In only a few short years, the cannabidiol (CBD) market has gone from zero to 60, and it's showing no signs of slowing down. According to a recent population survey on CBD prevalence in the United States, the majority of Americans are at least now aware of the existence of CBD.
There are more than 850 different CBD brands on the market, including 200 brands of hemp-derived CBD alone. More and more people seem to be jumping on the CBD bandwagon - doctors, legislators, and patients! Yet, despite its dramatic rise in popularity, most also seem to remain largely uninformed about the specifics.
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There is much to learn regarding CBD. For instance, many still consider even hemp-derived CBD to have psychoactive properties, and they don’t have a full, if any, understanding of its therapeutic worth. If potential customers are aware of CBD’s health benefits, other, practical questions remain, such as: What is the best way to take CBD oil? How should you consume CBD oil to reap its best possible benefits?[1]
Why Take CBD Oil For Health
As it stands today, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only recommended CBD oil for the treatment of rare and intractable forms of epilepsy. There are many other health claims regarding this all-natural cannabinoid, but until the results from long-term clinical studies are available, and the FDA gives its final stamp of approval, we can only make assumptions from the current body of research.[2]
Encouragingly, the research, however preliminary, demonstrates that CBD has a vital role to play in our bodies. This notion is also supported by many anecdotal reports from those already relying on CBD to improve their health and wellness.
According to a recent survey, the most common symptoms for which people already use CBD are as follows:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Joint Inflammation and Pain
- Depression
- Muscles Tension
- Migraines
- Chronic Pain
- Arthritis
- Nausea
In all cases, there is already convincing scientific evidence to support the use of CBD for all these health issues. [3][4][5][6]
What is the Best Way to Take CBD Oil?
Frankly, it depends. There are more ways than ever before to take CBD oil on a daily basis to help support general health, as well as for use in chronic illness and disease. But, just as your own health story is unique, so too should be the way you treat your health challenges.
As an example, vaping CBD oil is perhaps not the best way to take CBD oil as a co-therapy to chemotherapy. Likewise for any respiratory disorder. However, vaping may be an effective way to target chronic pain.
Understanding how to consume CBD oil is almost as important as understanding the science behind it. So, here are five of the best ways to take CBD oil:
1. Capsules
An all-natural, whole-plant extraction that looks cloudy and dark green to brown in color, CBD preparations often have a layer of particulate settled on the bottom. Very few find it appetizing in appearance, and for many its natural taste is off-putting too. The oil’s taste elicits, in fact, the most common complaint from CBD consumers.
Therefore, if you find the earthy taste challenging to overcome, and are looking to consume CBD oil in other ways, capsules might be the answer.
In addition are capsules, usually gel caps, an excellent method for measured dosing. They are also easy to add on top of any other nutritional supplements already in your health regime.
Oral delivery of CBD is naturally always hindered by poor absorption rates. Cannabinoids are notoriously hydrophobic, meaning the molecules have trouble being taken up by our bodies’ water-filled cells. It is an oil soluble compound and should, ideally, be taken with fatty or oily foods such as a spoonful of virgin coconut oil, olive oil or cream.
If you’re using CBD oil capsules for insomnia or anxiety, it may be worth taking it on an empty stomach too. This way, its sedating effects are likely to be potentized.
2. Tinctures
Today, CBD tincture is still the most popular, conventional preparation in use. It has long remained the industry staple, with much diversity in flavor, strength, and extraction technique. Tinctures are created conventionally via butane or other petrochemical extraction methods.
A healthier option is CO2 CBD oil extractions, which avoid possible contamination of the final product with the extraction chemicals, so look out for this on the label.
In most cases, you'll take CBD tinctures orally by using a dropper to place the dose under your tongue for absorption. You can also easily incorporate CBD tinctures into a morning smoothie or a hot drink with cream. Depending on the formula, tinctures may require more calculation to determine a specific dosage.
3. Vaping
According to the recent industry survey mentioned previously, vaping is the preferred method of consumption of all CBD products. This may simply be due to the rise in popularity of vaping itself, or perhaps because vaping is likely the most effective method of delivery.
Generally speaking, the bioavailability, or absorption rate, of an oral CBD tincture is lower than that achieved through vaping. Yet, vaping and tinctures get absorbed immediately into the bloodstream, compared to CBD edibles such as brownies, which need to be digested first.
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4. Balms and Topicals
Cannabidiol infused balms, salves and creams are popular methods for non-oral delivery of the valuable compounds found within the Cannabis sativa plant. Usually, CBD topicals are created through an infusion of another beneficial compound, like plant butter and essential oils, with CBD. They are a perfect way to appreciate CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties when applied to your skin, muscles, and joints. Topical CBD preparations are increasingly popular with athletes, rubbed into aching joints and muscles as a post-workout recovery.
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5. Liposomal
The liposomal technology captures CBD within a fatty molecule, thereby increasing its bioavailability. Not all companies have the advanced production capacities required to create a liposomal product, but if you can find it, it is beneficial for its improved absorption rates. Liposomal technology is also sold as having faster delivery than traditional tinctures.
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The best way to take CBD oil ultimately comes down to personal choice and experience. It would, therefore, be advisable to experiment in order to find the preparation that works best for you. Also, it depends what you want to use it for. Cannabidiol salves and balms are good for skin irritations, and sore and stiff muscles. However, for internal health issues, an oral delivery method may be better. Cannabidiol therapy is as unique as the person taking it.
Sources:
[1] https://daks2k3a4ib2z.cloudfront.net/595e80a3d32ef41bfa200178/59946cd0990f530001342c7a_CBD_-_HelloMD_Brightfield_Study_-_Summary_Report_-_FINAL.pdf
[2] https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/fda-committee-recommends-first-cbd-oil-product-n867511
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171/
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3820295/
