Nowadays there are a wide range of CBD products, ranging from oils (the oldest and most common form of CBD) to extracts, capsules, e-liquids and puffs, crystals, topical balms, teas and honey.
When choosing which form is best for you, here are some factors to keep in mind:
- bioavailability: not all CBD consumed will have a effect, only a % will actually get to the bloodstream and have a effect.
- speed of action: how fast do you want to have an effect.
- convenience: looking for something easy to take and discreet or not an issue?
- personal taste: in the end, everyone has different preferences.
There are different ways of taking CBD but not all CBD forms will be suited for the same administration techniques. Also, different administration techniques of taking CBD will have different levels of bioavailability, and affect how long does it takes to have effect and how long it lasts. Some methods are more convenient, especially if you are on the go, while others will fit your taste better.
Inhalation
Inhalation is one of the ways that give more bioavailability, reaching as high as 35%. The lungs have high permeability, a big surface for absorption and better blood supply so the CBD is absorbed faster into the bloodstream and from there to the brain.
This makes inhalation also the way that has the quickest effect. However, the effects will have a shorter period of time.
Vaporizing instead of smoking is becoming more popular among all smokers, but especially among those who are aiming for the therapeutic benefits of cannabis, because vaporizing produces a clean pure vapour and no harmful smoke. Nowadays, there is already a wide range of e-liquid infused with CBD available and also CBD crystals that are suitable to be vaporized.
Vaporizing implies the use of some paraphernalia. Some people love it and carry it around with them everywhere. Others may not find it handy to carry around a vaporizer, especially if it is a big one.
Sublingual Use
Sublingual use means to put something under your tongue and let it sit there as long as possible without swallowing. This is not the same as taking CBD orally.
The bioavailability of CBD when used sublingually is not as high as inhaling, with a bioavailability around 6%.
The effect is also quick since the CBD will be absorbed by the membrane under the tongue going directly into the bloodstream. It is not as fast as inhalation.
This is perhaps the most popular way of using CBD oils as it is also one of the most efficient. It is also one of the ways to use CBD extract and CBD crystals.
The oil/extracts/crystals should remain under the tongue for at least 60 seconds so it can be properly absorbed.
This method is very useful for travel as it very easy to take some drops (or a little bit of crystal or extract) under your tongue, so the convenience of CBD use sublingually is very good.
Orally
Taking CBD orally means taking a CBD capsule or to add CBD to food or drinks.
The bioavailability of taking CBD orally is low because it takes a long time to make its way to be absorbed into the bloodstream and also because the hydrochloric acid in the stomach can destroy cannabinoid molecules before they have time to pass to the small intestine, where they are absorbed.
The effects are slower to come but they will last for a longer time, making it a plus side of taking CBD orally.
In order to help the absorption of the CBD it is best to take it on a empty stomach so the the cannabinoids can pass quickly through the stomach.
Taking capsules can be highly convenient since you can carry them with you and can top up when needed. The same with oils that you can add to your drink or crystals that you can sprinkle on your salad.
The extract can also be taken orally by adding as a spread to a sandwich.
Honey and infused CBD tea are also used orally and perfect for a night cap.
Topical
Using CBD has a ointment directly on the skin has been around for thousands of years. It will have effect when applied directly on the skin and CBD in balm form will help with treating some skin conditions due to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics.
Localised pain related with arthritis can also be soothed by applying CBD balm directly on the spot.
In addition to these effects, applying CBD balm on the neck and shoulders before going to bed will relax and help to achieve a sound sleep.
CBD Dosage
With extracts, it is recommended to start slowly to see how your body reacts. The extract is a strengthened version of CBD, so only a small amount is needed, like a grain of rice. If there is a positive reaction, then you can slowly increase the dosage until you reach the dosage that has the expected results. The best way would be sublingually.
A lot of CBD oils come with a daily recommended dosage that you should respect, because different oils will have a different % of active CBD.
The balms can be applied whenever you feel the need for it, being it cracked lips, dry skin, a spot of pain or skin inflammation.
Please note: we are not medically trained and are not qualified to give out medical advice. This article is for informational purposes only.