CBD is the hottest new trend in health and wellness. Everyone is trying CBD, but if you are new to the world of cannabis, getting started can be intimidating. So we’ve created this post to guide you through choosing the perfect consumption method for your lifestyle.
We compare CBD oils, capsules, topical cream, and smokable flower, giving you the pros and cons of each administration method.
Different Types of CBD
Before choosing a consumption method, it’s important to understand the different types of CBD. Below are the three categories of CBD extract:
- Full Spectrum CBD – An extract with a complete array of hemp-derived compounds, including other cannabinoids and terpenes. Full-spectrum extracts contain up to 0.3% THC.
- Broad Spectrum CBD – Another extract with other cannabinoids and terpenes but without THC.
- Isolate CBD – Pure CBD extract is free from all other hemp plant components.
We highly recommend full-spectrum CBD if you aren’t concerned with consuming small amounts of THC. While the THC in full-spectrum is too small to make you high, it can show up in a drug test if you use it regularly.
Most experts believe that hemp extracts are more beneficial when they contain as much of the original plant compounds as possible. While CBD is the most researched and popular compound derived from hemp, it is far from the only compound that can deliver benefits.
How to Consume CBD
Once you’ve decided what type of CBD fits your lifestyle, you can pick a consumption method. CBD is consumed sublingually (dissolved under the tongue), in edible form, as a topical, or smoked.
While all administration methods aren’t perfect, some are much more efficient than others. For example, much of the beneficial components are wasted during the digestive process when you eat CBD. However, edibles are useless; you just need to accommodate the loss of CBD and take a high-strength product.
Certain types of edibles can be more absorbent than others. CBD gummies dissolve in the mouth, leading to a more efficient route to the bloodstream. In addition, gummies are more accessible for the stomach to break down.
The absorption rates for topical CBD aren’t fully understood; however, most experts recommend taking a highly potent product because our skin isn’t very permeable.
Most Effective Way to Take CBD
The two most effective ways to take CBD are oil drops taken sublingually and CBD inhaled like a smokable flower or vape oil. Sublingual CBD is absorbed through the mucosal glands in our mouths, offering a direct path to the bloodstream.
While smoking CBD is by far the most effective way to consume the cannabinoid, we don’t recommend it as your regular, go-to administration method. Inhaling hot smoke has severe, unnecessary consequences and could outweigh the benefits you receive from CBD use.
Best Form of CBD
Our favorite form of CBD is sublingual CBD oil. The extract is easy, efficient, and doesn’t lead to long-term consequences.
If you choose to take CBD oil, be sure to administer it sublingually. Keep the oil in your mouth for at least 30 seconds to absorb it completely. Ideally, you don’t want to swallow any of the extracts.
The Best Way to Take CBD
While we strongly believe that CBD oil is the most logical choice, the best way to take CBD is the one that fits your lifestyle. If you aren’t using your CBD oil regularly, it is a waste. Gummies may be less efficient, but they are your best option if you are more likely to take them consistently.