CBD – WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT WAYS TO USE IT?   

There are many different ways of using CBD, from sublingual, edibles, topical, vaping, and capsules. There are also factors that you should consider when picking the method of CBD intake.

Numerous studies have shown that CBD could help deal with numerous health conditions such as stress, anxiety, and even epilepsy. Research on CBD is lagging, but the available results suggest that the future of CBD is promising. This is evident in a drug called Epidiolex, formulated from CBD and used to treat a rare form of epilepsy in children. CBD can be used for different purposes, and in the course of learning more about CBD, people are always curious about the different ways of using CBD.    

What Is CBD

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is the second most prevalent cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. Cannabinoid refers to all the substances that are found within the cannabis plant. It can be harnessed from either the hemp plant or marijuana. But only CBD obtained from the hemp plant is federally legal. This is because hemp contains a lower THC content than marijuana; marijuana is a schedule 1 substance, meaning it is illegal under federal law. Subramaniam et al. (2019) noted that Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC commonly referred to, is the psychoactive cannabinoid in the hemp plant that causes a high in weed users. You might also come across CBD oil, which is CBD extracted in powder form and then suspended in a carrier oil.    

Sublngually

This is one of the easiest ways of taking CBD. Sublingual intake involves using drops or tinctures, which are placed under the tongue and then held in the mouth for about one minute for the body to absorb. Of all the methods of CBD intake, this is the most effective and simplest method of CBD intake. Moreover, through this method, the effects of CBD kick in faster as they enter the bloodstream directly through the numerous blood vessels in the mouth. This method also maintains the potency of the CBD as it does not go through the digestive system. It is also easier to measure dosage when using tinctures. The only downside is that you will have to deal with the earthy taste of using CBD drops.    

Topically

This method involves the direct application of CBD oil on the skin. The topical application of CBD involves using CBD creams and balms, which are absorbed directly into the skin. Topical application is most effective in dealing with muscle and joint pain, where CBD is applied to a particular area. McDougall et al. (2022) noted that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that help deal with pain and inflammation. From the study above, it has been useful in treating arthritis-related pain. The topical use of CBD could also be effective in dealing with skin conditions such as acne or managing migraines. The topical application of CBD is easy and requires no additional tools.   

Edibles

Edibles are becoming popular by the day. These are food products that are cooked or baked with CBD oil. They come in cookies, gummies, brownies, or cakes. Edibles are tasty and can suit beginners, especially if they don't want the earthy taste that comes with CBD drops. This is a convenient and discreet method of taking CBD from anywhere. However, its effects take longer to kick in, up to about one hour, since they have to go through the digestive system. However, its effects are long-lasting; this way, edibles can be useful in dealing with stress and anxiety. According to Sartori et al. (2019), CBD contains anxiolytic properties, which are useful in managing anxiety and calming the mind.    

Vaping 

CBD can also be utilized through inhaling. Vaping involves the use of a specially formulated liquid known as vape juice. Vape juice is heated up by an electric gadget known as a vape pen into a vapor that can be inhaled. Do not vape raw CBD oil as this would be inhaling hot oil into the lungs, which may present health risks. With vaping, it is possible to regulate dosage. Another upside of vaping is that the effects of CBD kick in faster as CBD enters the bloodstream through the lungs, but the downside is that its effects are not long-lasting. Vaping also maintains the potency of CBD, but it is quite cumbersome as it involves additional equipment. 

CBD Capsules

 Capsules come with a definite dosage and are taken like any other supplements. The advantage of capsules is that you can take them even on an empty stomach for the effects to kick in faster. They are convenient, and their effects last longer. CBD capsules can come in handy in treating chronic pain, anxiety, and insomnia. Atalay et al. (2020) noted that CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system through binding with cannabinoid 1 and cannabinoid 2 receptors to boost its functions. 

Choosing The Best Way to Take CBD  

The first int tip that should guide consumers is the intended purpose of the CBD. For localized joint or muscle pain, consider topicals; for anxiety and stress, other methods such as edibles and tinctures are ideal. Another important thing to consider is how fast you want the CBD to kick in and how long you want its effects to last. Factors such as convenience, discreetness, and taste will also influence the choice of CBD intake. Consumers desiring the effects of CBD to kick in faster should consider sublingual intake. Beginners can be adventurous and try different methods of using CBD before settling on one.

Conclusion    

There are different ways of taking CBD; the intake method will influence how fast the CBD kicks in and how long the effects last. It also comes in different potencies ranging from low to medium and high. As a beginner, consider starting with low potency and low dosage and then working your way up. CBD oil also features different types containing different compounds. Learn more about should cbd be used daily?

References             

Atalay, S., Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2020). Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol. Antioxidants, 9(1), 21.

McDougall, J. J., & McKenna, M. K. (2022). Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Properties of the Cannabis Terpene Myrcene in Rat Adjuvant Monoarthritis. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(14), 7891.

Sartori, S. B., & Singewald, N. (2019). Novel pharmacological targets in drug development for the treatment of anxiety and anxiety-related disorders. Pharmacology & therapeutics, 204, 107402.

Subramaniam, V. N., Menezes, A. R., DeSchutter, A., & Lavie, C. J. (2019). The cardiovascular effects of marijuana: are the potential adverse effects worth the high?. Missouri medicine, 116(2), 146.