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The best way to use CBD
CBD has recently taken the spotlight as many new companies and studies are flooding the web. With some users experiencing major health benefits, there are many people seeking information on this new medical remedy. While CBD clinical studies are still fairly new, there is a wide audience of people seeking more information on how to bring CBD into their lives. So this article is here to explain the many ways to use CBD.
The most common ways to use CBD oil are by using a tincture, topical, or consuming an edible. Each method has its own unique advantages and disadvantages that pertain depending on the individual and their specific needs. The method you decide to use whether it be digesting or applying CBD oil as a tincture or topical will also alter the absorption rate and effects on the body.
There are a lot of factors that determine how much of an effect CBD will have on you and how beneficial it will be to each unique user. Different factors include the individual’s weight, age, body type, genetics, and issue that needs to be treated. The strength and quality of the product will also factor into how potent and beneficial the CBD is for you.
Each method of use can be compared using these four factors. Each factor is important to take into consideration when deciding on which method is best suited for your needs.
- Activation: How long until the cannabinoids take effect
- Dose: Recommended starting dose
- Effect: What effect the cannabinoids will have on the body
- Duration: How long will the effects last
Down below we dive down in-depth to explain the different ways to use CBD and the advantages and disadvantages of each method.
Method 1: Edibles / Capsules
- Activation: 1-2 hours
- Dose: 10-20mg (some individuals with severe cases can range in the hundreds of milligrams)
- Effect: entire body relief
- Length: 4-6 hours
This method of using CBD involves consuming an edible or capsule orally. By taking CBD orally the cannabinoids will be absorbed in the gut and modified in the liver. For most people, the CBD will start to take effect around an hour after consumption and on a full stomach, it can take up to 3 hours to start feeling the effects. However since the activation time for edibles is much longer, the effects last much longer making CBD edibles a great choice for more chronic conditions
Edibles are best suited for:
- Inflammation
- Chronic Pain
- Longer lasting results
Method 2: Tinctures
- Activation: 15-30 minutes
- Dose: 10-20mg in a 1mL dropper
- Effect: entire body relief
- Length: 4-6 hours
Oral tinctures are absorbed directly into the blood vessels under the tongue. Users should squeeze a 1mL dropper of CBD Tincture under the tongue and let it rest for 30-60 seconds before swallowing. This allows full absorption into the bloodstream for the most optimal results. This method of using CBD takes effect around 15-30minutes after initial ingestion and peaks around an hour and a half. To maximize absorption, users should use CBD on an empty stomach.
There are 2 different ways to use CBD Tinctures. The first is with an oral spray that users will spray under the tongue. The other is with a dropper (usually 0.5ml or 1.0ml) that users will use to squeeze the tincture under the tongue as well. The dropper allows for accurately measured doses every time.
An issue with tinctures is that some individuals may have confusion with the instructions and swallow immediately after placing the tincture under the tongue. This will change how the tincture works and it will then be absorbed in the body like an edible. This is an issue since because the activation time takes longer, users may re-dose before the effects of the tincture are felt. To prevent this, users must thoroughly review the instructions for each product to ensure proper use for optimal results.
Method 3: Topicals
- Activation: 1 hour
- Dose: 250mg
- Effect: treats pain and skin problems
- Duration: 5 hours or more
Topicals are one of the more common ways of using CBD. They are very simple to use and are just applied on the troubled area. CBD Topicals are best suited for skin and joint issues while also keeping out of the bloodstream. However, applying excessively large concentrations of terpenes may irritate or damage the skin.
Finding the right dose
The dose amounts demonstrated above are a generalization that can be used as a starting point for most people. Each individual will need a unique dosage that is specific to them. There are many factors to consider when determining what the correct dosage is for you. The first thing to consider is what you are using CBD for. Are you using CBD for minor or chronic pain, sleep issues, anxiety, depression, acne, heart disease, or other issues?
Then based on what you are using it for, you can decide which method you will be using. Each method can help in determining what product is best suited in each category and from there you can narrow down which product and strength. The higher the quality of the product, the less strength you will need so that is something to take into consideration.
Personal factors such as weight, genetics, metabolism are all going to tie in to how much CBD you need and how beneficial it will be. As you can see, there is no one size fits all with determining CBD dosage. Your CBD dose should be treated the same way as you would any prescription medication and the best way to find the correct prescription would be to consult a medical professional to get a custom-tailored prescription for you.
How does CBD affect other drugs
Small doses of cannabinoids have not had issues when used with other drugs. However, once CBD dosage rises to above hundreds or thousands of milligrams then the body may have trouble breaking down the other pharmaceuticals the users are taking. These should not be issues when using a high-quality product since top-quality CBD should not need such large doses. It is best to consult with a doctor to get a custom solution and customized dosage personalized for your needs.
Overview
CBD market is fairly new and dosage varies upon the individual. There are many factors to determine which method is best for your specific use case. Each method has its own benefits for different use cases. Consult with a medical professional to get a personalized method and dosage tailored to your medical condition.
Disclaimer
This article is explaining how to use CBD only and NOT THC. All methods and dosage amounts are based off of CBD use ONLY. THC dosages may vary and should NOT use the same measurements as explained below. Please consult a medical professional for a personalized solution to your needs