How & When to Take CBD Oil: Dosage, Timing & Absorption Guide

Our own organic CBD oil is designed to be taken sublingually (drops under the tongue). We recommend this consumption method as it bypasses the digestive system & enters the bloodstream directly through the tissue under the tongue.

This makes it the superior method of CBD consumption compared to gummies or tablets. This is due to the increased absorption speed and efficiency (known as bioavailability).

While sublingual application is the best method to maximise bioavailability when taking CBD oil, you may wish to add the CBD oil to a hot drink.

Although this may reduce the bioavailability of the CBD oil slightly, it is still a great way to consume the oil. For great flavour combinations, CBD oil pairs especially well with coffee and hot chocolate.

While the bioavailability may reduce slightly, you may find this to be your chosen way to take CBD, if it fits well with your habits & daily rituals.

When to Take CBD Oil

If you are taking CBD regularly each day, it is a good idea to set an allocated time(s) to keep dosage consistent.

While there is nothing wrong with taking CBD on an empty stomach (especially if this allows you to keep a consistent dosage time), bioavailability is increased when CBD is taken after meals.

Best Times to Take CBD

Purpose	Recommended Time
Daytime balance	30 minutes after breakfast
Afternoon support	30–60 minutes after lunch
Sleep support	30–60 minutes before bed

CBD is fat-soluble. Absorption is increased in the presence of fats, especially healthy fats that stabilise blood sugar.

Breakfasts consisting of healthy fats such as avocados, eggs & nuts are especially effective for increasing bioavailability.

One study conducted in Minnesota demonstrated that taking CBD after consuming healthy fats had up to five times the bioavailability compared to the control group taking CBD on an empty stomach. [1]

CBN (a key component in full spectrum CBD oil) is often very helpful for improving sleep. [2]

For taking CBD as a nighttime sleep aid, it is best to take it 30–60 minutes before bed. This ensures your dose of CBD has already begun interacting with your endocannabinoid system before sleep.

If you want to take three doses a day, then a dose 30–60 minutes after lunchtime may also be implemented.

There are no set rules for exactly when to take your CBD, as long as it works well for your dosage requirement and personal routine. You may therefore need a little experimentation before finding your ideal dosage and schedule.

How Much CBD Should You Take?

How much CBD to take depends on your reasons for taking CBD.

Typical CBD Oil Usage

Use Case	Typical Amount
General wellbeing	1–3 drops, once or twice daily
Regular daily routine	1–5 drops, 1–3 times daily
Sleep support	3–5 drops before bed

The great thing about CBD in an oil format is that it is easy to adjust your dose by changing how many drops you consume.

You may find that you use it little and often, taking three drops twice daily. You may also find irregular use works best, such as taking five drops only on nights when you need sleep support.

For a full guide on finding your ideal CBD dose, see our previous blog on the topic.