Guide for How to Use CBD Safely

If you are thinking about trying CBD for the first time, then you have come to the right place! Here at the CBD Guru, we aim to provide you with all the information necessary for you to understand how and why you should use CBD products.

On this page, you will learn how to use CBD along with additional information on what uses it has, different methods of delivery, and important things to remember. We have also provided you with a frequently asked questions section to quickly answer any questions you may have.

As you read this, try and keep in mind that every person is unique and different. As a result, some CBD products and doses will work better for some people than others. 

There is no way to scientifically calculate what the proper product is for you, so determining whether or not a specific CBD product is effective will be based on your own personal experiences and opinions. Just try to be patient and enjoy the variety that you have to choose from! 

The research on CBD, along with other cannabinoids, is still in its early stages and scientists have a long way to go before fully understanding this chemical compound. However, thanks to studies that have been conducted so far, along with the shared experiences from people who have experienced positive results using CBD, we now understand more about CBD than ever before.

Based on results so far and success stories from users, we know that CBD can potentially help you with:

• Anxiety
• Inflammation
• Depression
• Joint Pain
• Acne
• Cancer Treatment
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Digestive Issues
• Sleeping Troubles

This list of benefits will only continue to grow as more researchers take the time to experiment with CBD. However, it is known that different methods of delivery will play a role in how quick and effective the product is at treating your symptoms. 

There are thousands of different CBD products on the market, and many of them are drastically different from the other. As a result, there are various ways in which you can use CBD. And with products being found in thousands of different retailers across the U.S., it can be difficult to make a decision.

Each different method of delivery has variables that will affect how long it takes to begin working, along with the duration that it will stay in your system at the optimal level.

Down below are the methods broken into three categories: oral, topical, and inhalation. We have also provided a few example products that you would find with that specific method of delivery. 

Oral CBD products are administered, as the name suggests, through your mouth. Oral products include capsules, oils, edibles, tinctures, and sublingual products.

Oral CBD products are the most commonly-used, and they are the best way to pass the CBD through your digestive tract. After passing through your digestive tract, the CBD is absorbed into your bloodstream and transported throughout your body.

CBD products taken by mouth stay in your system the longest, but they are one of the slowest methods of relief. Roughly 1 to 6 hours after ingestion is when your bloodstream possesses an ideal level of CBD, providing the best relief for your symptoms.

Topical CBD products typically come in the form of a cream or a lotion. Because of this, they are a great way to target a specific area of your body. When applied, the CBD diffuses across your skin and absorbs into nearby targets. 

Many people use these products to target specific conditions, such as inflammation, acne, and muscle pain.

Topical CBD products rarely enter your bloodstream and are only intended to absorb into areas of focus. The time it takes to begin working is dependent on the area of your body you applied it to.

CBD products that you can inhale through your lungs will enter directly into your bloodstream, making them the fastest method of delivery on the market. Consequently, they are also the quickest to run their course and leave your system.

Dabs, flowers, and vape pens are among the most popular inhalable CBD products and help you achieve optimal CBD levels within 10 minutes of use.

Now that you know about the different methods of delivery for CBD and the symptoms and conditions it can help with, it is time to learn how to use them. Many are self-explanatory and are easy to figure out. Others, however, may be tricky for somebody new to CBD.

This section further breaks down the delivery methods into more specific products. Although they differ in how they are used, they all come with the same responsibility of checking the packaging for dosage information.

Edible CBD products are among the easiest to use. Once you read and understand the dosing information, it is as simple as consuming a serving size.

For example, if the serving size for a package of CBD gummies is one gummy, then consume one gummy roughly two or three times a day at regular intervals.

The same rule applies to the capsules, tinctures, powders, and any other edible CBD product out there.

The word sublingual actually means “under the tongue.” Therefore, as the name suggests, these are products that typically come in an oil form that are to be applied directly under the tongue.

The bottle will come with a dropper. Simply draw a small amount of the oil into the dropper and place 2 or 3 drops under your tongue. 

It is important that you allow the product to dissolve in your mouth rather than swallowing it. Doing this will allow it to enter your bloodstream much faster.

Creams and lotions, also known as topicals, are fairly easy to administer and are easy to schedule into a nighttime routine. 

Start by using soap and warm water to clean the area of your body that you plan to administer the CBD. Gently dry the area with a towel, ensuring there is no moisture.

Now it is time to apply the topical. Unlike edibles, the dosage for a cream or lotion is difficult to calculate, so use an amount you would find appropriate if you were using a product that did not contain CBD. Always remember: a little goes a long way.

After measuring how much you will use, simply spread the product on the area you are targeting. Use small circle-like motions and massage the product into your skin until the area is covered.

Using a smokable CBD product is the fastest way to administer it into your bloodstream, but be aware that inhaling substances into your lungs is never considered a “healthy” way to do it. 

Again, be sure to check the dosing information on the package before trying these products, but also be aware that you will be able to have better judgement on how much is appropriate for you. The reason for this is because the results will begin in a matter of minutes, allowing you to gauge whether you need more or have found the correct dose.

As for using the products, it is as simple as taking in a breath. Whether it is a vape pen, hemp cigarette, or dab, just simply inhale, hold the smoke or vapor in for a second, and then slowly exhale your entire breath. 

With the seemingly unlimited number of options you have as a consumer, it can be difficult to not only narrow down your favorite products, but also choose the one that best fits your needs. Lucky for you, we have created a step-by-step guide for choosing the best CBD product for you and your needs. Here is a brief breakdown of that guide:

In order to understand what you are trying to achieve by using CBD, it is essential to identify the symptoms or conditions that you possess and are looking to alleviate. If you want a quick list of some of the conditions that CBD can help with, check back at the top of the page.

Once you know what your target is, you can move on to choosing your desired method of delivery.

There are more ways than ever before to consume CBD, and the science behind these methods only grows more complex. Luckily, having several different ways to deliver CBD to your body gives you the ability to experiment and decide which is best for you.

Different methods of delivery include:

• Oils
• Tinctures
• Topicals
• Edibles
• Smokables

After sorting through the different methods of delivery, you can begin to research different CBD products that you are considering trying out for yourself. Keep an eye out for any company making definitive claims, as this is usually a sign of a hoax.

Now that you may have your final list of CBD products that you are considering purchasing, it is time to make sure that they are of good quality and meet standards that are set by many state’s governments. 

The best way to ensure your product’s quality is to take a closer look at the labeling. You can learn how to read a CBD label here.

CBD labels typically possess vital information regarding the source of the CBD, where it was manufactured, and what its strength is. When reading a label on a CBD product that you are considering buying, be sure to look for these things:

• Third-Party Certification
• Batch Number
• QR Codes
• Manufacturing Dates
• License Numbers
• Warning Labels

Reputable CBD companies will have most, if not all, of this information printed right on the side of their bottle. The labels also help you identify whether your product is full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or CBD isolate.

Now that you feel comfortable with your decisions, it is time to purchase your CBD products. Not every product will produce the same result, so do not be afraid to experiment with a few different products in order to find the one that is best for you.

We understand that it can be difficult to determine what one dose of CBD is, and the answer can vary based on many factors, both with yourself and the product. Physical factors that play a role include your age, gender, and weight, while product factors include strength, type, and method of delivery.

When you have your product selected and want to begin figuring out what the correct dose will be for you, it is important to stop and set some realistic goals.

Knowing your goals for your CBD product is the first step in finding the right dosage. Are you using your CBD over a long period of time to help treat chronic pain, or are you looking to reduce inflammation on an as-needed basis? Once you know the answer to this question, you can begin testing your product to observe its effects.

A good rule of thumb is to start with one serving size of the product (serving size is typically on the label). This will serve as a good starting point for you, and will help you gauge if you need more or less. Just remember that CBD is not the same as THC, so you will not immediately feel a euphoric effect that occurs when consuming marijuana.

Record any changes in the way you feel when you use your product and examine your results for any overall changes in how you feel over time. Consistent use is the best way to benefit from the long-term effects of CBD.

Feel free to experiment for a little while with different products in order to find your proper dosage. After all, it is impossible to overdose on CBD, so there is not a lot of risk in trying different amounts of different products, although too much CBD has been linked to nausea and an upset stomach.

Consistency is key when it comes to life, and even more so with CBD.

It is important to not think of CBD as a drug, but more of a dietary supplement that should be taken consistently every day. Depending on the person, results can sometimes take 4 to 6 weeks to show. The symptom or condition that you are targeting also plays a role in how long the CBD can take to have an effect.

There is also a misconception that CBD will have the same effect on you that THC does, which is the primary chemical compound found in marijuana that is responsible for the high that users feel. Because of this, people will often be expecting something to “happen” immediately after administering CBD.

However, CBD is nonpsychoactive, meaning that it will not alter your state of mind. The feeling you get over time with CBD is a sense of relief rather than a buzz.

Be wary whenever a CBD company makes any definitive claims about their product. This is a red flag and most likely means that it is a scam. Companies will also rarely ever give out free CBD products for you to sample, so decline any that you come across.

Another term to watch out for is “hemp seed oil.” Whenever you see this on the label of a CBD product, you know that it does not contain actual CBD oil. The two are very different ingredients and are extracted in different ways. Hemp seed oil will not have any similar effects of CBD.

The quality of your CBD is easily one of the biggest factors in how well it will work for you. And when it comes to ensuring quality there are three main things to look for.

• Full-Spectrum CBD- A full-spectrum CBD product contains all of the naturally-occurring compounds that are found in hemp. These compounds work together to heighten user experience and provide the best results.

            There are also broad spectrum products along with CBD isolates. 

• Origin of Hemp- The best CBD products come from hemp that is grown in soil that is free of any toxins or heavy metals. 

• Third-Party Testing- Due to the lack of regulation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is important to make sure that your CBD product has been lab-tested by a third party. This ensures that the product is authentic and does not contain a THC level higher than 0.3%.

Learning how to use your CBD product is the fun and easy part of the process. And because it is not possible to overdose on CBD, feel free to try upping your dosage if you do not feel a difference after a couple weeks of trying your product.

Never forget to do your research before buying a CBD product. Keep an eye out for any scams or predatory companies that are making definitive claims as well. It is vital that you get high-quality and lab-tested CBD in order for it to work properly.

Feel free to return to this guide whenever you need any help. You are always free to contact us as well with any questions you may have. An FAQ section is below for those who want to summarize this page or may have missed some information.