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A complete guide to using CBD oil to soothe pain, anxiety, and other ailments
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If you’re dealing with issues like pain, anxiety, insomnia, or seizures, you might be interested in using cannabidiol (CBD) oil to find relief. With the exception of its use for certain forms of epilepsy, the evidence for CBD is generally not strong, but research is ongoing. CBD oil is found in cannabis plants and is typically derived from hemp. While CBD is a component of marijuana, it won’t get you high like THC. Additionally, CBD oil is now legal to buy, sell, and use in many areas, though you’ll need to check the laws where you live. [1]
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There are many different ways to take CBD oil, such as capsules, tinctures, and edibles; while the chemical effect is the same, the different methods of administering CBD can change how it affects you. [2]
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Expert Source
Liana Georgoulis, PsyD
Licensed Psychologist
Expert Interview. 7 February 2020.
Check with your doctor before using CBD oil and if you’re treating seizures or have side effects.
Things You Should Know
- Check the label on CBD capsules, and take them as directed. Wait 30 minutes for any effects to begin. [3] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source
- Drop 1-2 drops of a CBD tincture under your tongue, then wait 1-2 minutes before swallowing. You'll feel the effects in about 30-45 minutes.
- Massage CBD oil into any areas where you experience aches or pains using firm, circular motions. Wait 30 minutes to a few hours to feel any effects.
Steps
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Take CBD oil capsules for a simple option that’s easy to measure. If you want a convenient, easy way to use CBD oil, capsules may be your best option. Check the label on your capsules to get the recommended dose, then take them as directed. You’ll likely start to notice effects in about 30 minutes. How the body absorbs the oil using this method can be affected by the foods consumed around the time of taking it. [4] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source- Capsules typically don’t provide relief as quickly as other CBD oil delivery methods. However, they’re easier to use and convenient to carry with you. Additionally, capsules ensure you’re getting the same dose each time.
- Here is a reliable place to buy CBD capsules online. You can look for capsules at a drugstore, a dispensary, or online.
Did You Know? CBD oil can be difficult to dose because each product is different and the product ingredients can separate and shift. Capsules are the only way to ensure you get the same dose each time you use it.
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Put a tincture under your tongue to feel the effects fast. Shake the tincture bottle well to mix the ingredients, then use an eyedropper to measure out 1-2 drops of CBD tincture. Squeeze the drops under your tongue and hold the tincture in place for 60 to 120 seconds before swallowing. [5] X Trustworthy Source Arthritis Foundation Main organization devoted to arthritis support and education Go to source- You can find tincture options online here .
- You can find full-spectrum CBD oil options easily online. Popular brands include: Green Roads and CBDistillery.
- If you're looking to alleviate anxiety and sleep better, you can also try a CBD sleep oil.
- If your tincture comes in a spray bottle, spritz it once on the inside of each cheek.
- A tincture can start working in as little as 15 minutes, but you’ll likely start feeling the effects in about 30 to 45 minutes.
- Tinctures often come in different flavors to make them tastier.
Variation: Add your tincture to a drink if you don’t like the taste. Check the bottle of your tincture for dosing or squeeze 1-2 drops into your drink. Then, drink it as quickly as you can. It’ll take about 30 minutes for you to feel the effects of the CBD oil after you’ve consumed all of it.
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Use a topical massage oil to treat chronic pain at the site. CBD topical oils typically contain both CBD oil and a carrier, such as coconut oil or beeswax. A massage oil is great for treating achy muscles and joints, as well as chronic pain. Put the massage oil on your fingers, then use your fingers to massage the oil directly onto the area you want to treat. Make circular motions on your skin as you apply the oil. [6] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source- The evidence for the topical use of CBD oil is currently limited to animal studies. [7] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source
- You may notice less pain immediately, but it’s more common to get relief in 30 minutes to a few hours. However, keep in mind that some people don’t get relief from CBD oil.
- If you don’t like the first oil you try, consider using a different product. You might buy a massage oil that has a higher concentration of CBD oil or a different carrier. For instance, CBD oil diluted with coconut oil might work better for you than CBD oil mixed with beeswax.
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Consume CBD oil edibles if you don't mind waiting for the effects. You might enjoy munching on CBD candies, treats, and other food products. Check the serving size directions, then eat your edible as directed. While these products are usually fun and easy to use, they may not work as well as other CBD products because they go through your digestive system. You'll likely feel more relaxed in about 2-4 hours, but it’s possible edibles won’t work for you. [8] X Trustworthy Source Arthritis Foundation Main organization devoted to arthritis support and education Go to source- You can find safe CBD gummies online here .
- It typically takes about 2-4 hours for your body to digest enough of the product for the CBD oil to enter your bloodstream. However, sometimes the food can mask the CBD effects in your body, as everyone is different. If edibles sound fun to you, try them to see if they provide the effects you want.
EXPERT TIPMedical Director of the Center for Medical Cannabis EducationDr. Jamie Corroon, ND, MPH is the founder and Medical Director of the Center for Medical Cannabis Education. Dr. Corroon is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor and clinical researcher. In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Corroon advises dietary supplement and cannabis companies regarding science, regulation, and product development. He is well published in the peer-review literature, with recent publications that investigate the clinical and public health implications of the broadening acceptance of cannabis in society. He earned a Masters in Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology from San Diego State University. He also earned a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree from Bastyr University, subsequently completed two years of residency at the Bastyr Center for Natural Health, and is a former adjunct professor at Bastyr University California.Did You Know? The only difference between CBD oils and edibles is how your body processes them. Once CBD molecules are extracted from the cannabis plant, they're dissolved in a lipid medium to create CBD oil. That oil can then be infused into foods like gummies or brownies, or it can be mixed into another oil and administered with a dropper.
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Vape CBD oil to feel calm and relaxed quickly. Smoking CBD oil is the quickest way to feel the effects. The easiest way to smoke it is to use a vape pen, which heats the CBD oil into a vapor that you can inhale. Purchase a vape pen battery and CBD oil cartridge from a smoke shop, dispensary, or online. Then, follow the directions on your vape pen battery to smoke the contents of the cartridge. [9] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source- Vape pen batteries are the base of a vape pen, while the cartridge is the part that contains what you’re smoking.
- You might feel the effects of CBD oil within 30 seconds of inhaling it.
Warning: Vaping may cause serious lung and respiratory issues. You might also experience shortness of breath and chest pain. [10] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source
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Ask your doctor for a dosage recommendation. Your doctor is your best resource for dosing instructions, especially if you’re treating a medical condition. [11] X Expert Source Liana Georgoulis, PsyD
Licensed Psychologist Expert Interview. 7 February 2020. Tell your doctor that you want to try CBD oil, then ask what products they recommend. Finally, talk to them about their dosage recommendation. [12] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source- Your doctor may be able to recommend a particular brand.
- Be open with your doctor about your chosen delivery method. They may recommend you avoid methods that might aggravate a medical condition that you have. For instance, they might recommend that you avoid vaping if you have asthma. [13]
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Expert Source
Liana Georgoulis, PsyD
Licensed Psychologist Expert Interview. 7 February 2020.
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Check the dosing instructions on the label of a commercial product. Most CBD products come with instructions for dosing. Read the product directions carefully to make sure you’re using it correctly. Additionally, don’t exceed the recommended dosage on the label, even if you don’t get the results you want. [14] X Trustworthy Source Arthritis Foundation Main organization devoted to arthritis support and education Go to source- It’s possible that some CBD products will work for you, while others won’t. Don’t try to take more a product that isn’t working. Instead, switch to a different product.
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Try an online calculator if you want a more precise dose. Do a quick online search for CBD dosing calculators, which are typically offered by sites that sell CBD products. Then, enter how many mL of oil the bottle has, how many mg of CBD oil the product contains, and how much you weigh. Using this information, the calculator will estimate how much oil you need in each dose. [15] X Research source- If you buy your CBD oil online, check the website to see if they have their own calculator. This will help you get the most accurate dosing.
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Use the smallest dose that provides you relief. You may need to experiment a bit to find the right dose for your needs. Start with the smallest dose for your product, such as 1 drop of tincture, 1 puff of vapor, or 1 gummy edible. See how that dose affects you. If you don’t get the results you want, increase your dose and try again. [16] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source- You may need to experiment with dosing with each different product that you try. [17]
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Expert Source
Liana Georgoulis, PsyD
Licensed Psychologist Expert Interview. 7 February 2020. For instance, 2 different tinctures may have different concentrations of CBD oil, meaning you’ll need to figure out your best dose for each one.
Tip: It’s best to start with a small dose of about 10 mg of CBD oil. Then, slowly increase your dose to find the right dosage for you. Typically, you’ll experience noticeable effects of the CBD oil at about 30 mg. [18] X Trustworthy Source Consumer Reports Nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer advocacy and product testing Go to source
- You may need to experiment with dosing with each different product that you try. [17]
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Expert Source
Liana Georgoulis, PsyD
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Call your doctor if you experience any side effects. While it’s rare, CBD oil may cause side effects, especially if you take a large dose. Usually, side effects are mild and go away on their own. However, consult your doctor to make sure you don’t need treatment if you experience the following side effects: [19] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Reduced appetite
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Get a prescription for CBD oil if you’re treating seizures. While CBD oil is an effective anti-seizure medication, the products available in stores may not be effective. Your doctor can prescribe Epidiolex, a CBD treatment that’s proven to treat seizures. Unfortunately, over-the-counter treatments typically aren’t safe to use for treating seizure disorders. Visit your doctor to get the CBD treatment that’s right for you condition. [20] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source- Use your CBD oil according to your doctor’s directions to treat your seizure disorder.
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Talk to your doctor before using CBD oil. While CBD oil is generally safe, it’s not right for everyone. It might worsen certain conditions and may interact with some drugs, including blood thinners, corticosteroids, and antidepressants. Talk to your doctor to make sure it’s safe for you to use CBD oil before trying it. [21] X Trustworthy Source Arthritis Foundation Main organization devoted to arthritis support and education Go to source- Tell your doctor what you plan to use CBD oil to treat.
EXPERT TIPLicensed PsychologistDr. Liana Georgoulis is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in Los Angeles, California. She is the founder and clinical director of Coast Psychological Services. With over 12 years of experience, her mission is to provide clients with effective, well-studied, and established treatments that bring about significant improvements in her patients' lives. Her practice provides cognitive behavioral therapy and other evidence-based therapies for adolescents, adults, and couples. Additionally, she provides group therapy for social anxiety, social skills, and assertiveness training. Providing a space where clients feel understood and supported is essential to her work. Dr. Georgoulis also provides clinical supervision to post-doctoral fellows and psychological assistants. She received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and a BA in Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles.Continue treating any health conditions under your doctor's care. It's important to include a holistic practice of health and well-being when you're treating any condition you might want to use CBD for, including your mental health. Don't get caught up in drastic claims that CBD is a cure-all. Instead, think of it as a supplement that may support your mental and physical health.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionIs it safe to take CBD?Dr. Aimée Gould Shunney is a Licensed Naturopathic Doctor at Santa Cruz Integrative Medicine in Santa Cruz, California where she specializes in women's health and hormone balancing. She also consults with various companies in the natural products industry including CV Sciences, makers of PlusCBD Oil. Dr. Aimée educates consumers, retailers, and healthcare providers about CBD oil through written articles, webinars, podcasts, and conferences nationwide. Her work has been featured at the American Academy for Anti-Aging Medicine, the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians Conference, and on Fox News. She earned her ND from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2001.Hemp CBD, yes. It has an excellent safety profile, especially if you're taking full-spectrum CBD. If you're worried about safety, talk to a doctor before taking it. Also, look for pure CBD that doesn't have any flavors or additives.
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QuestionHow long does it take for CBD oil to work orally?Dr. Aimée Gould Shunney is a Licensed Naturopathic Doctor at Santa Cruz Integrative Medicine in Santa Cruz, California where she specializes in women's health and hormone balancing. She also consults with various companies in the natural products industry including CV Sciences, makers of PlusCBD Oil. Dr. Aimée educates consumers, retailers, and healthcare providers about CBD oil through written articles, webinars, podcasts, and conferences nationwide. Her work has been featured at the American Academy for Anti-Aging Medicine, the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians Conference, and on Fox News. She earned her ND from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2001.Wait up to an hour for edibles to take effect. It can take as much as 60 minutes for a CBD gummy, edible, or capsule to take effect. That's because it has to be digested fully and pass through your liver before it can enter your bloodstream.
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QuestionCan CBD be absorbed through the skin?Dr. Aimée Gould Shunney is a Licensed Naturopathic Doctor at Santa Cruz Integrative Medicine in Santa Cruz, California where she specializes in women's health and hormone balancing. She also consults with various companies in the natural products industry including CV Sciences, makers of PlusCBD Oil. Dr. Aimée educates consumers, retailers, and healthcare providers about CBD oil through written articles, webinars, podcasts, and conferences nationwide. Her work has been featured at the American Academy for Anti-Aging Medicine, the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians Conference, and on Fox News. She earned her ND from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2001.Yes. Try topicals for quick relief. Topicals such as CBD balms or salves work quickly because your body doesn't have to break them down. You just put them on your skin, then they're absorbed into your bloodstream.
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Tips
- CBD oil is now legal in many places, but some areas still have laws that prohibit it. Check that it’s legal in your area before you purchase it. [22] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to sourceThanks
- While there’s scientific support that CBD oil helps seizure disorders and may help with pain, anxiety, and depression, there’s no proof that it helps treat other conditions. [23] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to sourceThanks
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Warnings
- Check with your doctor before you use any natural treatments, including CBD oil. It can interfere with certain medications and may worsen some conditions. [24] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to sourceThanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
- ↑ Liana Georgoulis, PsyD. Licensed Psychologist. Expert Interview. 7 February 2020.
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/cbd-products-are-everywhere-but-do-they-work
- ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/cbd/how-to-use-cbd-inhale-spray-apply-eat/
- ↑ https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/managing-pain/pain-relief-solutions/cbd-for-arthritis-pain
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
- ↑ https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/managing-pain/pain-relief-solutions/cbd-for-arthritis-pain
- ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/cbd/how-to-use-cbd-inhale-spray-apply-eat/
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-vaping-damage-your-lungs-what-we-do-and-dont-know-2019090417734
- ↑ Liana Georgoulis, PsyD. Licensed Psychologist. Expert Interview. 7 February 2020.
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/answers-to-the-top-questions-about-cannabis-extract
- ↑ Liana Georgoulis, PsyD. Licensed Psychologist. Expert Interview. 7 February 2020.
- ↑ https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/managing-pain/pain-relief-solutions/cbd-for-arthritis-pain
- ↑ https://www.cbdcentral.com/how-to-take-cbd-oil/
- ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/cbd/how-to-use-cbd-inhale-spray-apply-eat/
- ↑ Liana Georgoulis, PsyD. Licensed Psychologist. Expert Interview. 7 February 2020.
- ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/cbd/how-to-use-cbd-inhale-spray-apply-eat/
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-cbd-safe-and-effective/faq-20446700
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
- ↑ https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/managing-pain/pain-relief-solutions/cbd-for-arthritis-pain
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/answers-to-the-top-questions-about-cannabis-extract
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/answers-to-the-top-questions-about-cannabis-extract
About This Article
Article Summary
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Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a compound found in hemp. When you take CBD, it interacts with a system in your body called the endocannabinoid system. Receptors from this system are found in immune tissue, which is responsible for controlling inflammation in the body, and in the hypothalamus and amygdala - brain structures involved in managing the stress response. Unlike THC, CBD won't cause a high feeling, and there's some evidence that CBD oil may be able to help with anxiety, insomnia, and pain. If you're interested in taking CBD oil, you can take CBD capsules, tinctures, or edibles. Try taking CBD capsules if you want to make sure you're getting a consistent dose. Capsules take about 30 minutes to kick in. For faster results, try taking a CBD tincture, which can kick in within 15 minutes. To use a tincture, just administer a few drops underneath your tongue using the dropper, or add drops to a drink to mask the taste. You can also take CBD edibles, like CBD candies and baked goods, which take about 2 to 4 hours to work but last longer than other forms of CBD oil. If you're trying to treat pain with CBD, massage a topical CBD oil directly into your sore or tender muscles for fast relief. Whichever method you use, start with a small dose, like 10 mg, and gradually increase your dose as needed. Talk to your doctor before using CBD oil to make sure it's safe for you and won't interfere with any medications you're taking. For more tips, including how to get medical-grade CBD oil, read on!
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