Best Way to Take CBD: A Complete Guide

Read Time: 10 minutes

CBD, a natural cannabinoid found in the hemp plant, can be consumed in many different ways. Most options fall into a few general categories, and each has its own advantages. Everybody processes cannabinoids a little differently, so finding your ideal form and serving may take some experimentation. Not sure where to start? Don’t worry—we’re here to help! This guide will offer help in choosing the product that is right for you and look into the two most common ways to take CBD: orally and topically. 

How To Choose 

When looking for new CBD products it’s helpful to know a few things when getting started. You’ll want to think about your preferred method of taking CBD, as well as the reason or need for CBD. 

What are the differences between Oral and Topical CBD products? 

Ingesting CBD orally means to consume CBD through your mouth. If you’ve never taken CBD before, ingesting it is an easy place to start. There are two primary methods of consuming CBD, sublingually and ingestion. Sublingually, or “under the tongue,” refers to placing oil from CBD tinctures underneath your tongue before swallowing. Ingesting CBD is to directly swallow CBD in the form of a softgel, capsule, or edible. These types of products deliver a generalized effect, with users reporting that they help maintain a healthy lifestyle and support balance in body and mind.

Using a CBD product topically refers to the product being applied directly to your skin, not ingested. For example—if you’re looking to try CBD for body aches and discomfort, a CBD topical like our lotions, balms, and/or massage oil are great options. The CBD in topicals is absorbed into the cannabinoid receptors found in your skin. Many people choose to use topicals because they work quickly on localized and targeted areas of the body. 

Once you have an idea of what product(s) will provide the support you need, you’ll want to select the potency that’s compatible with your lifestyle. Due to the wide range of use-cases for CBD, appropriate serving sizes can vary greatly. Learn more about CBD potency and which is right for you. (Link to understanding CBD potency blog)

By knowing how these products are used and their advantages, you can better decide what type of product is right for you. Below is a chart that can help guide you in the right direction when choosing a new CBD product. Whether you are looking for a flavorful CBD oil tincture or a moisturizing topical, we have the product to fit your needs.

How to use 

How To Take CBD Oil Tinctures: 

The most common way to consume CBD oils, or tinctures, is by placing it under your tongue and holding it there for up to a minute. Why choose a CBD oil tincture? It’s easy to adjust your serving size, and it tends to work a little faster. Tinctures come in both flavored and unflavored varieties. Unlike capsules that are pre-measured, tinctures provide the flexibility to vary your CBD serving size fluidly.

CBD tinctures placed under the tongue get absorbed through the capillaries in your mouth and enter directly into the bloodstream. With all of our tinctures, we suggest starting at 50mg, waiting two hours, and increasing as needed.  

Benefits: Quick, Multiple flavor options; Serving size flexibility

1. Shake the bottle to mix well. Fill dropper to your desired serving amount. 

Your dropper has measurement lines to show you how to get your perfect serving. The dropper is marked every 0.25 ml.

2. Place oil under the tongue and keep it there for 30-60 seconds.

This allows for better absorption and faster results.

3. Swallow, and you’re all set to go about your day!

Allow up to two hours to feel the effects of Lazarus Naturals CBD.

4. If you’re looking for an alternate way to take your CBD tinctures try adding them to your favorite beverages or foods. Check out these recipes for more tips:

Blueberry CBD smoothie
Fruity Mocktails
Other tasty recipes

How To Take CBD Capsules & Softgels:

If you like to keep things simple, CBD capsules are your best option. Most of us are familiar with using capsules and pills, so taking CBD in this format shouldn’t feel too different. All capsules have pre-measured servings of CBD, so you don't have to worry about accurate serving sizes. This is the simplest method, but lacks the flavor of some other options.

When ingesting CBD, it first has to travel through your digestive system and make it to the liver before being sent to your bloodstream. This method takes a bit longer to work, but the effects last longer than other methods. With all of our CBD capsules and CBD softgels, we suggest starting at 50mg, waiting two hours, and increasing as needed.  

Benefits: Simple, standard measurements, no hemp flavor. 

1. Remove the capsules or softgels from the container. 

Each capsule or softgel contains CBD, so the number of them you take will determine your serving size. 

2. Drink water before you take the capsule or softgel.

This will help to lubricate your mouth and throat. 

3. Put the capsule on your tongue, take a sip of water, and swallow.  

Keep drinking after you’ve swallowed to make sure it goes down all the way down to your stomach. 

4. Go about your day!

Allow up to two hours to feel the effects of Lazarus Naturals CBD.

HOW TO TAKE EDIBLES & GUMMIES

Lazarus Naturals offers CBD edibles in a few forms. CBD Gummies have skyrocketed in popularity the past few years. They’re small, portable, tasty, and even in a small serving satisfy that snackable craving with a slightly rough coating and satisfying chewines. Lazarus Naturals offers a handful of CBD Gummies varying in flavor and function. Perhaps our most popular are our CBD Sleep gummies which boast CBN, CBG, and CBN cannabinoids for a full spectrum entourage effect meant to promote deep, restful sleep. It’s recommended to start with one gummy for those with low tolerance, and increase to a full two-gummy serving as needed. Our newest addition to the gummies lineup is our Passion Fruit CBD + THC gummies, which boast 50mg of CBD and 2mg of THC. Recommended starting serving size is a half gummy (one gummy equals a full serving). 

Benefits: Great with friends, tasty, long lasting.

1. Shake 1-2 gummies into your hand

Each Gummy* contains 25-50mg of CBD, so the number of fruit tarts you take will determine your serving size. 

*Note Passion Fruit gummies: each gummy equals one serving size (50mg CBD + 2 mg THC). 

1. New to full spectrum CBD? Take one, or if it’s Passion Fruit CBD + THC, try a half of a gummy.

2. Take a sip of water, if needed.  

3. Go about your day!

If THC-free is more your vibe, CBD hard candies are great for when you’re on the go! They’re available in a variety of flavors and sizes, yet still pack a potent CBD punch. Whether gummies or tarts, monitoring how much CBD you’re taking is easy since they come in precise serving sizes. This method takes a bit longer to work, but the effects will still last longer than any other application methods. We recommend starting with two tarts (or 50mg) waiting two hours, and increasing as needed.

Benefits: Tart, discreet, portable.

How To Take CBD Fruit Tarts (Edibles):

Lazarus Naturals is currently offering CBD edibles in the form of delicious fruit tarts. These small, tasty CBD hard candies are great for when you’re on the go! They’re available in a variety of flavors and sizes, yet still pack a potent CBD punch. Plus, monitoring how much CBD you’re taking is easy with edibles since they come in precise serving sizes. This method takes a bit longer to work, but the effects will still last longer than any other application methods. We recommend starting with two tarts (or 50mg,) waiting two hours, and increasing as needed.Lazarus Naturals also now offers new edible options with the arrival of our CBD chocolate bar and CBD gummies to meet your taste preferences!

Benefits: Tasty, discreet, portable. 

1. Remove the fruit tarts from the container. 

Each edible contains 25mg of CBD, so the number of fruit tarts you take will determine your serving size. 

2. Pop the fruit tarts in your mouth, chew them, and swallow.

3. Take a sip of water, if needed.  

4. Go about your day!

Allow up to two hours to feel the effects of Lazarus Naturals CBD.

How To Use CBD Topicals

Topical application of CBD offers an alternative for those who may not want to ingest it directly. When applying CBD topicals, your body absorbs the CBD, and the cannabinoid targets the area around the application site where you are seeking to improve comfort. Just as you would any other CBD product, make sure to determine the best CBD dosage for your needs any time you’re using or applying CBD. In addition to experiencing its restorative and relaxing benefits, your skin will feel soft and smooth. With all of our topicals, we suggest starting at 50mg. See how the first application works for you, and move up from there until achieving your desired effect.

Benefits: No ingestion necessary, great for localized discomfort. 

1. Choose your target zone.

Got a specific spot that needs a little relief? Try to pinpoint your problem areas. This can really help you get your desired effect. Many people like to target common tension spots, such as your wrists, knees, or parts of the back. 

2. Clean up.

Wash the area where you’ll be applying CBD. This will help clear away unwanted dirt or germs that could interfere with CBD absorption, and will help ensure that you get the maximum effect.

3. Apply the topical.

BALMS:

Get a generous scoop of the balm. Our CBD balms offer a potent 50mg of CBD per ½ tsp.  

Firmly rub it into your skin. It’s easy to use, easy to absorb, and it feels great going on. Some 

people like to go for two or three applications; others are good with just one. 

LOTIONS:

Squeeze a generous amount of lotion onto your hand—or directly to the targeted area. Our line of CBD lotions are infused with a generous serving of 50mg of CBD per tsp, and can be applied to larger parts of the body. We’ve added soothing all-natural ingredients to help the CBD absorb quickly and move past the skin barrier. 

BODY & MASSAGE OIL:

Our CBD Body & Massage Oil is made with organic jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, and 50mg of 

CBD per tablespoon for a nurturing combo of deep tissue support. Carefully pour the desired 

amount of Body & Massage Oil into your hand or directly onto the targeted area. The viscosity of massage oil combined with CBD supports deep tissue massage. Once applied, work it into sore muscles after a long run, a stressful day at work, or to wind down before bed.

CBD for your pet

We've gone over different ways that you can consume CBD, but what about your pets? If you didn't already know, dogs and cats can also enjoy the same benefits from our products that you do, which is why we’ve created our line of CBD products for pets. Tinctures are the best CBD oil products for animals because you can adjust the serving size to your pet's unique size and tolerance. We recommend either our Full Spectrum Calming CBD Pet Tincture or any of our CBD isolate-based products.

Add drops of the tincture to your pet's food or administer it orally. Here is what we recommend for your pets.

Less than 15lbs: 3 drops (1.5mg)

15-30lbs: 6 drops (3mg)

30-60lbs: 10 drops (5mg)

Over 60lbs: 20 drops (10mg)

If your dog is finicky with taste our CBD dog treats are a great alternative to our pet tinctures. 

When do I take CBD?

It may take some experimenting to find your ideal CBD routine and products. CBD affects everyone differently, and there is no right or wrong answer on when to use CBD. To start you you can try: 

Morning: 

Take it in the morning for a feeling of relief. Adding CBD to your morning routine is the perfect way to get your day started. If you’re looking to enhance your routine and brighten your day, consider adding CBD to help you feel great so you can focus on what’s important.

Afternoon: 

Take it in the afternoon for a boost of focus and energy. Add CBD to your afternoon to get that midday pick-me-up to get you through the workday! CBD can improve concentration and help give you more energy when you need it most.

Evening: 

Take it in the evening to feel a sense of calm, and to promote restfulness. Adding CBD to your nighttime routine can help relax your body and mind, and ease discomfort from a long day. CBD can help reduce the amount of stress your body feels from long hours at work or vigorous activities like working out.

Daily: 

Add CBD to your daily routine for an overall sense of well-being and to achieve your desired effect.  

Trying a new product for the first time can be confusing. Please know that we are here to help make your CBD experience the best it can be! Monday - Friday from 7am - 5pm PST our Customer Service team is here to help you with any questions you have! You can give them a call at (206) 909-3354 or email them at [email protected]. Not happy with a product? With our 90-day stress-free return policy, you can return or exchange a product if you’re not completely satisfied!

Disclaimer

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Lazarus Naturals shall not be held liable for any direct or indirect damages caused in any way through the use of information, services, or products provided or sold by Etz Hayim Holdings DBA Lazarus Naturals. This disclaimer of liability applies to any damages or injury which may be perceived to be caused by the information or products sold or provided by Etz Hayim Holdings.