By Contributing Author
Cannabidiol, more commonly referred to as CBD, is a commonly consumed substance that falls into the alternative medicine sector. Research is growing on the viability of this product for healing a variety of ailments, but many people claim that it can do a great deal for general health and wellness.
The most common claims surrounding CBD’s reach include its ability to treat anxiety, depression, sleep issues, pain, inflammation, seizures, acne, eczema, cancer symptoms, symptoms of other health problems, and more.
If you’re looking to treat one or more of these ailments, CBD might be right for you. There’s a lot to consider before trying CBD for the first time. You’ll want to identify the right dosage, where to purchase it, if CBD could potentially help your condition, etc.
You’ll also need to determine the best way to take CBD. There are several delivery methods of getting CBD into your system. Here are the most common ways.
- Sublingual Tinctures
Sublingual tinctures are typically the recommended way to take CBD. It’s usually considered the most effective, it acts quickly, and it can last for longer than other methods on this list. It has the highest bioavailability rating, meaning that more CBD makes it into your system this way (up to 80 percent).
To take CBD sublingually, you’ll put a few drops beneath your tongue and hold it there for 60-90 seconds. During this time, it will seep into the mucous membranes of your mouth where it has a fast track to your blood stream. Then, you’ll swallow it, and after digestion, the remaining CBD will also enter your blood stream and do the trick.
The downside to taking CBD sublingually is the flavor and texture. Many people don’t enjoy the feel or taste of the oil under their tongues.
To remedy this, you can purchase an oil tincture in whatever flavor you like. There are many flavor combinations that do a great job of masking the natural, earthy taste of CBD. Mint CBD oil, (try the mint flavored oil from Penguin CBD) is usually the best at masking the natural CBD flavor, plus mint essential oil offers additional health benefits.
When taken sublingually, most people feel effects within about 15 minutes. The effects typically last for 48-36 hours. However, if you take CBD daily, the built-up CBD in your system can stick around for about five days, giving you maximum benefits.
- Oral Capsules
For many CBD users, the convenience of taking a gel or powder capsule containing CBD oil is just too good to pass up. They prefer the ability to pop a capsule morning or night. It beats the taste and texture of CBD oil, and it’s far more inconspicuous than putting a dropper full of oil under the tongue.
The downside to taking oral capsules is that much of the CBD is lost during digestion. Stomach acids and digestive fluids break down the enzymes in CBD so that only about 20 percent of the CBD is bioavailable. You may need a slightly higher CBD dose as a result but speak with a doctor if you’re uncertain.
- Inhalable Products
There are several products designed for inhalation. The recommended method of inhaling CBD is through a vaporizer with CBD vape juice, although there are CBD joints that can be smoked. Beware the risks of smoking, and don’t start just because you want to take CBD through inhalation.
Vaporized CBD juice is considered a better alternative to smoking because it simply heats the vape juice and turns it into steam that you can inhale. This circumvents the smoking risks that contain carcinogens and other harmful risks.
There’s also research to indicate that additives in your vape juice like fractionated coconut oil (MCT), thinning agents, vegetable glycerin, and propylene glycol can damage your lung tissue when inhaled. Stick with pure CBD vape cartridges.
Inhaling the best CBD oil gets the ingredient into your blood stream quickly. Most who vape CBD report feeling the effects almost instantaneously. That being said, it does not last long in your system. Typically, the effects are gone within a few hours, so it’s great for a quick release of symptoms, but it’s not there to help you throughout the entire day.
- Topical Ointments
A very popular form of CBD is topical creams, ointments, gels, salves, etc. While there’s no evidence to show that CBD harms its users, the topical application of these products is generally better trusted than some other delivery methods because it’s not ingested.
It’s also more widely available and advertised because there are fewer restrictions on it. You’ll often find CBD-based creams in drug stores even in stores where cannabis sales are not typically legal. However, the good stuff will be found online in a reputable store. The dosage is typically higher in online stores and can offer greater benefits.
To get the benefits of topical CBD, you’ll apply it at the site of the problem, whether you’re trying to treat a skin condition or pain. The CBD is believed to sink into your pores where it can enter your blood stream at about 20 percent bioavailability. It’s great for treating targeted needs.
- Edibles and Drinks
Edible and drinkable CBD is an exciting new industry with seemingly endless possibilities. As more people begin using CBD regularly, more restaurants, bars, cafes, bakeries, and other eateries are starting to incorporate more CBD-based items onto their menus.
Food scientists and casual bakers are exploring the many possibilities of CBD oil recipes, but the most popular recipes include those with strong flavors to help hide the natural, earthy flavor of CBD. Some fan-favorites include brownies, coffees, teas, guacamole, salad dressings, mint juleps, smoothies, double chocolate chip cookies, energy bites, and more.
The best CBD gummies are the most popularly purchased edible, as they’re easy to ship and they last almost forever. They can easily be packed for work and consumed on the fly when you hit a spot of anxiety or have a painful flareup.
Regarding the best way to consume CBD, the choice is truly yours. You might consider exploring and experimenting with different types of CBD products and determining which are your favorites for daily consumption.
