Last updated: October 2026
To take CBD oil, shake the bottle, place your drops under your tongue, hold them for 60 to 90 seconds, then swallow. Take it with or after food, as a 2020 trial found a meal increased absorption several times. Start low, at the same time each day, and give it two to four weeks before judging whether it suits you.
Below: step-by-step instructions, how many drops, when to take it, other ways to take CBD, mistakes to avoid, and safety.
How to take CBD oil: step by step
- Shake the bottle gently so the CBD is evenly mixed.
- Fill the dropper partly and count your drops; you don’t need a full dropper.
- Drop under your tongue, keeping the dropper from touching your mouth.
- Hold for 60 to 90 seconds, then swallow.
- Take it with or after food, ideally a meal with some fat.
- Close the lid tightly and store in a cool, dark place. See how to store CBD oil.
Don’t like the taste? Follow with a drink, use a flavoured oil, or try capsules. See what CBD oil tastes like.
How many drops?
| Oil strength (10ml) | CBD per drop | Drops for about 10mg |
|---|---|---|
| 500mg (5%) | About 2.5mg | 4 |
| 1000mg (10%) | About 5mg | 2 |
| 2000mg (20%) | About 10mg | 1 |
For 30ml bottles and every strength, see how much CBD to take. The FSA’s 10mg a day figure is precautionary advice rather than a legal limit, set while longer-term safety research continues. At Evopure we think it is a very cautious figure, and many adults use more. If you go above it, increase slowly, and check with your GP or pharmacist first if you take any medication. See CBD daily limit UK.
When to take CBD oil
| Time | Suits |
|---|---|
| Morning, with breakfast | A daytime routine; products like our Flow oil with ashwagandha and maca |
| Evening, with dinner or 30 to 60 minutes before bed | A wind-down routine; drowsiness is a common side effect, so evening suits many people |
| Split, morning and evening | Spreading a larger daily amount |
Consistency matters more than the exact time. See how long CBD takes to work and what CBD feels like.
Other ways to take CBD
| Method | Onset | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Capsules | 1 to 2 hours | Exact dose, no taste. See CBD oil vs capsules |
| In food or drinks | 1 to 2 hours | Mix into a fat first. See cooking with CBD and CBD tea |
| Balm or cream | Minutes, on the area applied | Little reaches the bloodstream |
| Vaping CBD e-liquid | Minutes | Only use e-liquid made for vaping; never vape CBD oil drops. See can you vape CBD oil? |
Common mistakes
- Swallowing straight away instead of holding under the tongue.
- Taking it on an empty stomach, then wondering why it feels weak.
- Judging after one or two days.
- Not counting drops, so the dose changes every day.
- Stacking several CBD products without adding up the total.
- Buying hemp seed oil by mistake. See hemp oil vs CBD oil.
Still not noticing anything? See why isn’t CBD working for me?
Safety
- Medicines: CBD can interact with some medicines. Check with a pharmacist. See CBD and medication.
- Driving: don’t drive if CBD makes you drowsy.
- Who shouldn’t take it: under-18s, and people who are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive. We don’t recommend our products during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Side effects: drowsiness, diarrhoea and appetite changes, mostly at higher doses. See CBD side effects.
FAQs
How do you take CBD oil?
Place your drops under your tongue, hold for 60 to 90 seconds, then swallow, ideally with or after food.
Should I take CBD oil with food?
Yes. A 2020 trial found taking CBD with a meal increased absorption several times compared with an empty stomach.
Is it better to take CBD in the morning or at night?
Either works. Many people prefer evenings because CBD can cause drowsiness. Consistency matters more than timing.
How long should I hold CBD oil under my tongue?
About 60 to 90 seconds, then swallow.
Can I put CBD oil in a drink?
Yes, but stir it into milk or another drink with some fat, as CBD doesn’t mix with water.
How long does it take for CBD oil to work?
Drops under the tongue may be felt in 15 to 45 minutes; with food, 1 to 2 hours. Give it 2 to 4 weeks of regular use to judge.
Sources
- Crockett J et al. Effect of meals, whole milk and alcohol on cannabidiol exposure in healthy subjects. Epilepsia, 2020.
- Millar SA et al. A systematic review on the pharmacokinetics of cannabidiol in humans. Front Pharmacol, 2018.
- FSA. Cannabidiol (CBD) guidance.
