CBD oil drops, often called tinctures, are a popular way to consume cannabidiol derived from the hemp plant. This method involves placing the oil beneath the tongue for rapid absorption into the bloodstream. The effectiveness of CBD oil depends heavily on the specific intake technique. Understanding the optimal approach, from calculating the correct amount to proper administration, is necessary to maximize the benefits. This guide outlines the practices for taking CBD oil drops to ensure high absorption.
Selecting the Right Starting Amount
Determining the appropriate starting amount of CBD requires careful calculation and a personalized approach. The concentration is typically listed on the bottle in total milligrams (mg), but the amount per dose depends on the dropper’s volume. To find your milligram-per-drop amount, first determine the milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL).
New users should use titration, which means beginning with a minimal dose and gradually increasing it. A starting point might be 2 to 5 mg of CBD, taken once or twice daily. After maintaining that amount for a week, increase the daily total by small increments, such as 5 mg, until the desired result is achieved.
Factors such as body weight, individual body chemistry, and the specific effect being sought all influence the ideal final amount. Maintain the same dose for several days before making any adjustment to accurately gauge its effect on your body.
The Proper Method of Administration
The primary technique for maximizing CBD absorption is sublingual administration, meaning “under the tongue.” This area is rich in capillaries and covered by a thin, permeable mucous membrane. Placing the oil here allows CBD to bypass the digestive system and liver metabolism, leading to quicker entry into the bloodstream.
After placing the measured drops under the tongue, the oil must be held there for a specific duration before being swallowed. The optimal hold time is generally 60 to 90 seconds. This sustained contact allows the cannabinoids to pass through the membranes, significantly increasing the amount absorbed compared to swallowing immediately.
Swallowing too quickly sends the CBD through the gastrointestinal tract where it is subject to the “first-pass effect” in the liver. This metabolic process breaks down much of the compound, substantially reducing its bioavailability. The sublingual method is designed to circumvent this process, providing a higher and faster concentration of CBD in the system.
Establishing a Consistent Routine
Maintaining a consistent schedule is necessary for integrating CBD into a daily regimen and sustaining steady concentrations in the bloodstream. Taking the oil at the same time each day helps to regulate the compound’s presence in your system. This predictability is important because individual responses to CBD can vary widely.
The timing of your dose relative to meals significantly affects how much CBD the body absorbs. Cannabidiol is a fat-soluble compound, meaning it dissolves more readily in fat than in water. Consuming the oil alongside foods containing healthy fats can dramatically increase the amount of CBD that reaches the bloodstream.
Studies have shown that taking CBD with a high-fat meal can increase its absorption, potentially raising blood levels several times compared to fasting. Dietary fats stimulate bile production and may activate the lymphatic transport system, helping CBD avoid initial digestive breakdown. Incorporating the oil with a meal rich in healthy fats, such as avocados or nuts, improves the oil’s overall efficacy.
Storage and Handling
Proper storage is necessary to preserve the potency and shelf life of the CBD oil. Cannabinoids are highly sensitive to environmental factors, particularly light and excessive heat. Exposure to UV rays or high temperatures can cause the compounds to degrade, reducing the product’s effectiveness.
The oil should be stored in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cabinet, ideally at a stable room temperature between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Most CBD oils are packaged in dark-colored glass bottles specifically to protect the contents from light exposure. Keeping the bottle tightly sealed prevents air exposure, which can lead to oxidation and a loss of potency.
To maintain hygiene and prevent contamination, the dropper should never touch the inside of the mouth or the tongue. Contact with saliva can introduce bacteria into the bottle, which may compromise the product’s quality. Always ensure the dropper is clean before returning it to the bottle and closing the cap securely.