CBD is becoming an increasingly popular dietary supplement, but for those unfamiliar with it, knowing the best way to take it can be quite a challenge.
And while it’s easy to find information about the multitude of health benefits of CBD, many consumers have difficulty getting quality information on how to properly use CBD supplements. In this article we will examine in depth how to take CBD correctly.
UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENT WAYS TO TAKE CBD
To ensure that you consume CBD correctly, it is useful to understand the different methods of administration behind the different CBD products. Below we will take a look at the different types of CBD products on the market and how they work.
CBD OILS
CBD oils are obtained by diluting CBD extract into a carrier oil, such as extra virgin olive oil or medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil. These oils come in several different concentrations and are generally taken as sublingual drops. Zamnesia CBD oils, for example, are available in concentrations of 2.5, 4, and 10%. The oil is then absorbed through the mucous membranes of the mouth into the bloodstream.
CBD oils are ideal for times when rapid relief of a particular symptom is needed because they are absorbed relatively quickly under the tongue and can begin to take effect in about 10-15 minutes. These oils are very discreet and are one of the most common ways to take CBD.
CBD CAPSULES
CBD capsules are similar to fish oil tablets and contain a single dose of the CBD oil described above. For example, each of our 4% CBD soft gel capsules contains a measured dose of our average 4% CBD oil. These capsules break down and absorb into the stomach and digestive tract, so it can take about 20 minutes to take effect.
CBD capsules are ideal for when you are away from home. They make dosing super easy and offer slower and longer-lasting CBD relief because they break down and absorb more slowly than CBD oils.
Foods with CBD come in many different forms. Some types of frequent foods include jellybeans and chocolate, but there are many other options. Like capsules, foods must be broken down by the digestive system before they take effect. However, they usually take more time to decompose, as they are more complex structures than capsules, and can take half an hour or more to take effect.
The groceries are ideal for consumers who want a slow and lasting release of CBD. A single jelly taken in the morning on a full stomach, for example, can take a long time to digest, and therefore can offer a slow and steady release of CBD throughout the day.
CBD PASTA
CBD pastes are the product of CBD extraction with some type of solvent, such as alcohol or CO₂. Unlike CBD oils or capsules, these products do not contain any type of carrier oil, which means that they are generally much more concentrated, and therefore more expensive. CBD pastes are typically taken in very small amounts under the tongue or on the gums.
Although CBD pastes are more expensive than oils or capsules, they may be a good alternative for people seeking higher doses of CBD or who need more intensive treatment. Unlike CBD oils or capsules, these products do not contain any type of carrier oil, which means that they are usually much more concentrated, but also more expensive. CBD pastes are typically taken in very small amounts under the tongue or gums.
Although CBD pastes are more expensive than oils or capsules, they can be a good alternative for people seeking higher doses of CBD or requiring several doses throughout the day. Because they are more concentrated, they can be taken in much smaller doses and usually last much longer than oils or capsules.
CBD COMESTIBLES
CBD foods come in many different forms. Some common types of foods include jelly beans and chocolate, but there are many other options. Like capsules, foods must be broken down by the digestive system before they take effect. However, they usually take longer to break down, as they are more complex structures than capsules, and may take half an hour or longer to take effect.
Foods are ideal for consumers who want a slow and long-lasting release of CBD. A single gummy taken in the morning on a full stomach, for example, can take a long time to digest, and can therefore provide a slow and steady release of CBD throughout the day.
VAPORIZED CBD
Vaporizers operate by heating a substance to a certain temperature at which the compounds within it become steam without actually burning the substance itself. You can vaporize CBD in the form of a plant (by vaporizing CBD-rich hemp or cannabis flowers) or by vaporizing a CBD-rich extract. The most common way to vaporize CBD is by using ballpoint vapeators designed to be used with CBD cartridges.
Once inhaled, the CBD vapor reaches the lungs and is absorbed by the blood. This process is very fast, and the effects of the vaporized CBD can appear in as little as 5-10 minutes. Steamed CBD is perfect for people who want to take small doses of CBD several times a day. Unfortunately, vapear is not as discreet as taking a capsule or oil.
CBD TINCTURES
CBD tinctures generally contain CBD oil mixed with other ingredients to provide more specialized relief of a particular symptom. Our Super Sleep tincture, for example, combines CBD and melatonin in a unique liposomal liquid formula. The end result is a comprehensive sleep supplement designed to stimulate rest and ensure restful sleep at night.
CBD tinctures are generally taken sublingually in droplet form, just like normal CBD oil. They also work in about 15 minutes and are excellent for those seeking more precise relief of a particular symptom (such as sleep disorders, for example).
CBD CRYSTALS
CBD crystals are one of the purest forms of taking CBD. They usually come in the form of a fine crystalline powder that can be taken under the tongue or mixed with food and drink. Concentrations of these powders vary, but some may contain up to 99% pure CBD.
CBD crystals are ideal for those who want pure, highly concentrated CBD. They are also ideal for all those who prefer the flexibility of mixing their CBD with other foods or beverages.
HOW DOES CBD INTERACT WITH THE ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM?
All of the above products (except topicals) carry CBD into the bloodstream. Once in the blood, CBD molecules are transported throughout the body by proteins that bind fatty acids (FABPs). These proteins help lipids such as CBD pass through cell membranes.
Once inside a cell, the CBD can activate specific receptors within it. However, unlike THC, CBD does not appear to act on CB1 or CB2 receptors. Instead, it has been shown to act on serotonin receptors, GABA receptors, vanilloid receptors and gamma receptors, among others. It has also been shown to temporarily increase levels of certain chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin, anandamide, and others. CBD does this by inhibiting a process known as reabsorption, and is therefore sometimes called a “reuptake inhibitor.
It is also important to note that CBD can be synergized with other compounds found in cannabis and hemp. This is sometimes referred to as the “entourage effect” and many scientists believe it is the key to understanding the unique effects of cannabis and its compounds.
FINDING THE RIGHT DOSAGE
As with any supplement, the correct dosage of CBD is of utmost importance. Unfortunately, everyone reacts differently to CBD, and finding the right dose often involves a lot of trial and error.
We recommend starting with a small dose of 5 mg a day, simply to measure your reaction to any CBD supplement you are using. From there, you can increase your rhythm to 2 daily doses of 5 mg. This is important because CBD can cause side effects in some people (such as headaches and stomach upset). And although these side effects are mild and infrequent, it is always a good idea to start with low doses to avoid these adverse effects.
Be sure to keep to each dose for at least a few weeks to allow your body to adjust.
CAN DIFFERENT CBD PRODUCTS BE MIXED?
Yes, it is perfectly possible to mix different types of products with CBD. In fact, mixing different types of products is often the key to getting the right kind of relief. This is because the different CBD products mentioned above affect the body differently.
As already mentioned, any product taken sublingual or vaporized will act in about 10-15 minutes. These products are ideal for when you need immediate effects. On the other hand, ingested products take longer to decompose and offer a slower and more constant release of CBD over long periods of time.
By mixing different products with CBD, these differences can be exploited. If, for example, you suffer from sleep problems, you may find that taking a CBD capsule or edible one hour before bedtime helps you sleep through the night, while taking CBD oil just before bedtime allows you to fall asleep faster.