Have you recently started adding CBD products to your wellness routine?
You’re in good company — public interest in all things cannabidiol has steadily been growing in recent years. CBD enthusiasts have plenty of questions about the best ways to include cannabidiol in their lives, including the best time of day to take CBD.
We come armed with tips to slide CBD products into your lifestyle effortlessly.
Your Obligatory (but Important) Disclaimer
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the two primary compounds in Cannabis sativa plants. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) — responsible for psychoactive effects — is the other. Unlike THC, CBD is a non-psychoactive and non-addictive compound.
Industrial hemp has a THC content of no more than 0.02 per cent and is the most common source of CBD products.
Several small studies quizzed CBD consumers on their reasons for using cannabidiol. They discovered that the participating consumers have varied motivations for taking CBD products, including:
- General health and wellbeing
- Relaxation and stress relief
- Sore muscles following a workout
- Pain relief
- Better concentration
- Improved sleep
While authorised CBD products are legally available in the UK without a prescription, manufacturers and stockists cannot make any claims about the potential health benefits of cannabidiol. Research into the effects and side effects of CBD is ongoing, and much remains unknown about cannabidiol as a “novel food product”.
Interesting studies into the potential effects of CBD are published regularly — and discussing the best time of day to take CBD products necessitates discussing some of them. However, responsible CBD consumers should never use cannabidiol to prevent, treat, or cure specific medical conditions, even after reading new studies. Consumers with specific health concerns would strongly be advised to make an appointment with their GP, who can address questions about CBD.
Taking Your CBD Products in the Morning
Some consumers may want to start the day with CBD.
People who have just woken up generally have two aims — to wake up fully so they can be alert and attentive and to get themselves into a productive and positive mindset.
One study entitled Potential Effects of Cannabidiol as a Wake-Promoting Agent and published in 2014 suggests that CBD may have some potential as a compound to promote wakefulness. However, other research suggests that some CBD consumers instead experience a sedative effect — causing them to feel calmer and sleepier rather than awake.
Keep in mind that the potential effects CBD may have on your mood and wakefulness remain unclear. If you want to try taking CBD products in the morning, it may be best to start this practice during the weekend. It’s easier to assess how you feel after consuming cannabidiol when you have fewer responsibilities.
Taking CBD During the Day
People interested in taking CBD during the most productive part of the day may have several reasons.
A lunch break can be a good time to practice a relaxing wellness routine centred on self-care, for example. Some people may believe CBD can play a role in such a daily ritual.
Others have more specific aims. Some people may seek to reduce muscle soreness and pain, while others seek relief from everyday anxiety, for example. Small studies have indicated that CBD products may play a potential role in relieving anxiety and soreness, but the sample sizes were too small to make any definitive conclusions.
People with medical concerns would, again, be advised to turn to their GP. Those who want to add CBD products to their wellness routine can do so, starting with the lowest possible dose and observing the effects they feel carefully. Pay attention to your body, and try starting a CBD routine on a day when you don’t have many responsibilities.
Taking CBD at Night
The evening is the optimal time to unload the day’s stresses and to take time to relax. A self-care routine that includes activities designed to help you wind down is a great way to do that. Reading, yoga, meditation, a nice bath, and adult colouring books are all potential options. Some consumers might like to make CBD a regular part of their nighttime routines, too.
A study called Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series and published in 2019 suggested that CBD has potential anti-anxiety and sleep-inducing effects. However, the authors noted that more research is needed before any conclusions can be drawn.
In short, CBD consumers who want to incorporate cannabidiol into a relaxing nighttime routine should keep in mind that it shouldn’t be used to treat specific conditions such as insomnia or anxiety.
Taking CBD on an As-Wanted Basis
Routines are comforting to many people. However, some people may want to use CBD products whenever they feel the need — whether at home or on the go. Portable CBD products like capsules and gummies are ideal for people with busy lifestyles, while those wishing to take CBD at home may consider CBD oil ideal.
What Is the Best Time to Take CBD?
There’s no single best time to take CBD products — only the best time for you.
If you are new to CBD and aren’t sure what to expect, it’s ideal to try cannabidiol at a time when you don’t have anything else planned. This approach allows you to observe your experience and makes sure nothing gets in the way.
First-time CBD consumers should always start with the lowest possible dose. It is especially important not to take more if you “don’t feel anything yet”. That is because various factors can affect the speed at which CBD kicks in, including how you take CBD — a phenomenon called bioavailability.
Once you get used to CBD, you’ll have a better idea of the best ways to include cannabidiol in your daily routine.
What’s the Best Way to Take CBD?
Deciding when to take CBD is important, but consumers will also want to consider their preferred route of administration — in other words, how to take CBD.
You have many options and can choose from three types of CBD:
- Full-spectrum CBD incorporates CBD, various other cannabidiol, terpenes, flavonoids, and essential oils. It can have a maximum THC content of 0.02 per cent in the UK.
- Broad-spectrum CBD is very similar to full-spectrum CBD, but it only contains trace elements of THC. That’s because broad-spectrum CBD products are further processed to remove THC.
- CBD isolate products contain CBD and no other cannabinoids.
CBD Oil: Best for Versatility
CBD oil is sold in bottles with droppers, and it’s available in various strengths. Consumers use the supplied dropper to measure their desired dose. After that, they can hold CBD oil under the tongue for 60 to 90 seconds for a fast effect. They can also cook with CBD oil or add it to a relaxing bath or homemade cosmetics.
The need to measure your dose means CBD oil is best used at home and is less appropriate at work or outside.
CBD Capsules: Best for Convenience
CBD capsules look similar to vitamin supplements like fish oil; they’re softgel capsules with CBD oil. You can swallow a CBD capsule with water, limiting yourself to your desired dose and remembering to start with the lowest dose.
CBD capsules are portable and convenient.
CBD Gummies: Best for Flavour
CBD gummies are tasty cannabidiol-infused treats consumed just like regular sweets. They are portable, pre-dosed, and convenient. Some consumers find CBD gummies more pleasant than capsules.
CBD Creams and Lotions: Best for Your Skincare Routine
CBD creams and lotions are applied directly to the skin, which absorbs them. Like other skincare products, they have a hydrating effect and a luxurious feel. CBD creams and lotions can be included in your evening routine or used in the morning.
CBD Vape Liquids: Best for Active Consumers
CBD consumers who already vape and who prefer a more active and long-lasting interaction with CBD products may enjoy CBD vape liquids or vape pens. These are portable and can be used anywhere where vaping is allowed, but vaping CBD can also be a pleasant part of an evening routine.
When in the Day to Take CBD: Some Final Words
There is no right or wrong time of day to take cannabidiol — you only need to consider what time fits into your lifestyle.
However, not all CBD products are equally appropriate for all settings. The modern market offers a wide range of CBD products suited for use at home and on the go. Active CBD consumers who want to take CBD to work or the gym might prefer CBD gummies or capsules. People creating a wellness routine at home may like the ritual of taking CBD oil, vaping CBD, or using CBD skincare products applied topically.
Whichever choice you make, remember to start with the lowest possible dose. Build up slowly until you achieve the desired effect, and stop using CBD if you experience unwanted effects.
Research has shown that people use CBD for a wide variety of reasons. However, consumers should remember that scientists are still learning about the effects. People with specific questions or health concerns are advised to make an appointment with their GP.
Sources:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7340472/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30014038/
- https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-021-00061-5
- https://www.food.gov.uk/business-guidance/cannabidiol-cbd
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326553/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4023456/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7330185/
- https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-021-00078-w
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7340472/