CBD products are all the rage in 2022. They hold opportunities to improve sleep, anxiety, reduce symptoms of depression and help with recurring pain symptoms. However, there isn’t a lot of commentary about how to ingest CBD. When most people think about CBD, they think about its counterpart — THC — another component of the marijuana plant. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce any psychoactive effects and is perfectly legal to use. How people use it, however, is the question.
Below are the four most popular ways to consume CBD products.
CBD Capsules
This is likely the most popular way to consume CBD. There are several reasons why people opt for capsules. Firstly, they are simple and discreet. They don’t require you to use any paraphernalia, they’re easy to transport, store in your purse or pocket, and have a little-to-no odor. Second, they allow for a precise dosage amount, which can help you avoid over or under-consumption of CBD. Thirdly, CBD capsules like these from Laurelcrest come in all forms ranging from oils to pure crystals so consumers have the option of trying different products until they find what works best for them. Capsules are also one of the most popular ways to ingest hemp extract supplements that contain trace amounts (under .3%) THC; users who are trying to avoid excess THC consumption may choose this option.
CBD Concentrates
CBD concentrates come in a variety of forms, from pure crystals to thick oil that is consumed orally. Many people use CBD concentrates for vaping and mix them with their favorite e-liquids. When used for vaping, it’s important to note that the dosage amount may vary depending on how you use the CBD vape pen. For example, if you opt for oral consumption of CBD oil or concentrate, take a few drops under your tongue and hold it there before swallowing. This is also known as “sublingual” administration because it allows the CBD to absorb directly into your bloodstream using your veins and capillaries instead of through your stomach acid, which breaks down the CBD. It’s important to note that if you’re going to vape CBD oil or concentrate, make sure to shake the bottle well before using as the ingredients might separate over time.
CBD E-Liquid
Many people enjoy vaping CBD oil or a concentrated form of CBD because it allows them the benefits of smoking without actually smoking. The fact that vaping doesn’t give off any harmful toxins and tar, just pure cannabinoids is one reason why people use this method. Some prefer not to smoke anything due to health reasons such as breathing problems like asthma and COPD, while others simply don’t want their children exposed to secondhand smoke from cigarettes and other tobacco products. When opting for CBD e-liquid, try out different combinations of PG/VG, nicotine levels and flavors to find the perfect formula that works best for you.
CBD Topicals
CBD can also be added to balms, salves lotions, massage oils, bath bombs and soaps for pain relief at the source. CBD topicals are used by people dealing with muscle or joint pain in areas such as arthritis or fibromyalgia. Products like Hero Brand Trauma Oil can be rubbed into areas of the body that are sore or injured. It’s recommended to use CBD topicals on parts of your body that are more affected by pain first before moving on to other parts of your body. The same holds true if you’re dealing with swelling or inflammation. It’s recommended to equally distribute the CBD over the affected area until symptoms subside. This is why it makes sense not to apply CBD oil directly onto your skin if you’re not dealing with pain or inflammation.
Dosages
When it comes to dosage, the FDA recommends that consumers do their own research and be very careful about where they purchase their CBD products from. Due to the growing demand for CBD, it’s being made into a myriad of products that may not be accurately labeled and could contain harmful substances.
Be sure to start slowly, try a few different products and decide what works best for you. In many cases, CBD consumption is a personal preference.