As the stigma around cannabis continues petering away, more CBD dispensaries and stores are opening up daily. Cannabidiol (CBD) has been presented as a life-changing miracle compound. As such, CBD products are triumphantly taking over the health and wellness world. Today, you can find many CBD-infused products. However, let’s be honest with such a huge hype going on about CBD- it can get a little confusing. Perhaps you want to get started with CBD but don’t know which products are ideal for you; how do you use CBD or even what to expect from them? Don’t sweat it. We will guide you systematically on ways to get started with CBD.
The Best Ways to Take CBD
The first thing to note is that CBD affects every user differently, and the affects you experience may differ slightly from other users. This subtle difference is because of our different ages, gender, metabolism, genetics, body mass, and other physiological factors.
Additionally, the quality and type of CBD products consumed will also determine the effects experienced and how long it’ll take them to kick in.
1. Ingesting CBD Oil
There are numerous ways to use CBD oil, but ingesting is perhaps the most common method. Whether CBD pills, ingesting orally is discreet and ideal for beginners. This method is very straightforward, and you’ll be able to check your dosage as each pill or gummies come in a well-formulated CBD amount.
Ingesting CBD oil provides you with a delayed onset of effects. This is so because the oil must first pass through the gut, from where it moves to the liver for metabolism before its absorption into the bloodstream and brain.
If you’re wondering how to ingest CBD oil appropriately, the best thing to do is read the product labeling instructions. Consider if the oil is full-spectrum or CBD isolate. Full-spectrum CBD tends to be more potent than CBD isolates. That’s because full-spectrum CBD possesses all the essential cannabinoids, minimal THC traces, and some terpenes.
2. Consuming CBD Oil Sublingually
This is a great method on how to use CBD oil drops. Taking CBD oil sublingually is ideal for users looking to experience the effects of CBD way faster. It involves putting oil drops under your tongue and holding them there for a few seconds (30-60) before you swallow the CBD oil.
CBD oil is absorbed directly from below the tongue into the bloodstream rather than going through the gut and liver first. Generally, this is the best way to use CBD if you’re using CBD tinctures, CBD lozenges, CBD oils, or CBD sprays.
3. Vaping CBD Oil
Recently, vaping has become the trendy method of consuming CBD products. Vaping involves heating and vaporizing your CBD oil using a vaping device such as a CBD vape pen. Since this method involves inhaling CBD vapor, experts advise that it’s much healthier than smoking.
Vaping provides you with near-instant effects as the vapor moves directly to the lungs’ adsorptive surface from where it is taken into the bloodstream. You can expect to experience the CBDs effect in ten minutes or less.
The good thing is that CBD vape pens are super easy to use. Beginners are better off starting with the disposable vape pens that come pre-filled with a flavored CBD oil. Usually, you’d have to dispose of the vape pen once the oil is finished as the battery is non-rechargeable.
Conversely, you can opt for a reusable vape pen. They come with a cartridge, rechargeable battery and are easy to use. You only need to charge your battery, and as soon as you have threaded your pre-filled cartridge, turn the button on and inhale the vapor through the mouthpiece.
4. Consuming CBD Oil Edibles
This method involves ingesting CBD-infused and sweetened edibles that mask the unpleasant taste of CBD. Ingesting CBD edibles is very discreet and straightforward. Available in a myriad of flavors, edibles pack a punch and are potent. They range from CBD gummies, CBD chocolates, CBD mints, CBD beverages, CBD bakes goodies and everything in between.
When you consume CBD edibles, they must first pass through the gut, where they are broken down before the CBD is transported to the liver for metabolism. From the liver, the CBD is absorbed into your bloodstream and brain. As such, you can expect a delayed onset of effects, and they can take up to two hours to kick in.
5. Adding CBD to Your Favorite Dishes or Beverages
The earthy and perhaps nasty taste of CBD may put some people off. The solution is to add a few CBD oil drops into your coffee, smoothie, beverages, ice creams, cocktail or salad to mask the unpleasant taste. Adding CBD oil drops or CBD capsules is not as straightforward as eating an edible.
CBD is highly fat-soluble. Therefore, you’d have to increase its bioavailability and potency by adding it into foods containing fatty acids. However, avoid exposing your CBD oil to direct heat as it breaks down CBD, evaporates terpenes, and destroys its beneficial properties. That said, you are better off adding a few CBD oil drops to your ready foods or salad dressings.
6. Using CBD Topicals
CBD topicals are applied externally on the skin and on a target area to provide relief. Since CBD and the active elements in topicals have to be absorbed past the poorly permeable skin before reaching the targeted cells beneath the skin, it’s best to buy a highly concentrated topical and ensure you apply it liberally.
You’ll find numerous CBD-infused topicals on the market, including CBD balms, creams, CBD salves, and CBD patches.
7. Using CBD-infused Shampoos and Hair Conditioner
Another great method of experiencing the magical benefits of CBD is washing and conditioning your hair with CBD-infused products. Ideally, these products come infused with CBD and a mixture of other beneficial ingredients that strengthen your hair while boosting your scalps’ health.
This method of CBD oil application is designed to promote well-moisturized and nourished hair by protecting it from harsh environmental factors that cause damage.
There’s no one way of consuming CBD better than the other. Whether you want to experience the amazing benefits of CBD using CBD capsules or edibles is up to you. The most important thing is to find the method that works best for you.
