Cannabidiol, better known by its abbreviation CBD, is quickly becoming the hot topic of conversation in science and health communities around the world. Not surprising considering the number of various wellness, health, hygiene, and other new products that are continuing to be derived from this phytocannabinoid. CBD is a cannabinoid, meaning it does come from the cannabis plant. However, CBD does not contain any THC whatsoever, the psychoactive ingredient that has made marijuana-use so controversial in the past.
THC is another type of cannabinoid, like CBD, and one of the 113 so far identified in Cannabis the plant. As CBD continues to be studied for its positive health & wellness benefits, an influx of CBD products have exploded into the market. Navigating this new scene may seem difficult, but narrowing it down to your preferred method of consumption makes everything a bit easier.
Keep reading to learn more about the 5 most popular ways to use CBD oil, with the pros & cons for each, and decide which method is best to fit your lifestyle!
CBD Research Goes Way Back
Historians claim that the first documented use of cannabis-derived medicine goes all the way back to 2737 BC in ancient China. Emperor Sheng Nung supposedly infused tea with some form of cannabis extracts in an attempt to battle memory loss, Rheumatism, and even Malaria. However, there are no official records about how the Emperor went about this study or if any attempts were successful.
The first official medical study on the therapeutic effects of the cannabis plant was actually published in 1839 by an Irish medical researcher and physician William B. O’Shaughnessy. He described potential applications for rudimentary medical purposes of CBD, mostly using the plant’s extract as an anesthetic.
The First Cannabinoids
The first individual cannabinoid was discovered around 1940, identified as CBN or Cannabinol by Robert S. Cahn, a renowned British chemist. The CBD or Cannabidiol we know today was discovered shortly after, around 1942, by Roger Adams, a renowned American chemist. He also discovered Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that same decade, but the discovery of THC is often wrongly credited to Raphael Mechoulam.
However, it was Dr. Raphael Mechoulam who, in the 1960s, made some of the first breakthroughs in cannabinoid effects. He identified the CBD’s stereochemistry, which is a separate branch of chemistry concentrated on three-dimensional atom arrangements and potential chemical reactions.
Dr. Mechoulam’s research lasted for the following 2-3 decades, during which he conducted some very important tests that laid the groundwork for the modern-day research that CBD was built upon. The rise of CBD in the US began in the late 90s, and today we have a wide array of products for a variety of different beneficial purposes.
Popular Ways to Use CBD Oil:
- Edibles
- Vaping Oils
- Softgels & Capsules
- Tinctures / Sublingual Products
- Topicals, Ointments, and Creams
CBD Tinctures / Sublingual Products
CBD tinctures dominate our Savory CBD collection and there’s no question why. Contrary to other CBD consumption methods being discussed, sublingual CBD products take effect much faster, and the effective absorption rate is much higher (in exclusion to vaping CBD). In most cases, tinctures are preservative-free and sugar-free, unlike edibles. These products are designed to be absorbed under the tongue and include tincture oils, sprays, lozenges, chewing gum, and other similar items.
Tinctures are great for beginners (especially Tasty Drops) and people who are looking to keep their CBD intake strictly measured. These are concentrated products designed to be dosed as droplets under the tongue. Tinctures are quickly absorbed by the capillaries under the tongue within 1-2 minutes and take from 20-40 minutes to begin working.
CBD-Infused Edibles
Several edible CBD products are available today including gummies, cookies & brownies, candies & chocolates, drinks including beverage enhancers and even coffee, and other various tasty treats! CBD-infused edibles go down easy and are a great choice for beginners to explore the health and wellness benefits of cannabidoil.
However, while CBD-infused edibles are a perfectly safe way of consuming cannabidiol, experts say that the absorption rate might be significantly reduced due to CBD being ingested by the digestive tract and further broken down by the liver. This is known as the “First-Pass Effect,” and it may reduce the CBD absorption down to only 20% or 30% of the total amount ingested. It also means it will take significantly longer (2-3 hours) to take effect.
CBD Vaping Oil
CBD vaping oils are for inhaling, which is quite close to how cannabis is popularly consumed. As mentioned, CBD does not affect us as THC does, so this type of consumption is entirely safe from the psychoactive effects associated with marijuana and also much smoother on the lungs. CBD vape products are usually sold as pre-filled oil cartridges designed for industry-standard, 510-threaded vape pens. Unlike edibles, vaping CBD oil is the fastest and most effective way to introduce CBD into the bloodstream and you can feel the effects in as little as 10 minutes!
Since vaping requires heating the cannabinoid, there is still not enough data as to how potentially damaging it can be for the respiratory system. The risk can be further increased by the added thinning agents, like sugar waxes, vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol, and similar ingredients. Luckily for you, CaliConnected only sells CBD vape oils that are completely-free of vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol additives!
CBD Topicals, Ointments, and Creams
These CBD-infused products generally come in jars or bottles like dab containers, and are quite popular as they are designed for skin application. They include lotions, salves, balms, creams, and even transdermal patches. Out of all cannabidiol products, this category is perhaps the most used by consumers for its beneficial products.
CBD-infused Topicals, Ointments, and Creams are advertised for a variety of uses. They are typically used for treating both skin and muscle/joint problems, especially seen with muscle rubs and CBD patches. Unfortunately, this method of CBD consumption is also subject to losing strength from the before-mentioned “First-Pass Effect,” meaning they take longer to feel and only affect the applied area.
CBD Capsules & Softgel Supplements
CBD capsules & softgels are consumed orally, like edibles, but are generally safer and cleaner products for they do not contain any unhealthy or artificial ingredients. Capsule dosage is usually specified for each product making it super easy to track your CBD dosage. On the other hand, CBD capsules & softgel products do tend to take longer to kick in compared to other consumption methods because they are ingested.
CBD Capsules & Softgel Supplements can be pure CBD isolates, but most of these products are combined with other herbs which complement the cannabidiol to make it more effective. On that note, some studies also found that CBD works better together with THC because of what is called the “Entourage Effect.” However, for a product to contain THC and be legal (and sold on our website), it must not contain more than 0.3% of that particular cannabinoid.
CBD Wrap Up:
At this point, your head might be spinning with the science and variety of choices. Don’t let this scare you away as each CBD product was designed for different types of users, each with their own specific needs. The recent flood of new products in the market has made CBD more affordable than ever before, so keep on trying new products & new methods until you find what works best for you!
Click here to explore our Savory CBD collection and get started today!