What Options are Available for Taking CBD?

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is the non-psychoactive component of cannabis. It's been shown to have significant health benefits—like reducing inflammation and anxiety—and has become an increasingly popular alternative to pharmaceutical medications like painkillers or antidepressants. Taking CBD is easy, as there are many different ways to ingest it: as an edible, as a capsule or pill, with a tincture or oil, as a topical lotion or cream, or even by smoking or vaping it. If you're new to CBD and wondering which delivery method would work best for you, the following information will help you decide.

CBD tinctures and oils

CBD oils and tinctures are both made by soaking the cannabinoid in a solvent like alcohol or glycerin. CBD oils are also commonly referred to as “full spectrum” CBD products because they contain a full range of other cannabinoids and terpenes found in hemp plants—not just CBD.

Tinctures can be taken sublingually, under the tongue.  You can add it to your morning coffee or tea, mix with juice, add it to salad dressing or spread onto food before eating. If you're using tincture drops under your tongue, hold them there for about 60 seconds before swallowing them with saliva so that they can dissolve properly and enter your bloodstream faster than if you were simply drinking them down with water or juice.

CBD capsules and pills

CBD capsules and pills are a convenient way to get your CBD. They are easy to travel with, store, dose and swallow. The capsules come in various sizes and flavors for easy delivery of the medication. They can be taken anywhere and at any time, even on the go.  Absorption of CBD via capsules is not the most efficient because they can precipitate in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, lowering the amount of CBD actually absorbed.

Ingestible CBD edibles

CBD edibles are food products infused with CBD. They are the most popular method of consuming CBD.  This is because they are a great way to get the benefits of the cannabinoids without smoking or vaping and they come in many forms such as gummies, chocolates, and mints.  CBD absorption takes longer with edibles than vaping, topical or tincture as the CBD has to make its way through the digestive tract to get into the blood stream.

Smoking or vaping CBD flower

CBD flower is dried cannabis flower that contains high amounts of CBD and low levels of THC.   While smoking/vaping is an effective way to get the cannabinoids into your system quickly and easily, there are also some potential downsides.  The most obvious is that smoking may cause adverse side effects for users with asthma or other breathing issues.

CBD Creams Salves and transdermal patches

CBD creams and salves are great for localized pain relief. These products are applied directly to the area where you feel pain and can help relieve discomfort in just a few minutes.

CBD transdermal patches may be a better option if you have more generalized chronic pain, or if you're looking to get all-day relief without having to take any pills or drink anything. They release the medication through your skin over time, so they're easy to use on an ongoing basis without needing to apply them daily.

There are plenty of ways to take CBD, but the best way is the one that works for you.

There’s no right or wrong way to take CBD. There are many forms, ways and times when you can get your daily dose of CBD.   CBD works differently for everyone, which method and amount is best will depend on each individual user.