CBD Topicals Vs. Oral CBD Oil Drops and CBD Edibles

The rapid growth of the CBD market has spiked an increase in the type of CBD supplements. CBD Balms and Gels, oil drops, and edibles are among the most popular CBD supplements. This blog discusses CBD topicals, the types of CBD Balms and Gels, oral CBD drop oils and CBD edibles, the right product to choose from, and whether CBD oral drops or tinctures can be used topically.

CBD manufacturers and retailers yearn to produce and avail to users CBD products that match their type and preferences regardless of the consumption method. This has led to an increase in the supplements available today. CBD Balms and Gels, oral CBD oil drops, and edibles are widely known by most consumers explaining the debate on which supplement works best. These products contain similar CBD potency and THC traces but highly differ in the administration methods based on individual choices. CBD topicals are spread externally on the skin to deliver the expected benefits. In contrast, drops and edibles are ingested orally and work internally by binding with the endocannabinoid system. The evolving CBD industry requires consumers to know the best products for their usage.  

What are CBD Topicals?

According to Evans (2020), topicals are CBD-infused products meant to be applied to the skin. They owe their name to the external or topical application method. CBD Cream are commonly used to address skin issues that demand specific application on the affected area. These supplements have a soothing effect on the skin that can aid in relieving itchiness, reducing inflammation and pain, and promoting healthier skin. CBD topicals extracted from hemp plants are absorbed in the skin and interact with the CB1 or CB2 receptors to enhance how the cannabinoids function. There is minimal research to determine the CBD topical dosage people should use. Therefore, it's essential to consult with a health professional before using any product.

CBD topicals are popular as they are simple to use with various benefits. They are fit for newbies to CBD products due to their effectiveness without the need to interact with the internal organs. The main downside with CBD Cream is their low bioavailability, preventing the cannabinoids from getting into the bloodstream.

According to Atsmon (2018), bioavailability is the amount and rate at which the cannabinoids are absorbed or enter the bloodstream. The compounds in CBD Balms and Gels penetrate the external skin layer only to deliver soothing effects.

The Different Types of CBD Topicals

CBD Cream are available in different concentrations based on the intended use. Most supplements are non-greasy and contain other skin-boosting ingredients to enhance their efficacy. Others have essential oils that can aid in treating severe health conditions. It's important to check the ingredients labels to ensure you buy a topical product right for your skin. The common types are creams, serums, lotions, sprays, ointments, balms, transdermal patches, salves, and roll-ons.

What are Oral CBD Oils and CBD Edibles?

Oral CBD refers to CBD products consumed through the mouth. Oral CBD can be taken sublingually, which categorizes further the type of supplements, whether oil drops, tinctures, or edibles. On the other hand, CBD edibles can comprise gummies, candies, pills, capsules, or cookies.

Type of Oral CBD Oils and CBD Edible Depending on Their Intake

Sublingual Administration

According to Millar (2020), sublingual administration is the consumption method with the highest bioavailability. The method entails placing one or two drops of CBD under the tongue and holding them for one minute before swallowing. The cannabinoid is directly absorbed into the capillaries as they don't need to be digested, making one feel the hits faster. The CBD molecules travel faster through the mucous membrane and then metabolize to reach the ECS. CBD oral drops are for users who demand faster therapeutic effects. Oil tinctures are the type of CBD orals administered sublingually using a dropper.

Ingestion

CBD products, including pills, gummies, isolates, capsules, foods, and drinks, are consumed by ingestion. They are termed CBD edibles as they need to be digested first before being metabolized in the bloodstream to reach the ECS. CBD edibles have a lower bioavailability than CBD oral drop oils as the digestion process breaks down the number of molecules reaching the endocannabinoid system. Despite the differences in bioavailability, the therapeutic effects of edibles tend to last longer in the system. Capsules, pills, and softgels are the best for people looking to regulate their daily dosages as the products contain similar quantities.

Which Is the Right Product for You; CBD Topicals Vs. Oral Drops and Edibles

CBD consumers find it challenging to pick the right product. You should consider two factors whenever you want to invest in what matches your demands; the consumption method and reasons for purchase.

CBD Balms and Gels suit those looking to relieve minor body pains and mild skin issues. You should invest in topicals if you need supplements that tackle a specific body part, are used eternally or directly on the affected area, has no interactions with your bloodstream, or is more concentrated externally and has sudden soothing effects on the targeted part. On the other hand, oral drops are meant for users who want fast and robust therapeutic effects.

CBD edibles are fit for consumers yearning to regulate their dose, who love different flavored products and want long-lasting therapeutic effects evenly distributed in the body and the most convenient way to enjoy CBD all day long.

Can Oral CBD Oil and Tinctures Be Used Topically?

According to Geshtakovska & Stefkov (2016), both can be used topically following similar procedures to apply other topicals like creams or serums. Oral CBD oil and tinctures are likely to be absorbed faster due to their thinner concentration than basic topicals.

The Bottom Line

CBD topicals, oral drops, and edibles provide excellent alternatives to CBD users based on their consumption method preferences and the need for the supplements. Choose a supplement that suits your administration way and helps you resolve the current health issue effectively, or use them as you interchange for a more entourage effect. This blog contains all essential information on the most popular ways consumers enjoy CBD; topicals, orals, and edibles. Sometimes edibles are classified under oral oils though the consumption method differs slightly. Though these supplements differ in some ways, they can be used interchangeably to provide various benefits. Learn more about benefits of edible cbd products

References

Evans, J. (2020). The Ultimate Guide to CBD: Explore the World of Cannabidiol. Fair Winds Press. Atsmon, J., Cherniakov, I., Izgelov, D., Hoffman, A., Domb, A. J., Deutsch, L., ... & Sacks, H. (2018). PTL401, a new formulation based on pro-nano dispersion technology, improves oral cannabinoids bioavailability in healthy volunteers. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 107(5), 1423-1429.

Geshtakovska, G., & Stefkov, G. (2016). Routes of cannabis administration: a brief review. Your hosts Macedonian Pharmaceutical Association and Faculty of Pharmacy, Ss Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, 515.

Millar, S. A., Maguire, R. F., Yates, A. S., & O'Sullivan, S. E. (2020). Towards better delivery of cannabidiol (CBD). Pharmaceuticals, 13(9), 219.