How To Take CBD

There is no doubt about the fact that CBD is the rising star of the wellness universe. The non-addictive and non-psychotropic cannabinoid that can be extracted from industrial hemp seems to generate new, promising wellbeing results day by day. If you’ve been following the trend, you will have seen near countless new products popping up in recent years, from the classic CBD oils and creams to the more recent CBD E-liquids.

It’s easy to get a bit lost in this wide selection of products on the market. To help you make sense of the available options, we created an overview of the most popular applications out there.

CBD (cannabidiol) is the second most abundant cannabinoid in cannabis, after THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Isolated CBD is typically used medicinally, not recreationally, with the four most commonly targeted conditions being pain, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders.

It appears to impact a variety of other receptors in the body, including an important receptor involved in pain and stress response, called TRPV1. Other receptors that CBD impacts include GPR55, 5HTI-alpha, and adenosine A2A, which variously can help with inflammation, pain, anxiety, and even potentially cancer.

So as far as recommendations go, start with as low of a dose as you can. Study dosages vary widely by clinical indication, from less than 5 mg/d to well over 100 mg/d. It’s recommended to not exceed 70mg of CBD by day. But always talk to your doctor before taking CBD!

CBD is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Consult a doctor before using this product if you are pregnant, nursing, have or suspect a medical condition, or are taking any medications.

CBD Oil

CBD oil is a mixture of a hemp extract and a carrier oil. The extract can either be full or broad-spectrum, containing mainly CBD but also other cannabinoids and residual terpenes, or a pure CBD isolate. It is important not to confuse it with hemp seed oil, which is cold-pressed from the seeds of the hemp plant and a purely culinary oil without cannabinoids.

CBD oils usually come in a range of CBD concentrations and aromas. Which one to choose really only comes down to personal experience and preference. The general advice is to start with a low dose (10mg by day or under) and see how you react to it, then adjust if necessary.

CBD E-Liquids

E-liquids, e-juices or vape juices as they are also called, are liquids that can be vaporized in conventional e-cigarettes. Most CBD e-liquids share the same ingredients: propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG) that form the base, cannabidiol (CBD) isolate and flavorings.

Just as for CBD oils, there are many flavors and CBD strengths currently on the market. Again, choosing one comes down to the individual. It should be kept in mind that the bioavailability of CBD when vaping is higher compared to oral ingestion and the effects manifest quicker, so you might want to start with a lower concentration initially.

CBD Crystals or Powder

CBD crystals or powder are the purest form of CBD with a CBD content of more than 99%. After extracting the cannabinoids from hemp, they undergo several purification steps that lead to this isolate product.

Pure CBD isolate is a perfect DIY-item that allows you to make your own wellness products and treatments. You could, for example, make your own CBD-infused body butter, or an e-liquid by mixing it with a suitable base. You could also add it to your favorite oil and consume it with some delicious food or in a drink.

CBD Cosmetics

CBD cosmetics are your usual skincare goodies like moisturizers and body balms, but with a dash of CBD. When it comes to the topical application of CBD in oils, creams, lotions, balms, and serums, it is a recognized active ingredient and has been found to possess some very impressive properties. It acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, which can help regulate oil production and conditions the skin. It is important not to confuse CBD containing cosmetics with those containing only hemp seed oil, so watch for “cannabidiol” in the ingredient list.

Chemists will usually formulate the products with the perfect CBD concentration for the given application, so something that is used multiple times a day, like a lip balm, or on a large area of skin, like a body balm, will have a lower overall CBD content. Products that are used for targeted relief, like for example a muscle cream, often feature higher concentrations of CBD.

Keep in mind that the effects to expect here are local and focused on the condition of your skin. If you are looking for the overall balancing effects of CBD, an e-liquid or oil would be better suited.

Conclusion

The method of application is entirely up to the user’s personal preferences and goals in mind. Everyone is different, so to get started with CBD products you first have to find the dose and the product that works best for you. If you are a smoker and want to get into vaporization, maybe try a CBD e-liquid. If your skin is missing some TLC, try a CBD moisturizer. If you’re not smoking, maybe a CBD oil would be the better solution, or you use CBD isolate to make your own, personalized product.

Whatever you choose,  buy your CBD products from reputable brands and check the certificates of analysis to make sure you get what you pay for!