6 Different Ways to Consume CBD
CBD seems to be everywhere these days. These products come in many different forms and offer distinct advantages for users. Let’s look at 6 different ways to consume CBD.
CBD OIL
One of the most popular CBD products available today are CBD oils. These are made by extracting CBD from cannabis plants and mixing the compound with an oil such as hemp oil, coconut oil, or medium chain triglycerides (MCT).
CBD oils are sold in small bottles along with a dropper. They can be consumed by applying a few drops under the tongue and waiting 60 to 90 seconds before swallowing. This gives the mucus membranes in the mouth enough time to absorb the compound and pass it into the bloodstream.
CBD oils can also be consumed by adding a few drops to your tea or coffee. However, users should avoid adding them to very hot drinks, as heat can break down CBD oils and cause them to lose some of their potency.
CBD Capsules
CBD capsules are softgel capsules that contain CBD oil or CBD powders. Users simply need to swallow these capsules whole and wait for the effects to kick in.
Capsules offer a convenient way to consume CBD in pre-measured quantities. The body processes CBD ingested in this manner differently from CBD oils applied under the tongue.
After ingesting them whole, CBD oil pills are passed into the stomach where they are broken down and digested. They then enter the hepatic portal system which carries them over to the liver. Once the liver processes the compound, it is passed into the bloodstream. This is usually when users start to feel the effects of the CBD.
Capsules offer a discreet way to consume a select quantity of CBD, but the effects may take more time to kick in compared to CBD oil applied directly under the tongue.
CBD Vaporizers
CBD can also be consumed using vaporizers. These are similar to e-cigarette devices, but they use special CBD oil cartridges instead of nicotine e-liquids.
Once CBD cartridges are inserted into a vaporizer, users turn on the vaping device and draw from one end. During this process, the liquid oils are passed across a heating element and are turned into a vapor that can be inhaled.
CBD that is consumed via vaporizers is absorbed very quickly, as it passes through membranes in the lungs. This method bypasses the need to breakdown CBD in the stomach and liver before passing it into the bloodstream. This offers users a quick way to consume CBD and feel its effects.
Vaping CBD is also relatively safer than smoking CBD flower, as no combustion takes place in the vaping device.
CBD topical Products
The aforementioned CBD consumption methods involved direct ingestion or inhalation of CBD. However, another way to absorb CBD is through your skin. There are many different CBD topical products such as CBD lotion, CBD balm, and CBD massage oil available from retailers such as Nothing But Hemp.
Topical products are applied directly onto your skin where they are gradually absorbed and stimulate the cannabinoid receptors under the surface. Applying CBD through this method helps to alleviate some symptoms of arthritis and treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
However, the drawback to using this method is that the skin absorbs CBD at a very slow rate compared to other ingestion routes. For this reason, you may need to apply CBD topicals to your skin multiple times before the effects are felt.
CBD Edibles
CBD is also sold in edible products such as chocolates and gummies. CBD edibles are made by extracting the CBD compound into oil or butter, and then adding it to a food recipe.
These products often look similar to ordinary food items, so it is important to store them in labelled packaging which specifies that they contain CBD. When eaten, the CBD in edibles is processed in a similar manner to CBD oil capsules.
After consuming CBD edibles, users may need to wait for an hour or so before the effects start to kick in. Like with capsules, edibles offer a convenient way to consume a pre-measured quantity of CBD, assuming they are purchased from a reliable seller such as Nothing But Hemp.
CBD Flower
One of the fastest ways to consume and feel the effects of CBD is to smoke CBD flower.
CBD is often associated with marijuana as it is one of the active ingredients in cannabis plants. However, this compound is also found in hemp flowers. These flowers look and smell similar to marijuana, but they contain less than 0.3% THC, which makes them legal to purchase and possess in states where recreational marijuana is still illegal.
CBD flower can be ground up into fine pieces and rolled into joints, or they can be smoked with the help of a pipe. Some special vaporizers can also be used with finely ground CBD flower, and offer a safer way to consume this product without ingesting combusted compounds.
Which Method of CBD Consumption is Best?
There isn’t a “best” way to consume CBD; however, each of the aforementioned methods offer their own advantages. Oils can be consumed quickly if applied under the tongue, while capsules offer a convenient route for taking a pre-measured quantity of CBD. Topicals are great for targeting specific body parts or skin areas that require treatment.
Vaping and smoking are also efficient methods for consuming CBD, but the latter option may be harmful to your lungs due to the dangerous by products associated with the combustion of organic matter during smoking.
Where Can I Purchase CBD Products?
CBD products should always be purchased from a trusted retailer such as Nothing But Hemp.
Nothing But Hemp is one of the leading suppliers of premium-quality CBD products in the country. Visit their website to see their wide range of products, or call (651) 330-9810 to speak with one of their CBD experts.