CBD is everywhere these days — on grocery store shelves, at the gas station, and online. There are also a lot of ways to take it: smokable hemp flower, vape cartridges, gummies, capsules, tinctures, and topical creams. People choose different formats for different reasons — how fast it acts, how long it lasts, and how convenient it is. This guide walks through the main ways to consume CBD and what sets each method apart, so you can pick what fits your routine. It’s general education, not medical advice — talk to your doctor about what’s right for you.
Special Note on CBD
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Cannabidiol, better known as CBD is derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant. Cannabis is more well known for being the parent plant that marijuana is derived from. Marijuana is a specially produced variety that is high in THC, which is the cannabinoid that produces a euphoric effect called being “high.” However, marijuana’s lesser-known cousin is called hemp and is very low in THC but very high in CBD. Most CBD products are produced from the hemp plant as CBD derived from marijuana is still illegal in most states. While CBD produced from hemp is legal in all but a very few places in the United States. This is due to the passage of the farm bill that classifies anything with less than 0.3% THC as hemp and legal under federal law.
Cannabis and the Endocannabinoid System
No matter the variety whether it is marijuana or hemp cannabis is known to work in conjunction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS.) The ECS is a system that is found in most living things on the planet and has been linked to a variety of regulatory systems in the body. The goal of the ECS is to maintain homeostasis and help systems already in place such as the immune system. Essentially the ECS helps to pick up the slack when one of the body’s regulatory systems is having trouble. This is done using naturally produced components called endocannabinoids. However, the components present in the cannabis plant called cannabinoids have been shown to bind with the receptors of the ECS and to promote the same benefits as the naturally occurring compounds. The downside to this is that many people’s ECS have lain dormant for many years. Although the reasons for this are not 100% clear yet it has been noted that people starting a CBD regimen who have no experience with prior cannabis use can take a little longer to feel the effects. It is thought that time is needed to reawaken the system and sometimes it can take up to two weeks for new users to begin to feel the desired benefits. If you are new to using cannabis and CBD products for your ailments, it is a good idea to give it some time and allow your body to adjust to the new levels of cannabinoids in your system.
Before we get off track too much let us return back to the best ways to consume CBD for your particular ailments. This is by no means a complete list and if your specific condition is not listed, we encourage you to visit the dosage calculator on our website. This can help you to find the best dose and perhaps the best way to take CBD for your intended scenario.
Fast-Acting Methods (Inhalation & Sublingual)
When people want the fastest onset, inhaled options like hemp flower or a vape cartridge — or a sublingual tincture held under the tongue — tend to act the quickest. The trade-off is that these effects are usually shorter-lived. They’re easy to reach for as part of a daily routine when convenience and quick onset matter to you.
Longer-Lasting Methods (Edibles, Capsules & Oils)
Capsules, gummies, oils, and isolates take longer to kick in — often up to about 90 minutes — but tend to last longer, commonly several hours. Some people like to combine a longer-lasting format with a faster one depending on their day. Choose based on onset and duration and what fits your routine, not on any specific health outcome.
Skin Care
Many people simply enjoy CBD topicals as part of a skincare or self-care routine. Lotions, creams, and bath products are popular formats and come in a range of scents. We make no claims about treating any skin condition — this is about what people like to use, not results.
CBD as Part of a Daily Routine
Plenty of people simply add CBD to their daily routine, the way they might a supplement. Gummies are a popular pick because they’re easy to carry and easy to portion, and capsules are another convenient option. Many people take them in the morning alongside the rest of their routine, or in the evening. We don’t make claims about preventing or treating anything — it’s about finding a format and routine you like.
A Note on Dosing
There’s no one-size-fits-all serving of CBD. Factors like body weight, tolerance, and the format you choose all play a role, so it’s best to start low and go slow until you find what works for you. If you have a health condition or take medication, talk to your doctor before using CBD.
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. For adults 21+.
