Due to heightened public and scientific interest in CBD’s medicinal potential in recent years, many CBD products have surfaced in marketplaces and so did different ways of CBD consumption.
CBD has become widespread, mainly because it has shown powerful therapeutic potential. Nowadays, people are using CBD products to relieve stress, fight inflammation, and much more. Although CBD science is still in infancy, anecdotal evidence backing CBD’s “miraculous benefits” is vast and sundry.
Although all CBD products are all essentially CBD-based, they produce varying effects. Deciding which delivery system works best for you is a subjective choice. CBD isn’t a one size fits all solution. Depending upon your weight, height, preferences, tolerance to cannabis, and many other factors, your experience with CBD will differ from others.
Below we’re going to explore every CBD consumption method out there to help you make an educated choice to meet your CBD needs.
Different Kinds of CBD Delivery Methods: A Complete Rundown
1. Smoking/Vaping
Smoking is one of the most comfortable and most convenient ways of CBD oil consumption. All you have to do is light up a CBD-dense strain (preferably derived from hemp), and you’re good to go. Just like you can smoke marijuana, you can get your hands on a rolled CBD joint.
Either way, smoking CBD is one of the fastest ways of experiencing CBD’s benefits. When you smoke CBD, it enters straight into your bloodstream, producing immediate effects. Unlike edibles and other forms, it doesn’t go through intermediary pathways, such as the digestive system and lungs, for additional processing.
But, keep in mind that experts don’t recommend smoking. This has nothing to do with CBD but with the act of smoking itself. Although smoking CBD is not as dangerous as smoking cigarettes, if you have an underlying respiratory condition, such as asthma, you should first consult your doctor.
If smoking isn’t your thing, you can also vape CBD. Vaping is safer than smoking; however, make sure the cartridges you use in your vape pen aren’t adulterated with harmful ingredients. In 2019, news outlets reported many deaths and critical respiratory failures in CBD users who got their products from illegal underground markets, where CBD is largely unregulated.
2. Under Tongue: Easy and Fast Absorption of CBD
Taking CBD sublingually is another great way to use the compound. All you have to do is place the CBD oil or tincture under your tongue. Many people prefer this consumption method because it’s effortless to administer. However, CBD via the sublingual route isn’t as bioavailable as it is through smoking. Meaning, you’ll have to keep the compound on your tongue and wait for a minute or two to feel the effects kicking in.
3. CBD Edibles: Best Method to Create Your Favourite CBD Recipes
Edibles are popular because you can easily add them to your favorite dishes and make delicious CBD-infused meals. Whether you’re looking to add CBD to your morning coffee or want to make a finger-licking CBD dinner, edibles provide you with a lot of flexibility and options.
However, some CBD edibles contain high levels of THC. THC is the main psychotropic substance known for causing a high. It is also linked with certain adverse side effects, such as dry mouth, constipation, and hallucinations. Ensure your edibles contain less than the legally permitted amount of THC (.3%) to prevent any misshapen accidents.
You also have to remember to keep your calorie count in check when cooking with edibles. Edibles are, at their core, desserts, and therefore can easily add up weight if you’re not careful with their dosage.
There are low-calorie options available in the market. But they’re rare.
Overall, if you’re looking for a consumption method to keep you energized throughout the day, then CBD edibles are your best. People who have underlying medical conditions, such as arthritis, and have to deal with symptoms, such as chronic pain, can especially benefit from CBD’s pain and inflammation relieving properties by taking a CBD edible when things get tough.
4. CBD Creams and lotions: Topical CBD
If you’re in the market for a CBD product that doesn’t involve any ingestion, CBD creams offer a good alternative. Although CBD creams and lotions aren’t as potent and bioavailable as other delivery systems, they have their targeted use. For example, they’re perfect for localized treatments. If some part of your skin aches with physical pain, a good CBD topical can help provide instant relief.
Most people use Topical CBD to eliminate the pain in their necks, spines, and arms. And besides relieving pain, CBD creams are also a great addition to your daily skin regimen. They make excellent moisturizers and shield the body against acne and eczema.
5. Nasal Sprays
CBD nasals aren’t as common as vapes or CBD lotions and creams. But, they cater to a particular audience. These are specially made for people who have inflammatory brain syndrome, such as epilepsy. Moreover, CBD nasal products vary from one brand to another. The ingredient list of one band may differ a lot from another.
6. CBD Capsules: Your Daily Supplementation
CBD capsules are perfect for maintaining focus and increasing attention spans. Their form and shape are quite similar to traditional supplements and vitamins. You can easily ingest them orally without experiencing any palatability issue.
Most people use capsules as CBD consumption methods because they’re not ready for other delivery systems. This method builds up tolerance levels and makes one ready for more action-packed CBD experiences.
Which CBD Consumption is Best-suited to your needs?
As we’ve already mentioned above, every CBD user is different. Before picking up a consumption method, realize they’re all highly beneficial in their ways. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Check all of them if you have to.
CBD has an excellent safety profile, so there won’t be any harm done. You also have to factor in your dosing frequency. While the FDA hasn’t provided any concrete dosing guidelines, it’s recommended to start with low doses, whichever consumption method you choose. If you’re still unsure, where to start, get in touch with a holistic CBD doctor who can nudge you in the right direction.