Nearly five years ago, almost the entire population of the UK hadn’t heard of CBD (cannabidiol). Today, it is reported that over one million residents have tried cannabidiol-based products. With a range of CBD retailers offering an array of products, what are the best CBD consumption methods with each available option?

What are the Common CBD Consumption Methods?

The catalogue of ways in which you can take CBD is ever-growing. With that in mind, I will guide you through the best methods of consumption; then later we can explore the products of the future.

Oral Consumption

When you consume CBD orally, it will usually take around an hour to feel its effects. On the flip-side, they are longer-lasting due to the fact that cannabinoids are lipophilic molecules; in other words, CBD is capable of dissolving in fats, but not water. Furthermore, the stomach releases the CBD gradually, just as it would with the nutrients of your food.

Let’s take a look at ways CBD can be consumed orally:

  • CBD Infused Edibles

Cannabinoid-based edibles have been in existence for centuries. Before cannabis prohibition, hemp was in wide-spread use and a natural food source; targeting specific molecules and exploring their benefits has only been a practice for a few decades. For instance, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) has often been added to baked goods as an alternative method to take advantage of the molecule’s psychoactive effects.

The same principle can be applied with CBD but without inducing a “high”. CBD-based food such as butter, cake, and gummies can be purchased readily-made. Alternatively, you can make your own; however, if you over-heat the oil, you will be left with an unpleasant aftertaste.

  • CBD Capsules

Perhaps the most discreet of methods and one of the most accurate measurements for the desired dosage. CBD capsules provide no taste which has proven to be popular with many CBD consumers and can be purchased with either 10mg, 15mg, or 25mg of CBD.

 Sublingual application

When you administer CBD under the tongue, you speed up the process to feel the effects of the cannabinoid. Directly under your tongue, there are mucus membranes and capillaries; these bodily functions will quickly transfer the CBD to various organs – the brain being one of them. You will feel the effects within 30 minutes, although they will not last quite as long as CBD edibles.

There are a couple of ways in which to consume CBD sublingually:

  • Droppers and tinctures

Taking CBD oil via a dropper is one of the most popular CBD consumption methods. The CBD-infused options are either a “whole-plant” extract or isolate-based. CBD oil tinctures are administered under the tongue via a dropper and should be left to absorb there for one minute as opposed to swallowing. 

If the CBD oil is isolate based, the only ingredients will be cannabidiol and a carrier oil. Whereas a whole-plant extract will contain a number of the hemp plants’ other molecules; such as terpenes, flavonoids, and a small range of other cannabinoids; the secondary cannabinoid among the ingredients is likely to be CBD’s acidic precursor, CBDA (cannabidiolic acid). The remaining ingredient will be the carrier oil.

CBD will be the second most prominent ingredient, after the carrier oil. Tinctures are commonly available in either 10ml or 30ml measurements and usually contain between 5 to 20 percent of CBD.

  • CBD sublingual spray

The CBD sublingual spray comes in the exact same measurements and percentages as CBD oils and tinctures, the only difference between the two is the method of administration. Instead of a CBD dropper, you spray directly into the mouth. Also, sublingual sprays may come with a variety of flavoured options, such as strawberry or peppermint.

Inhalation

By far the most traditional method of cannabinoid consumption is inhalation, due to the recreational value of THC. The induced effects of inhalation are short-lasting, however, they can be felt almost immediately. Identifying the exact dosage is more difficult with each puff, although, an entire unit will state a specific amount of CBD. With that in mind, you can gauge how much CBD you have consumed over the period that it takes you to exhaust the entire cartridge.

Once more, there is more than one avenue of ways that you can inhale CBD:

  • CBD smokeable flower

First and foremost, it is important to highlight the fact that CBD smokeable flower is currently illegal in the UK. In spite of this, it is readily available to buy from a number of retailers due to confusion regarding legalities. However, should you purchase CBD smokeable flower and are caught with any in your possession, you will face similar charges as you would with cannabis.

  • Vaporizing

In recent years vaping CBD has become highly popular. This is as a result of the rise of the e-cigarette industry. When it comes to CBD e-liquids, there is a wide range of options to choose from. You have the option of CBD strength from 30 milligrams up to 500-600 milligrams, as well as a range of flavours or terpene infused options.

The most important note to consider with CBD vapes is recent safety concerns. In recent months it has been documented that additions such as flavourings and certain oils are unsafe to inhale. For this reason, it is of paramount importance that you only choose to vape CBD e-liquids that contain all-natural ingredients.

What other CBD Consumption methods are there?

The continuation of CBD becoming an addition to existing products continues, but it’s best to understand what is proving effective and what isn’t. You may have come across such products as CBD coffee and CBD water; however, they are proving to be inferior products. With that in mind, it is best to stick to traditional products. However, a few late additions to the CBD industry may, in fact, prove to be the most effective. Let’s explore some examples:

CBD topicals and creams

As the CBD industry continues to grow, CBD topicals are steadily becoming the most popular. Existing cosmetics such as face creams and body butters are now cropping up with the added supplement of CBD. Additionally, CBD-infused sports creams are also proving to be a welcomed addition to the CBD product range – particularly muscle relief balms.

The method of administration is exactly the same as any other cosmetic product as CBD is simply an added ingredient.

CBD Transdermal patches

CBD transdermal patches are either reservoir or matrix. Reservoir skin patches contain small amounts of CBD that is combined with a gel solution that releases the cannabidiol periodically. Whereas the matrix patches contain CBD in the adhesive layer as opposed to the reservoir.

The CBD manages to enter the bloodstream as it crosses the dermal barrier.

Conclusion

The popularity of CBD is quite evident. Year on year, more products become available to purchase. With all things considered, before purchasing a CBD product, it is best that you consider the various options of CBD consumption methods.

If you are wanting to feel the effects of the CBD for the duration of the day or night then perhaps you should consider edibles or a sublingual application. Whereas if you need to feel the benefits instantaneously, then perhaps you should consider vaping CBD.