#CBD101 Day #5: Types of CBD Products, the Differences & 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.
Format:
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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.
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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
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.
Pros: so many options! From beverages to gummies, candies and chocolate.
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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
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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.
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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/difficult to find reputable sourcing. Vaping can be off-putting to some.
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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.