A Guide To CBD: How To Use CBD For Increased Efficiency

The Lake Oconee Boomers Team

Updated on:

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of the main active compounds found in the cannabis plant. Studies on CBD continue, but we already know that this cannabis ingredient is capable of many great wonders as it offers effective treatments for a variety of health conditions. 

CBD is being used to treat epilepsy in the form of a medication known as Epidiolex, which is FDA-approved. Research has revealed that cannabidiol can be effective in helping with pain, anxiety, and many other conditions. 

Studies show that CBD carries potent anti-inflammatory properties, and it has the ability to protect nerves from damage. Ongoing research is analyzing CBD as a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other chronic conditions. 

So, overall, it is not a question any longer when it comes to the efficiency and potency of CBD. But, certain forms (or types) of CBD are known to be more bioavailable, meaning that some forms of cannabidiol are more readily absorbed by the body than others. 

Topicals

Topicals refer to cannabis products that come in forms of lotions or creams. These are created to be applied only onto the skin. Topicals are known to be quite efficient when it comes to managing localized pain, and even certain skin conditions, such as eczema or acne. 

You can find CBD-infused topicals, such as creams, balms, lotions, transdermal patches, and salves. 

There has been a study carried out on rats which has discovered that by applying a CBD-infused gel, it significantly reduced joint swelling. If this same result proves to be true for people as well, then this method will be a game-changer for anyone suffering from conditions such as arthritis. 

Research on topicals have not yet determined their bioavailability, but researchers do know that they can provide significant relief to a particular area of the body. For increased efficiency, you should choose a product with a high content of CBD and apply a generous amount onto the needed body part. 

TIP: if you go for a CBD-infused topical that contains additional analgesic ingredients, such as capsaicin or camphor, it is believed to offer an even greater therapeutic effect. 

Edibles

If you are all about consuming cannabis in the most discreet way possible, then edibles are your dream choice. Plus, your options range from gummy bears, brownies, chocolate bars, butter, truffles, cookies all the way to tea, coffee, or your favorite beverage. In this category, getting bored with cannabis is not even a possibility. 

Edibles can take anywhere between half an hour to two hours until the effects will start kicking in, depending on the dosage, your tolerance level and the kind of edible you are consuming. 

With edibles, CBD goes through quite a process in order to be broken down, such as the digestive track, blood stream, and liver. After it gets metabolized in the liver, it is sent back into the bloodstream and then into the brain, and this is when the effects will start taking place. This process is referred to as the “first pass effect” through which your body absorbs about 20 to 30% of the CBD you consume. 

Sublingual Application

One thing that sublingual products are generally good at offering, is that they don’t tend to contain added ingredients, such as preservatives and sugar. Sublingual refers to the method in which the cannabis product gets placed under your tongue from where it will get absorbed into your system. 

Sublingual products come in the form of oils, lozenges, tinctures, and sprays. Through this method, more of the CBD is preserved and the effects take place faster in comparison to edibles. 

Smoking And Vaping

Smoking or vaping high CBD-marijuana flowers allow you to absorb anywhere between  34% and 56% of the CBD. This higher rate is achieved as the cannabidiol will go directly into your bloodstream, which also makes it possible for the effects to start working faster in comparison to the other methods. 

But, with the practice of vaping and smoking, you should keep in mind that your lungs, and also your overall health, is exposed to toxins through the smoke. According to a study published in 2017, compounds such as vegetable glycerin, fractionated coconut oil, or propylene can cause damage to your lung tissue. These thinning compounds are used in making CBD vape cartridges. 

If you do decide to smoke, or vape, it is highly recommended for you to do so with the cannabis flower, and not other marijuana products.