The Best Time to Take CBD Oil to Reap all the Rewards

When you first start taking CBD products, one of the first questions you need to figure out is the best time to take CBD oil to reap the biggest benefits. Day? Night? Throughout the day? Unfortunately, there isn’t a one size fits all answer. Like with any new cannabis product, trial and error is the key. 

However, some factors will help you make that decision, and we’re happy to assist.

So let’s dive in…

The Endocannabinoid System

Before we get into the best time to take CBD oil, we need to explain a few things.

There is no one answer to the best time to take CBD oil because of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). How your body reacts to CBD depends on your body’s ECS. It’s the prime regulatory network that balances your biological functions, like brain function, immune tissues and the endocrine system. It also plays a vital role in hormone secretion. 

And because everyone’s ECS is different, there can’t be just one answer for the best time to take CBD oil.  

When Can CBD Oil Be Taken?

If you want, you can take CBD all day, every day. Well, that might be a bit extreme. But there is no right or wrong way to take it. It’s all up to you. 

When is The Best Time to Take CBD Oil? 

The answer is it depends. 

Since you can take it at any time, you need to know why you are taking it. For example, if you’re taking it to sleep, you’re not going to load up on it with your morning coffee. If you’re taking it to increase your appetite, don’t take it before bed. 

That’s a bit obvious, right? 

So, let’s break it down further…

Reasons for Daytime CBD Oil Use

Enhance Productivity and Focus

Add a few drops into your coffee, and CBD oil will help promote a calm and healthy state of mind. It won’t give you a caffeine-like boost, more like a balanced brain. So say goodbye to brain fog and hello to focused concentration and a sharp mind.

Don’t forget that CBD won’t get you high, so taking it in the morning isn’t a problem. 

Boost Your Appetite   

CBD can increase your desire for food, so taking a little in the morning might help you eat.  

Have a Kick-Butt Workout

Before you exercise, a CBD cream or balm can help warm up your muscles. And after, if you’re sore, apply it topically and rub it in for some pain relief. It also helps rejuvenate the muscles after a tough workout sesh.

Ease Stiff Morning Muscles

For those morning creaky joints, CBD oil usage helps soothe and relax them. 

Cope with Stress

If you’re feeling stress or anxiety, CBD to the rescue. It interacts with the ECS to promote relaxation and regulates the activity of the GABA receptor, the handbrake for your brain. So, in short, it stops you from overthinking.    

Add a little to your morning smoothie or coffee to keep your chill. But you don’t have to take it only in the morning. Take it throughout the day or as needed to maintain that level of calm.    

Nighttime Uses for CBD Oil

Relax After a Long Day

Just like stress during the day, CBD taken at night can help calm your mind and body. If you mix it with lavender or geranium essential oils, it’ll help soothe you even further. CBD really helps slow down your overstimulated brain.

Just because you get off work and sit on the couch doesn’t mean your head will stop its monkey mind from jumping all over the place. It doesn’t help if you want to chill and smoke a joint, but your head won’t stop. CBD will help you relax mentally as well as physically. 

Reduce Pain

If you have chronic pain, CBD is a great pain reliever, allowing you to sleep better.

Regulates Cortisol

CBD regulates cortisol, the stress hormone. Cortisol affects non-REM sleep cycles, so CBD improves the quality of sleep you get. 

Decreases Anxiety

CBD decreases the effects of anxiety disorders so taking it at night, when your mind needs to settle, has a brain balancing effect.  

Stop Snoring

Snoring affects your sleep quality, as well as your partner’s. Taking CBD at night helps prevent irregular breathing patterns and any apneas you may have, which all makes for a better night’s rest. 

Sleep

Last but not least, take it to improve sleep. You’ll probably need a higher dose for it to have a sedative effect, but start low and work your way up. 

How to Ingest CBD Oil and Its Bioavailability

The form of CBD you take has a significant effect on when you take it and how often. Your body absorbs CBD differently from each method, some slower than others. The absorption rate, or bioavailability, is different from method to method. 

Not all the CBD you consume makes it to your bloodstream. And even less gets into your endocannabinoid system, so it’s as essential to think about the delivery method as the reason you are taking it. 

If you are taking it for acute pain, you need to know how fast CBD oil works. On the other hand, if you need to sleep, you’ll want a slow and long-lasting option. 

CBD Vapes

Inhaling is the fastest delivery method. But rolling a joint doesn’t give you control over your dose. So, using a vape pen is a great alternative. Plus, you can go to your local dispensary and get a specific amount of CBD to vape. The lungs absorb CBD quickly which means it also enters your bloodstream rapidly. 

It only takes about 15 minutes to reach peak levels in your body, but it also wears off quickly. So, vaping is ideal if you want to take it throughout the day and get immediate effects. In addition, it’s an excellent method for anxiety or pain because you can take it as soon as you feel the need.

There is all that controversy around vaping, so if you have a weak respiratory system, you may want to choose an alternate delivery method.

Edibles and CBD Capsules

There are so many forms of edibles out there. You can try CBD gummies, chocolates, mints, and even drinks containing cannabinoids. But because it has to go through your gut, liver and digestive system, it takes about 2 hours to get into your bloodstream. It lasts longer but shouldn’t be taken if you need immediate effects.

Edibles are ideal if you are looking for CBD to sleep. Take it a couple of hours before you want to go to bed, and let the mellowing effects slowly take place as you wind down the day. 

CBD Oils and Tinctures 

Both oils and tinctures are taken sublingually. You place a drop or two under your tongue where the receptor sites are, and within 45 minutes, you’ll start feeling the effects. This method isn’t as fast as vaping, but it lasts longer.  

You can use oils and CBD tinctures on-demand as you would a vape but it’s also suitable as a daily supplement. They are great for things like anxiety or pain because it works so quickly. In addition, there are a lot of cannabis drops for anxiety available on the market. 

We recommend Commons, a new CBD product brand. They have tinctures, gummies, topicals. Modern Aging readers get 20% off their first purchase use the CODE: MODERNAGING.

Whatever time you decide to use them, do it after a meal because food helps increase absorption.  

Topical CBD 

Topicals like balms, creams and salves can be used all day on an as-needed basis. They take about an hour to kick in and are very targeted. Topicals are ideal for sore muscles and joints. 

The Last Drop

The best time to take CBD oil depends upon your reasons for using it. But there is no wrong time to take it. So, you need to do some personal sleuthing to find out what works best for you. 

The bottom line is to take it when you need it, with the method that provides the best bioavailability. CBD can be a godsend for a myriad of life’s challenges, and once you find the right time and method, you’ll be happy as a clam. 

If you are interested in learning more about cannabis and CBD, register for our new LIVE FREE WEBINAR, The Essential Guide to Cannabis and CBD For Women’s Health, with Integrative Cannabis Physician Dr. June Chin where she will talk about the science of Cannabis and how it can potentially help you.  Dates are Sept 30, Oct 3 and 6, 2021.  Just pick the date and time that works best for you.  Go to https://www.cbdwomenshealth.co/webinar to register.