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CBD, or cannabidiol, is a natural compound found in hemp and marijuana plants. Unlike THC, the other active ingredient in marijuana, CBD oil does not cause a high. However, early research shows that it can have a variety of health benefits, including pain relief, anxiety, nausea, and insomnia. While there are several ways to take in CBD oil, putting a tincture under your tongue is one of the safest and most effective ways to do so. Before using a CBD tincture, talk to your doctor about the best dosage and whether it is safe to use.
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Method 1 of 2: Administer CBD oil
Choose a tincture if you want to take CBD under your tongue. To use CBD oil under your tongue, you need a tincture, which is actually CBD dissolved in a carrier oil (such as sesame or coconut oil). Tinctures usually come in the form of drops or sprays. - Tinctures in drops usually go under your tongue, while sprays can go under your tongue or into your cheeks.
Do not eat anything before or after applying the tincture. Eating it immediately before or after ingesting the CBD can affect how consistently it is absorbed into your bloodstream. Do not eat anything for 15 to 20 minutes after using the tincture, or wait a similar time after eating before taking your dose. - This does not mean that you should take CBD oil on an empty stomach. In fact, taking CBD while there is food in your stomach can increase the level of CBD in your bloodstream.
- Brushing your teeth just before using the tincture can also help it get into your bloodstream better.
Put the recommended number of drops under your tongue. Follow the dosage instructions on the product packaging or follow the dosage recommended by your doctor. Measure out an appropriate dose of the CBD tincture with the dropper and apply the drops directly under your tongue. - Do not take the tincture on your tongue. It is not absorbed into your bloodstream as effectively, and you can accidentally swallow it too quickly.
- If the tincture comes in spray, sprinkle it under your tongue. You should be able to read how much CBD is in each puff of the spray on the product label.
Tip: There's no harm in swallowing a high-quality CBD tincture, but taking it too soon will take longer to get into your bloodstream. You may not start to feel the benefits of the CBD until half an hour or more.
Keep the drops in your mouth for 30 seconds before swallowing. Hold the CBD under your tongue for at least 30 seconds to give it time to get into your bloodstream and start working. You may experience a build-up of saliva in your mouth while holding the drops, but try to resist the urge to swallow! - If you are using a spray, wait at least a minute before you swallow.
Expect to feel results within 15 to 30 minutes. Putting CBD oil under your tongue is one of the most efficient ways to get it into your bloodstream. However, it is not immediate. You should start to feel the effects of the CBD within half an hour of taking the dose. - The efficacy of the CBD should peak about 1½ hours after you take it, and you can feel it for up to 8 hours.
Method 2 of 2: Using CBD oil safely
Ask your doctor if it is safe to use CBD oil. While CBD is generally considered safe, it can interact poorly with certain medications, such as blood thinners. It can also cause unwanted side effects, such as drowsiness, dry mouth, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits before taking CBD oil. - Provide your doctor with a complete list of any medications or supplements you are currently taking.
- Let your doctor know if you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have any other health conditions.
- If you experience side effects when using CBD, stop taking it and consult a doctor.
Tip: Find a doctor who specializes in medical marijuana, if there are any in your area. Doctors who work with cannabis are also likely to have experience with CBD products.
Talk to your doctor about what dose to take. Since research into the medicinal uses of CBD oil is still in its early stages, not many formal dosage guidelines are available. However, your doctor should be able to give you some recommendations on what dose is safe and effective for you. - A good starting dose if you only take CBD is 10 mg. A common starting dose for sublingual CBD with THC is 2.5 to 5 mg.
- Until you know how the CBD affects you, it is a good idea to take a relatively low dose. Gradually increase the dosage until you get the desired effect.
Choose a product that has been verified by third parties. Because CBD products are not consistently regulated, it can be difficult to know what you are actually getting. Low-quality or contaminated CBD oil will not be as effective as a high-quality product, and it can actually make you sick. Look for products that have been analyzed by recognized independent laboratories. - When buying CBD from a store, ask for the product's certificate of analysis. This contains detailed information on how the product was tested. Do not buy from retailers who are unable or unwilling to share test information.
Choose a product that states how much CBD is in each dose. Check the label to make sure you know how much CBD you are getting in. Not only should it say how much CBD is in the entire bottle, but also how much is in each individual dose, drop, or spray (e.g. 10 mg per 1 ml). - Do not use products that list their total amount of "cannabinoids" in place of CBD or specific cannabidiol. The term cannabinoids can refer to a wide variety of compounds, including THC.
Warnings
- While CBD oil can have a number of health benefits, you should definitely not use it as a substitute for medications or other treatments prescribed by your doctor.
