Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a naturally occurring chemical compound that can be found not only in recreational and medical cannabis but also in industrial hemp as well. Since the United States legalized industrial hemp in 2018, the global market for CBD products has quickly matured into a multi-billion dollar industry.
CBD is a non-psychoactive substance, so users are not seeking a ‘high’ when they take it. Rather, it is taken as a therapeutic agent for various bodily and mental issues. But unlike most over the counter medicines, there is a myriad of ways you can consume CBD. While almost all are much more preferable than gulping down a pill, there might be one or two ways that suit you best. Let’s take a look at three popular ways of taking CBD.
Vaping
Vaping a CBD liquid is one of the fastest ways to introduce CBD into the body. This makes it popular for those looking to use CBD situationally, whether that be sitting down with a book or taking a quick break from a stressful day. There are several types of vape-friendly CBD tinctures. It’s important to know the difference because inhaling these products in the wrong way can either break your device or give some unpleasant side effects.
- Vape juice can be purchased in a small dropper style bottle, and then used to refill a personal vaping device. Think big clouds.
- Cartridges of pure hemp distillate, containing only CBD Isolate and terpenes found in hemp plants, give a concentrated, floral aroma. Many of these can be used with a standard 510 vape battery, and some are even compatible with devices like the JUUL.
Sublingual ingestion
Consuming CBD through sublingual (under the tongue) oils and tinctures are one of the most popular and discreet ways to take CBD. Depending on the type of solvent used and the flavors added to it, it can taste of coconut, olive oil, mint, fruit, and many more. To take CBD sublingually, remove the dropper from the bottle and place the desired dosage under your tongue. Holding it there, on the soft inner mouth capillaries, makes it take effect much faster than swallowing and intaking it through your stomach lining.
Edibles
CBD edibles are often thought of as treats (they are widely available as gummies, cookies, brownies, lollipops). However, with many professional chefs incorporating CBD-containing delicacies, there are many more ways to consume CBD while you eat. CBD cooking oil, mixed with coconut oil, is widely available online and can be baked or mixed into whatever you please. CBD’s flavor is unsurprisingly herby, so dishes like pasta sauces are popular. Just remember CBD oil has a very low baking point, so it’s often recommended to introduce towards the end of the cooking process.
With all of these different ways to take CBD, there are a few things to keep in mind. Storage is important to consider because leaving most CBD products in a hot car is likely to leave you with a strong, bitter, taste, but without the benefits of any added effects. Just keep it cool and out of direct sunlight and find out what’s best for you!