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A Smörgåsbord of Choices – A Guide to Consumption Methods
The mounting evidence and the near constant buzz generated from the testimonials of the multitude of Swedish CBD users has pushed the hemp cannabinoid into the forefront of many therapeutic and self-care routines. With the vast and ever-growing array of CBD products available on the market today, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you, let alone the best way to consume CBD.
With so many options and so many products requiring a different delivery method, it can be tricky to determine the most effective way to consume your cannabinoid product of choice. We’re going to take a closer look at the different methods to take CBD so that you can make an informed decision about which delivery method is best for you. The four general areas by which CBD can be consumed are: Edibles/Ingestibles; Topicals; Inhalants; and Tinctures/Sprays. Different consumption methods come with different onset times, different absorption rates, and different benefits. Like we said, there is no right or wrong, it’s just a matter of understanding what your needs are and what to expect.
A Guide to the 4 Primary Consumption Methods of CBD
Before we look at the different general methods of CBD consumption, let’s just clear up a few of the key terms that when understood will assist you in making more informed decisions as to the means and the methods by which you want to include CBD in your wellness routine.
First Pass Metabolism – The first pass effect is a phenomenon in which a drug gets metabolized at a specific location in the body before entering into the body’s circulation. This means that CBD taken orally (as a tincture) begins breaking down locally in your mouth, having a different effect then if taken by the other three methods.
Bioavailability – this refers to how much of the CBD (in %) is actually available in your blood stream to be circulated.
Onset Time – refers to the time it takes for CBD to take affect after consumption.
Duration – The duration of action of a drug is the length of time that particular drug is effective.
Oil v. Products – CBD Oil is a concentrated liquid that is refined by distilling the hemp plant for its extract and then mixing it with a carrier oil (coconut, grapeseed, hempseed). A CBD product is any product (edible, vapour, beverage etc) into which the CBD oil has been infused.
Oil v. Tinctures – CBD oils are generally made with just two ingredients: CBD and carrier oil. CBD tinctures are alcohol-based extracts that use high proof alcohol to distill the plant material. This is strained, and the entire solution is bottled, along with additional ingredients for flavor or specific benefits
Right then, now that we can talk the talk, it’s time for us to walk the walk. Let’s look at the four largest general groups of CBD products as they are categorized by method of consumption.
Edibles/Ingestibles
Yummy, yummy, gummy in the tummy!
The edibles market is a favourite of CBD consumers. The breadth of this market is steadily expanding as more and more gummies, chocolates, drinks and snacks, capsules and caplets are hitting the shelves. Ingestables are one of the largest and most well- established consumption methods.
How do they operate in your system, and what factors should you consider? The most important factors to consider with ingestible CBD products are their relatively low bioavailability and slow onset time. Ingestibles are subject to first pass metabolism, this delays the onset of your CBD and it decreases the overall bioavailability.
When you eat that CBD gummie, the compound travels from your GI tract to your liver, where it transforms into metabolites. Once the metabolites and the remainder of the original compound leave your liver, they enter your bloodstream, where they get distributed throughout your body. Edibles are usually the go-to choice for CBD users who are seeking longer-lasting saturation of CBD in their bodies. Because edibles need to be digested, it can take up to 2 hours for the effects to be felt – but once they kick in, they can last 6-8 hours.
Once the cannabinoids have been deployed through your bloodstream, they can get to work on delivering beneficial assistance to your endocannabinoid system which in turn can start reducing acne, calming anxiety, easing pain, soothing your pet, lowering your blood pressure, boosting your brain’s health, and more!
Many do not like the earthy taste of natural CBD products. So, gummies with tropical fruit flavours or chocolates with different fillings are a great way to get CBD without enduring the hempy or bitter taste. Edibles provide for precise dosages, they are easy to swallow, and they are inconspicuous and discrete. For these reasons, amongst others, ingestibles are extremely popular among those new to CBD and those with chronic conditions.
