What Is The Best Time Of The Day To Take CBD

As part of our CBD quick start guide, this question comes up often.

For good reason.

There's a real lack of information out there on how to get the most out of CBD oil.

The stuff isn't cheap!

Check out our CBD cost comparison to find the best price.

We don't want to waste any by taking it at times where it won't work as well!

There are some very specific guidelines on this question of when to take CBD.

We'll look at all of them but keep one thing in mind.

Everybody is different!

  • Different chemistry
  • Different genetics
  • Different schedules
  • Different needs for CBD

This all has to be taken into effect.

Some people feel energy and focus from CBD.

While others may feel calm and relaxed.

This obviously figures into when it's best to take CBD for your specific goals.

Interestingly, the term researchers use for CBD is "biphasic".

Another term used is adaptogenic.

This means that one substance can have different effects depending on where the endocannabinoid system is.

For example, women who take it in the middle of the night to get back to sleep find themselves falling right to sleep.

While others who take it in the morning find it makes them alert.

We went through why this happens in our Can I Take CBD in Middle of the Day.

We obviously don't want that before bed.

This points to different states in their endocannabinoid system.

Research shows CBD has a positive effect on the quality and quantity of sleep.

Check out CBD and sleep here.

The different results point to different states in the two people.

So...when is the best time to take CBD?

Let's walk through the key questions to get to an answer.

How long does CBD's effects last?

This is critical to our overall question.

How long does it last in the system?


Generally, speaking CBD's effects last an average of 4-6 hours.

Roughly 1/4 of a day.

This can vary according to how much body fat you have and how much you weigh.

That's our first clue!

This brings us to our next question….

Should my CBD oil be split up during the day

Since the effects last about 4-6 hours, ideally, we want to split up our CBD dose into 2-3 times a day.

If we want a total of 150mg per day, 3 doses at 50mg would be ideal.

To get the dosage per dropper, divide the total CBDmg in the bottle by 30.

That's a good estimate!

2-3 times a day gives us a good spread of CBD's effects within the body.

If you're using CBD for general wellness and health, you could look at just one dose per day.

Also, listen to your body to see when you start to get relief.

THAT dictates how often and how much!

How many doses should I split CBD into during the day

As we mentioned above, 2-3 doses per day are ideal with CBD oil.

This nicely times with another regular activity...eating meals!

We'll explain next.

Should I take CBD with food

It's best to take CBD just after a meal.

Your fattiest meal is best if you're only taking it one time.

The food and fat therein will occupy the liver's P450 pathway.

This allows more of the CBD to sneak by into the bloodstream.

Research has shown a 4x better bioavailability after a meal!

What about taking CBD with medications?

Should I take CBD with medications

It's best to take CBD at least 4 hours away from other medications.

Many medications use that same P450 pathway in the liver mentioned above.

If the liver is working on breaking down CBD, it might mean more or less of the other medications get into the bloodstream.

We don't want to interfere there so 2 hours is best.

Always work with your doctor or naturopath with any supplement.

When is the best time to take CBD

We sketched out the general rules on when is the best time to take CBD oil.

  • Broken out 2-3 times a day
  • Just after meals
  • 4 hours away from medications

Based on this, you can look at taking CBD oil just after breakfast, lunch, and dinner!

Many people look at CBD to help with sleep.


What about taking CBD right before bed or even in the middle of the night?

Should I take CBD before bed

This really depends on the state of your endocannabinoid system but this is very popular with people.

You can test a small dose of 25-30 mg before bed to see how you like it.

For example, if worry or anxiousness is disrupting sleep (very common), then CBD might really help.

If you get energy and focus from CBD (based on the state of the hormone system that governs energy and weight), it might not be ideal right before.

Interestingly, we hear from people all the time where CBD appears to strengthen the given phase you're in.

For example, CBD in the middle of the night helps to sleep even if it gives energy in the afternoon.

Very interesting!

Wrap up on the best time to take CBD

These are general guidelines.

Everyone is different.

Test to see how CBD makes you feel.

Ideally, take it after food so that you get more of it in your system.

25-30mg is a good, initial test amount during the day.

One note...always start at these test amounts to see how your body responds.

Some people may experience drowsiness so keep this in mind.

Of course, always use high-quality CBD isolate to start.

It needs to be organically grown and 3rd party tested:

  • THC free
  • Pesticide-free
  • Solvent-free
  • Heavy metal-free
  • Bacteria and mold-free

That's IndigoNaturals by the way!

Always work with a doctor or naturopath with any supplement!

The information provided here is not intended to treat an illness or substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare provider.

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