How to Use CBD Oil Effectively
Medical marijuana has gained widespread acceptance over the years, leading to an explosion in cannabidiol (CBD) usage for chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety, and other health concerns. Derived from the hemp plant, CBD does not cause psychoactive effects but offers various health benefits based on research. So, how do you use CBD oil for common ailments?
Identifying Your Purpose for Taking CBD
The first step in using CBD effectively is understanding why you are taking it. This critical question enhances the effectiveness of CBD. Since CBD oil can help with different health conditions, choosing a product to target your specific issue is essential. This also helps determine the proper dosage. Ask yourself: Do I want to ease chronic pain? Do I need more balance in my life? Do I want a good night’s sleep? Understanding your reasons will help you focus your treatment plan.
Different Ways to Take CBD
Now that CBD is legal in all 50 states, there are multiple CBD products to choose from. However, knowing how to take CBD oil is a common concern. CBD comes in many forms and affects the endocannabinoid system differently based on how it’s ingested.
Inhalation
One of the most common ways to ingest CBD is through inhalation. Methods include vape pens and CBD oil dabs. People choose vape juice for immediate relief from chronic pain, headaches, anxiety, and depression. The lungs are a direct gateway to the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive tract, so the effects are felt quicker. Since there’s no first-pass elimination in the gastrointestinal area, a higher concentration of CBD vape enters the bloodstream.
Topical CBD creams
Using a local delivery method is ideal for those wanting immediate relief. Applying CBD cream allows for direct and localized pain relief for inflammation. The skin has endocannabinoid receptors, creating quick CBD action. Users can feel the impact immediately on sore muscles, nerve pain, and arthritis. Rub slowly and in a circular motion to apply the cream thoroughly.
Sublingual
CBD oils are commonly taken sublingually, or under the tongue. Liquid hemp oil in tinctures or extracts comes in various doses depending on CBD concentrations. Place the drops of CBD oil under your tongue and hold for at least 60 seconds. This allows for absorption via the blood cells under the tongue, bypassing the first-pass metabolism. CBD tinctures enter the bloodstream faster than swallowing, but it still takes 30 minutes to 1 hour to take effect. Levels peak between 1 to 5 hours.
Ingestion
Other ways to take cannabidiol include CBD capsules, sprays, and edibles. Ingestion takes the longest to affect the body but provides a steady stream of CBD oil over time or throughout the day. Edibles come in various flavors and dosages, with gummy bears being a popular choice. Capsules are another option but take longer to activate as they travel through the digestive tract. People sometimes prefer capsules or edibles because the effects work all day. The overall effect of CBD will depend on your diet and whether you take them with food.
Vaginal and Anal
Another delivery method for CBD hemp oil is through depositories or sprays. Applicators with CBD cream are inserted and enter the bloodstream via capillaries, affecting your overall well-being throughout the day.
Determining the Right CBD Dosage
The appropriate CBD dosage depends on various factors. Considerations include the purpose of taking it, your body weight and metabolism, and the product instructions. Typically, a few drops of CBD oil can help relieve chronic stress, social anxiety, and other conditions. The amount of CBD versus tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the strain is essential too.
Pure CBD oil isolate doesn’t have other compounds, making it nonpsychoactive. However, some research shows that isolates aren’t as effective as full-spectrum CBD. Full-spectrum CBD oils contain all the compounds found in cannabis plants, including THC and CBD. Most CBD oils don’t contain THC, but some do, especially in states where medical cannabis or recreational marijuana is legal.
Can You Take Too Much CBD?
Studies where subjects took 1200 mg per day for months showed minimal adverse effects. Still, follow the product directions and consult with medical professionals if taking other medications or have serious health concerns. CBD can make the enzyme cytochrome p450 ineffective, which is responsible for breaking down medicines in your body. Therefore, consuming CBD with other medications can impact their effectiveness.
Quality and Sourcing of CBD
Like any product, quality varies based on several factors. Higher quality seeds produce better CBD. Organic seeds planted in pesticide-free soil cultivate a superior product. The CBD extraction process also matters. Using natural compounds without harsh additives results in purer CBD with higher health benefits.
Cost of CBD
Cheaper isn’t always better when it comes to CBD oils. Lower quality products cost less to produce but may not offer the same health benefits. Buy CBD oil from a trusted source, even if it costs more. However, this doesn’t mean the most expensive CBD on the market is the best for you. Review the overall quality and sourcing.
Personalizing Your CBD Experience
Everyone is different, and finding the right dose and strain to fit your needs may require some experimentation. CBD customized medicine comes with few side effects. Research shows that the benefits of CBD oil can help with everything from pain management to diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, prostate cancer, breast cancer, and more.
Cannabis and the Controlled Substances Act. (2017, December 14). Retrieved February 21, 2019, from https://www.capimpactca.com/2017/10/cannabis-controlled-substances-act/
Iffland, K., & Grotenhermen, F. (2017). An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research,2(1), 139-154. doi:10.1089/can.2016.0034
Johnson-Sasso, C. P., Tompkins, C., Kao, D. P., & Walker, L. A. (n.d.). Marijuana use and short-term outcomes in patients hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction. Retrieved from https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0199705
Neuropathic Pain Causes, Treatment, and Medication. (n.d.). Retrieved February 21, 2019, from https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/guide/neuropathic-pain#1
Skogar, O., & Lökk, J. (2016). Pain management in patients with Parkinson's disease: Challenges and solutions. Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare,Volume 9, 469-479. doi:10.2147/jmdh.s105857