CBD 101: Part 5 "Different Types of CBD Products and How They Work"

CBD these days comes in all kinds of forms - and we mean all kinds! But what’s the difference, and what is really the most beneficial? Understanding the different types can help you make the best decision for you - although sometimes a little experimentation is required to find out what’s most compatible with your body! You can take CBD as an oil sublingually, in an edible, swallowed in a pill, from a patch, from a salve or lotion, vape a cartridge or smoke cured flower. Whew! These are all viable options, depending on one’s preference and individual response. But, it’s important to understand the key differences. 

Sublingual: held under the tongue for 60 seconds before swallowing. This includes CBD Oils and tinctures and oral sprays.

• Quick and direct delivery. Why? Thin membranes under the tongue allow the CBD to be absorbed directly and enter the bloodstream quickly. 
• Onset time: 5-20 minutes
• Duration: 2-4 hrs 
• Easy to adjust dosage (with a little math!) 
• Pros: direct and easy delivery of plant medicine. Can be added with ease to food or beverages. 
• Cons: The natural taste of hemp can be a deterrent for some individuals, although not every sublingual oil tastes like hemp.

Edibles: Tons of tasty options, but you do lose some CBD to the digestive process.

• Balanced but slightly delayed delivery. 
• Even and easy dosing. 
• Onset time: 30-90 minutes
• Duration: 4-6 hours 
• Pros: So many options! From beverages to gummies, candies and chocolate.
• Cons: Beware of ingredients which can include excessive sugar and artificial colors and flavors. Be sure to wait at least 2 hours before adding an additional dose. 

Topicals: Salves, Lotions or Sprays

• Direct delivery, great for pain relief, but non-transdermal (will not enter the bloodstream) 
• Onset time: Immediate and localized
• Duration: Varied 
• Pros: Great for sore muscles and painful areas and menstrual cramps 
• Cons: Can be messy/oily on skin/stain clothes

Capsules: Measured dosing, but you do lose some CBD to the digestive process.

• Balanced but slightly delayed delivery
• Even and easy dosing. 
• Onset time: 30-60 minutes
• Duration: 4-6 hours 
• Pros: Measured dosing and no hemp taste. Discrete dosing. 
• Cons: Longer onset, CBD lost to the digestive process.

Vape: A small device called a vaporizer or a "vape pen" is used to vaporize cannabis oil in a cartridge so that it can be inhaled. 

• Fast and effective.
• Onset: Immediate
• Duration: 45-60 minutes 
• Pros: Fast relief when you need it to take effect quickly 
• Cons: Illegal to ship via USPS except with certain suppliers who are compliant with the PACT law. It can also difficult to find reputable sourcing. Vaping can be off-putting to some.

Smoke: Dried hemp flower which is lit and the smoke inhaled using a joint, pipe or other device. An old school ritual with fast results

• Onset: 2-10 minutes
• Duration: 1-4 hours 
• Pros: Various formats available including bowls and cigarettes. Good for people who like the taste and smell of hemp. 
• Cons: Not everyone wants to inhale smoke, and the natural taste and smell of hemp can be off-putting to some. Quality varies.

One more note: if something seems too good to be true, it probably is! This includes bogus CBD products with no real benefit to you including: CBD diffusers, CBD in a pillow and CBD infused clothes. It’s a talking point, I give you that, but no real health benefits.