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7 Best Ways to Consume CBD


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Many people are turning to cannabidiol (CBD) oil as a natural alternative to traditional medications. Still, with so many different products available, it can be overwhelming to know the best ways to use CBD.

From CBD oil drops to CBD gummies and topicals, there are many options, and each method has its unique set of advantages and disadvantages.

Whether you are looking to manage stress, improve your sleep, or alleviate chronic pain, understanding the different ways to take CBD can help you find the best method for your needs.

In this blog, we will explore the different ways to take CBD & how to use CBD products to get the most benefits from them.

1. CBD Oil Drops

Hands holding Neurogan CBD oil tincture in the sun

There are many different ways to take CBD, but CBD oils tend to be one of the most popular and widely available forms.

CBD oil drops, also known as tinctures, are a type of CBD product taken orally.

They are typically made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant and diluting it with a carrier oil, such as hemp seed oil or coconut oil. The resulting CBD oil is then bottled with a dropper and can be taken orally by placing a few drops under the tongue and holding them there for a minute or two before swallowing.

How to Take CBD Oil?

CBD oil drops are easy to take and can be taken discreetly. They also tend to be more affordable than other forms of CBD, such as edibles or capsules. Another notable advantage is that CBD oil drops offer a high bioavailability, meaning that a large percentage of the CBD is absorbed into the body when taken sublingually (under the tongue).

If you want to get a little more creative with the different ways to take your CBD, you can also try mixing your CBD oil with your healthy food recipes for an added wellness boost.

For most, taking CBD oils daily is a straightforward and convenient method, but there are also some downsides to CBD oil.

For one, the taste can be unpleasant for some people, as the oil may have a strong, earthy flavor from natural hemp terpenes in full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD extracts.

Additionally, it can be difficult to accurately measure the dosage when taking CBD oil drops, as the dropper may not be marked with precise measurements. Finally, CBD oil drops may not be suitable for people who have trouble swallowing or have sensitivities to certain oils or flavorings.

Overall, hemp tinctures or what is referred to as CBD oil drops on the market are two different inexpensive and effective ways to take CBD. However, it's still important to speak with your doctor before taking CBD if you have a health condition and follow the product instructions when using CBD oil drops.

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Sublingual consumption of CBD oil can be an efficient delivery method
  • Versatile to use in food and drinks

Cons:

  • Full spectrum CBD oils can have a strong earthy flavor

2. CBD Pills

A hand holding Neurogan CBD softgels

CBD Pills are taken orally. They combine CBD extract with other ingredients, such as a carrier oil. Sometimes, you can find capsules that contain ground hemp flower or pure CBD crystals in a gelatine or vegetable-based shell to form a solid, easy-to-swallow capsule.

How to Take CBD Capsules & Softgels 

To take CBD capsules & Softgels, simply swallow them with a glass of water, making them easy to incorporate into a daily routine. They're typically taken once or twice daily, depending on the dosage and the specific product instructions.

One of the advantages of CBD capsules and softgels is that they offer a precise dosage.

Each capsule or gel cap contains a specific amount of CBD, which makes it easy to know exactly how much you are taking. In addition, capsules and soft gels don't have the strong, earthy taste that some people find unpleasant in CBD oil.

However, there are also some disadvantages to CBD capsules and softgels.

For one, they may be more expensive than other forms of CBD, such as oils.

If you're concerned about getting the most from each mg of CBD, there are better options for using CBD. The bioavailability of CBD capsules and softgels may be lower than other forms, meaning that a smaller percentage of the CBD is absorbed into the body because the active compounds are first processed through the digestive system.

Capsules and soft gels may not be suitable for people who have difficulty swallowing pills or are allergic to certain ingredients, such as gelatine or certain carrier oils.

With all that being said, CBD capsules and soft gels can still be a convenient, effective, and different way to take CBD for many people looking for an easy and straightforward delivery method.

Pros:

  • Flavorless and discreet
  • Precise dosing
  • Easy to take on-the-go

Cons:

  • They can be more expensive than CBD oil

3. CBD Gummies

Hands pouring out Neurogan CBD Gummy Squares from a bottle

CBD gummies and mints are a popular and different way to use CBD oil, as they are taken orally as a CBD-infused treat. These treats combine CBD oil with other ingredients, such as sugar, corn syrup, and flavorings, to create a sweet, edible product.

How to take CBD Gummies

To take CBD gummies, eat them like any other candy — they can be a fun and tasty option for people who do not like the taste of CBD oil.

Depending on your health goals, you can take CBD edibles once or twice a day — or whenever you feel you need a chill pill.

The benefits CBD gummies and CBD Mints is that they're super easy to take, especially for people on the go. Like capsules, they offer precise doses in each gummy square or mint and are available in many flavors, making them more appealing to some people. But another thing that makes these options better than capsules in some instances is that you can cut these edibles in half for added customizations in your doses.

However, there are also some disadvantages to CBD gummies and mints.

For one, they may be more expensive than other forms of CBD, like CBD oils or hemp flower. On top of this, the bioavailability of CBD gummies and mints may be lower than other forms of CBD. We recommend choosing a CBD edible with a higher CBD concentration to get around this issue.

Gummies and mints may not be suitable for people with allergies to certain ingredients, such as corn syrup or artificial flavorings. Just make sure you read the entire ingredient list of your CBD product to ensure you're not allergic to any ingredients.

Pros:

  • Pre-measured, precise dosing.
  • Easy to travel with.
  • Come in a variety of fun flavor options.

Cons:

  • Can cost more than other CBD products
  • Lower bioavailability than other different ways to use CBD oil

4. CBD Tea

A woman drinking a mug full of Neurogan CBD tea outside

Another different way to take CBD than the usual tincture is by drinking CBD tea—a type of herbal or caffeinated tea that is infused with cannabidiol. Or it can be dried high-CBD hemp flowers, the most natural form to make a cup of CBD tea.

While you can purchase infused tea leaves, you can also make your own at home by adding CBD oil to your favorite tea, which allows you to customize your dose.

How to Take CBD Tea

To infuse your CBD tea with CBD, heat water to the appropriate temperature for your tea (black tea, green tea, etc.) for a proper steep. Then, add a few drops of CBD oil to the hot water and stir until it is fully dissolved.

Whole hemp tea leaves are our favorite way to enjoy CBD tea because it tastes great. You can also add honey (try our new CBD-infused honey sticks) or other sweeteners to taste.

Some people may find the act of drinking a warm beverage comforting and helps them feel calmer, which can make this a more relaxing way of taking your CBD daily.

However, one potential downside of taking CBD tea is that the body may not absorb as much CBD as it would if it were taken in other forms, such as taking a capsule or under the tongue.

Pros:

  • Can be a comforting way to take CBD
  • Whole hemp CBD tea is a natural and gentle way to take CBD orally

Cons:

  • Low bioavailability

5. CBD Topicals

A woman holding a jar of Neurogan CBD Face Cream

CBD topicals are products that are applied directly to the skin. They come in various forms, including CBD lotions, CBD balms, CBD salves, CBD roll on and CBD massage oils, and are often used for their potential health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and relieving pain.

Using topical CBD is easy — apply the product to the affected skin area and massage it until it's fully absorbed.

It's important that you follow the directions on your product, as some CBD topicals serve different purposes. You can find some CBD creams and serums from skincare lines, which won't give you the same effect as CBD Salve, CBD balms and lotions, which are more appropriate for sore muscles. Most users of topical CBD uses the best CBD creams for pain to target localized pain

How to take CBD Topicals

If you're new to using topical CBD products, start with a small amount of product at first (and patch test to see if you have any allergic reactions, then gradually increase the amount if needed, as everyone's skin reacts differently to CBD and the other ingredients in the product.

The main advantage of CBD lotions is that they can be applied directly to the skin, allowing the CBD to be absorbed directly into the affected area. This can be particularly helpful for localized discomfort. However, it's not always safe to use this method if you have aggressive skin conditions or an open wound, as the ingredients in the formula can irritate the skin.

One potential disadvantage of using CBD topicals is that they may not be as effective as the other different ways to use CBD oil, such as oral or inhaled, for certain wellness goals, such as supporting stress or sleep. This is because it never enters the bloodstream through the skin to support the endocannabinoid system receptors that help to regulate these processes.

Pros:

  • Best for supporting localized discomfort
  • Fast absorption rate in the skin
  • A wide variety of different ways to take CBD (depending on the topical ingredient formula)

Cons:

  • Not effective in supporting whole body health, such as stress and mood support
  • Some products may have irritating ingredients

6. CBD Vape Juice

A woman holding CBD vape juice

For those looking for delivery methods with the highest bioavailabilitysmokable CBD products are your answer.

CBD vape juice, also known as CBD e-liquid or CBD vape oil, is a liquid specifically formulated for electronic vaporizers or e-cigarettes. It contains CBD and other ingredients, such as propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and flavoring.

How to use CBD Vape Juice

To use CBD vape juice, you'll need an electronic vaporizer compatible with CBD e-liquids. Fill the device with the CBD e-liquid according to the manufacturer's instructions, then turn it on and inhale the vapor through the mouthpiece.

Inhaling CBD bypasses the digestive tract and delivers CBD into the bloodstream through the lung tissue without any filtration, which is why it's important to start slow with lower doses and increase gradually as needed to avoid overdoing it.

Many people prefer using CBD vape juice over lighting up a hemp joint as it produces little to no odor and is gentler on the lungs.

Unlike many other different ways to take CBD, vaping can also have potential health risks, such as respiratory irritation and the risk of accidental ingestion of harmful substances. To mitigate the risk of irritation, always check the third-party lab test of your CBD vape juices and use a high-quality vape device.

Pros:

  • Higher bioavailability over edible and sublingual products
  • A great alternative to smoking hemp flower as its gentler on the lungs
  • An enjoyable and relaxing way to take CBD in different flavors

Cons:

  • Can cause lung irritation
  • It's easy to overdo it, as you don't have as much control over doses
  • There are different ways to take CBD that have fewer to no health risks

7. CBD Smokables

A person holding a CBD smokeable outside

One of the many different ways to use CBD is through CBD cigarettes and pre-rolled hemp joints that contain dried hemp flowers rolled into a cigarette or joint shape.

To use CBD cigarettes or pre-rolled hemp joints, light one end, inhale the smoke through the mouthpiece, and hold onto the smoke for a few seconds before exhaling.

How to take CBD Smokable 

When inhaling CBD through the lungs, it's important to start slow — it's easy to overdo it and take too much. Smoking CBD products produce more potent and fast-acting effects compared to oral products.

Smoking CBD cigarettes and hemp joints can be a relaxing ritual for many people and offer a more natural experience than CBD vape juices. However, just because hemp flower is natural doesn't mean it's free from health risks.

The burning of plant material can lead to respiratory irritation. It's crucial that you look for reputable suppliers for hemp flowers, as the hemp plant can become contaminated by pesticides and other pollutants from its growing environment that can make consuming CBD unsafe.

Another thing to remember is that hemp smells very similar to marijuana, as they're both cannabis plants that share many of the same terpenes (the compounds responsible for aroma and flavor). As a result, these methods aren't as discrete as the earlier delivery methods mentioned, so you may want to find a suitable place to smoke these products in privacy.

Pros:

  • Fast and efficient delivery method
  • Contain pure hemp flower
  • Natural flavor and aroma

Cons:

  • It can smell like marijuana (not discrete)
  • Smoking CBD can be irritating to the lungs
  • There are different ways to take CBD that have fewer to no health risks

What Is the Single Best Way To Use CBD?

No one method to consume CBD is better than the other. This is because CBD works differently between each way to take it and for each individual due to a wide range of factors, including an individual's body composition, metabolism, and their endocannabinoid system.

The endocannabinoid system is a network of receptors found throughout the body. It plays a role in various physiological processes, including pain, mood, and memory, which can explain the many benefits of using CBDOther factors influencing how CBD works for an individual include age, gender, weight, and overall health.

Most Effective Way to Use CBD

CBD oil is considered one of the most effective ways to use CBD due to its fast absorption into the bloodstream. When placed under the tongue, CBD oil bypasses the digestive system and enters the bloodstream quickly, offering rapid effectiveness.

Best Form of CBD To Take 

For convenience and ease of use, capsules or softgels stand out as the best form of CBD to take. They offer a no-mess solution that's easy to carry and consume anywhere, anytime. All you need is a sip of water, making them an ideal choice for those with a busy lifestyle or those who are always on the go.

Cheapest Way to Consume CBD

CBD gummies are the most cost-effective way to consume CBD, particularly when selecting the cheapest gummies available. High-potency gummies can be cut in half to extend their use, offering great value. With a wide variety on the market, finding an affordable choice is easy.

Best Way to Absorb CBD

When it comes to the best CBD for absorption, CBD topicals are unmatched. They're applied directly to the skin, allowing for absorption right where it's needed, sometimes offering immediate relief & comfort. The advantages of CBD topicals are their simple application, focused relief, and the option to mix CBD with other skin-beneficial ingredients.

Overall, the best way to consume CBD will depend on your preferences and wellness goals — luckily, there are plenty of different options and ways to try taking CBD.

How Much CBD Should You Take?

Finding the right amount of CBD can seem complicated — no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach works for everybody — and there's not enough clinical data to show appropriate doses for each use case.

The key to finding your correct dosage is to start low and gradually increase until you find an amount that works best for you. Different health goals and individual biochemistry require various dosages, so it’s important to experiment before settling into your routine.

Begin with the lowest recommended dose and monitor its effect on your body over time. If you don't feel any changes in the first week, consider increasing the dose until you experience the effects. Remember, as with any wellness supplement, finding the applicable amount for your needs can take time.

The Takeaway: Different Ways To Take CBD

There are many different ways to use CBD oil, including orally, through the skin, and inhaling it.

Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the best option for an individual will depend on their specific needs and preferences.

Non-prescription CBD products are considered dietary supplements and regulated by the FDA, which means there isn't as strict regulation for marketing and production. It's important to research the product carefully, and the company that produces it, as the quality and purity of CBD products can vary greatly.

With research and guidance from a trusted doctor, CBD can be a useful addition to your wellness routine for some people.

FAQ

What are the different ways to use CBD?

CBD can be used in various ways to cater to individual preferences and needs. The most common methods include oral ingestion through CBD oil tinctures, edibles, or capsules, topical application through creams or lotions, and inhalation using vaporizers or CBD-infused e-liquids.

What is the most effective way to take CBD?

The most effective way to take CBD is through CBD oil sublingually, when placed under the tongue and held for a few minutes. This method allows for quick absorption into the bloodstream, providing rapid and effective results.

What is the Best Way for the Body to Absorb CBD?

For direct absorption, CBD topicals are the best choice. When applied to the skin, they facilitate transdermal delivery, allowing CBD to penetrate the epidermal and dermal layers, directly reaching the targeted areas.

What form of CBD works fastest?

The form of CBD that works fastest is CBD oil taken sublingually. When placed under the tongue, the oil utilizes the mucous membranes for rapid absorption directly into the bloodstream. This sublingual method bypasses the digestive system, allowing for quicker onset of effects compared to other forms.

BY
Belinda Hoang

BS in Business Belinda draws inspiration from the intersection of nature and humanity, finding depth in the experiences they offer. Her journey as an educational leader, starting from meditation guide, has led her to advocate for the therapeutic benefits of hemp and plant apothecary. As Neuroga...


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