6 More of the Most Commonly Asked CBD Questions, Answered

It’s time to run through a few more quick-fire questions about CBD, to answer some of the more popular queries we come across in the industry and help you learn a little bit more about this remarkable extract. If you missed our first 6 questions about CBD, feel free to explore those here first.

What CBD strength is best?

This is a common question, and also one that’s dependent on a lot of factors. Each person is different, and therefore it is impossible to state a definitive dose that will be perfect for everyone. CBD products vary in strength and concentration too, so it’s not always just a case of counting drops- a reliable product should provide details of tincture strength and dosage guidance.

We recommend starting at a low dose of around 5-10mg a day, and working your way up gradually over time. Bear in mind that this process can’t be rushed - CBD takes time to leave the body, so if you are taking multiple doses over a short period of time then you won’t be able to accurately measure what level of CBD content is optimal. We recommend leaving at least 12 hours between doses and gradually building up over your first week or so.

How does CBD oil work in the body?

The specifics of how CBD oil works in the body can get quite technical - for a more detailed rundown of exactly what happens, we’ve actually written a post already on this topic here. In summary:

We have a naturally occurring system in our bodies called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), much in the same way we have a natural nervous system or respiratory system. The ECS is responsible for helping to regulate many vital functions within the body, from mobility, mood, memory, appetite, pain and inflammation, and more.

The receptors of this system can interact with cannabinoids such as CBD, which can in turn influence the ECS and the rest of the body. The ECS is still a relatively recent discovery in our bodies, and as research continues we are learning more and more about how important it is to maintain this body-balancing system.

How long has CBD oil been around?

CBD has seen the majority of its success and popularity within the last 5 years or so, but its origins are considerably earlier than that. As an individual chemical cannabinoid, CBD was identified in 1940 and then successfully isolated a couple of years later.

However, in the historical context of hemp and cannabis, CBD’s history starts long before this. Hemp and cannabis have been used therapeutically by many cultures and civilisations around the world, for thousands of years. It’s impossible to pinpoint exactly how long cannabinoids have been used by mankind, but it’s safe to say that it remains one of the oldest, most widely used natural remedies on the planet.

Should CBD oil be taken at night or day?

This comes down entirely to what works for you, and why you are taking CBD. Many take CBD in the morning for daily balance, sometimes with an afternoon top-up later in the day. Others take CBD with the goal of improving sleep quality and consistency, which obviously makes more sense to do in the evenings or directly before bed. Whatever naturally integrates with your routine will mean that you are more likely to keep up with consistent dosage at the same times each day. 

Why use CBD in skincare?

CBD has seen an exponential growth in popularity within the skincare industry over recent years, so it’s a valid question to ask - why should we put CBD in topical products? When we take CBD orally as a tincture, it is absorbed through soft tissues in the mouth and stomach, just like other natural chemicals we ingest. When administered to the skin, CBD is generally unable to get past the skin barrier and so it is absorbed to a more targeted area of the body.

But what does this mean it terms of practical applications? CBD oils are used by most people for day-to-day wellness and balance, because CBD oil in the bloodstream will evenly distribute throughout the body via the endocannabinoid system. Topical CBD for skincare can instead be applied to a more localised, concentrated area of the body. Instead of connecting to our internal endocannabinoid system, the CBD attaches to the skin’s cannabinoid receptors instead. This has therefore become a popular method of applying CBD for people with specific areas of discomfort, problem skin, irritation, or an injury that they want to focus on. Many say that CBD is effective for them when used against inflammation and joint pain, too.

Will CBD oil affect my medication?

It depends on your medication, and you should always check with a medical professional before combining the two. Some groups of medications share similar interactions with enzymes in the liver to CBD, so it’s a possibility that some medication’s effectiveness could be influenced. As a precautionary measure, you should also avoid taking CBD if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you’re new to CBD, and even if you’re not taking any other medications, it never hurts to speak with a medical professional beforehand too. This can help you feel more confident and informed before setting out on your CBD journey.