CBD can be taken in various forms, such as gummies, oil, and tinctures. The safety and long-term effects of using e-cigarettes or vaping products remain unclear. A severe lung disease outbreak linked to these products is under investigation by health authorities. We’re closely monitoring this situation and will provide updates when more information is available.
Cannabis plants contain various cannabinoids, with one, in particular, showing potential health benefits. This compound is called cannabidiol, or CBD. Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t cause a “high.” Research on CBD is ongoing but is still in its early stages. It’s not regulated by the FDA except for its use in epilepsy through the drug Epidiolex.
Despite this, some studies indicate that CBD may safeguard nerves from damage and possess strong anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also explored as a treatment for various conditions like anxiety and pain. CBD has various uses, and it’s important to know that certain forms of CBD are more easily absorbed by the body than others.
Understanding how to use CBD effectively might seem overwhelming. This brief guide will assist you in navigating different methods of CBD consumption to find the best fit for your needs.
What to Consider in a Product
No matter how you choose to take CBD, there are key factors to consider while shopping.
Choose Full or Broad-Spectrum
Look for products made with full or broad-spectrum oil, as opposed to distillate or isolate, to access the complete range of health benefits. Full-spectrum oils contain all cannabis plant cannabinoids, including CBD and THC. Broad-spectrum oils contain most cannabinoids but generally exclude THC.
Studies show that THC and CBD might work more effectively together than alone, known as the “entourage effect.”
Full and broad-spectrum products are less processed, preserving cannabis’s organic compounds like terpenes. Terpenes influence taste, and smell, and have their medical benefits.
Lab-Tested
As the FDA doesn’t regulate CBD products currently, ensure that what you’re purchasing has undergone third-party lab testing. This verification allows you to know exactly what’s in the product and confirms that it matches the label.
Choose U.S.-Grown Organic Cannabis
Opt for products derived from organic cannabis grown in the United States. Cannabis cultivated in the U.S. adheres to agricultural regulations and contains no more than 0.3 percent THC. Opting for organic ingredients reduces the likelihood of ingesting pesticides or other chemicals.
Gummies
Edibles provide a discreet and enjoyable way to try CBD. Various CBD-infused edibles are available, including gummies, truffles, and mints, effectively masking any cannabis taste.
However, there are some considerations with edibles. Research indicates that consuming CBD through edibles undergoes the “first pass effect.” This process involves the partial breakdown of CBD by the liver and digestive tract. Consequently, CBD’s effects might take up to two hours to kick in, and only about 20 to 30 percent is absorbed.
Sublingual Products: Skip the Additives
If you want to avoid additives often found in edibles, consider sublingual products. These products are designed to be absorbed beneath the tongue. They include tinctures (solutions created by soaking cannabis flowers in oil or alcohol), sprays, oils, and lozenges.
Allowing the product to absorb under your tongue, instead of passing through the digestive tract, retains more CBD and leads to faster results.
CBD Topicals
CBD topicals are designed for direct application to the skin. They include CBD-infused lotions, balms, creams, salves, and transdermal patches. Topicals are especially effective for addressing localized pain or skin conditions like eczema in a discreet manner.
A 2015 study conducted on rats revealed promising results for conditions like arthritis. CBD gel applied to the skin significantly reduced joint swelling, suggesting potential benefits for humans.
- While bioavailability estimates for topicals are lacking, a few key points are clear:
- Topicals bypass the first-pass effect, delivering concentrated relief to specific areas.
Skin permeability is lower than that of mucous membranes, such as sublingual tissue. Thus, choose a topical product with a high CBD content and apply it generously.
Enhance therapeutic potential by opting for products containing additional analgesics like menthol, camphor, and capsaicin.
Vaping and Smoking CBD: What You Need to Know
Vaping and smoking are methods for consuming CBD that offer fast effects. Here’s how you can do it:
- Smoking: Roll high-CBD cannabis flower into a joint and smoke it. This delivers CBD through inhalation.
- Vaping: Use a vaporizer with a cartridge containing CBD oil or inhale CBD concentrates like sugar waxes with a vape pen designed for concentrates.
If you choose vaping, avoid CBD vape cartridges with thinning agents like fractionated coconut oil (MCT), propylene glycol, or vegetable glycerin. Research suggests these compounds can harm lung tissue.
Consult Your Doctor Before Using CBD
Discovering the optimal way to take CBD varies for each individual. Experimenting with different methods is key to finding what suits you best.
However, before delving into CBD, it’s crucial to consult your doctor, especially if you’re taking prescription medications. CBD could potentially interact with drugs like antibiotics, antidepressants, blood thinners, and others. Your doctor’s guidance ensures your safety and well-being.