How to use CBD: methods of use and what's legal in each country

CBD has become one of the most popular cannabinoids, and today it features in a huge variety of CBD products – oils, creams, CBD buds, 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?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main compound in cannabis, 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.

Full spectrum, broad spectrum and isolate CBD: which should you choose?

Not all CBD extracts are the same. The type of CBD largely determines the quality, composition and effects of the product:

• Full spectrum CBD: contains all the natural compounds of hemp – aromatic terpenes, minor cannabinoids and a minimal THC content (below 0.3%). The components act in synergy, a scientifically studied phenomenon known as the entourage effect. It is the type of CBD most valued by professionals.

• Broad spectrum CBD: similar to full spectrum, but without THC. An alternative for those who prefer to avoid THC completely.

• CBD isolate: contains only pure CBD, with no other hemp compounds. It is the least complete of the three.

At Cannactiva we work exclusively with full spectrum CBD, because we believe it is the one that provides all the compounds of the plant and delivers the most balanced effects of CBD.

Ways to use 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 do you use CBD oil?

CBD oil is the most popular and versatile CBD product. It comes in a dropper bottle and, depending on the country and its regulations, can be used in different ways. The best known is the sublingual route, in which a few drops of CBD oil are placed under the tongue and held there for 30 to 60 seconds before swallowing. The effects of CBD usually start to be felt after around 15-45 minutes and can last 4-6 hours, depending on the person and the amount used.

Sublingual CBD oil is one of the most common ways of using CBD for wellbeing and relaxation, usually under professional guidance. It should be made clear that oral and sublingual use of CBD is only permitted in countries that expressly regulate it, such as Canada (under its Cannabis Act) or the United Kingdom (under a transitional regime).

In Spain and in most European Union countries, CBD is not authorised for use in food. Until 2019 these products sat in a legal grey area; that year the EU classified CBD as a novel food, a category that requires prior authorisation from the European Commission, following a safety assessment by EFSA, and that authorisation has not yet been granted. The assessment remains open and 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 flower and buds used?

CBD flower comes from industrial hemp strains with a THC content below 0.3%. It retains all the aroma of cannabis buds, without their THC and therefore without any psychoactive effect or narcotic potential.

In some European countries – such as Switzerland, Austria or Belgium – low-THC hemp flower is regulated as a smoking product (a tobacco substitute). Outside Europe, Canada also allows it to be smoked or vaporised. In other countries, such as the United Kingdom, hemp flower is a controlled substance even when its THC content is low.

How to smoke CBD flower

In countries where this method of use is permitted, there are a few things worth bearing in mind before smoking CBD flower. The main one is knowing where the buds come from to make sure of their quality: hemp grown free from pesticides, heavy metals and other chemicals. It's also advisable to check the batch's lab results (COA), which certify the CBD and THC content.

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

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

How is CBD hash used?

CBD hash includes products such as hash, Pollen Dry Sift, Bubble Hash, Iceolator and Moon Rocks. Apart from Moon Rocks (buds coated in oil and kief), 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 flower, 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 CBD hash by texture, aroma and concentration, our comparison of the best CBD hash will help you.

How is CBD vaporised?

Vaporisation heats CBD without reaching combustion, releasing it as vapour. There are two routes: vaporising flower and hash with dry-herb devices – only in countries where this is permitted – and vaping 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 using them, making them a new ally in many athletes' routines. We go into this in more depth in our guide on CBD for athletes and sports performance.

How do you use CBD skincare?

CBD skincare – face creams, balms and body oils – is applied directly to the skin as part of your 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 Cannactiva CBD skincare complies with the cosmetics regulations in force in the European Union.

How is CBD toothpaste used?

CBD toothpaste is used just like any other 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 Canada or the United Kingdom (under a transitional regime) do allow their sale; we go through this country by country in the FAQs.

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 work?

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 flower and hash-type extracts): this is the fastest, starting to be felt within minutes, but the effect doesn't last as long (around 2-4 hours).
• Sublingual (CBD oil drops under the tongue): starts to be felt after 15 to 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 area applied (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 the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Frontiers in Pharmacology. In general, the pulmonary route is felt sooner but the effect doesn't last as long, while the digestive route takes effect later but lasts longer. There's 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 a day in healthy adults is considered prudent – this is the indicative level set by the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA). EFSA, for its part, set a lower provisional safe level in February 2026, of around 2 mg a day for a 70 kg adult.

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 they 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 – or 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, topical use is permitted throughout the European Union, 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. In some countries, such as the United Kingdom, they are controlled even when their THC content is low.

Oral or sublingual use is not authorised as a food in most of the EU (Novel Food regulations). Countries such as Canada 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 on a drug test?

Drug tests detect THC and its metabolites, not CBD, so cannabidiol on its own does not give a positive result. The catch is that some products – especially CBD flower and hash and full spectrum oils – may contain traces of THC, and very frequent, prolonged use could build them up to the detection threshold. With CBD products used at the usual doses, a positive result is unlikely. If you need to be certain (roadside, anti-doping or workplace tests), we explain it in detail – types of test, cut-off levels and what to do if you test positive – in our guide Does CBD show up on 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.