Navigating the world of cannabinoids can be a confusing task, especially when it comes to the unpredictable nature of some molecules. Certain cannabinoids will do very little if consumed using the wrong method, in the wrong way. For example, while smoking or vaping might work well for a cannabinoid, taking it orally or under the tongue could often lead to disappointing results.
In strong contrast, CBD stands out as a highly adaptable compound, easily fitting into different consumption methods with great bioavailability. Although each method has its own quirks, CBD's effectiveness remains consistent across all of them.
Join us on an exciting journey as we explore these various methods of using CBD, highlighting the unique benefits and downsides of each, and revealing the best ways to make the most of your CBD.
The CBD consumption method you choose is heavily influenced by the specific product and extraction technique employed. Various methods, such as CO2, ethanol, and olive oil extraction, result in different product forms and potencies. Gaining insight into these extraction differences is crucial in determining the most appropriate consumption method for your needs.
Sublingual administration of CBD involves placing oil or tincture drops under the tongue and holding them there for a short period, usually 30-60 seconds, before swallowing. This method allows for the direct absorption of CBD into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes in the mouth, bypassing the digestive system and liver metabolism.
One of the main strengths of this method is the faster onset of effects, as CBD is absorbed more quickly, typically leading to noticeable results within 15-45 minutes. Sublingual administration also offers higher bioavailability, which means a greater percentage of CBD enters the bloodstream, improving its overall effectiveness. This method is easy to use, discreet, and allows for accurate dosing with the help of a dropper.
However, there are some drawbacks to the sublingual method. Some users may find the taste of CBD oil or tincture unpleasant due to its earthy or bitter flavour. Holding the oil or tincture under the tongue can be uncomfortable or inconvenient for some people. The effects of sublingually administered CBD may not last as long as those experienced through other methods, such as oral consumption or transdermal patches. Additionally, factors like saliva production, oral health, and individual absorption rates can contribute to variations in effectiveness between users.
One of the most popular sublingual CBD products we sell are CBD pouches. Both Hiit and Canndid are very popular brands, offering a variety of flavours and strengths to their CBD pouches.
Oral administration of CBD involves ingesting CBD-infused products, such as edibles, capsules, or beverages. When consumed orally, CBD passes through the digestive system and is metabolised (into 7-hydroxy-cannabidiol and 7-carboxy-cannabidiol) by the liver before entering the bloodstream.
One of the main advantages of oral consumption is the ease and familiarity of ingesting products like capsules or edibles, which can be seamlessly integrated into daily routines. This method also offers a longer duration of effects compared to some other methods, as the CBD is released more gradually into the bloodstream. Additionally, oral administration provides a discreet way to consume CBD, which can be particularly beneficial for users who need to maintain a low profile.
However, there are some downsides to the oral method. The onset of effects is typically slower, as CBD must pass through the digestive system and be metabolised by the liver. This process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on factors such as individual metabolism and the presence of food in the stomach. Oral consumption also results in lower bioavailability, as a significant portion of the CBD is lost during digestion and liver metabolism. This means that a smaller percentage of the consumed CBD actually reaches the bloodstream, potentially reducing its effectiveness. Lastly, accurately dosing CBD can be more challenging with edibles or infused beverages, as it may be difficult to determine the exact amount of CBD in each serving.
Explore our full range of CBD foods, snacks and edibles. JM Distro stocks only the highest-quality premium CBD products from top international and UK brands. Discover top CBD edible brands like Cali County, Orange County, Supreme CBD, Nectar and many more.
Vaping CBD involves inhaling vapour produced by heating CBD vape juice or e-liquid in a vaporiser or vape pen. The CBD vapour is absorbed through the lungs, offering a direct route to the bloodstream and bypassing the digestive system.
One of the key advantages of vaping CBD is the rapid onset of effects. As the CBD is absorbed through the lungs, users typically experience the benefits within a few minutes. This can be especially useful for those seeking immediate relief from symptoms. Vaping also boasts higher bioavailability compared to some other methods, such as oral consumption, as it avoids the loss of CBD during digestion and liver metabolism. Furthermore, many users find the act of vaping enjoyable and appreciate the wide variety of flavours available in CBD vape juices.
On the other hand, there are some drawbacks to vaping CBD. As the effects are usually felt more quickly, they may not last as long as those experienced through other methods, like oral administration. This could lead to more frequent vaping sessions to maintain the desired level of relief. Additionally, vaping can be less discreet due to the visible vapour and the scent that might linger. Vaping also requires equipment, such as a vaporizer or vape pen, which may involve extra costs and maintenance. Lastly, there are potential health concerns associated with vaping, as some studies have suggested that inhaling vaporised compounds may carry risks, although the long-term effects of vaping CBD specifically are not yet fully understood.
While most users choose a rechargeable vape, CBD disposable vapes are growing rapidly in popularity. CBD disposables are typically compact, pre-filled, and ready-to-use right out of the box. These vape pens come with a pre-charged battery and a pre-filled cartridge, eliminating the need for maintenance, refilling, or recharging. Once the CBD vape juice in the device is used up, the entire pen can be disposed of.
The growing popularity of disposable vapes is attributed to their user-friendly design and convenience. Ideal for beginners, disposables require no setup or prior knowledge, allowing users to enjoy the benefits of CBD without any hassle. Additionally, their compact and discreet nature makes them a perfect on-the-go option for those seeking quick relief from symptoms.
Smoking CBD involves burning CBD-rich hemp flowers in a joint, pipe, or using a dry herb vaporizer, and inhaling the smoke produced. When smoked, CBD is absorbed through the lungs, providing a direct pathway to the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system.
One of the primary strengths of smoking CBD is the rapid onset of effects. As the CBD is absorbed through the lungs, users generally experience the benefits within minutes, which can be particularly advantageous for those seeking immediate relief.
Smoking also offers higher bioavailability compared to some other methods, like oral consumption, as it avoids the loss of CBD during digestion and liver metabolism. For many users, the act of smoking is an enjoyable ritual, and the availability of various strains of CBD-rich hemp flower provides a range of flavour profiles to explore.
However, there are some notable drawbacks to smoking CBD. Similar to vaping, the effects of smoking CBD may not last as long as those experienced through other methods, such as oral administration. This could necessitate more frequent smoking sessions to maintain the desired level of relief. Smoking CBD is also less discreet due to the visible smoke and the distinct smell that may linger. Furthermore, smoking may not be considered socially acceptable in all settings, and it can be inconvenient in places where smoking is restricted or prohibited.
Most importantly, there are health concerns associated with smoking. Combustion produces harmful by-products, such as tar and carcinogens, which can be detrimental to lung health over time. Although smoking CBD-rich hemp flowers may be less harmful than smoking traditional tobacco products, the long-term effects of smoking CBD are not yet fully understood, and there may still be risks involved.
CBD can be used both topically and trans-dermally to deliver its benefits to the body. Topical application involves applying CBD-infused creams, balms, lotions, or salves directly onto the skin, targeting localised areas for relief without entering the bloodstream. Transdermal application, on the other hand, involves using CBD-infused patches that deliver the compound through the skin and into the bloodstream, providing systemic effects throughout the body.
The strengths of topical and transdermal CBD applications include targeted relief for topical use and more comprehensive, systemic effects for transdermal use. Topical CBD is particularly beneficial for addressing localised pain, inflammation, or skin conditions, while transdermal CBD patches can be effective for managing chronic pain, anxiety, or other conditions that require consistent, long-lasting effects. Both methods are easy to use and can be incorporated into daily routines, and since topical CBD does not enter the bloodstream, it is unlikely to cause any psychoactive effects, even if trace amounts of THC are present.
However, there are some limitations to these methods. Topical CBD may not be as effective for addressing systemic issues, as it does not immediately enter the bloodstream. The onset of effects can also be slower compared to methods such as vaping or smoking, as the CBD must be absorbed through the skin layers.
Transdermal patches, while providing more consistent and long-lasting effects, may be less convenient for some users due to the need to wear the patch for an extended period. The effectiveness of both topical and transdermal CBD can be influenced by factors such as individual skin type, skin barrier function, and the specific formulation of the product. Lastly, the quality, concentration, and ingredients of topical and transdermal CBD products can vary, which may affect their overall performance and suitability for different users.
CBD can be used nasally by administering it through a nasal spray, which involves spraying a CBD-infused solution directly into the nostrils. This allows the CBD to be absorbed through the nasal membranes and enter the bloodstream rapidly.
One of the primary strengths of using a CBD nasal spray is the fast onset of effects, as the CBD is quickly absorbed through the highly vascularized nasal mucosa. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals seeking immediate relief from symptoms such as anxiety, pain, or inflammation. Nasal administration also offers higher bioavailability compared to some other methods, like oral consumption, as it bypasses the digestive system and liver metabolism.
However, there are some drawbacks to using CBD nasal sprays. The unfamiliarity of this method might deter some users, as it is less common and not as widely available as other forms of CBD products.
Furthermore, some individuals may find the sensation of using a nasal spray uncomfortable or irritating, especially if they have pre-existing nasal or sinus issues. The duration of effects for nasal CBD administration may also be shorter compared to other methods, such as oral consumption or transdermal patches, which can result in more frequent dosing to maintain the desired level of relief. Additionally, the effectiveness of CBD nasal sprays may be influenced by factors such as individual nasal membrane absorption rates, nasal congestion, or the specific formulation of the product.
CBD suppositories are an unconventional yet highly effective method of administration. These products involve inserting a CBD-infused suppository into the the body, allowing the CBD to be absorbed through the mucous membranes and into the bloodstream.
One of the primary strengths of using CBD suppositories is the increased bioavailability, as this method bypasses the digestive system and liver metabolism, leading to a higher percentage of CBD entering the bloodstream. This results in more effective and efficient absorption of CBD, particularly for individuals with gastrointestinal issues or those who have difficulty swallowing. Additionally, suppositories offer a discreet method of administration, which can be particularly beneficial for users who require a less noticeable way to consume CBD.
However, there are some limitations to using CBD suppositories. The unconventional nature of this method might make some individuals hesitant to try it, and it may not be as widely available as other forms of CBD products. The process of inserting a suppository can be uncomfortable or inconvenient for some users, and it may require a certain level of privacy to administer. The onset of effects for CBD suppositories may vary depending on factors such as individual absorption rates and the specific formulation of the product. Moreover, the duration of effects may not be as long-lasting as other methods, such as oral consumption or transdermal patches, potentially necessitating more frequent dosing to maintain the desired level of relief.
CBD suppositories are not particularly common, and mainly seen as a "medical CBD product". Please note, we do not stock any CBD products intended for medical use.
Today we’ve made clear that CBD is not a one-size-fits-all solution. From sublingual to suppository, there's a method to suit everyone's preferences and needs.
Ultimately, the key to making the most of your CBD experience lies in understanding the various methods available, and in using the one that best aligns with your goals, lifestyle, and personal preferences. People who get the most out of their CBD won’t hesitate to experiment with these different methods to discover the optimal way to enjoy their CBD.
JM Distro stocks a vast range of CBD products, with reliable fast international shipping available. All our CBD products are lab-tested, with certification documents available on request. If you have any questions regarding our CBD products, please get in touch today.
