Here are the basics on using cannabis oil, including how to consume it, how much to take and the timing of effects.
HIGHLIGHTS
- When trying cannabis oil for the first time or a new product, start low and go slow.
- There is no specific recommended dosage — you will have to determine the correct amount for you.
Cannabis oil is a smoke-free option for consuming cannabis. An extract of the plant is mixed with a neutral oil, such as olive oil, and packaged in a bottle with a dropper or dosing syringe. (The oil is also available in a spray format.)
How Do I Use It?
You should follow the instructions included with the product, but a drop is typically placed under your tongue to allow the oil to absorb sublingually. (Shake the bottle well before using to ensure the extract is evenly mixed with the oil.)
How Much Should I Take?
As with other cannabis products, there is no recommended dosage. Every consumer will experience individual effects, depending on many factors, including sex, age, frequency of use and how much is consumed.
If you are new to cannabis or trying a product for the first time, Health Canada recommends starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it as the effects become apparent. Opt for a product with a mild THC level or higher amounts of CBD to counteract the psychoactive effects of the THC.
The product packaging will state how much THC and CBD is in the oil. Cannabis oil comes with either a dropper or a dosing syringe (like a needle, without the metal end), which may be marked to show the amount of oil being dispensed, either in millilitres or cubic centimetres (cc), which are equivalent. Follow all instructions carefully.
How Long Will It Take to Feel an Effect?
When you ingest an oral cannabis product, your body processes it differently than when you inhale cannabis. One difference is how quickly it works: According to Health Canada, while smoking or vaporizing cannabis can produce an effect within minutes, it may take half an hour to four hours for the effects of cannabis oil to become apparent, depending on factors such as how much food is in your stomach and the dosage. Health Canada also reports that the effects of oil may last up to 24 hours.
(Source: OCS.ca)
