hemp is organically grown or not: these are all criteria that play a role in the end quality of cannabidiol. If you want to enjoy all the benefits of this natural compound, look into The CBD Farm: we use organic hemp grown according to industry regulations to preserve the natural properties of the plant. Our CBD is not mixed with chemicals and our packaging guarantees that the product is well-preserved.

When should you take CBD?

Now that you know how to use CBD, let’s look at the matter of timing to improve efficacy. The good news is that unlike many supplements, you can take CBD either with or without meals: it will be absorbed well in both cases. If you choose to take it sublingually, cannabidiol passes quickly into the bloodstream and ingesting food will have no impact on its absorption. You will feel the first effects in about 10 minutes. Typical oral administration of CBD (liquid or capsules) leads to absorption in the digestive system. This means that the harder your stomach works, the longer it will be before the effects of CBD kick in. If you take CBD after a meal, you will need to be a little more patient, with the effects felt in 30 minutes to 1.5 hours. A little tip for taking CBD with food: add a fatty substance such as an oil or a dairy product to get the full benefit of cannabidiol.

How should CBD be used? Our recommendations

Finding the best CBD dosage

As mentioned earlier, if this is your first time taking CBD, start with a low dose of 10% cannabidiol oil. This will allow you to test the product and your body’s reactions in complete safety. Start by taking one drop. How well does your body tolerate CBD? Increase to a dosage of 1 drop 3 times a day, for one week. You will be able to observe the daily benefits of CBD. If you need to increase the dose, for example to sleep better at night, take 2 drops at the end of the day instead of one. If pain persists, you can take up to 2 drops 3 times a day. If you have any concerns, always speak to a doctor!

Determining the right CBD concentration

If you take between 3 to 12 drops a day of a 10% oil and your symptoms are alleviated, there is no need to take a higher dose. However, if you exceed 12 drops per day, turn to an oil with a 20% dosage and return to a dosage of 3 drops 3 times a day. You can continue to increase this concentration, as long as you do not exceed the recommended maximum dosage of 150 mg/day of CBD. The side effects of CBD are almost non-existent, except in the event of an overdose (however, this limit is very high so there’s no need to worry). But if you take too much cannabidiol, you may experience nausea and dizziness.

Find out about potential contraindications and side effects

The side effects of CBD are rare, apart from the possibility of dry mouth and mild drowsiness. However, there are some contraindications to regular CBD use: for example, as cannabidiol causes low blood pressure, it is not recommended for people who already have this condition. If you are taking medication, ask your doctor about potential drug interactions. CBD could reduce the efficacy of 57 identified drugs. The use of cannabidiol should also be avoided during pregnancy. Although further studies are still needed, it could affect the proper functioning of the placenta. Similarly, young mothers are advised against taking CBD while breastfeeding.