Sometimes a good ol’ fashioned dose of CBD is all you need. Other times, you might need to bring multiple CBD products or other things into the mix. When your current approach isn’t getting the job done, you might consider combining your CBD with other things — aka layering your CBD.
Layering CBD could mean using multiple CBD products together. Or it could mean layering CBD with other cannabinoids, ingredients, therapies, or wellness tools.
Most people tolerate CBD layering well. It can even synergize with other things for powerful results. And you know what they say about power: It comes with responsibility!
To help you use your CBD layering powers responsibly, we put together this handy guide. In it you’ll find answers to FAQs and tips for getting the most out of your CBD layering, safely. Read on to soak up the knowledge.
Safety always comes first, so let’s start here!
The great news is that CBD is generally considered safe for most folks to combine with things like:
*There are some medications that CBD shouldn’t be combined with. That’s why it’s crucial to check with your healthcare provider before using CBD or combining it with other substances or therapies.
Ultimately, safely layering CBD comes from having knowledge of CBD and whatever else you may be using it with. That includes possible adverse effects of the things individually and as a unit. So it’s a good idea to do a quick search to learn “is it safe to use CBD with…” before you layer up.
Pro tip: You’ll find articles on using CBD with massage, exercise, caffeine, alcohol, and more on our blog — just use that handy search tool to find the article you’re after.
We’re taking a deeper dive into best practices for safe CBD layering further down the page. But first, let’s answer the question…
Clearly, layering CBD requires more up-front research than your usual CBD usage, and possibly more fine-tuning. For some folks, the extra effort can pay off with better results.
Here are some of the reasons you might be interested in layering CBD with more CBD or other things:
All of these reasons are usually attached to a specific goal, like pain relief or sleep improvement.
Before you start stacking products on products on products…
Each form of CBD has certain characteristics that affect how it works and how fast it’s absorbed into your bloodstream.
There are a lot of factors that affect how fast CBD works and how long it lasts.(1) But knowing what’s fast-acting vs slow-release gives you a starting point to mix-and-match.
CBD Inhalants.Vaping or smoking CBD is the fastest mode of delivery. It has nearly instant effects, which usually taper off within a few hours.
Edible CBD.Edibles include any CBD product you eat or swallow — CBD gummies, candy, pills, tinctures, etc. These forms of CBD have to be digested first, so they need some time to take effect. Although this is usually 30-60 minutes, it’s advised to give them two hours to kick in.(2) The effects of edibles tend to last longer than any other form of CBD.
Sublingual CBD. While CBD edibles are swallowed right away, some products like CBD lollipops (which you suck on) and CBD tinctures (held under the tongue) are actually absorbed through mucous membranes. This is known as sublingual absorption. Sublingual absorption is faster than edible absorption, usually taking effect within the hour.(3)
Topical CBD. CBD cream and other topical CBD products offer immediate relief where they’re applied. Topicals usually last around an hour. Since they aren’t absorbed into the bloodstream, CBD topicals are a great choice for layering with other forms of CBD.
The TL;DR:
Keep in mind that what you’ve eaten, your personal tolerance, and other factors can influence how fast your body metabolizes CBD.
For a more in-depth look at CBD delivery methods, head toThe Many Forms Of CBD Products Explained after this.
Now that you know layering basics, plus the forms of CBD and their functions, we can get to the actual layering! These three steps are your key to CBD layering success.
First up, you’ve gotta choose the things you’ll be layering.
Layering CBD usually means choosing a fast-acting product such as topical CBD with a longer-acting product like CBD gummies. You might also opt to bring other cannabinoids into the mix, like delta-8 gummies.
If you’re working with a healthcare team, coach, or therapist, they might help you research and choose a CBD product that will help you reach your specific goals.
Whatever your layers look like, make sure you choose pure and effective CBD products. Nano CBD is a great option because it’s more bioavailable than regular CBD, so it works better and faster. Look for CBD made from organically-cultivated hemp to avoid toxins.
It’s important to follow the usage directions for CBD. The same is true for anything else you’re using.
Part of using things as directed also means knowing the possible side effects. Although CBD side effects are rare, they can happen. Nausea, diarrhea, and feeling ultra-lethargic are signs you may have overdone it. If this happens, stop using the CBD and let it work its way out of your system.
“Start low and go slow” is the golden rule of CBD usage, and for good reason. Starting with a low dose and slowly increasing gives the CBD time to take effect, which means less chance of side effects.
Plus, it helps you avoid using more than you need so you can stretch your CBD further. Win-win!
The low and slow rule may apply to other things you’re using, too. Things like alcohol, caffeine, other cannabinoids, and medication can synergize with CBD, so the effect may be more than you bargained for.
Bottom line: Start with low doses of CBD and your other layers. Give each layer time to take effect. Increase gradually if needed.
The goal is to find your “sweet spot” — that zone where you get the results you’re looking for without anything extra.
By now, you’re probably thinking of all the ways you can layer CBD. Just in case you need some inspiration, here are some common combos.
Layering CBD is a powerful way to get the most out of your CBD and other health and wellness tools. There is a bit of a learning curve to doing it safely and effectively, but the results may be worth the effort.
Learning the ins and outs of each layer you choose is key. Knowing the quirks of each CBD delivery method lets calibrate your CBD layering to that juuuust right Goldilocks zone. Use the same low and slow approach you would with any CBD usage.
You can start with the CBD layering ideas we shared here, or hit the ground running with your own. Just be sure to choose an effective, nano-optimized CBD product made from organically-grown hemp.
References
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