The Best Way to Consume CBD to Optimize Your Health

CBD consumption is available in various ways, including; sublingually, topically, inhaling, and orally. Individuals should know that what works for them may not work for another. This blog highlights why CBD affects everyone differently and the different ways to take CBD.

Human beings have always loved the benefits of the cannabis plant for a long ago. Nowadays, a cannabis extract is consumed in various ways, including cannabidiol (CBD), to fit their lifestyle. A popular question always pops up is, what’s the best way to consume CBD oil? However, there isn’t an exact answer to the named question, which isn't easy as one may think. How to best consume CBD oil is affected by various factors, and since one has different body chemistries, what is best for one person may not be the best for someone else.

Why CBD Affects Everyone Differently

CBD has various effects, affecting every individual differently due to multiple factors such as genetics, health baseline, and lifestyle. CBD works together with the endocannabinoid system to strengthen the system’s overall function. CBD is a plant-based cannabinoid, and the body produces cannabinoids known as endocannabinoids, which are chemical messengers that bind to particular receptors in the body to stimulate specific processes. The endocannabinoid system's primary purpose is to maintain the body's homeostasis or balance.

When there is an imbalance in the body because of various factors, such as internal or external stresses, the body is at a high risk of contracting an infection, so a strong ECS   aids the body in responding to various stressors. Consumption of CBD strengthens the ECS by breaking down the endocannabinoids, improving their ability to bind to specific receptor sites. How one consumes, CBD also affects its effect on these receptors, providing various benefits such as the sleep and wake cycle, pain perception, and stress response.

Different Ways to Take CBD

There are various ways of consuming CBD. However, what works for one person may not work for another individual.

CBD Tinctures

According to Tran et al. (2020), the most common method of consuming CBD oil is sublingually (beneath the tongue). Let the oil sit under the tongue for around sixty to ninety seconds before you swallow it. Taking CBD sublingually allows the compound to be absorbed into the bloodstream directly, meaning that no metabolization takes place in the various system of the body before getting its effects.

Advantages of CBD Tinctures

CBD Tinctures Are Fast-Acting

They are preferred since they provide immediate and fast-acting relief against discomfort. After consuming it, its effects are felt for around fifteen to twenty minutes.

Easy To Use

One can sublingually consume CBD oil or mix it in their favorite food or drinks. Since it comes with a small bottle, they can easily fit it in their purse, briefcase, and pocket.

Best for High Dosage

Oleinik &Gleb (2022) stated that if a person wants to consume a high dosage of CBD oil, then the CBD tincture is what they should opt for. It is recommended for individuals with a higher tolerance of CBD or for consuming it for specific or severe complications.

Consistent Absorption

Since they are not eaten, metabolization does not occur when one consumes CBD tinctures. Therefore, drinking CBD tinctures provides a more consistent absorption than CBD gummies.

Cons of CBD Tinctures

Shorter Effects

Even though CBD tinctures are the most efficient way of consuming CBD, its effects wear off quickly compared to other CBD delivery methods, such as edibles.

Easier To Dose Incorrectly

CBD tinctures contain a dropper. If you are familiar with droppers, you know how tricky they can sometimes be. It is because you might occasionally find it challenging to measure the number of drops needed.

CBD Gummies

If one finds taking CBD oil a bit complicated for them, and if they are looking for another delicious method of consuming CBD, they should go for CBD gummies.

Advantages of CBD Gummies

Easy to dose

Bass et al. (2020) noted that CBD gummies are easy to dose since they have already come predosed. It means one should not have to measure the amount of CBD dose for them.

They Are Delicious

CBD gummies are sweet and chewy candies available in various colors, sizes, and shapes, making them a tasty way to get your CBD dosage daily.

Long-Lasting

CBD gummies give a slower release of comfort, making them the best option for consuming CBD if one desires long-lasting effects. Even though it may take a while to feel its effects, one is assured that they will last longer.

Cons

Smaller Dose size

If one loves taking higher doses of CBD, they should avoid CBD gummies since their CBD content per gummy is low.

Slow Onset Time

Since gummies are eaten, they must be metabolized to absorb CBD. Hence, CBD gummies' effects are felt forty-five to two hours after consumption. CBD gummies are not the best option if you want immediate and fast-acting relief.

CBD Topicals

CBD topicals provide relief to the targeted area. After an intense sports game and experiencing sore muscles and joints, you should use CBD topicals such as creams if you want immediate relief. Baswan et al. (2020) commented that CBD topicals contain anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties, which give instant pain relief and leave our skin feeling moisturized.

Advantage of Topicals

Easy to use

It is easier to use CBD topicals like lotions since all an individual needs to do, is apply the cream to the targeted area, and they are good to go.

Discreet

Topicals are easier to carry either in the bag or purse. They are so easy to conceal since one can tuck them away in their office, bathroom, or any other place you can imagine.

Direct application

Since topicals are applied directly to the skin, they are the best way to consume CBD for people sensitive to CBD and other cannabinoids. One must use it on the affected area; if the knee requires comfort, rub it there. If one wants to clear their skin from breakouts, they do not need to apply it to their whole body; rub it to the targeted area, and it will work well.

Cons of CBD Topicals

Low Absorption Rate

Since the skin contains various barriers, CBD topicals get absorbed at a low rate. It means that you need more of it to yield your desired effects.

Difficult To Dose

Most CBD topicals come in a container; however, it is difficult for one to know the amount of CBD per dollop on the topicals.

Not Ideal For Higher Doses

CBD topicals may not be your preferred method for individuals with a high tolerance of CBD since you require a large amount of it to get the desired results.

All in all, CBD tinctures are the best way of consuming CBD since it is convenient compared to other forms. It takes you a few seconds to open the bottle and drop the oil beneath your tongue; once you consume it, its effects are noticed within minutes and last for several hours.

Conclusion

To summarize, the most recommended way of consuming CBD oil is by taking it sublingually since it is fast acting and powerful. It is also a potent way of getting your daily dose of CBD without getting the psychotropic effect of THC. CBD tinctures are also cost-effective, have the highest bioavailability, and have a low onset time; their effects last for quite some time. However, the best way of taking CBD depends on various methods since the tinctures may work for some while gummies work for others. To take CBD for health, one should take it consistently to get maximum results. Also, one should not waste time with larger servings.

References

Bass, J., & Linz, D. R. (2020). A case of toxicity from cannabidiol gummy ingestion. Cureus, 12(4).

Baswan, S. M., Klosner, A. E., Glynn, K., Rajgopal, A., Malik, K., Yim, S., & Stern, N. (2020). Therapeutic potential of cannabidiol (CBD) for skin health and disorders. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 13, 927.

Oleinik, G. 5 Strongest CBD Oils: Reviews & Guide (February 2022).

Tran, T., & Kavuluru, R. (2020). Social media surveillance for perceived therapeutic effects of cannabidiol (CBD) products. International Journal of Drug Policy, 77, 102688.