CBD oil consumption is not limited to a single method. People can always get creative on how they see fit in taking it even though there are recommended methods. The main aim is to get the oil into the bloodstream. On most occasions, the producer recommends the method of administering it and the dosage. This article will focus on various methods of taking CBD oil, why the method matters, and CBD oil dosage.
How is CBD Oil Made?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound found in cannabis plants, especially the hemp plant. It is extracted from hemp plants grown in states like Kentucky and Colorado in the USA. The main methods of extraction are solvent extraction and the CO2 extraction method. These methods yield a high-quality CBD. Using a non-GMO and organic hemp plant will also contribute to the quality of the CBD because non-organic hemp plants may have impurities like heavy metals, pesticides, and other chemicals used in farming.
CBD is processed in three types; full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum, and isolate CBD. The full spectrum has all the hemp plant terpenes, including the 0.3% delta 9 THC. The broad spectrum has all the hemp plant terpenes except the 0.3% delta 9 THC. Isolate CBD is pure because the CBD undergoes extra distillation and refinements. To make CBD oil, the CBD is mixed with a carrier oil. The carrier oil can be coconut oil, MCT oil, avocado oil, hemp seed oil, or olive oil. Some CBD oils can contain more than one carrier of oil.
Using CBD oil will not give the consumer a ‘high’ feeling because the 0.3% delta 9 THC (the compound responsible for a high feeling when using marijuana products) is very low. CBD oil with an isolate CBD base does not have the earthy grassy hemp plant taste because all plant terpenes are removed during extra refining.
Uses of CBD Oil
CBD has been claimed to have health and wellness benefits like; relieving pain and inflammation (Study by Dworkin, (2002)), reducing anxiety and depression (study by Lee, et al., (2017)), treating genetic seizures, (study by von Wrede, et al., (2021)) and better sleep, and insomnia. CBD oil can also relieve withdrawal symptoms in recovering addicts like tobacco smokers. It is advised to check with your doctor before using CBD oils if you are under any medications because CBD can interfere with prescribed drugs.
Methods of Taking CBD Oil
CBD oil is effective only when it enters the bloodstream; it activates receptors and neurotransmitters like serotonin which is responsible for functions like behavior and mood. CBD oil enters the bloodstream faster, or slow depending on the method used. CBD oil can be taken in four ways; tinctures or sublingual, ingestion, topicals, and inhalation.
Tinctures
Tinctures or sublingual administration of CBD oil to the sublingual part of the mouth. One adds two or three drops of CBD oil under the tongue and holds it for up to 60 seconds for absorption to take place. The capillaries and mucus membranes in the mouth are responsible for CBD oil absorption in the bloodstream. The effect can be felt after 15 minutes and is long-lasting. This method is easy to use, and one can keep dosage under control. The downside of this method is that one has to be comfortable with the bitter grassy taste of CBD oil.
Inhalation
This is taking CBD oil in the form of smoking or vaping and use of CBD oil sprays. This is the fastest method of getting CBD in the bloodstream because the CBD oil enters the lungs, absorbed into the blood directly alongside oxygen. The downside of smoking CBD oil is that one must have an oil rig and heat it where the CBD oil is. The smoke can be harsh on the throat and lungs. Vaping is a great alternative to smoking as CBD companies manufacture CBD oil in vape pens, and there is no harsh smoke.
Ingestion
Taking CBD oil through ingestion means that the CBD oil will have to undergo metabolism to get into the bloodstream. This is the longest method of getting CBD oil in the bloodstream because metabolism can take hours to occur after eating. CBD oil can be ingested by eating CBD gummies adding CBD oil to beverages and drinks like coffee, smoothies, and cocktails. One can also add a few drops of CBD oil to salad dressing. This method works best for those who don’t want to taste the bitter grassy taste of CBD oil with a full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD base.
Topicals
This type of CBD oil is meant for external use only. CBD oil is applied directly to the affected area, such as muscle, joint, or back pain. The CBD oil is then absorbed through the skin to the affected area to reduce inflammation and pain. This method is very easy to use as one only applies and massages on the affected area.
Conclusion
Taking CBD oil is a very easy task with numerous methods of administering; there is no one-size-fits-all method for taking CBD oil. What matters is the CBD oil gets into the bloodstream. Companies do give the proper dosage for CBD oil on the product label and also on the company’s website. For beginners, take half the recommended dose and keep increasing it until comfortable with the full dose. Also, there is no harm in taking more than the recommended dose.
References
Dworkin, R. H. (2002). An Overview Of Neuropathic Pain: Syndromes, Symptoms, Signs, And Several Mechanisms. The Clinical Journal Of Pain, 18(6), 343-349.
Lee, J. L., Bertoglio, L. J., Guimarães, F. S.,
& Stevenson, C. W. (2017). Cannabidiol Regulation Of Emotion And Emotional
Memory Processing: Relevance For Treating Anxiety‐Related And Substance Abuse Disorders. British Journal Of
Pharmacology, 174(19), 3242-3256.
Von Wrede, R., Helmstaedter, C., & Surges, R.
(2021). Cannabidiol In The Treatment Of Epilepsy. Clinical Drug Investigation, 41(3), 211-220.
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