There are now more ways than ever before to incorporate cannabidiol (CBD) products into your daily health and wellness routine. The market is flooded with many new, different types of CBD products than you could ever imagine possible. Edible CBD gummies, peppermint flavored CBD vape juices, even CBD-infused bottled water.
If you can envision it, the CBD product likely already exists. However, the efficacy of many of the new products is speculative while the medicinal benefit of sugar and preservative-laden CBD gummies is suspect, at best. Take, for instance, CBD-infused water - how can this be viable, since cannabinoids are hydrophobic? The compounds are oil soluble and the only way to infuse the water with CBD is with isolates, which are not the best. Fortunately, there are many other types of CBD oil products with proven therapeutic value. Here are the five most popular types that you need to know about.
1. Tinctures
Tinctures are extractions of herbs utilizing a CO2 method which is more expensive yet doesn't destroy many important components of the herb itself, or into a solvent like alcohol, vegetable glycerine, and even vinegar. Traditionally, herbal tinctures were almost exclusively taken orally, either mixed into a drink, a meal or taken straight. CBD tinctures are definitely one of the most common, most effective types of CBD products on the market today.
Important to note is that absorption and potency are increased when the drops are taken directly under the tongue, instead of with a drink or food.
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2. Edibles
Consumers are increasingly gravitating towards innovative edible formats as one of many new, different types of CBD. Edible CBD products are popular for many reasons, including their taste, ease of use, and discretion. One of the most common complaints about CBD products is the sometimes overpowering and earthy taste. For some consumers, it really is just too hard to swallow. Edibles mask the taste into a delicious treat, like a baked good, smoothie, or snack.
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Edibles are also easy to dose with throughout the day. For those taking higher daily doses of CBD for chronic illness, it can get tiring taking droppers under the tongue every few hours. Because edibles can hide a more powerful extraction of CBD, they are an easy method of increasing the dose without much hassle. However, be sure to take the CBD-laced edible on an empty stomach, and preferably on its own, as other foods can affect the compound’s absorption. Also, research has shown that if the edible is oily or fatty, CBD’s bioavailability is also increased.
Finally, depending on where you live, taking herbal substances as an alternative medicine may not be widely accepted. There are still folks out there that consider CBD products to have the same characteristics and associations as THC products. Rest assured, as there are some significant differences between the two, even though these differences might not be appreciated by everyone in your area.
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A final note on edibles, because there are increasingly unhealthy products on the market. Consumers use CBD almost exclusively for issues related to health and wellness. Consider what other ingredients are included in your CBD edibles, such as sugar, preservatives and other unhealthy additives. These aren’t a good way to take any medicine.
3. Oral Sprays
Sprays are a novel way to take CBD oil tinctures. Why are sprays so popular as a method of delivery? This is probably because of their ease of use. Arguably much easier and speedier to dose than an edible, a CBD spray is an oral method of administration. The product is taken sublingually for best effect, and many CBD sprays today are flavored with natural additives to help mask the earthy taste of the CBD itself.
4. Balms, Salves, and Topicals
Topical administration of cannabidiol products is also an increasingly popular way to use CBD products. CBD balms and salves, among other topical types of CBD oil, are exceptionally popular among those with aching joints, muscles and skin issues. Professional and amateur athletes alike are also using CBD balms and salves in their post-workout recovery program.
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Why are balms one of the most popular types of CBD oil? Cannabinoid receptors, concentrated in the brain, central nervous system, internal organs and throughout the immune system, are also found in our skin. Topical applications of cannabinoids like CBD have a direct effect on the localized area, and according to those that use it, provide an effective and natural form of pain relief.
There is evidence from preliminary studies indicating topical CBD applications benefit inflammation and pain related to arthritis. There is also some early research suggesting topical applications of cannabinoids could be beneficial in reducing the signs and symptoms of skin disease, like psoriasis. [1][2]
5. Vaping
Finally, the fifth type of CBD oil on our list is the increasingly popular CBD vape products. Research suggests that inhaling cannabinoids is one of the most effective ways of ingesting it, at least compared to the other ways explored in this article.
When vaped, cannabinoids like CBD get taken into the bloodstream almost immediately because they enter by way of the respiratory tract. Oral methods of taking CBD oil essentially rely on your body to process, digest and absorb the CBD into your bloodstream. As mentioned, this isn’t the most bioavailable method of delivery, nor is it the speediest. In a study of another cannabinoid, THC, inhalation resulted in upwards of 56 percent bioavailability of the cannabinoid, second only to intravenous administration. [3]
Before jumping on the vape bandwagon, it would be prudent to do your research on the ingredients beforehand. There are many reputable companies on the market selling products with regulated, and healthy ingredients, but there are also many vendors selling unregulated and potentially dangerous vape juices. Also, it is difficult to accurately dose with vaping.
A Final Word on Choosing Between the Many Different Types of CBD
What type (or types) of CBD oil do you use? How to decide between the many different types of CBD products on the market today? Ease of delivery, taste, quality of the product, and the reason for using CBD will likely all help to inform your decision. If you want something discrete, an edible could be the best route. If you are relying on CBD for post-workout recovery, a CBD balm is likely going to be your top choice. There is a perfect CBD product on the market for you, so long as you know what you're looking for.
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Sources:
[1] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ejp.818
[2] https://www.jdsjournal.com/article/S0923-1811(06)00315-X/abstract
