CBD Delivery Methods

The cannabis market is expanding in a very rapid way. CBD products are the most common medicinal cannabis products available today. As a result, many CBD companies have capitalized on introducing several delivery methods that you can choose from. This article will expound more about CBD and the different ways to consume CBD.

CBD delivery methods are quite customized compared to pharmaceutical medications. There are no validated principles for dosage, potency, or delivery mechanism that healthcare providers can be confident about. When it comes to CBD, the dosage is individualized. There are also several ways to consume CBD and still get the desired health benefits of cannabis. CBD can be used topically on the skin and vaped or taken orally through tinctures, edibles, oil infusions, capsules, and sublingual uptake. Individuals consume CBD with the hope of getting certain desired effects. The time it takes to feel those effects depends on CBD dosage and, most importantly, how it is administered into your body.

What Is CBD?

Cilio et al. (2014) revealed that cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring compound of the cannabis plant. The cannabis plant has over one hundred and fifty compounds known as cannabinoids. These cannabinoids are responsible for the several therapeutic effects that cannabis is popularly known for; for example, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is responsible for the psychoactive effects associated with cannabis. When consumed, it causes a "high" feeling. On the contrary, CBD is not psychoactive. Kicman & Toczek (2020) stated that CBD is the best non-intoxicating component of cannabis. As a result, those who want to reap the therapeutic benefits of cannabis without having to worry about its psychoactive effects opt for CBD products. William & Diane (2021) found that CBD has shown significant benefits in treating health issues such as epilepsy, anxiety, depression, pain, inflammation, and skin conditions, among other health conditions.

CBD Delivery Methods

Oral Ingestion

Oral ingestion involves taking CBD through edibles or swallowing CBD in the form of tablets or capsules. You can also include CBD in your food recipes in case you don't like feeling its earthy and grassy taste. CBD edibles are available in gummies, lollipops, mints, cookies, chips, muffins, macaroons, chocolates, and more. CBD edibles are not only tasty but also the most discreet method of consuming CBD. For example, you can consume them while traveling or while at work. You grab one or two gummies and chew your dose over. The desired CBD effects do not kick in immediately. They are felt after a few hours. Banerjee & Pillai (2019) commented that this is because, like any other ingested food, CBD has to go through the long digestive tract for breakdown and metabolism before it is absorbed into the bloodstream. However, the good thing about oral ingestion is that the effects may last longer, usually 5 to 6 hours.

Advantages of Oral Ingestion

• It is quite discreet
• It can be used with a variety of foods and drinks

Disadvantages of Oral Ingestion

• It may take a longer time before the effects are felt
• It may not be easy figuring out the right dose

Sublingual

The sublingual method involves taking CBD directly under the tongue. CBD oil and CBD tinctures can be consumed through the sublingual method. This involves placing a few drops of CBD oil or CBD tinctures under the tongue and holding them for a few seconds for absorption before swallowing. Sublingual administration is good for bioavailability. It delivers a relatively higher amount of CBD into the bloodstream than oral ingestion. The area under the tongue is full of blood capillaries and permeable membranes that facilitate the absorption of CBD into the bloodstream. The sublingual method is among the quickest methods to deliver CBD effects. The effects are felt within a few minutes, usually 10 to 15 minutes after administration.

Advantages

• It is very easy to use and does not require any extra tool to use
• It can be easy to manage the dosage
• Its effects can last longer

Disadvantages

• Individuals may display different results
• It may not be good for those who do not like the earthy taste of CBD

Topical

The topical method involves applying CBD directly to the skin. CBD gets absorbed into the bloodstream through the epidermis part of your skin. Topical CBD is available in oils, lotions, balms, and creams. The time taken for CBD to be absorbed into the bloodstream depends on the concentration of CBD in the product, its solubility, and the type of skin. Effects are usually felt approximately one hour after applying the product. The good thing about the topical application is that it can directly apply CBD where it is needed. Topical CBD works well for individuals with inflammation. CBD topicals can be used for sore muscles, inflammation, and skin conditions such as acne.

Advantages of Topical CBD

• They are easy to use
• They do not need extra tools or equipment to use
• They work well for skin issues such as acne and inflammation.
• They can be used to soothe sore muscles

Disadvantages

• Its effects may not last longer
• You may need to apply a lot of it in case you want a higher dose

Inhalation

This is the quickest method that delivers effects almost immediately after consuming CBD. After you inhale CBD, it directly enters your lungs and is absorbed into the bloodstream. Inhalation can be done through smoking or vaping. Smoking a CBD concentrate is done using a dab rig. CBD concentrate is placed at the nail of the dab rig, which is then heated to produce vapor. It is considered the fastest method and delivers the highest concentration of CBD. However, smoking can be harsh to your throat and lungs.

Alternatively, you can inhale CBD through vaping. Vaping is done using a vape pen. It is the best alternative to smoking as it delivers the same concentration of CBD without harsh effects on your throat or lungs.

Advantages of Inhalation

• Inhalation delivers a relatively high concentration of CBD than other methods
• It is the quickest way to feel the effects of CBD
• You can regulate your dose easily

Disadvantages

• It requires additional equipment – a dab rig or vape pen and other accessories
• You might inhale a higher concentration of CBD than you need
• Smoking can be harsh to your throat and lungs

Conclusion

The increasing popularity of cannabis-based products has encouraged a resurgence in the medical sector. Many who previously did not consider medicinal cannabis are now part of the hype. CBD is a well-known component that can deliver the therapeutic benefits of cannabis without causing any intoxicating effect. As a result, various delivery methods, such as topical application, sublingual uptake, oral ingestion, and inhalation, can be used to deliver the effects of CBD into your body. Each delivery method has its pros and cons. It is entirely up to you to choose a method that effectively delivers the desired effects and still gives you a smooth CBD experience.

References

Banerjee, S., & Pillai, J. (2019). Solid Lipid Matrix Mediated Nanoarchitectonics For Improved Oral Bioavailability Of Drugs. Expert Opinion On Drug Metabolism & Toxicology, 15(6), 499-515.

Cilio, M. R., Thiele, E. A., & Devinsky, O. (2014). The Case For Assessing Cannabidiol In Epilepsy. Epilepsia, 55(6), 787-790.

Kicman, A., & Toczek, M. (2020). The Effects Of Cannabidiol, A Non-Intoxicating Compound Of Cannabis, On The Cardiovascular System In Health And Disease. International Journal Of Molecular Sciences, 21(18), 6740.

Williams, C., & Nutbrown, D. L. (2021). A Review Of Research Into The Health Benefits Of Cannabidiol (CBD). The Neighborhood Academy: Pittsburgh, PA, USA.