Many people resort to cannabidiol oil (CBD) for various reasons. Some take it as a pain reliever for muscle aches and pain, while others use it to have a better sleep and reduce their anxiety and seizure symptoms. Knowing how to take CBD oil may be challenging with its increasing popularity and rage. Here’s a guide on CBD oil and how best to use it.
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What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a component and the second most available active ingredient in the cannabis (marijuana) plant. CBD is obtained from the hemp plant (a cousin of marijuana) or produced in a laboratory. Unlike Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not have psychoactive components (it doesn’t make people “high.”)
CBD works in different ways in the body. The human body contains the endocannabinoid system (consisting of enzymes, receptors, and cannabinoids), affecting various body processes like sleep, memory, appetite, and mood.
Once CBD is ingested, enzymes break down the cannabinoids to endocannabinoids. After that, receptors bind to the endocannabinoids. Activation of the receptors lets people feel the therapeutic effects and benefits of CBD. Besides receptors, CBD can work by regulating serotonin receptors (5ht), treating psychotic conditions, or affecting other receptors (TRPV1), reducing pain and inflammation.
How to Take CBD Oil?
You’ll need to know the route and required dosage to take CBD oil. CBD dosage varies across people, but the recommended starting dose is 2.5 mg/kg body weight. The dose can be increased after one week up to 5 mg/kg body weight.
Various CBD routes exist, each affecting its bioavailability. Bioavailability is simply the percentage amount of CBD in the body. A higher CBD bioavailability means the body has properly used the drug. Here are the common routes of taking CBD oil:
Ingestion Method
Ingestion may be considered the quickest and easiest way of taking CBD. There are different types of CBD edibles. CBD Gummy bears, protein bars, coffee, capsules, tablets, and lozenges.
While ingesting CBD edibles is pretty quick, you can also consume CBD oil by putting it directly in the mouth or eating it with food. When adding CBD to food, go for an organic full spectrum product in your preferred flavor. Add CBD oil to foods that don’t require cooking, like smoothies, salads, tea, or coffee, as high temperatures can reduce potency.
Sublingual Method
Taking CBD sublingually means putting it under the tongue. The underneath of the tongue is rich in blood vessels which increase CBD’s absorption hence bioavailability. To take CBD sublingually, shake the oil well. Then drop the oil under the tongue and hold it there for 90 seconds until it’s fully absorbed. This way, it enters the blood circulation fast.
When CBD is consumed using this route, it takes the body about 30 minutes to fully absorb it. The drug also remains in the body for six hours before leaving the bloodstream. The sublingual method is excellent for those who prefer using CBD intermittently. Like, they can take half of their dose in the morning and the remaining half in the evening.
Remember to consider the carrier oil when contemplating consuming CBD sublingually. CBD with coconut oil as the carrier oil helps mask the hemp taste, while CBD with the hemp seed oil as the carrier oil has the rich hemp experience.
Inhalation Method
Taking CBD via inhalation is one of the best ways of ensuring the highest bioavailability. To inhale CBD, users need the right oil type and a high-quality vaporizer. Never use edible CBD oil in a vaporizer; it will burn. Instead, go for CBD vape oil, which is simply CBD oil in a carrier liquid like VG and PG. The carrier liquid enables vaporization without burning or losing the CBD’s potency. Note that CBD vape oil should not be cooked or eaten.
There are different vaporizers, CBD cartridges, disposable CBD vape pens, and refillable CBD vape pens and pods. Once everything is set (vaporizer and CBD oil), turn on the vaporizer device and inhale the vapor slowly for three seconds, keeping the smoke in the lungs before exhaling. If a beginner, wait for around 10 minutes before vaping again while taking note of the CBD effects. When inhaling CBD oil, users need to go slow and steady, irrespective of the device they’re using. Vaping CBD takes five minutes to be absorbed and 4 hours to exit the bloodstream.
Topical Application
The topical application involves applying CBD oil to the skin. Apply a small amount of CBD oil to the preferred area and rub thoroughly until the oil is absorbed in topical application. Remember to repeat frequently, depending on the dosage. While CBD bioavailability is reduced in topical application, it’s still a great way of achieving localized external relief in affected areas.
Cannabidiol offers various health benefits, but it may change how your body breaks down some medicines. This change can either increase or decrease the drug’s strength. So, before taking CBD oil, please consult your healthcare provider and get clearance, then make good use of it.
