Are you stuck between trying a classic CBD oil or a fancy CBD cream? Maybe you are even considering trying CBD edibles to avoid judgement from your parents or flatmates, because after all CBD still, unfortunately, carries a stigma. In fact, despite the apparent surge in popularity surrounding CBD, only 11% of the British population have tried products containing cannabidiol.
While you can always opt for the most popular methods such as CBD oil and vape consumption, there are actually various ways to take CBD. The CBD market is currently flooded with a wide variety of products, so you are guaranteed to find the best product that suits your needs and works with your lifestyle. So, here are the most common ways to take CBD oil.
What Is CBD – And Does It Cause A ‘High’?
The cannabis plant has at least two active ingredients: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). The effects of these two cannabinoids are very different, however, despite having quite similar structures.
It is THC, for instance, that is responsible for the behavioural or recreational influences of cannabis. The journal Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology reported that THC is the main psychoactive ingredient in the cannabis plant. As such, it typically produces hypoactivity, hypothermia, and spatial and verbal short-term memory impairment, among other effects; the extent of which is based on on the dose consumed. Even so, THC does have medicinal properties.
Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, on the other hand, does not affect locomotor activity, body temperature, or memory on its own. In fact, due to its non-intoxicating nature, CBD will not get you stoned – no matter how much of it you consume. And since it does not contain any addictive qualities, taking CBD not get you hooked.
Instead, CBD, which is popularly available as CBD oil, has been clinically proven to have significant health benefits and healing properties. These benefits include anxiety and depression relief, pain reduction, anti-seizure, anti-acne and the potential alleviation of cancer-related symptoms. All these positive effects of cannabidiol are caused by interaction with the cell-signalling endocannabinoid system that is responsible for vital processes of the body such as appetite, stress, pain, inflammation, memory, sleep and many other.
What Are The Best Ways To Use CBD Oil?
There are various categories of CBD such as cosmetics, vape, oil, flowers, edibles and food supplements. Each type of CBD works differently. For example, CBD vape or oil are absorbed by the body at a higher rate than CBD gummies or capsules, which need to be digested before providing any positive effects. With many products to choose from, it might be challenging to find the right one for you. Here are the various forms CBD-based products are available in:
- Edibles. For first-timers, trying out edibles can be a great way to consume CBD. Edibles are not fast-acting as foods have to go through the digestive system, though their effects may last longer. CBD gummies and other chewing sweets, chocolates, peppermints, brownies, cupcakes, and even infused snacks like dry fruits are some examples of edibles.
- Oral or sublingual oil. This is easily the most common method for taking CBD. Usually in the form of tinctures, sprays, oils, capsules, or tablets, the CBD products are fast-acting and can be taken as they are or used in preparations such as smoothies. For the sublingual oil, you apply it by using a dropper or spraying under the tongue. Some of these oral products also come in different flavours to make the user experience pleasant.
- Vapes. Vaping is considered one of the fastest ways for CBD to enter one’s bloodstream, and it can be handy in a scenario where you might be experiencing acute anxiety. Using a CBD vape pen cartridge with your vape pen or some other vaping device, you inhale vaporised CBD oil to get your desired therapeutic effect. If you already a vape lover, you can simply purchase CBD vape juice or disposable or reusable vape pens to experience positive effects of CBD oil. There is debate, however, over the long-term effects of vaping on the lungs. One might also experience some coughing and throat irritation when vaping or smoking.
- Topicals. There is a wide range of CBD-infused cosmetics such as balms, creams, lipsticks and lotions that can be directly applied to the skin. Topical CBD products provide targeted relief through the layers of the skin that allows CBD to penetrate deeply and aid in reducing pain and inflammation. On the other hand, items in this form might not be best for dealing with mental health issues as they are for dermatological, anti-inflammatory, or joint pain issues.
Finding The Right Dosage For You
Dosage is a complicated subject, because aside from the fact that your dosage requirement will vary depending on your own tolerance, the condition that you are treating and your lifestyle factors, there is also no recognised standard dose of CBD. For this reason, it’s wise to gain advice from a medical professional that endorses the use of CBD. Whilst this is becoming more widely acknowledged in the medical community around the world, you may still experience resistance (or in my case ridicule) when suggesting CBD as a treatment option.
If you are new to CBD, it’s crucial to establish the dosage that’s optimum for your needs gradually over time. Starting with a low dosage is wise. Once you have found out the effects CBD has on you; you can review whether the dose needs adjusting. There are some CBD calculators available online, which are mainly based on a (per kg) of body weight basis. Remember, however, that this is not taking into account any sensitivities that you may have.
When Should I Take It?
The ideal time of day to ingest CBD will vary per person. For instance, if you’re eager to fight insomnia, then it may be best to take it just before going to bed. However, it’s arguably best to take a daily dose each morning to support your mental wellbeing. You can, of course, find that a dosage in the morning and another in the evening works well for you.
Don’t forget; you can also try different potencies. So for example, if taking a drop from a 1000mg bottle in the morning and evening felt like too much, you could try taking a serving of a 500mg product at both ends of the day instead. You might also decide to take CBD with your breakfast or dinner. Research has shown that CBD taken with food can maximise how well it’s absorbed into the body. There is also evidence showing that CBD taken two hours before exercise is the right timing to experience the effects of CBD during or right before a workout.
Before trying out any of the above products, you should first consult with your doctor to ensure that the cannabidiol in these oils, creams or edibles are compatible with any current medication. You should also avoid stopping any medicines without talking to your doctor first, as the CBD products you are using may combat some issues but not all of them, especially if you have a severe illness.
While there is some research to suggest that too much CBD can affect the way medication works, many doctors usually advise you to use a small dosage of CBD as a form of additional therapy to alleviate any symptoms. This will not only help you to relax and provide some relief, but it will also make you feel like yourself again despite your condition. It can also aid health individuals to improve and succeed without the worry of a long recovery.
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