In the past few years, CBD has become increasingly popular. It promises many of the health benefits of marijuana without the high.
The substance is also fantastic because of its versatility. It comes in many forms, and there are many ways you can consume it.
However, the sheer variety of products can be intimidating, especially if you are new to the CBD world.
Whether you’re a novice or seasoned CBD consumer, here are the best ways to consume the substance.
What Is CBD?
First, let’s look at what precisely CBD is.
CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is one of the cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. It’s famous for health benefits, such as reducing stress and relieving pain.
Many people confuse this substance with THC. Unlike CBD, THC is a psychoactive compound. It’s what causes the “high” you get when you use marijuana. Consuming CBD doesn’t result in the same mind-altering effects.
Now that you are familiar with CBD, let’s go over the best ways to consume it.
Vape CBD E-Liquids
Are you looking for immediate relief of symptoms? Vaping is the way to go.
Vaping CBD e-liquids lets you inhale the substance directly. It enters your bloodstream via your lungs, allowing its effects to kick in immediately.
Many e-liquids either have a natural taste or are flavorless. But, according to e-cigreviews.org.uk, some products have exciting flavors that make the vaping experience much more enjoyable.
Smoking CBD products is another effective inhalation method. Like with vaping, smoking allows the substance to enter your bloodstream directly. You’ll feel the effects almost immediately.
Smoking, however, can expose you to carcinogens. Vaping bypasses this by heating the CBD just below its combustion point.
So, if you choose an inhalation method, vaping is probably your best bet. Just be sure to avoid vape cartridges with thinning carriers or agents, which can damage the lungs.
Take Pills
Pills are perhaps the easiest way to consume CBD. All you do is swallow the capsule.
Each capsule has a premeasured dosage, making it easy to monitor how much you take. Note that pills take a little longer to work their way into your system. Wait about an hour to gauge if you need to consume more.
Pills are best if you are looking for a full-body effect, such as easing anxiety or mitigating headaches or other aches throughout your body. If you want to manage pain in a specific place, consider another method such as applying a topical cream.
Use Topical Oils or Creams
A topical is a product you lather on your skin rather than ingesting it. This method is best if you are looking to spot-treat rather than a full-body effect.
Rub the oil or cream onto a spot such as a sore back or aching knee. Topical creams for pain typically have agents such as cooling menthol to better target localized pain.
You can also use topical treatments for beauty purposes. There are CBD creams for treating acne, moisturizing skin, etc.
Consume Oil Sublingually
Novices and veterans alike use this method. Consuming oil sublingually is a great way to feel immediate effects.
The sublingual method means holding CBD oil (also called tinctures) under your tongue. You can use a dropper to measure out the proper dose.
Some people don’t like this method because of its potent taste. Some companies make flavored oils, but the taste can still be overpowering.
Add Oil to Your Food or Drink
If you want to mask the taste of CBD oil, add it to your food or drink!
You can make pretty much anything and add oil to it. Keep in mind that CBD doesn’t dissolve in water. So, you’ll either need to get a water-soluble product or do lots of mixing.
Consume Gummies or Candies
Many companies sell gummies or candies infused with CBD. These tasty treats are a more natural way to get your dose, and there are many different flavors available.
Aside from tasting good, candies are a popular choice because they are a discreet way to consume CBD. They look like regular candies, meaning no one will think twice about you eating them in public.
These treats are also fantastic because, like pills, they come with premeasured doses. You don’t have to worry about measuring out your dose.
Because they go through your digestive system, candy takes a little longer to take effect. It gradually releases CBD, meaning the results will last over a more extended period. If you don’t immediately feel the effects, don’t just consume more. Wait for about an hour and then determine if you need another piece.
You can order gummies or candies online or pick them up at a local smoke shop.
Isolate vs. Full-Spectrum CBD Products
When you choose your consumption method, you’ll have to choose between isolate and full-spectrum products. What’s the difference?
“Full-spectrum” means that the product is in its natural form. Besides CBD, you’ll be consuming the other cannabinoids and terpenes—the full spectrum of compounds—from the plant.
Isolates, on the other hand, are pure CBD, free of other substances.
There is debate surrounding the effectiveness of each. Some say full-spectrum products work better because of the synergy of the substances. Others claim isolates are the way to go because it exposes the body to pure CBD.
Ultimately, each product contains CBD and will produce effects. You may have to experiment to determine which is most effective for you.
Note: Some people prefer isolates because they are free of THC. THC-free substances are especially important for users who need to pass drug tests at work.
Experiment, Experiment, Experiment
Experimentation is crucial when it comes to CBD products. Everyone is different and will experience different effects.
Start by analyzing what kind of effects you’re looking to experience. Do you want to target localized pain, or are you looking to reduce anxiety?
Then, choose the appropriate method and try out different products. Don’t be afraid of trial and error, especially when it comes to finding the right dose.
With these tips, you will soon find the product and method that works best for you!
