Whether you’re brand new or refining your routine, figuring out how to take CBD oil can be confusing without clear guidance. Below you’ll find practical instructions on drops, capsules, vapes, topicals and edibles, how much to take, when to take it, and how long it may take to notice effects.
Quick watch: Video overview of CBD methods
Ways to take CBD
CBD oil drops (sublingual)
Our most recommended method. Place the oil under your tongue for 1–2 minutes before swallowing. Sublingual delivery offers high bioavailability (second only to inhalation) and simple, precise dosing.
How many drops? Check how much CBD you get per serving on the label. If your dropper is 1 ml, you can estimate mg/ml by dividing total CBD by bottle volume:
[Total CBD (mg)] ÷ [Bottle volume (ml)] = mg CBD per ml. Then use the serving guidance to reach your target dose.
CBD pills or capsules
Great if you dislike the taste or want set-and-forget dosing. Take like a vitamin; softgels can also be opened and added to drinks. Effects arrive more slowly than drops because capsules are digested.
Read more: CBD oil vs capsules
Smoking or vaping CBD
Inhalation delivers CBD to the bloodstream fastest via the lungs—useful for rapid effects (e.g., relaxation). Track your intake by knowing mg per tank and noting refills. Use CBD vape juice; do not vape standard CBD oil.
Read more: Can you overdose on CBD?
CBD balms, skincare & topicals
Applied to skin for local support (muscles, joints, skincare). Topicals don’t reach the bloodstream like oral or inhaled CBD, so overall bioavailability is lower.
Read more: Guide to topical CBD products
CBD edibles, snacks & gummies
Tasty and convenient (gummies, chocolate, granola bars) or DIY bakes. Expect a slower onset due to digestion. You can also make your own—try brownies:
Read more: How to make CBD brownies
CBD dosage: how much should I take?
Your ideal dose depends on body size, product quality, method and your goals. A sensible starting plan:
- Begin with 10–15 mg/day for 3–7 days.
- Increase by 1–5 mg per day until desired effect.
- When increases stop helping, step back ~10 mg—that’s a good maintenance dose.
- UK FSA guidance: healthy adults should not exceed 70 mg/day.
Read more: CBD oil strengths explained
When is the best time to take CBD oil?
There’s no single “right” time—many take it in the morning for daytime balance or before bed for wind-down. Whatever you choose, aim for consistency.
Pro tip: Take CBD with a meal containing healthy fats to improve absorption. Avoid an empty stomach (stomach acid can degrade cannabinoids).
Complete this one-minute quiz and find the right products for you.
How long does CBD oil take to work?
- Sublingual drops: ~15–45 minutes
- Vape: ~5–15 minutes (fastest)
- Capsules/edibles: ~45–90+ minutes
- Topicals: variable and local only
Think in weeks, not minutes for overall wellness. Try daily use for 2 weeks while tracking how you feel (1–10). If benefits are unclear, increase gradually and reassess after another 2 weeks.
What is the best CBD oil to take?
The market varies widely—focus on transparency and quality:
- Independent lab reports (COAs) for every batch (cannabinoids, pesticides, heavy metals, microbes).
- Organic, non-GMO, sustainable sourcing where possible.
- Prefer broad-spectrum or full-spectrum for the entourage effect; isolate if you want only CBD.
- Short ingredient lists (cannabinoids + carrier oil) over flashy packaging.
Beware brands that prioritise marketing over testing and science.
Frequently asked questions
Can you overdose on CBD oil?
No lethal dose has been identified; studies report very high intakes (e.g., 1500 mg/day) without fatal outcomes. Still, follow label directions and UK FSA guidance (≤70 mg/day for healthy adults).
Does CBD get you high?
No. CBD is non-intoxicating. Only products with significant THC content (not legal in standard UK OTC CBD) can cause a “high”.
Can you get addicted to CBD oil?
Current evidence indicates no physical dependence, cravings, or withdrawal with CBD.
What’s the fastest way to feel CBD?
Vaping is fastest, followed by sublingual drops. Capsules/edibles are slower but convenient for steady daily use.
How do I calculate my dose from a bottle?
Divide total CBD by bottle volume to get mg per ml, then use the dropper markings (or drops/serving on label) to reach your target.
Final thoughts on how to take CBD
Choose a method that fits your routine, start low and slow, take with food, and be consistent for a few weeks. Your ideal dose is personal—use a simple journal to dial it in.
