How to Use Hemp Oil

By Jeff Gallagher, founder of Made By Hemp. Helping people find real hemp since 2013.

Hemp CBD oil comes in several forms, and each one is used a little differently. Tinctures go under your tongue, concentrates are dispensed by the serving, topicals are massaged into the skin, and edibles are simply eaten. Here is how to use each form, plus a plain-language look at finding the serving that works for you.

How to use hemp oil

There are more than a dozen forms of CBD oil, and not all of them are used the same way. If you are unsure how to take your CBD product, this guide covers step-by-step instructions for the most common forms. There is no single best way to take CBD oil. The right product for you is the one you will actually use, and the amount that suits you can vary from person to person.

• Tinctures
• Concentrates
• Topicals
• Edibles
• How much should I take?

Tinctures

Tinctures are hemp oil in a liquid carrier, usually with a dropper top for easy dispensing. They are popular for good reason. The format lets makers add other ingredients such as coconut oil, terpenes, spearmint, and other natural herbs, which help soften the strong taste of natural hemp. Most people find the flavor of a tincture easier to take than a pure concentrate.

How to use a CBD hemp oil tincture

Fill the pipette using the dropper top, then dispense the amount you want under your tongue. This is called sublingual use, and it matters if you want faster results, because the oil absorbs through the capillaries under your tongue. Hold it there for at least 60 seconds, then swallow. If the flavor is too strong, try chasing it with a little juice.

Tinctures come in a wide range of sizes, flavors, and strengths. If one is not to your taste, there are other options that may suit you better. If taste is a dealbreaker, our Hemp Extract Tincture is one of the smoothest we carry.

Concentrates

One of the most direct ways to take hemp-derived CBD oil is a pure concentrate. This is a thick, paste-like oil extracted straight from the hemp plant with no other ingredients added. It usually arrives in an oral syringe, so do not be alarmed by the packaging. It is not an injection, just an easy way to measure the oil.

How to use pure CBD hemp oil concentrates

Dispense the amount you want onto the back of a spoon, onto your finger, or directly under your tongue. A typical serving is about the size of a grain of rice. Because concentrates are natural oils, each harvest varies in flavor and consistency. Some batches are thick, others runnier, which is completely normal. Place the oil under your tongue, wait 60 to 90 seconds, then swallow.

Tips for using concentrates

Keeping the oil under your tongue lets it absorb through the capillaries in your mouth, so a meaningful amount is taken up before you swallow. Be prepared for the taste. The flavor and aroma of natural hemp come from compounds called terpenes, and just like cannabinoids, you do not know the exact profile until the oil is extracted and tested, so each batch tastes a little different. Pure concentrate has an earthy, sometimes peppery flavor. Sublingual use is convenient because you do not have to taste it until your 60 to 90 seconds are up, and a little juice as you swallow helps.

We once held a taste-testing session with our raw hemp extract, and the expressions were memorable. The takeaway: apple cider and orange juice do the best job of masking hemp’s strong flavor.

Topicals

A topical is anything you apply to your skin, such as a lotion, salve, or balm. Applying hemp oil to the skin is different from taking it internally, so it is worth thinking about which approach fits what you are looking for.

How to use CBD topicals

For dry skin or areas that could use extra attention, people often reach for a hemp oil topical to focus on a specific spot. Using one is simple: massage the product into the target area and repeat as needed through the day. Topicals range in consistency, so it comes down to personal preference. Our CBD Salve is an easy place to start.

Edibles

Edibles are foods infused with CBD, such as gummies or chocolates, made to pack flavor that makes taking CBD oil enjoyable.

How to use CBD edibles

There is no easier or better-tasting way to take CBD than popping a gummy or enjoying a piece of chocolate. Edibles are also convenient because they come in small to potent amounts of CBD. Using one is simple: eat it, and just mind the serving size on the packaging.

How much hemp oil should I take?

There is no one-size-fits-all serving. A good approach is to start low, stay consistent, and give it time before adjusting. Follow the serving size on your product’s label, and remember that factors like body weight and the strength of the product all play a part. If you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication, talk with your healthcare provider before adding hemp oil to your routine. You can always check the third-party lab results for anything we sell on our Lab Results page.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.