How to Use CBD: Methods of Use and What's Legal by Country

CBD has become one of the most popular cannabinoids, and today it features in a huge variety of CBD products —CBD oils, creams, CBD flowers, hash and more—. Each one has its own method of use and a different regulatory framework across Europe.

Because of this regulatory disparity, one of the most common questions is precisely how each CBD product is used, since the method of use —smoking, topical, sublingual or oral— and its legality depend on both the format and the laws of each country, which within the European Union tend to be considerably stricter than in markets such as the US or Canada. In this guide you'll find the different legal ways to use CBD.

What is CBD?

The cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the chemical compounds present in the cannabis plant. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main compound in marijuana, CBD is not psychoactive: it does not produce a «high» or alter mental perception.

The World Health Organization (WHO) concluded in its 2018 report that CBD is generally well tolerated, with a good safety profile and that it shows no potential for dependence or abuse in humans.

In recent years, interest in CBD has grown thanks to scientific research into its possible properties. However, it's important to note that the use of CBD for therapeutic purposes should only be undertaken under professional guidance.

Methods of using CBD: what options are there?

There are various ways to use CBD products, from application on the skin to the oral or sublingual route in countries where it is authorised. Each format has its own characteristics and a legal framework that varies from country to country.

How are CBD oils used?

The CBD oils are the most popular and versatile CBD product. They come in a bottle with a dropper and, depending on the country and its regulations, allow different methods of use. The best known is the sublingual route, in which a few drops of CBD are placed under the tongue and held there for 30 to 60 seconds before swallowing. The effects of CBD usually begin to be noticed at around 15-45 minutes and can last for 4-6 hours, depending on the person and the amount used.

The sublingual CBD oil is one of the most common methods of use for wellbeing and relaxation purposes, normally under professional guidance. It should be made clear that oral and sublingual use of CBD is only permitted in countries where it is regulated as a food or food supplement, such as Canada, the United States or the United Kingdom.

In Spain and in most European Union countries, CBD is not authorised for food use. Until 2019, these products operated in a legal vacuum, until that year the EU classified CBD as a novel food, a category that requires prior authorisation from EFSA, which has not yet been granted. The assessment remains open and its approval is still pending. Until the use of CBD in food products is approved, Cannactiva's CBD oils are sold exclusively for external (topical) use, and are not intended for oral or sublingual consumption.

For topical use, CBD oil is applied directly onto the desired area and is absorbed locally. This is the method of use legally authorised for CBD products throughout the European Union.

There are different types of CBD oil: see our guide to buying CBD oil.

How are CBD flowers and buds used?

The CBD flowers come from industrial hemp strains with a THC content below 0.3%. They retain all the aroma of marijuana buds, without its THC compound and therefore without any psychoactive effect or narcotic potential.

In some European countries —such as Switzerland, Austria or Belgium— low-THC hemp flowers are regulated as smoking products (tobacco substitutes). Outside Europe, the United States and Canada also allow their use for smoking or vaporising.

How to smoke CBD flowers?

In countries where this method of use is permitted, there are a few things to keep in mind before smoking CBD flowers. The main one is to know the origin of the buds to ensure their quality: hemp grown free from pesticides, heavy metals and other chemicals. It's also advisable to check the lab analysis (CoA) of the batch, which certifies the CBD and THC content.

However, in most European Union countries, CBD flowers are not regulated for smoking and are sold under the European industrial hemp regulations, for decorative, aromatic and collector's purposes. Cannactiva's CBD flowers are subject to these European regulations and, for that reason, are not sold to be smoked, vaped or ingested.

For more information about our strains, see the comparison of the best CBD buds, with aroma profiles and CBD percentages.

How is CBD hash used?

The CBD hash includes products such as hash, Pollen Dry Sift, Bubble Hash, Iceolator and Moonrocks. They are hemp extracts obtained from the trichomes of the buds and stand out for their intense aroma and their high concentration of cannabidiol.

Like CBD flowers, CBD hash is sold in the EU for decorative, aromatic and collector's purposes. Cannactiva's CBD hash is not intended for combustion, inhalation or ingestion.

To choose a resin by texture, aroma and concentration, we help you in our comparison of the best CBD hash.

How is CBD vaporised?

Vaporising heats CBD without reaching combustion, releasing it as a vapour. There are two routes: vaporising flowers and resins with dry-herb devices —only in countries where their use is permitted— and the vaping of CBD e-liquids. It's the fastest method of use, with effects within minutes. We explain it step by step in our guide to vaping CBD and cannabis.

How are CBD creams for physiotherapy and sport used?

CBD creams for physiotherapy and sport are applied directly onto the skin, massaging the area you want to work on. It's a topical method of use, fully legal throughout the European Union.

They are used in physiotherapy treatments and in sports massages, before or after training, and form part of the recovery routine of many athletes.

More and more professional athletes acknowledge their use, making them a new ally in many athletes' routines. We develop this further in our guide on CBD for athletes and sports performance.

How are CBD cosmetics used?

The CBD cosmetics —facial creams, balms and body oils— are applied directly onto the skin as part of the daily care routine. It's the most widespread method of use and fully legal throughout the European Union.

• Ideal for skincare and skin wellbeing.
• CBD applied topically may contribute to skin wellbeing thanks to its cosmetic properties.

Topical use is the main method of application for Cannactiva's CBD products. All of Cannactiva's CBD cosmetics comply with the cosmetic regulations in force in the European Union.

How is CBD toothpaste used?

The CBD toothpaste is used just like any toothpaste: a small amount on the brush for daily oral hygiene. Cannabidiol is included as a cosmetic ingredient for oral use, alongside the other dental care components.

Are there CBD gummies? CBD edibles: gummies, drinks, capsules and more

CBD edibles, such as gummies, sports drinks, capsules and infusions, are food products enriched with cannabidiol. In the European Union, including Spain, CBD is classified as a novel food and, to date, no CBD product for ingestion is authorised as a food. Outside the EU, countries such as the US, Canada or the United Kingdom (under a transitional regime) do allow their sale; we detail this country by country in the FAQ.

In Europe you can find hemp-leaf infusions (an authorised ingredient) or gummies with hemp seed oil, but none of these food products may contain CBD, whether as an extract or sourced from the buds. In the European Union, Cannactiva does not sell CBD products intended for ingestion.

How long does CBD take to take effect?

It depends above all on the method of use, as well as the dose, each person's metabolism and whether it's taken with or without food. This is where bioavailability comes into play: the amount of CBD the body actually ends up using, which varies greatly from one format to another.

Broadly speaking, by method of use:

• Inhaled or smoked (CBD flowers and hash-type extracts): it's the fastest, beginning to be noticed within minutes, but the effect lasts less (around 2-4 hours).
• Sublingual (CBD oil drops under the tongue): begins to be noticed between 15 and 45 minutes and lasts around 4-6 hours.
• Oral or ingested (capsules, gummies, CBD drinks, etc.): takes longer, 30-90 minutes, because it goes through digestion, but the effect lasts longer (6-8 hours). Taking it with some fat improves CBD absorption.
• Topical use (oils, creams and massage oils): acts locally on the applied area (10-30 minutes) and barely passes into the bloodstream.

These are indicative ranges, since the pharmacokinetics of CBD vary greatly between people, formulations and doses; they are consistent with the reviews published in British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Frontiers in Pharmacology. In general, the pulmonary route is felt sooner but the effect lasts less, while the digestive route has a later effect but lasts longer. More on how long the effect lasts and how long CBD stays in the body in our guide on how long CBD stays in the body and how long it takes to work.

What dose of CBD can you take?

There are no established guidelines on CBD dosage for the general population. Based on countries that have regulated CBD as a food, a reference intake of around 10 mg of CBD per day in healthy adults is considered prudent —this is the indicative level set by the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA)—.

Even so, it's not a universal figure: the amount depends on the method of use, the goal (general relaxation, occasional discomfort, rest), body weight and individual sensitivity.

For a full explanation, goal-based recommendations and scientific references, see our dedicated guide: What is the optimal CBD dose? and CBD guide for dogs: effects and safe dosage.

CBD side effects

CBD has a good safety profile and, according to the World Health Organization, is generally well tolerated. When they appear, its side effects are usually mild, infrequent and dose-dependent. The most commonly reported in studies are drowsiness or tiredness, dry mouth, diarrhoea or nausea and changes in appetite, and are observed mainly with high doses or in particularly sensitive people.

More detail in our guide on the side effects of CBD.

CBD contraindications

Although its safety profile is high, CBD is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding —due to a lack of data and as a precaution regarding the baby's development— and in children without professional supervision.

In addition, CBD may have interactions with some medications. If you take medication or live with a medical condition, consult your doctor before using CBD.

You'll find the details in our guides on the contraindications of CBD and on the use of CBD during pregnancy.

Method of use according to CBD regulations

Throughout this guide we've reviewed every possible way to use CBD —topical, sublingual, oral, smoked, vaporised and ingested—, but it's worth remembering that not all methods of use are legal (that is, regulated) in every country. In other words, the method of use of each CBD product depends on the regulations of each place.

In general, throughout the European Union topical use is permitted, where CBD is regulated as a cosmetic product.

CBD buds and hash are sold in most EU countries for decorative, aromatic and collector's purposes; and only some regulate them for smoking or inhaling.

Oral or sublingual use is not authorised as a food in most of the EU (Novel Food regulations). Countries such as Canada, the United States or the United Kingdom (under a transitional regime) do allow for this route.

That's why, before buying or using any CBD product, find out about the current legislation in your country and always read the label. Cannactiva's products are sold in accordance with European regulations —for cosmetic, decorative or aromatic purposes depending on the case— and are not intended for oral or sublingual use or for ingestion.

Frequently asked questions about using CBD

Does CBD show up in a drug test?

Drug tests detect THC and its metabolites, not CBD, so cannabidiol on its own does not test positive. The nuance is that some products —especially CBD flowers and resins and full-spectrum oils— may contain traces of THC, and very frequent and prolonged use could accumulate them up to the detection threshold. With CBD products used at the usual doses, a positive result is unlikely. If you need certainty (traffic, anti-doping or workplace tests), we explain it in detail —types of test, cut-off points and what to do if you test positive— in our guide does CBD show up in a drug test?.

The information in this guide is purely informational and does not constitute a recommendation for consumption or medical advice. Cannactiva's products are not intended for oral or sublingual use or for ingestion, and are sold for decorative, aromatic or cosmetic purposes depending on the case. Always check the current legislation in your country and the product label before using it.

References

• World Health Organization (WHO). Cannabidiol (CBD) — Critical Review Report, 2018. Document (PDF).
• World Health Organization (WHO). Q&A: WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence — Review of cannabis, August 2018. Link.
• EFSA NDA Panel. Update of the statement on safety of cannabidiol as a novel food. EFSA Journal, 2026. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2026.9862.
• EFSA. Provisional safe level for cannabidiol as a novel food, 9 February 2026. Link.
• European Commission. Novel Food Status Catalogue. Link.
• Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 on novel foods. EUR-Lex.
• Court of Justice of the EU. Judgment C-663/18 (Kanavape case), 19 November 2020. Link.
• Swissmedic. Products containing cannabidiol (CBD) — Overview and implementation guide (CBD smoking products, Tobacco Products Act 2024).
• Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products of Belgium (FAMHP/AFMPS). Questions about other products and foodstuffs based on cannabis.
• Austrian Ministry of Finance (BMF) / TabMG 1996 — classification of hemp flowers as a smoking product under the tobacco monopoly (2025).
• Food Standards Agency (United Kingdom). Cannabidiol (CBD) guidance — Novel Food regime and transitional list.
• Millar, S. A., Stone, N. L., Yates, A. S., & O'Sullivan, S. E. (2018). A Systematic Review on the Pharmacokinetics of Cannabidiol in Humans. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 9, 1365. doi:10.3389/fphar.2018.01365.
• Lucas, C. J., Galettis, P., & Schneider, J. (2018). The pharmacokinetics and the pharmacodynamics of cannabinoids. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 84(11), 2477-2482. doi:10.1111/bcp.13710.