CBD (Cannabidiol) has been around for ages, yet in recent years this cannabinoid found in hemp, cannabis, and other plants has attracted quite a bit of attention from the medical community and those seeking out all-natural alternative options for their health. But how do you consume CBD?
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CBD Delivery Methods
Because CBD is so versatile, companies are taking consumer feedback to heart, releasing new and innovative ways to consume CBD and accompanying products that consumers can use and enjoy.
The most common ways to use CBD include:
Consuming CBD with CBD Oil Tinctures
Sublingual CBD Oil tinctures are a very easy way to take CBD. The bioavailability and “activation” time for sublingual CBD oil tinctures is thought to be somewhere in between orally ingesting (eating/drinking/swallowing capsules) and smoking (inhalation). This makes CBD Oil tinctures a good practical option. Just don't add them to food or drink or they will not work!
Consuming CBD Edibles
The bioavailability of orally ingested CBD is thought to be around 10%. If you take a 100mg CBD gummy, that means only 10mg will “actively” reach your body! Taking CBD orally can take an hour or more to “activate.” Along with being a very bad value, CBD edibles are prohibited by federal guidelines (despite being widely available)!
Using CBD Topicals
CBD topicals like CBD salves and CBD body butter are a great option because there are actually endocannabinoid receptors in many joints. Though the science is still out, there are many anecdotal claims of people with arthritis or skin conditions enjoying the effects of CBD topicals. Ultimately, every person will have a unique experience with CBD, but topicals are one of the more favorable delivery methods because you are not ingesting anything and risks of side effects are mainly ties to consuming CBD by ingestion, sublingual tincture, or smoking.
Using a Vape or Smoking to Consume CBD
If you consume CBD by vaping or smoking, you are risking throat irritation. It is normal for hemp or marijuana to make people cough when they smoke it. Even vapes can and will cause the trademark cough that is associated with smoking cannabis (or anything really). However, the bioavailability of smoking CBD flower or CBD vapes is thought to be around 30%. Now, if you smoke 100mg of CBD hemp flower, you could get up to 30mg. Smoking also leads to a faster “activation” time.
Final Thoughts on CBD Delivery Methods
However you choose to consume CBD, be sure to consider the side effects and risks associated with it. These warnings should not scare you, but it is important to be aware of them and talk to your doctor. CBD products have gotten a lot of hype, but they are not intended for medical use unless you are prescribed a prescription version like Epidiolex!
You will have the best CBD experience by trying different delivery methods and product types. Product formulation (isolate vs broad spectrum vs full spectrum) play just as much of a role as CBD potency, so it is not always best to just purchase the most potent product.
You will not feel CBD 'working' like THC from marijuana. It is more comparable to an over the counter health product where you may notice the absence or less intense ailments in general. Keep an open mind and realistic expectations about your unique CBD experience and remember that while CBD is great for some, it is not for everyone.
