Last updated: October 2026
To take CBD oil, shake the bottle, place your drops under your tongue, hold them for 60 to 90 seconds, then swallow. Take it with or after food, as a 2020 trial found a meal increased absorption several times. Start low, at the same time each day, and give it two to four weeks before judging whether it suits you.
Below: step-by-step instructions, how many drops, when to take it, other ways to take CBD, mistakes to avoid, and safety.
How to take CBD oil: step by step
- Shake the bottle gently so the CBD is evenly mixed.
- Fill the dropper partly and count your drops; you don’t need a full dropper.
- Drop under your tongue, keeping the dropper from touching your mouth.
- Hold for 60 to 90 seconds, then swallow. It’s a tidy habit, but don’t worry if you swallow sooner: a 2024 UK trial found drops and capsules of the same oil gave similar blood levels.
- Take it with or after food, ideally a meal with some fat.
- Close the lid tightly and store in a cool, dark place. See how to store CBD oil.
Don’t like the taste? Follow with a drink, use a flavoured oil, or try capsules. See what CBD oil tastes like.
How many drops?
| Oil strength (10ml) | CBD per drop | Drops for about 10mg |
|---|---|---|
| 500mg (5%) | About 2.5mg | 4 |
| 1000mg (10%) | About 5mg | 2 |
| 2000mg (20%) | About 10mg | 1 |
For 30ml bottles and every strength, see how much CBD to take. The FSA’s 10mg a day figure is precautionary advice rather than a legal limit, set while longer-term safety research continues. At Evopure we think it is a very cautious figure, and many adults use more. If you go above it, increase slowly, and check with your GP or pharmacist first if you take any medication. See CBD daily limit UK.
When to take CBD oil
There is no single best time. Take it with a meal, because food raises how much CBD you absorb several times over, and at a similar time each day so your routine stays consistent. Morning or evening is down to what fits your day, and some people split it between the two. For the detail, see our guide to the best time to take CBD oil, and for what the blood-level studies show about timing, how long CBD takes to work.
Other ways to take CBD
| Method | How it compares | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Capsules | Similar blood levels and timing to drops of the same oil in a 2024 trial | Exact dose, no taste. See CBD oil vs capsules |
| In food or drinks | Swallowed, like drops and capsules | Mix into a fat first. See cooking with CBD and CBD tea |
| Balm or cream | Applied to the skin, not swallowed | Used on a specific area. See CBD balm |
| Vaping CBD e-liquid | Inhaled, so it reaches the blood fastest | We don’t sell vapes. The NHS says vaping is not completely harmless and non-smokers should never vape. Never vape CBD oil drops. See can you vape CBD oil? |
Common mistakes
- Taking it on an empty stomach, then wondering why it feels weak.
- Judging after one or two days.
- Not counting drops, so the dose changes every day.
- Stacking several CBD products without adding up the total.
- Buying hemp seed oil by mistake. See hemp oil vs CBD oil.
Still not noticing anything? See why isn’t CBD working for me?
Safety
- Medicines: CBD can interact with some medicines. Check with a pharmacist. See CBD and medication.
- Driving: don’t drive if CBD makes you drowsy.
- Who shouldn’t take it: under-18s, and people who are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive. We don’t recommend our products during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Side effects: drowsiness, diarrhoea and appetite changes, mostly at higher doses. See CBD side effects.
Related guides
- Which CBD oil to buy in the UK.
- CBD oil strengths explained: mg, % and drops.
- Prefer a fixed amount with no measuring? See our guide to the best CBD capsules in the UK.
- Prefer something to rub in? See our guide to CBD balm and how to use it.
- Our easy CBD brownie recipe.
- You can also stir drops into a milky drink; our guide to CBD coffee explains how to mix the oil so it doesn’t float.
- If you’d like a topical use for your oil, try our step-by-step CBD bath bomb recipe.
- If you’d like to bake with it, our CBD cake recipes show how to work out the CBD per slice.
- If the earthy taste puts you off, our guide to cherry and other flavoured CBD oils covers what to check when choosing one.
FAQs
How do you take CBD oil?
Place your drops under your tongue, hold for 60 to 90 seconds, then swallow, ideally with or after food.
Should I take CBD oil with food?
Yes. A 2020 trial found taking CBD with a meal increased absorption several times compared with an empty stomach.
Is it better to take CBD in the morning or at night?
Either works. Many people prefer evenings because CBD can cause drowsiness. Consistency matters more than timing.
How long should I hold CBD oil under my tongue?
About 60 to 90 seconds is the usual advice, but a 2024 UK trial found drops held under the tongue and capsules gave similar blood levels, so don’t worry if you swallow sooner.
Can I put CBD oil in a drink?
Yes, but stir it into milk or another drink with some fat, as CBD doesn’t mix with water.
How long does it take for CBD oil to work?
In blood-level studies, CBD from drops or capsules peaks about 4 hours after a dose, and levels settle after about two days of regular use. Many people give it 2 to 4 weeks of regular use before judging.
Sources
- Crockett J et al. A phase 1, randomized, pharmacokinetic trial of the effect of different meal compositions, whole milk, and alcohol on cannabidiol exposure and safety in healthy subjects. Epilepsia, 2020.
- Millar SA et al. A systematic review on the pharmacokinetics of cannabidiol in humans. Front Pharmacol, 2018.
- Johnson DA et al. Cannabidiol oil ingested as sublingual drops or within gelatin capsules shows similar pharmacokinetic profiles in healthy males. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res, 2024.
- Taylor L et al. A phase I, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single ascending dose, multiple dose, and food effect trial of the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of highly purified cannabidiol in healthy subjects. CNS Drugs, 2018.
- NHS Better Health. Vaping to quit smoking.
- FSA. Cannabidiol (CBD) guidance.
