3 Ways to Consume CBD Products

Today, several companies have started to sell CBD oil in various forms and products, such as gummies and other edibles, sprays, capsules and pills, vaping liquids, creams, balms, salves, and other topicals. These CBD products can also have different compounds and concentrations: full-spectrum CBD includes all parts of the cannabis plant and has less than 0.3% of THC, broad-spectrum CBD has trace amounts of THC, and isolates contain only CBD.

The question, then, is whether CBD oil can still retain its health benefits no matter how it’s being applied, sprayed, or ingested. Most researchers and doctors would say that it’s definitely not the case. Most people would shy away from CBD oil because it’s a viral product that’s being incorporated in increasingly ridiculous things such as mascara and intimate lubricants.

While CBD oil has plenty of studies showing its potential health benefits, most of these were conducted using the more traditional CBD products, such as oils. The effects are also tested for specific purposes, such as anxiety and epilepsy. In the market, however, CBD is touted as an element that can treat migraines, improve skincare, and enhance sexual performance. This is because even if there’s not much evidence to prove these, there also isn’t much evidence to disprove them.

So which consumption methods and CBD dosage have more credibility than others and are more likely to produce similar results to the studies? Find out below.

Sublingual: Oils

Manufacturers produce CBD oils in different dose and potency levels. Dosing can start as low as 5 or 10mg and can reach up to 6,000mg. In some research studies, people were given varying doses to test their response to certain situations or stimuli. A simulated public speaking test used 100 mg, 300 mg, and 900 mg on different groups, and the 300 mg dose groups showed the most positive response. 

Oils also come in different flavours and are ingested sublingually, which refer to the use of tinctures to place a certain number of drops underneath the tongue. Using CBD sublingually is the most effective way of using it because the glands under the tongue easily absorb it, making your body immediately feel the effects. Some brands try to incorporate a wide range of flavours so the user can enjoy the process of placing the oil under the tongue and swallowing. Depending on the brand, oils can taste like vanilla, berry, citrus, or mint. 

Only full-spectrum CBD and broad-spectrum CBD have been used in clinical trials, while studies using CBD isolates are scarce. This is why most brands often indicate how much THC content is present in their CBD. If you’re looking for specific oils that you might want to try, remember to check if the company conducted third-party tests and are transparent about positive results, as well as potential side effects.

Inhalation: Flowers and Vaping Liquid

Smoking and vaping CBD is another quick way to enjoy its effects because you’re getting the highest concentration of CBD using the fastest delivery system. Inhaling it will send it to your lungs and into your bloodstream. 

Smoking CBD, however, needs additional equipment, such as a dabber or an oil rig. The CBD concentrate is placed on the nail of the oil rig before heating, though you can skip the whole process and just roll a joint containing full or broad-spectrum CBD.

Vaping CBD is an excellent alternative if you find smoking to be too harsh on the lungs and throat but still want the high concentration for the maximum effect. It also makes it easier to regulate your dosage compared to smoking it. It requires a vaping pen and additional accessories. 

Ingestion: Edibles

Edibles are one of the most popular and versatile ways of consuming CBD. It’s also one of the most discreet. If you don’t like the taste of CBD or feel weird about swallowing the oil, you can simply add drops to your food or beverage. However, CBD edibles are also sold as products, mostly as gummies.

While ingesting CBD is a suitable option for many consumers who don’t want to smoke or vape, it will also take a while before you start feeling the effects. Gummies will need a few hours before the effects kick in, making it easy to exceed the recommended dosage. 

Always remember how much you’re having. Avoid having too many pieces even if you think nothing is happening yet. When consuming CBD via edibles, eat a set amount first and wait for an hour or two for the effects to kick in before having more.

Takeaway

While CBD is quickly growing as a viable alternative to several medications because of its potential health benefits, it’s essential to stay critical and be careful about consuming it. The fact that the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency requires CBD products that claim to have medicinal benefits to apply for a medical licence and pass a confirmation test means that CBD still has a long way to go to produce conclusive results. 

For now, it’s best to study how CBD was used in clinical trials that found positive results and stick to CBD consumption methods and dosages that have the highest likelihood of producing the same positive effects, such as sublingual consumption, ingestion, and inhalation.