How to Use Cannabis Oil – Ways to Take it & More (South Africa)

So you’ve purchased your first cannabis oil and are now trying to figure out how to take it?

Or you’ve had a bottle of cannabis oil for some time now, but you’re wondering if it’s safe to take?

Much of the stigma and misinformation surrounding cannabis and its related counterparts is still prevalent today, despite many research articles attesting to its safety and medicinal benefits.

Note: In case you’re wondering if cannabis oil is legal in South Africa, we can assure you it most certainly is. You can read more about the legality issues surrounding cannabis and CBD in South Africa here.

Cannabis Oil – What is it?

Not to be confused with CBD Oil… or Hemp Seed Oil… Cannabis Oil is a more potent, more intoxicating concentrate.

With all the different oils made from the same cannabis plant and their interlinked names like hash oil, dagga oil, cannabidiol, etc., it can be confusing to understand the difference. Here’s a breakdown of cannabis oil and its related counterparts to help you better understand what differentiates these oils from each other. And which name refers to which oil.

Cannabis Oil is made by extracting cannabinoids (mainly THC) from the cannabis plant through different methods. The three most popular methods are alcohol-based extraction, hydrocarbon extraction, and CO2-based extraction.

Check out this article for more exciting details on cannabis oil extraction and new trends in its production.

In this article, we will discuss cannabis oil only and the different ways you can take it.

Cannabis Oil Benefits and Uses

Despite its infamous reputation, cannabis has quite a fascinating connection with the British monarch of the past. Back in the 19th century, Queen Victoria used cannabis to treat menstrual cramps. Ladies, take notes from Her Majesty.

Since the herb has garnered worldwide fame in the past couple of years, it has piqued the interest of many curious scientists.

This led to ongoing laboratory trials and experiments, the findings of which have revealed that cannabis oil can, in moderate amounts:

• Lower depression
• Help with Anxiety
• Help to sleep
• Treat chronic pain
• Regulate nausea and vomiting

How to Take Cannabis Oil – The Process

The process of consuming cannabis oil can seem a little intimidating at first, but take a deep breath; we’re here to help.

Cannabis oil comes in various concentrations, which determines how fast it’ll work or how much is needed for the oil to do its job.

Before attempting to take cannabis oil, it’s first essential to find your ideal cannabis oil dosage. After all, you don’t want to end up overdosing – even though that would make for quite the story at family gatherings!

As a critical rule, it’s always wise to start with low doses. And then, slowly work your way up until you find a dose that reaches the desired effect for you.

1.   Sublingually

Sure, “sublingually” sounds like a term that linguists would use to describe how many languages they speak or something fancy. But simply put, sublingually means to place a drug, or any medicinal substance, under your tongue.

Mucous membranes under our tongue lead to the bloodstream. On sublingual consumption, a drug or substance absorbs directly into our bloodstream without having to go through the stomach. Sublingual consumption increases bioavailability, which is a fraction of how much of a drug or substance absorbs into our system.

By sublingually consuming cannabis oil, we absorb a higher fraction of the cannabinoids and experience a faster result than oral consumption.

With sublingual consumption, it only takes about 15 to 30 minutes for the oil to kick in, whereas with oral consumption, it can take between 30 to 90 minutes.

When consuming cannabis oil sublingually, you can use a dropper to place some of the cannabis oil under your tongue, and wait for the oil to dissolve. From there, it will absorb into your bloodstream.

2.   Take it orally

Instead of using a dropper to deposit cannabis oil under your tongue, you could also just place some drops on your tongue and swallow it immediately. It’s like eating a capsule.

However, this method is comparatively slow and less bioavailable. The cannabis oil has to pass through the stomach and liver, and then it absorbs into the bloodstream.

3.   Add it to foods and drinks

Some research shows that taking cannabis oil with fatty foods can increase its bioavailability. This doesn’t mean you have to indulge in fatty burgers to consume cannabis oil. There are plenty of delicious, healthy recipes using cannabis oil available on the net.

If you’re planning to consume cannabis oil in your food, maybe try it with ingredients like milk, butter, sesame oil, or vegetable oil.

If you’re looking to add it to healthy meals, try it with salmon or avocados.

For a relaxed afternoon tea, add a few drops of cannabis oil to your tea – this will give you a calm, zen-like state of mind.

4.   Cooking:

Add a few drops of cannabis oil to your cooking oils. These could include the likes of coconut, olive, or any vegetable oil.

Alternatively, you could make your own cannabis oil for cooking at home. Weed-infused coconut oil enables you to make cannabis oil a part of your daily diet. You can use it to make all different kinds of delicious meals and treats.

Note: Cannabis oil in foods and drinks can take up to 90 minutes to kick in. Other factors like your body’s metabolic rate and which foods you’re adding the oil to also affect the time needed for the oil to work.

Cannabis Oil’s Side Effects

Unfortunately, what works for the majority may not work for everyone.

Reported side effects of cannabis oil include:

• Fatigue
• Diarrhoea
• Dizziness
• Lack of appetite
• Weight fluctuations
• Low blood pressure

Go Green With Cannabis Oil and Other Related CBD Products

There are endless ways to use cannabis oil. You don’t have to stick to just one method. Keep experimenting until you find the correct dosage and which foods you like your cannabis oil with best. But be careful not to overdose!

If you haven’t purchased your cannabis oil bottle yet, now’s the time to go green and save your health and body. Curious about other related cannabis or CBD products in South Africa? Check out this post.