Methods of CBD Consumption
If you want to experience some of the benefits of taking CBD into your daily life then it’s important to familiarize yourself with the many different methods of CBD consumption.
You’ll want to work out how to consume your CBD so that it suits your lifestyle, as well as what works the best to help alleviate or manage your symptoms.
It’s becoming clear that the potential medical benefits of CBD are far-reaching.
Depending on whether you’re using CBD for pain or taking CBD for stress & anxiety, and whether your problems are short or long-term, may affect the delivery method you choose.
Today we look at some of the more popular ways of taking CBD and by highlighting the pros and cons of each, we hope to help you decide which will be best for you.
Inhalation (Vaping and Smoking)
Inhaling your CBD by vaping it or smoking it can offer symptom relief in as little as 10 to 15 seconds.
The CBD will find its way into your bloodstream very quickly thanks to 1,000’s or capillaries that can be found on the insides of your lungs.
Smoking CBD is an experience in itself for those that enjoy this intensely aromatic plant and like to enjoy it as Mother Nature intended.
If you prefer to vape then it’s important to choose a battery that will hold enough charge to last you throughout the day so that you have it when you need it.
Pros.
Cons.
Summary
People generally prefer smoking or vaping their CBD either because they enjoy the experience, or due to the faster effects felt via inhalation. If you are looking for fast pain relief or need to ease anxiety then this could be a great way of doing it.
Sublingual (Under the Tongue)
Another popular method of CBD consumption is to take a couple of drops under the tongue.
Invest in a good CBD oil or tincture that comes with a pipette attached to the lid with which you can dispense the drops.
After working out exactly how much CBD is in every drop, slip the desired amount of liquid under the tongue, letting it sit there for as long as possible (around 30 seconds is best).
Capillaries under your tongue will absorb the compounds and transfer them to your bloodstream in around 20 to 40 minutes.
Pros.
Cons.
Summary
Sublingual dosing is a great way to get the CBD to your bloodstream relatively quickly, for those of you that don’t enjoy smoking. It’s also really easy to work out dosage.
Orally (Capsules, Food & Drink)
There are a number of different ways to take CBD orally that include drops on the tongue, gel capsules, mixing drops into food and drink, and baked goods (edibles).
When you take your CBD orally, it must first pass through your digestive system before it finds its way into your bloodstream making this the slowest method of consumption at around two to four hours.
Some of the compounds can also be lost during the first pass metabolism process in your liver which causes many people to feel that this method of consumption is wasteful, but it is still the preferred method for many long-term users that appreciate lasting effects, ease and discretion.
Pros.
Cons.
Summary
Taking CBD orally is often preferred by people managing chronic symptoms such as pain and spasticity, as once it’s in, the CBD stays in your system for a long time. It can be difficult to work out the dosage but you’re able to “top-up” throughout the day very easily and discreetly once you’ve worked out your optimum dosage.
Transdermally (Through the Skin)
The final method you may want to consider is taking your CBD through your skin.
Applying it directly to your skin by way of a cream, ointment, or lotion allows you to direct the CBD to exactly where you want to feel the results.
Or a transdermal patch will facilitate a slow and steady release of CBD into your system over a period of eight to twelve hours.
Patches are extremely convenient for some people that want a discreet method of taking their CBD, without the worry of having to “top-up” throughout the day. Cannabinoids are inherently hydrophobic, however, so it’s difficult for them to permeate the skin and milder effects are felt overall.
Pros.
Cons.
Summary
If you are experiencing localized pain, or want to use CBD to help treat acne problems then a small amount of cream could be ideal. Patches, on the other hand, will be more suited to those looking for ultimate discretion with less “top-ups” needed.
A Method to Suit You
Now you know your options, you should have a better idea of what might be the most suitable for you. Above all, your method of taking CBD should suit you and your lifestyle.
If you try one method and don’t like it, then try something else!
You may even choose to invest in a couple of different CBD products to suit different occasions. A tincture for while you’re at work followed by a couple of CBD joints in the evening.
Everyone is different so listen to your body and find a routine that works for you.
