How To Use CBD: Which CBD Product Is Right For You?

Now that CBD is legal in most countries, the cannabinoid has become extremely popular. It can be found in a wide variety of forms both online and in local shops. We're practically bombarded with information on why we should try it and what brand to buy, but very little can be found on how to take CBD. In this article, we'll explain the different consumption methods in detail.

Understanding The Different Ways To Take CBD

In order to ensure you're using CBD properly, it helps to understand the different delivery methods behind different CBD products. Below I’ll take a look at the different types of CBD products on the market and how they work.

CBD Oils

CBD oils are made by diluting CBD extract in a carrier oil, such as extra virgin olive oil or MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) oil. These oils come in various different strengths and are usually taken as sublingual drops. Zamnesia CBD Oils, for example, are available in 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 30% and 40% concentrations. The oil is then absorbed via the mucous membranes in the mouth into the bloodstream.

CBD oils are great for when you need fast relief from a specific symptom because they are absorbed relatively quickly under the tongue and can begin taking effect in around 10-15 minutes. These oils are very discreet and are one of the most common ways to take CBD.

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CBD Capsules

CBD capsules look similar to fish oil tablets and contain a single dose of the CBD oil described above. Our 5% CBD soft gel capsules, for example, each contain a measured dose of our regular 5% CBD oil. These capsules are broken down and absorbed in the stomach and digestive tract and can take around 20 minutes to start taking effect.

CBD capsules are great for when you’re on the go. They make dosing super easy and offer a slower, longer.-lasting relief of CBD because they are broken down and absorbed more slowly than CBD oils.

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CBD Paste

CBD pastes are the product of extracting CBD with some kind of solvent, such as alcohol or CO₂. Unlike CBD oils or capsules, these products don’t contain any kind of carrier oil, meaning they are usually much more concentrated as well as more expensive. CBD pastes are typically taken in very small amounts under the tongue or gums.

While CBD pastes are more expensive than oils or capsules, they can be a good alternative for people looking for larger doses of CBD or who require multiple doses throughout the day. Because they are more concentrated, they can be taken in much smaller doses and typically last a lot longer than oils or capsules.

CBD Edibles

CBD edibles come in many different forms. Some common types of edibles include gummies and chocolates, but there are many other options out there. Like capsules, edibles need to be broken down by the digestive system before they can take effect. However, they usually take longer to break down as they are more complex structures than capsules, and can take 30 minutes or longer to take effect.

Edibles are great for users who want a long-lasting, slow release of CBD. A single gummy taken in the morning on a full stomach, for example, can take a long time to digest, and can therefore offer a slow, steady release of CBD throughout the day.

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Vaporized CBD

Vaporizers work by heating a substance to a certain temperature where the compounds within it turn to vapor without actually combusting the substance itself. You can vaporize CBD in plant form (by vaporizing CBD-rich hemp or cannabis flowers) or by vaporizing a CBD-rich extract. The most common way to vaporize CBD is by using vape pens designed to be used with CBD cartridges.

Once inhaled, the CBD vapor enters the lungs where it is absorbed into the blood. This process is very fast, and the effects of vaporized CBD can take effect in as little as 5-10 minutes. Vaporized CBD is perfect for people who want to take small doses of CBD various times throughout the day. Unfortunately, vaporizing isn’t as discreet as taking a capsule or oil.

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CBD Crystals

CBD crystals are one of the purest forms of taking CBD. They usually come as a fine crystalline powder that can be taken under the tongue, or mixed into foods and drinks. The concentrations of these powders vary, but some can contain up to 99% pure CBD.

CBD crystals are great for people who want pure, highly concentrated CBD. They are also great for people who want the flexibility to mix their CBD with other food or drinks.

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CBD Topicals

All of the CBD supplements I’ve mentioned so far deliver CBD into the bloodstream. CBD topicals are a little different in that they activate receptors directly in the skin in the area they are applied. While all topicals vary, most will take effect in about 10 minutes.

CBD topicals are great for people who want fast, topical relief. Plus, a lot of CBD topicals also include a variety of other ingredients to help promote skin health and relief particular symptoms. Plus, topicals are very easy to use and can be applied as needed without having to pay too much attention to dosage.

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How Does CBD Interact With The Endocannabinoid System?

All the products mentioned above (except topicals) deliver CBD to the bloodstream. Once in the blood, CBD molecules are transported around the body by fatty acid binding proteins (FABPs). These proteins help lipids like CBD cross cell membranes.

Once inside a cell, CBD can activate specific receptors within it. Now, unlike THC, CBD doesn’t seem to act on either CB1 nor CB2 receptors. Instead, has been shown to act on serotonin receptors, GABA receptors, vanilloid receptors, gamma receptors, and more. It has also been shown to temporarily increase the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, including serotonin, anandamide, and more. CBD does this by inhibiting a process known as reuptake, and is therefore sometimes referred to as a “reuptake inhibitor.”

It’s also important to realize that CBD can synergize with other compounds found in cannabis and hemp. This is sometimes referred to as the “entourage effect” and many scientists believe that it’s the key to understanding the unique effects of cannabis and its compounds.

Finding The Right Dose

Just like with any other supplement, correctly dosing CBD is super important. Unfortunately, everyone reacts to CBD a little differently, and finding the right dose usually involves a fair amount of trial and error.

We recommend starting with a small dose of 5mg day, just to gauge your reaction to whatever CBD supplement you’re using. From there, you can work your way up to 2 daily 5mg doses. This is important because CBD can cause side effects in some people (such as headaches and stomach upsets). And while these side effects are mild and rare, its always a good idea to start with lower doses to avoid these adverse effects.

Make sure to stay on each dose for at least a few weeks to allow your body to adjust.

Can You Mix Different CBD Products?

CBD tends to be well tolerated, and adverse effects are uncommon as long as you stay within the recommended dosage range. By respecting those limits, most people can mix two or more CBD products safely.

For example, when you take CBD sublingually or vape it, the effects start in just 10–15 minutes. CBD products that must be swallowed, on the other hand, can take up to an hour to become bioavailable. That's because it takes the digestive system much longer than the lungs and mucous membranes to break down CBD so it can enter the bloodstream.

In general, fast-acting CBD products offer quicker results with a shorter duration, while those with a slower onset provide a steadier release of CBD over a prolonged period of time. By combining the two, users hope to maximise the potential of both types of products.

Steven Voser

Steven Voser is an independent cannabis journalist with over 6 years of experience writing about all things weed; how to grow it, how best to enjoy it, and the booming industry and murky legal landscape surrounding it.

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