Introduction
Over 1.3 million people in the UK regularly take CBD1 to relieve conditions from pain and anxiety to insomnia and acne.
The sheer number of products, the wide variety of strengths, CBD oil dosage and methods2 can all be confusing to a novice. Common questions often concern CBD oil administration, and how to use CBD oil drops.
Hey, there’s not just one right way! Individual preference, physiology and what condition you want to manage play a part.
This complete CBD oil UK guide explains methods, tracking and getting best results. It covers step-by-step how to use CBD oil drops. We focus on the quickest, most efficient, sublingual (under the tongue) method3 but also cover alternatives.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD is extracted from hemp or cannabis sativa. Unlike THC, another cannabis compound, it won’t make you high. CBD interacts with the body’s Endocannabinoid System which is important for several key physical and mental functions.
Some extraction methods are better for producing pure CBD than others. This is important - in the UK CBD products that contain > 0.2% THC are illegal.
Voyager uses CO2/ethanol extraction. This leaves behind only pure CBD isolate which is mixed with other ingredients to create CBD oil. Typical ingredients: edible oils (Voyager uses fractionated coconut oil) and flavourings. Be sure to choose a reliable supplier who lab-tests and certifies its products.
CBD oil also comes in different strengths - how much CBD isolate in each bottle.
How to Use CBD Oil Drops – CBD Oil UK Guide
When learning how to use CBD oil drops people often ask how much should I take? There’s no hard-and-fast rule as everybody’s different. CBD oil dosage will depend on its strength and also:
- Body weight
- Metabolism/how you react to CBD
- Your goals
Our CBD oil beginners guide can help you work out what’s best for you. The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) recommends no more than 10mg of CBD4 a day. This is only precautionary. However, a good strategy is start low and slow.
Many people begin with 1-2mg. This might be enough. Others with, say, chronic pain, insomnia or anxiety might need to gradually build up their CBD oil dosage.
What time of day you take your drops also depends on your condition and what fits your lifestyle. For insomnia, just before bed may be the optimum time – if you have a stressful job, CBD oil drops at breakfast before a busy day.
How Do You Take CBD Oil for the Best Result?
Here’s some simple steps to help in properly administering your CBD oil dosage and meeting your therapeutic goals.
Sublingual CBD is diffused rapidly into the bloodstream through the tongue’s capillaries so it’s the quickest, most efficient way to consume CBD oil. It also requires a bit more ‘technique’ so we’ve concentrated on this method.
We also look at alternatives such as oral CBD and capsules.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Preparation
- Calculate your chosen CBD oil dosage based on your product’s strength. Its strength and instructions should be clearly marked on the bottle (also added ingredients/allergens). Voyager CBD oil comes in four strengths (mg) and flavours from 1,000mg right up to 6,000mg5.
- Shake the bottle
- Use the pipette to measure desired dose. An ‘entry-level’ dose of 1-2 mg is a third of the 1ml pipette of Voyager Everyday 1,000mg CBD oil.
Step 2: Administration
- Once you’ve measured your preferred dose, drop the oil under the tongue where the sensitive, capillary-packed skin (mucosa) will directly absorb CBD into the bloodstream.
- Hold the drops there for 60-90 minutes before swallowing the oil
- Results may take up to an hour to be felt. As mentioned, CBD does not make you high so the effects can be subtle. People mostly notice a relaxed, calm feeling.
Step 3: Tracking Results
- CBD oil may take up to five days before effects are felt
- Try to take your CBD oil dosage at the same time every day.
- Keep a CBD journal to help track the effects. Note your CBD oil dosage, method, and maybe use a scale of 1-10 to assess your symptoms afterwards.
- A diary also lets you note any side-effects6. Though rare, these could include upset stomach or reduced appetite
- After a week or so, examine results to decide whether or not you need to adjust dose
Alternatives to CBD Oil
Taking sublingual CBD oil gives the fastest results but we know it isn’t for everyone. You may prefer to swallow your drops, take capsules, or mix with drink or food.
Oral CBD must pass through the digestive system so effects take a little more time but due to sustained release could last longer. This method is deal for conditions such as chronic pain or anxiety. CBD doesn’t mix well with water alone so we recommend combining it with foods/drinks that contain fat.
Conclusion
This CBD oil UK guide has hopefully armed you with all you need to know to use CBD oil successfully, whatever condition you want to relieve. It covers how to approach different strengths and methods of taking CBD oil and simple steps to follow in taking your CBD oil dosage.
Remember, getting the best from CBD oil use is ultimately about finding out what works for you. Everybody is different, as are their wellness goals. Key is to take things slowly at first, notice the effects of CBD oil on your body, and adjust your dose accordingly.
Your CBD journey may take time to discover all these things. But giving CBD time and space will undoubtedly bring the best results and best chance of success.
1 An overview: The UK’s CBD market in 2022
2 Thinking about taking CBD? Here are 4 methods of administration
3 About Sublingual and Buccal Medication Administration
5 Shop CBD Oils at Voyager Life Limited | Voyager Life Limited
6 Cannabidiol (CBD): Safety and Side Effects
Refs:
X A list of The Different Cannabinoids found in Hemp - National Hemp Association
