Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill that allowed for hemp production, CBD has grown in popularity from obscurity to become one of the most widely used chemicals generated from the cannabis plant. This innovative rise of CBD has given consumers a plethora of options for consuming cannabidiol.
Cannabidiol can be used in a variety of ways. The majority of possibilities fall into a few broad groups, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. If you smoke CBD-rich flower or vape a cartridge, swallow a gel cap, or drop CBD oil beneath your tongue, you will get different results.
Full-spectrum CBD vs. Isolate CBD
The composition of each form is what distinguishes full-spectrum CBD from an isolate.
Multiple cannabis plant components, such as essential oils, terpenes, and other cannabinoids are included in a full-spectrum CBD product.
Full-spectrum CBD products may also include up to 0.3 percent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the cannabinoid in cannabis that causes individuals to feel “high.” However, such a little dose is insufficient to produce noticeable psychoactive effects.
CBD isolate is a pure form of CBD that is completely free of contaminants. There are no additional components of the cannabis plant in it. It is mainly derived from hemp plants, which have relatively low THC levels. CBD isolate comes as either a powder or a crystalline solid.
Previously, it was thought that CBD isolate was more potent and concentrated than full-spectrum CBD; however, research refuted this hypothesis in 2015. Researchers gave CBD isolate and full-spectrum CBD to two distinct groups of mice in the study.
When the data from the two groups were compared, it was discovered that the group given full-spectrum CBD had higher degrees of alleviation. Furthermore, the study found that full-spectrum CBD continued to offer comfort as the dosage was raised, however, CBD isolate did not have the same impact when the dosage was increased.
While full-spectrum CBD has been shown to be more beneficial than CBD isolate and may be used to treat a wide range of conditions, this does not negate CBD isolate’s usefulness. Isolate is preferable to full-spectrum CBD in a variety of scenarios.
For example, if you are not legally permitted to take THC, you should avoid full-spectrum CBD because it has trace amounts of THC. The chances of failing a drug test from a full-spectrum product are very-low but still worth avoiding.
1. Capsules
CBD capsules are a fantastic option for individuals who dislike the taste of CBD oil or tinctures. CBD capsules are gelatin capsules that contain CBD oil. CBD capsules are popular among the elderly for this reason, as they mimic conventional medicinal capsules so closely.
Capsules have the disadvantage of not being accessible in as many strengths as other CBD products such as edibles. However, as their popularity grows, this is likely to change.
2. Edibles
In terms of popularity, edibles are one of the fastest-growing methods to consume CBD. If you do not like the flavor of CBD tincture or oil on its own, you may simply add it to your food. CBD edibles, such as CBD gummies or lollipops, are also excellent choices.
They are not only delicious, but they are also the most inconspicuous method to consume CBD, particularly if you need to take a dosage at work. One important consideration is to understand how much you are eating. Edibles’ effects can take many hours to manifest.
That said, do not consume too much with the mistaken belief that nothing is occurring. Eat a specific amount and then wait an hour or two to see how you feel before eating more.
3. Smoking
High-CBD cannabis flower may be smoked like THC cannabis flower in a joint, pipe, or bong. Inhaled CBD reaches the brain before being processed by the liver. As a result, inhalation is the quickest way to take cannabis.
Inhalation is excellent for acute difficulties like pain or nausea because of its brief onset and persistence. Patients can increase the dosage sooner when smoking to find the optimal dose for their needs.
4. Vaporizing
As compared to smoking (combusting) CBD, vaporizing is a cleaner and more convenient way to ingest CBD. Vaporizing CBD, like smoking, has a more rapid impact on the body since it enters the circulation without having to pass through the intestines and liver for digestion.
Vaporizers for CBD use come in a variety of styles:
- Table-top vaporizer: Built for usage in the home and powered by an outlet.
- Portable flower vapes: Powered by a battery and suited for cannabis flower.
- Liquid vape pens: Intended for portability and powered by a battery that can be recharged.
It is critical to conduct thorough research to choose which vaporizer is ideal for you. Vaporizers come in a variety of prices and might be difficult to operate for first-timers. Vaping, like smoking, has the potential to cause health problems. Contaminants found in some vaporizers, such as cadmium, lead, and other metal particles, might cause allergies.
5. Tinctures
Tinctures are one of the most common CBD consumption options. CBD is ingested orally and sublingually, or under the tongue, using an eyedropper. CBD acts fast and enters your system effectively when taken sublingually.
Tinctures are made up of three major ingredients: CBD, alcohol, and flavoring to make them more appetizing.
One of the reasons tinctures are so popular is because it is easy to get the exact amount of CBD you desire. It is also simple to include into your daily routine, such as adding it to smoothies, cereals, and other meals, particularly if you do not want to taste the tincture or cannot bear keeping it under your tongue.
6. CBD oil
CBD oil and CBD tinctures are extremely similar, however, there is one main distinction between the two. CBD oil contains cannabidiol with a base of oil. Whereas, CBD tincture has an alcohol base. Regardless of their base, both mimic the same therapeutic properties.
CBD oil is usually taken with a dropper and placed under the tongue. CBD oil, unlike CBD tinctures, may be used in a vape pen. Before purchasing CBD oil or a tincture, double-check with your CBD producer, since some firms identify their tinctures as CBD oil. Use vape oils instead of tinctures when using a vape pen.
Unlike CBD tinctures, CBD oil has no flavor. CBD is frequently mixed with a carrier oil like coconut oil, hemp oil, or even Vitamin E. Despite its bitter taste, CBD oil delivers the same benefits as other CBD products. CBD oil has a greater concentration, making it more desirable for patients suffering from chronic diseases.
7. Topicals
CBD topicals are meant to be applied to the skin directly. CBD-infused lotions, creams, salves, balms, and transdermal patches are available to users who may not prefer any of the above consumption methods.
Topicals are an excellent option for treating localized discomfort or skin problems such as eczema discretely. CBD gel applied to the skin significantly decreased joint swelling in rats in a 2015 research, indicating positive outcomes for people with illnesses like arthritis.
While research on topicals has not provided a bioavailability estimate, we do know a few things:
- Topicals are not affected by the first-pass impact, thus they will target a specific location for relief.
- In comparison to mucous membranes, such as sublingual tissue, your skin has a low permeability. That implies you should pick a topical product with a high CBD content and apply it liberally when using it.
Using a product with additional analgesics like menthol, capsaicin, and camphor might boost the therapeutic potential even more.
8. Concentrates
Hash, wax, and shatter are examples of concentrated CBD extracts. In terms of potency, they frequently deliver a big punch. It is for this reason that they are frequently used for chronic pain and/or anxiety reduction. If all other methods listed have not suited your needs then give CBD concentrates a try.
Concentrates are highly adaptable, since they may be utilized in vape devices, dab rigs, as well applied to a variety of meals and beverages.
