You may be wondering – what’s the best way to take CBD? There is so much information out there; it can be overwhelming.
It’s not a secret that CBD connoisseurs agree there is one way to take CBD that is most effective – sublingually.
However, the most effective way to take CBD isn’t necessarily the best way to take CBD.
The very best way to take CBD is to use CBD products that are right for you.
If you’re wondering what kind of CBD is right for me, you’re not alone.
Here is a guide to finding the best way to take CBD.
What Are You Taking it For? That May Determine the Best Way to take CBD.
First and foremost, ask yourself this: why you are using CBD?
CBD is sought-after for many reasons, such as sleeplessness, anxiety, pain relief, or inflammation.
It’s also used to reduce acne, promote healthy skin and hair, and as an all-around health supplement.
Currently, CBD is being researched as a potential medicinal to help treat cancer and is already being used in seizure medications.
Why you are taking CBD will help determine what method of consumption is best for you.
Once you know which ailment or symptoms you are looking to target, you can decide which method best pairs with your desired remedy.
How to Take CBD- Various Methods of Consumption
There are many different ways to take CBD, but a few methods of consumption are more common than most.
Sublingual Absorption
Sublingual absorption of CBD is known to be the most effective way to take CBD overall.
When taking CBD sublingually, you apply a CBD oil or tincture underneath your tongue.
Many products direct users to hold the oil there for at least 30 seconds before swallowing.
This method is so effective because the application of CBD under your tongue allows the cannabidiol to be sent straight to your bloodstream and enter directly into your system.
Sublingual absorption provides an almost immediate onset and swallowing the oil after initial application produces a secondary set of effects.
This second wave of effects is due to the extra CBD entering your digestive tract, getting broken down, and sent throughout your body later.
The initial dose of CBD can be felt almost immediately, while the later dose will take effect over the next one to two hours.
Many CBD users prefer sublingual absorption because its effects are fast and potent.
Sublingual absorption is a good option for those looking to curb pain and inflammation or treat anxiety and sleeplessness.
Inhalation
Another way to consume CBD is through inhalation. CBD that is inhaled is typically done so through vaping or smoking CBD flower.
While the long-term health and safety effects caused by vaping and smoking CBD products has not yet been concretely determined, many people favor inhaling CBD because it’s the quickest way to feel the effects of CBD – even quicker than sublingual absorption.
When you inhale CBD, it travels through your lungs to get to your bloodstream, where it begins to circulate immediately.
Many vape or bud-based CBD products contain high concentrations of cannabidiol – so inhaling CBD is also a little more intense.
Although inhaling is the speediest way for CBD to get to work, and the effects are often on the stronger side, this method of consumption doesn’t last quite as long as other methods and can require extra doses.
Inhalation is commonly used by those seeking to soothe anxiety or insomnia.
Topical Application
Topical CBD products include lotions, balms, chapsticks, and even bath bombs. CBD that is applied topically enters your system through tiny receptors in your skin.
Because topical CBD is absorbed transdermally, it can take over an hour before it’s activated.
Topicals offer another great proactive product and are often desired by those looking to ease specific or chronic pain points.
Digestive Ingestion
Digestive CBD products such as CBD seltzers or edibles are a good option for those looking for a mild set of effects to take place.
Digestive CBD is similar to sublingual absorption in that it is taken orally, but you bypass the 30 second application period and skip straight to swallowing.
Edible CBD or CBD oil that’s mixed into coffee, tea, or your favorite recipe can also take up to or over two hours to be felt, and the experience will be much more muted.
Taking CBD digestively is usually preferred by those experiencing mild issues or, more likely, wish to be proactive.
Another reason users like to eat or drink their CBD is that it can be more to taste.
The best Way to Take CBD is Sublingually
The flavor of CBD is important because CBD can help make us feel better, but we don’t want its use to resemble the old spoonful-of-cough-syrup experience.
And the good news is that it doesn’t have to.
CBD has been described as tasting grassy, earthy, or bitter.
The taste of CBD can change depending on what kind of cannabinoid extract you are taking, how you are taking it, and which type of carrier oil it’s made with.
There are three different types of CBD extract: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate.
Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD extracts contain terpenes and various cannabinoid compounds.
Terpenes are chemical compounds produced by plants that give them their smell. The presence of terpenes in plants allows us to smell flowers, herbs, and even fruit.
The terpenes of the hemp plant, from which CBD is derived, are responsible for CBD’s autumnal flavor.
On the other hand, CBD isolate does not contain terpenes and is practically tasteless as a result.
CBD carrier oils, the oils combined with cannabinoids to make products consumable, can also affect flavor. Common carrier oils include olive oils, coconut oil, and hemp seed oil.
Depending on your personal palette, one carrier oil may be better for you than another.
Regardless of extract and carrier oil, the best way to take CBD depends on your needs and your taste buds
Your Way is the Best Way to Take CBD
Sublingual might be speedy, puffing may be popular, and some may be tickled to use topicals.
But the bottom line is that the best way to take CBD is your way.
Maybe you like the long-term approach of lotion but occasionally prefer to sip a seltzer.
Perhaps CBD is the secret ingredient in your dinnertime dish. Or yet still, you enjoy a nice long soak and find CBD to be the (bath) bomb-dot-com.
Combinations and explorations are a reality in all areas of medicine.
What works for others might not work for you, and what works for you might not be suitable for somebody else.
Taking the time to think about how and why you use CBD can help take you from product to product.
If you’re not sure what the best way to take CBD is, try out a few new products to find the one that’s right for you.