How To Use CBD Oil: Beginner’s Guide

CBD oil is a cannabinoid extract mixed with a carrier oil, such as MCT, hemp, or coconut oil, which allows for ease of use and precise dosing. 

"CBD tincture" is sometimes used interchangeably with "CBD oil," and at VIIA Hemp, we call them “CBD Drops. " However, there once was a technical distinction between these two terms—tinctures are traditionally alcohol-based, while CBD oils are infused with carrier oils. Now, most products on the market are oil-based. 

CBD drops offer various benefits, including relaxation, stress management, and support for a healthy sleep cycle.

How to Use CBD Oil: A Beginner's Guide

Let’s start with the basics so you can make the most of CBD oil as part of your wellness routine. 

Step 1: Choose a High-Quality Product

The first step is selecting a high-quality CBD oil from a reputable source. Look for brands that provide third-party lab tests to verify potency and cannabinoid content, ensuring the product is free from contaminants and other ingredients you may not want as part of your CBD product. 

Step 2: Pick Your Type of Extract

CBD oil comes in several forms:

• Full-spectrum: It contains the natural range of cannabinoids, including trace amounts of THC (up to 0.3%), contributing to the "entourage effect." This synergy among cannabinoids may enhance CBD's benefits.
• Broad-Spectrum: Includes multiple cannabinoids but no THC, ideal for those who want to avoid THC entirely.
• CBD Isolate: This product contains only CBD as the active ingredient, perfect for those who prefer a pure experience without other cannabinoids. However, note that these types of products might not feel as strong as broad-spectrum or full-spectrum CBD oil. 

Step 3: Understand Potency and Dosage

Potency is measured in milligrams (mg) of CBD per bottle. 

Most CBD oils come with a marked dropper, making it easier to measure your dose. 

Start with a low dose, 5-10 mg, and gradually increase until you achieve the desired effect. The right dosage varies depending on your body weight, tolerance, and health goals, and you might need to experiment to see what dose provides you with the feelings you’re looking for from your CBD product. 

Step 4: Sublingual Administration

The most common method of using CBD oil is sublingually (under the tongue). 

Simply place the desired dosage under your tongue, hold it there for 30-60 seconds, and then swallow. 

This method allows the CBD to absorb directly into your bloodstream through the mucous membranes in your mouth, providing quicker effects than directly swallowing or mixing the CBD oil into a food or beverage. 

Step 5: Incorporate CBD Into Your Routine

• Morning Use: CBD tincture can be taken in the morning for stress support and focus. Since it doesn't impair perception, it's safe for most people to add to their morning wellness routine alongside other supplements. 

CBD, like morning vitamins, can be part of your daily supplement routine. Keeping CBD drops next to your vitamins can remind you to take them at the same time each morning.

Just make sure you don’t go heavy with a morning dose, as CBD in higher potencies can sometimes make people feel too relaxed. 

• Evening Use: Higher dosages of CBD (around 25-50 mg) are often taken in the evening to support relaxation and better sleep quality. Consider taking it about 30 minutes before bedtime to give it enough time to kick in as you prepare for bed. 

Step 6: Consistent Use

Consistent use might be necessary to reap the benefits of CBD. 

Adopting a daily CBD tincture lifestyle helps maintain a steady level of CBD in your body. Unlike THC, which has more immediate and noticeable psychoactive effects, CBD works differently—and much more subtly.

In the endocannabinoid system, CBD's benefits are often more cumulative than immediate. CBD is thought to interact with the ECS by indirectly influencing receptors and enzymes to support a healthy balance of endocannabinoids that maintain the body's internal balance or homeostasis.

CBD Oil Tip: Enhancing CBD Absorption

CBD is fat-soluble, so taking it with a light meal that contains healthy fats — like avocados, nuts, or fish—may increase absorption and make it more effective.

CBD Oil vs. THC Tinctures

The fundamental difference between CBD and THC lies in their active ingredients and the effects they produce.

Cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol are cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant and, specifically, can be harvested from Farm Bill-compliant hemp plants. However, these compounds interact with the body's endocannabinoid system in distinct ways.

THC tinctures may provide relaxation and support for discomfort but can also produce mind-altering effects. If you choose to use THC tinctures, it's important to start with a low dose (0.5-1 mg) to avoid overwhelming psychoactive effects, especially if you're new to THC.

Use THC Mindfully  

Regular use of THC in psychoactive dosages isn't recommended because it risks impairment, which can get in the way of daily activities such as driving, working, or studying.

With regular use, the body can build up a tolerance to THC. This means that the same dose may produce less pronounced effects over time, and you may need to increase your THC intake to achieve the same high.

Fortunately, THC and CBD are non-toxic and generally well tolerated even in high dosages—but they can cause uncomfortable side effects when taken to the extreme, such as upset stomachs, drowsiness, headaches, and, with THC, psychological trauma.

If you find yourself reaching for higher THC dosages, tolerance breaks — where you stop taking THC for 10-14 days can help reset your endocannabinoid system.

Please use THC mindfully, being aware of its effects on your body and life. This includes understanding the legal implications and potential risks associated with its use.

CBD Oil Effects: What You Can Expect

Most notably, CBD oils, unlike THC, do not produce a "high." It's best known for its potential to provide relaxation and stress relief without causing intoxication.

People often turn to CBD products for their calming effects, which may support stress management and even sleep quality. In higher dosages, individuals use CBD for its potential to help with discomfort from aches.

How to Store Your CBD Oil

You want to store your CBD properly to maintain its potency and shelf life. 

Depending on the ingredients, CBD oil is typically kept for 8-16 months after opening. While they don’t usually go “bad,” like old milk, CBD and other cannabinoids tend to degrade over time, making them less effective than a fresh batch. 

• Keep It Cool: Store your CBD oil in a cool place, away from direct sunlight and heat. High temperatures can break down the cannabinoids, reducing the oil's effectiveness.
• Avoid Moisture: Keep the bottle tightly sealed to prevent moisture from entering. Exposure to moisture can cause mold or spoil the oil.
• Store in a Dark Place: Light can break down cannabinoids, so it's best to store your CBD oil in a dark cabinet or pantry. Some CBD products come in amber or dark-colored bottles to help protect against light exposure.
• Keep Away from Air: Oxygen can also degrade CBD oil over time, so ensure the cap is securely tightened after each use to limit exposure to air.

Other Forms of CBD Oil: Using CBD Gummies and CBD Capsules

CBD gummies and capsules are a convenient and enjoyable way to take CBD, especially if you dislike the taste of tinctures. 

The downside (or plus side) is that these typically come in pre-measured doses, so you can’t fine-tune and adjust like you can with CBD oil drops. To use CBD oil capsules or gummies, simply chew or swallow the recommended dosage. The onset of effects may be slower than sublingual CBD oil, as the CBD must pass through your digestive system first.

The Takeaway: How to Use CBD Oil for Wellness

CBD drops can be a versatile product for any wellness routine. Whether you fit them into your morning routine for stress relief and focus or use them in the evening to support a healthy sleep cycle, consistency is key to maximizing their benefits.

When starting with CBD oil, remember to choose high-quality products, begin with a low dose, and gradually increase as needed. This will allow you to safely explore the potential wellness benefits of CBD and discover what works best for your desired CBD needs.