How to use CBD oil
Whether you are an experienced user or just getting into the game, understanding how CBD oil works and how to use it can be a daunting experience.
This is mostly because the CBD industry is relatively new and the CBD products exist in different forms including oils, balms, pills, and edibles among others.
Just how do you choose among all the different forms? According to the experts each of the methods has its pros and cons and settling on one may require close scrutiny of the products as well as some trials and errors.
There are so many benefits of CBD oil, and more research is still going on to discover other possible benefits of this amazing natural remedy that has revolutionized the health sector.
In this piece, we are going to share with you some of the ways that you can use to consume CBD as well as their pros and cons. Read on and get all your questions answered!
1. Tinctures (CBD Sprays or Drops)
Tinctures usually exist in oil form and can be consumed using a CBD spray or a dropper.
They are liquid extracts made soaking marijuana herbs in solvents such as alcohol. In most cases, you will place a tincture under your tongue, wait for a few seconds (for absorption) and then swallow.
However, there are other methods of using tinctures such as gargling and topical application.
Pros– One of the best things about tinctures is that they quickly deliver CBD into your bloodstream and hence the desired results can be achieved instantly.
Cons– Hard to determine the exact amount of CBD oil being consumed especially when the bottle just indicates the total CBD content and not the per-dose amount.
2. Balms and Topical Rubs
Topical balms are rubbed or applied directly onto sore joints or muscles for inflammation or pain relief.
CBD balms are marijuana extracts mixed with a fat, usually, coconut or beeswax oil. According to experts, this recipe makes it easy for CBD to penetrate and spread on your skin quickly.
Pros– Unlike other CBD products, topicals are relatively safe since they are not absorbed into the entire body.
Please note that, although there are no known severe side effects of CBD, more research still needs to be done to determine any possible long-term effects of this product.
If possible, therefore, it is crucial that you regulate the amount of CBD getting into your body especially if you are a long-term user.
Cons– To be effective, CBD topicals may need to have a lot of CBD oil. This makes them a bit expensive.
3. Vape Pens
Vaping is a popular trend that has taken over the marijuana industry. Research indicates that vaping may help people quit the destructive smoking habit.
Vape devices are designed to heat up concentrates or herbs. They use convective or conductive heating to extract cannabinoids from the marijuana plant, converting them into vapor.
By heating the herbs or CBD oil at a lower temperature rather than an open flame, vape devices allows users to inhale CBD in vapor form as opposed to smoking.
Just like tinctures, inhalation is fast acting and quickly delivers CBD into the bloodstream, providing quick relief from pain or any other unpleasant symptoms.
Pros– As already mentioned, inhalation is fast acting, and hence the desired results can be achieved immediately.
Besides, vape pens are easy to use, discrete and compact. This means that you can still enjoy the super healing powers of marijuana on the go!
Cons- Well, nothing is perfect. CBD cartridges used in vaporizers may contain solvents such as propylene glycol.
At high temperatures, this solvent can degrade to form formaldehyde. This is a harmful chemical and can irritate your eyes, nose or even lead to cancer or asthma.
Is vaping your thing? Look for solvent-free oils!
4. Edibles and pills
Yes, CBD Pills and edibles do exist!
CBD capsules refer to pills that contain a high concentration of CBD oil derived from the hemp plant.
The best thing about CBD capsules is that they are discreet and hence allowing you to consume marijuana under ‘wraps.’
It is also easy to incorporate the pills into your daily routine since they will just be an addition to your other pills.
CBD edibles are becoming a popular way of consuming marijuana. CBD gummies, CBD infused brownies, drinks and oils are becoming the new trend.
And one might wonder, why are people turning to CBD edibles? Well, it turns out that, CBD edibles have more health benefits than you could imagine.
The best thing about CBD edibles is that they last for longer periods of time. Depending on the potency of the CBD product, one may get relief for up to 10 hours.
Pros– Unlike other methods, CBD pills are easy to dose since they are filled with an exact amount of CBD oil. They, therefore, provide the most accurate way to dose CBD.
CBD edibles, on the other hand, are easy to make and can easily be mixed with different types of food.
Cons- For CBD edibles, it may take up to 30 minutes before any effects can be felt.
What is the Right CBD Dosage?
When it comes to CBD dosage, it is recommended that you start small and increase gradually. This way, you will be able to find the optimal dosage that works best for you.
It is also crucial that you consult with your doctor who will be able to advise you accordingly.