How to Take CBD: Topicals, Oils, and More

Whether you’re new to CBD products or exploring all the varieties (and brands) out there, one of the most important questions to ask is “How should I take CBD?” It’s worth noting that while CBD plays an essential role in that question, the most critical part is “I”.

Every person and every body is different. What you need from CBD may be very different from what a friend, family member, or provider recommended for you. It’s why understanding all of the different CBD delivery methods and how they help your body benefit is one of the best questions to ask.

Quick Links:

• CBD Delivery Methods Overview
• How to Take CBD: CBD Oils & Tinctures
• How to Take CBD: CBD Topicals
• How to Take CBD: CBD Capsules, Edibles, Vapes, and Beverages
• How to Take CBD: Choosing the Right Method for Your Needs

CBD Delivery Methods Overview

Before we dive into tinctures, balms, gummies, and all the options out there, there’s one key idea that encapsulates why all of this matters: bioavailability. Bioavailability refers to how much CBD your body actually absorbs and can use.

Why does it matter? Different CBD products can deliver very different amounts into your system.

That’s why choosing how you take CBD matters just as much as choosing what you take.

Let’s start with topical CBD. When you put CBD on your skin, most of it stays local. This makes it great for soothing tight muscles or localized pain, but not so great if you’re hoping for whole-body support.

On the flip side, transdermal products, like patches, actually can move CBD into circulation. A 2022 clinical study showed a transdermal system delivered measurable CBD into the bloodstream over several hours without any psychoactive effects (1).

Then you have oral forms, which include capsules, edibles, and beverages. While oral forms feel familiar to us, they must go through digestion and the liver first. Because of that “first-pass metabolism,” only a fraction of what you swallow makes it into active circulation. Recent research confirms that, when it comes to methods of CBD deliverability, oral forms may offer the lowest level of bioavailability (2). So, while it’s convenient, it’s not always the most reliable route.

Sublingual CBD oil or tinctures (held under the tongue) bypass some of that digestive loss. Because it can entire the bloodstream more quickly, it offers steadier, more efficient absorption than simply swallowing CBD. This makes it an excellent starting point for many individuals.  

Finally, there’s inhalation. Vaping or inhaling dry CBD formulations sends CBD straight to the bloodstream through the lungs. One recent clinical study found CBD reached significantly higher levels through inhalation than through oral dosing, even at lower doses (2). While it’s fast and efficient, not everyone loves inhalation-based products and they come with their own challenges.

While CBD will not make you high, the different methods of delivery will deliver different effects. Let’s take a closer look at these methods of administration.

How to Take CBD: CBD Oils & Tinctures

If CBD had a “classic” form, it would be the tincture, which comes in a little bottle with a dropper. It might make you feel like a cross between an herbalist and a chemist. Tinctures and oils, like full-spectrum CBD, are popular for a reason: they’re flexible, fast-acting, and give you a lot of control over your CBD experience.

Here’s how to get the most out of them.

• Start With the Dropper (Your Built-In Measuring Tool)- Most CBD tinctures come with a marked dropper so you can measure your dose. A full dropper is usually 1 mL, but always check your bottle since concentrations vary. Gently squeeze the top, draw up the oil, and you’re ready to go.
  
  
• Place the Oil Under Your Tongue and Hold It- This is the part that surprises beginners, but it makes a real difference. Instead of swallowing it right away, squeeze the oil under your tongue and let it sit for about 60 seconds.

Why hold it? Because the thin membranes under your tongue absorb CBD directly into the bloodstream, giving it better bioavailability than simply swallowing it where you’ll need to digest it. It’s one of the most efficient ways to take CBD without inhaling it.

• Then, Swallow What’s Left-  After a minute, you can swallow the remaining oil. Whatever doesn’t absorb sublingually will go through your digestive system, which takes longer but still contributes to the overall effect.
  
  
• Be Consistent With Timing- You can take a tincture any time of day, but consistency helps your body respond better. Some people take it:
  
  
• • in the morning for calm focus
  • mid-day for steady balance
  • at night for wind-down support

There’s no wrong choice. It’s just what works best for your routine.

• Give It Time to Work- Sublingual CBD typically begins working within 15–45 minutes, depending on your metabolism and whether you’ve eaten recently. The effects tend to build gradually and last several hours.
  
  If you’re brand-new to CBD, don’t be surprised if the first day or two feels subtle. Many people notice the most consistent benefits when they take CBD at the same time for several days in a row.
  
  
• Store It Properly- Keep your tincture in a cool, dark place (a cabinet or drawer works great). Avoid leaving it in your car, gym bag, or anywhere it’ll get hot as heat can degrade cannabinoids over time.
  
  
• Listen to Your Body- Everyone processes CBD a little differently. Some people feel effects quickly; others need a few days of steady use. If your experience feels too subtle, too strong, or just not quite right, that’s normal. You can adjust the amount later in the dosing section of the blog. Start low, go slow!

How to Take CBD: CBD Topicals

CBD topicals are the “rub it where it hurts” option — creams, balms, salves, and lotions you apply directly to your skin. They’re perfect when you want relief in a specific spot rather than something that affects your whole body. And the best part? They’re simple, intuitive, and great for beginners.

Here’s how to use them effectively.

• Start With Clean, Dry Skin- Topicals absorb best when your skin isn’t covered in sunscreen, sweat, body oil, or other products. You don’t need anything fancy. Just wash or wipe the area first so the CBD can reach the layers where it does its best work.
  
  
• Use a Generous Amount (More Than You Think!)- A common mistake is not using enough product. Don’t be shy! Scoop or squeeze out enough to fully cover the area. CBD needs to make contact with the skin to interact with local cannabinoid receptors, so a thin “barely there” layer may not do much.
  
  
• Massage It In- Spend a little time working it into the skin. Massaging helps warm the area, increases circulation, and can improve absorption. Plus, it feels good. If your goal is relaxation, this is part of the experience.
  
  
• Give It Time to Settle- Topicals usually begin working within 15–30 minutes, but that can vary depending on the formula. Products made with ingredients like menthol or arnica might feel faster because of their soothing sensations, while others work more gradually.
  
  
• Reapply as Needed-  Unlike systemic CBD (like oils or tinctures), topicals don’t enter the bloodstream in large amounts. That means you can reapply them throughout the day as needed. For ongoing issues, twice daily is common; for workout soreness or tension, people often reapply after activity.
  
  
• Consider a “Loading Dose”- If you're dealing with stubborn or chronic tension, a loading dose can help to apply your topical more frequently during the first couple of days. Think of it as giving the area a consistent nudge. Some people use a topical 3–4 times a day at first, then taper to 1–2 times daily once relief starts to stick.
  
  
• Use It on Targeted Areas-  Topicals shine when you give them a clear job. Think:
  
  
  • a stiff neck
  • tight shoulders
  • lower back tension
  • knee discomfort
  • sore hands or wrists
    

If you’re addressing a recurring issue, applying in the same spot consistently can help maintain steady local support.

• Be Aware of Extra “Sensation” Ingredients- Always read the label. Some formulas include menthol, camphor, capsicum, eucalyptus, or essential oils for added cooling or warming effects. These can feel amazing, but test a small area first if you have sensitive skin.
  
  
• Don’t Expect Whole-Body Effects- This is key for beginners: regular topicals are designed for local effects. Even though some studies show small amounts of CBD can cross the skin barrier, topicals generally don’t deliver meaningful systemic levels unless they’re specifically made as transdermal (which is a different category).
  
  
• Wash Hands After Application- If you're using a product with that’s been mixed with menthol or essential oils, your eyes will thank you. 

How to Take CBD: CBD Capsules, Edibles, Vapes, and Beverages

When it comes to capsules, edibles, vapes, and beverages, each method works a little differently in your body. Some are absorbed slowly through digestion, others hit fast through the lungs, and some offer smaller, steady doses you sip throughout the day. Understanding these differences can help you use them more effectively and get the results you’re looking for.

CBD Capsules & Edibles

• Expect a slower onset (typically 45–90 minutes) because they’re absorbed through digestion.
  
  
• Take with a meal or healthy fat source to support better absorption.
  
  
• Great for consistent, pre-measured dosing and helpful if you prefer a routine (such as part of a daily vitamin regimen).
  
  
• Start low, go slow, and give each dose time to work before adding more.
  

CBD Vapes

• Effects are felt quickly, often within minutes, thanks to fast absorption through the lungs.
  
  
• Because the onset is fast, begin with very small puffs and wait to gauge effects.
  
  
• Look for products with clear ingredient lists and tested vape formulations. There are a lot of questionable CBD vaping products on the market that may contain chemicals you’re not exactly looking for.
  

CBD Beverages

• Onset can vary depending on whether the drink uses nanoemulsified or traditional CBD.
  
  
• Sip slowly at first so you can gauge how your body responds.
  
  
• Pay attention to serving size! Many beverages are lower dose than other formats.
  

General Tips Across All CBD Product Forms

• Begin with a low dose and increase gradually as needed.
  
  
• Track how you feel so you can learn your ideal timing and amount.
  
  
• Stay consistent. Taking CBD around the same time each day often leads to more predictable results, regardless of the method of delivery.
  

How to Take CBD: Choosing the Right Method for Your Needs

Now that you’ve explored the different ways to take CBD — oils and tinctures, topicals, capsules, edibles, vapes, and beverages — the next question is: how do you know which method is right for you?

It really comes down to two things: your goals and how you want the CBD to act in your body. Here’s a quick breakdown of the main delivery methods, along with their pros and cons:

CBD Oils & Tinctures

Pros:

• Faster absorption than oral forms
  
  
• Adjustable dosing
  
  
• Can be taken sublingually or swallowed

 Cons:

• Taste may not appeal to everyone
  
  
• Requires a few minutes under the tongue for best absorption
  

CBD Topicals

Pros:

• Targeted relief for muscles, joints, or skin
  
  
• Minimal systemic absorption, so low risk of side effects
  
  
• Can be applied as often as needed

Cons:

• Not ideal for whole-body effects
  
  
• Effects can be more subtle than systemic delivery
  

CBD Capsules & Edibles

Pros:

• Convenient and pre-measured
  
  
• Easy to incorporate into daily routines

Cons:

• Slower onset (45–90 minutes)
  
  
• Absorption varies due to digestion and liver metabolism
  

CBD Vapes & Inhalation

Pros:

• Rapid onset (minutes)
  
  
• Can adjust dose in real-time

 Cons:

• Effects wear off faster
  
  
• Quality and ingredients vary widely; some products may contain harmful additives or untested chemicals. Always exercise caution and use products from reputable sources.
  

CBD Beverages

Pros:

• Easy to sip throughout the day
  
  
• Can be refreshing and discreet

 Cons:

• Often lower or inconsistent dosing
  
  
• Onset and absorption can vary depending on formulation
  
  

Finding The Best CBD Product Fit

The right method depends on what you want from CBD. Do you need fast relief for tension, localized support, or steady, all-day wellness? Start with a small dose, observe how your body responds, and adjust from there. Many people find success using more than one method depending on their goals.

At SuperTrees Botanicals, our CBD is third-party tested for purity and consistency, so you always know exactly what you’re getting. There are never extra additives, and every batch delivers the same high-quality CBD you can trust, consistently.

Your journey with CBD should feel simple, safe, and effective, and choosing the right method helps you get there. Ready to check out our CBD products? If you have additional questions, please reach out!

Sources:

1. Varadi, G., Haller, T., Pozsgai, G., Kocsis, O., & Horvath, G. (2022). Examining the systemic bioavailability of cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) from a novel transdermal delivery system in healthy adults: A single‑arm, open‑label study. Journal of Analytical Toxicology. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1093/jat/bkac072 

2. Devinsky, O., Kraft, K., Rusch, L., Fein, M., & Leone‑Bay, A. (2021). Improved bioavailability with dry powder cannabidiol inhalation: A Phase 1 clinical study. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 110(12), 3946‑3952. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xphs.2021.08.012