Everything You Need to Know About CBD Oil Drops

Written by Cathy Rozyczko — Edited by Jason Brett on September 27, 2021

CBD oil drops are one of the most popular ways to take cannabidiol (CBD). They are a cost-effective and convenient way for people to experience all the possible benefits that CBD oil can provide.

Whether suffering from chronic pain, anxiety, depression, insomnia, or just want a wellness boost, CBD drops are a great option.

But if you are new to CBD oil and CBD products, you may be wondering what makes CBD oil drops different from all the other products out there. If you’re investigating your options or trying to decide if CBD oil drops are right for you, here’s everything you need to know.

What Are CBD Oil Drops?

Cannabidiol is one of the 100+ cannabinoids found within the cannabis plant. It interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system to provide a number of positive effects, the most notable being reduction of inflammation and pain relief.

Typically, CBD oil drops have a short ingredient list. Cannabidiol is extracted from the cannabis plant, often of the hemp variety, and added to a carrier oil like coconut oil or hemp seed oil.

A bottle typically contains CBD extract and a carrier oil. If it’s a full-spectrum product, the drops will also contain other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavoring. The biggest benefit of using a full-spectrum CBD oil is that you’ll experience the entourage effect, the phenomenon by which different elements of the cannabis plant work together to provide an overall stronger effect compared to if they were taken in isolation.

The biggest con of using a full-spectrum product is that you may have a harder time measuring your exact doses of CBD, and unfortunately, some vendors may lie about what’s actually in their full-spectrum CBD oil drops. It is important to note that full-spectrum CBD oil drops can also contain relatively higher levels of THC.

What Are the Benefits of CBD Oil Drops?

CBD oil drops are one of the faster, more convenient ways to take CBD oil. They do not go to work as quickly as CBD vape oils, but are close. Taken sublingually (under the tongue) the CBD is absorbed into your bloodstream through the thin tissues of the mouth. It typically takes 20-30 minutes to see effects that typically last about two to four hours.

Because of their convenience and fast-acting effects, CBD oil drops can be used as part of a daily supplement routine or when sudden symptoms arise. For people with chronic or acute pain or lots of stress and anxiety, this is good news. CBD oil drops can be a discreet way to get a dose when needed.

CBD oil drops contain low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (usually less than 0.3%) which means they will not cause the intoxication that is typically associated with cannabis. Because of this, they are a great solution for people looking to reap the potential medicinal benefits of CBD oil without losing mental clarity.

If you opt for full-spectrum CBD oil drops, you’ll enjoy greater, whole-plant benefits by way of the entourage effect, in which terpenes and cannabinoids work together. So, in addition to receiving the benefits of CBD, you’ll also enjoy the mood-improving effects of the terpene limonene and the pain-relieving benefits of the cannabinoid cannabichromene (CBC), for example. If buying full-spectrum CBD oil drops, just make sure to check the THC content of your product and the laws on cannabis in your state before you proceed.

If you opt for CBD isolate drops, you’ll be able to control your dosage and focus on measuring the effects of cannabidiol alone. If you’d rather not have any THC in your product, for personal or professional reasons, CBD drops made from isolate are a great option for you.

Finally, CBD oil in general presents few side effects, is non-addictive, and will not get you “high.” If you’ve been looking for a natural way to fight inflammation, anxiety, or a variety of other conditions, cannabidiol drops could be the answer you’ve been looking for.

How to Use CBD Oil Drops

Using CBD oil drops is pretty simple. Most products will come with a dropper that’s marked in milliliters that correspond to the product’s dosage recommendation. Simply place the desired amount of CBD oil under your tongue and try to hold it in your mouth for at least a minute before swallowing. Some brands recommend swishing the oil around so the cannabidiol has a higher chance of being digested through the skin in your mouth as opposed to in the digestive system, but if you’re not big on the taste, keeping it under your tongue should be fine.

If you absolutely can’t stand the taste, but still want to use CBD oil drops, there’s still hope! CBD drops can easily be added to food or drink; just be sure the item you’re adding your CBD to isn’t too hot, as cannabidiol can start to break down at higher temperatures. If taken this way, the CBD will have to be fully digested, which will extend the time it takes for you to feel the effects.

But, before you begin using CBD oil, it is important to talk to your doctor. CBD oil can interact with some commonly prescribed medications making consultation with a physician critical to safe use.

CBD Oil Drops Dosage

Of all the delivery methods available, CBD oil drops provide the most precision and control when measuring dosage. Because you can customize your dosage literally down to the last drop, after a little trial and error, you’ll know exactly how much you need to feel the benefits.

When starting out, it is recommended that you use the smallest serving size suggested with your product. Monitor your response and see how you feel. If you require more, we at CBD Oil Review recommend slowly increasing your dosage by 25 mL per week over the course of 3-4 weeks, until you find the results you’re after.

What Are the Best CBD Oil Drops?

Finding the best CBD oil drops will start with finding a trustworthy brand. To filter out low-quality CBD oil manufacturers, only buy from companies that:

• Third-party test their products and post recent (no older than 6 months) Certificates of Analysis, so you can see exactly what is in your CBD oil drops.
• Use organic hemp; this will ensure your CBD oil drops are free from harmful pesticides and chemicals.
• Stay away from using artificial ingredients and flavors.

Whether you choose a high CBD concentration, or go for something lower, will be up to you. Brands like Endoca carry raw, high-concentration hemp products which include CBDA along with cannabidiol. CBDA is the acidic precursor the CBD and carries its own potential health benefits. If you’re just starting out using CBD oil, finding low-concentration drops might be a gentler way to figure out your ideal dosage, and to learn how cannabidiol affects you specifically.

Once you have cleared CBD oil drops with your doctor and are ready to shop, start your search by checking out our highest-rated brands so you can purchase with confidence.

If you found this article interesting, check out:

• CBD Oil vs. Hemp Oil: What’s the difference?
• Beginner’s Guide to CBD Oil: How to Take CBD
• What’s the Difference? CBD Isolate vs. Full-Spectrum CBD Oil
• Is CBD Oil Safe for Children?
• Should You Mix CBD Oil and Caffeine?

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