This article is originally published on Sunday Scaries.
The Best Way To Use CBD-01
Learn the different methods of taking CBD—and how long they take to work
There are tons of ways to use CBD, which is one of its biggest perks! It’s easy for anyone to dose cannabidiol because this remarkable compound comes in a huge variety of products.
Don’t like taking soft gels? That’s fine; there are salves and tinctures. Not into topicals or droppers? Gummies, candies, and energy drinks can help you get your fix. Some folks who don’t mind inhaling decide to dab or vape CBD to chill out!
There’s no way to tell you what the best way to consume CBD is because it’s so individual. If you need a fast onset, then tinctures may be the way to go (they can start working in 5 to 15 minutes). But if you have the time and want a party in your mouth, Unicorn Jerky starts quieting your mind in about 60 minutes.
Ready to know all about the types of CBD and uses? Check out these 7 ways to use it and decide for yourself which one is best for you:
#1: Sublingual tinctures
Sublingual tinctures are awesome because you don’t have to wait for them to work! Just hold a couple of drops under your tongue for 1 to 3 minutes. You’ll start to feel the effects in 5 to 15 minutes. It’s one of the best ways to use CBD to take the edge off since you can get relief so fast.
Fun fact: There’s a sublingual vein under your tongue that drains into the lingual artery, which lets the good stuff reach your bloodstream that much faster!
This speedy mechanism of action means that tinctures give you much faster relief than almost all other methods. The only exception is anything that involves inhaling. Some people vape CBD juice, dab CBD isolate, or smoke CBD flower. In those cases, the effects can set in right away (but vaping, dabbing, and smoking aren’t for everyone).
Tinctures can be unflavored; in which case, they’ll probably taste like hemp. They’re way more fun when they’re flavored (we recommend fruit punch!)
#2: Gel Caps
Gel caps are an easy, contained way to get your daily CBD dose. A gel cap is a soft gelatinous capsule that dissolves in your stomach (it’s like a pill, but instead of being pressed, it contains liquid).
There are several benefits to using gel caps, including:
- No guesswork with dosing
- Discretion when dosing
- Easy to travel with
The active ingredient in a CBD gel cap is hemp oil, so it should take a similar amount of time as other oral ingestion methods—around an hour. It can vary depending on your metabolism and other factors.
#3: Topical Salves
If your muscles give you some guff in the morning, maybe topical CBD is what you need. CBD comes in creams, salves, gels, and other topical rubs that you can apply right to where you need it. Precision is the biggest benefit of using these products since you can deliver CBD right to the source of the problem.
Many types of salves are used by people who suffer from joint or muscle complaints, but what about salves containing CBD?
A 2019 survey from the Arthritis Foundation found that out of 2,600 respondents, “79% are currently using CBD, have used it in the past or are considering using it as an alternative therapy to help manage their arthritis pain.” And in 2019, the organization “released the first CBD guidance for adults with arthritis.”
#4: Gummies & Candies
There’s no denying that there’s something amazing about self-care in the form of a delicious gummy, right? CBD candies have been a staple since they stormed the market early—for good reason.
Like soft gels, gummies and candies are simple to dose and pretty discreet. They can also contain extra vitamins (like B12 or D3) to get you feeling even more like your badass self.
If you need to remind yourself that CBD is self-care, gummies or Unicorn Jerky are a great way to go. The bright colors and sugary flavor remind you, ‘Hey kid, you’re doing this for you!’
#5: Energy Drinks
Want to get a little wired and focused with your CBD? Energy drinks are an option if you want to feel like you just chugged some really good coffee without the jitters. These drinks pair CBD with caffeine, along with other energy-boosting substances like:
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B12
- Taurine
- 5-HTP
- Ginseng
- Guarana
CBD energy drinks could be your go-to if you’re looking for calmness and alertness, but coffee’s just not doing it. Yeah, we know: how can you be calm and alert at the same time?
Caffeinated drinks can have a negative effect if you drink them when you’re anxious, causing you to get super jumpy and have trouble concentrating. But the addition of CBD tempers the bad feels from caffeine in many people, so they still feel energetic and focused without bouncing off the walls.
#6: Vapes
For the fastest time of onset, pick vaping. (Smoking and dabbing have the same effects, but are harder on your lungs.)
You can buy vape cartridges that contain only CBD isolate, but many folks find it safer to use a tabletop vape rig to vaporize flower extract from a reputable supplier who tests every batch. That way, you know exactly what’s going into your delicate lungs!
Some people say that vaping is the best way to use CBD flower because it has a quick onset and it’s safer than smoking. But remember that vaping isn’t considered 100% safe either, so if you’re looking to decrease potential health issues, maybe pick a different ingestion method.
Ready to try a new way to take CBD? There’s no single way that’s great for everyone. But hopefully, this info helps you make the right choice for you.
