Can you get CBD oil? CBD pills? CBD salve? The short answer is yes! Check out this CBD guide to learn about all the different types of CBD products.
You’re already familiar with cannabidiol (CBD) and how it doesn’t produce a “high.” But there’s probably a lot you don’t know about CBD products, such as how many different types there are and which type is the best to take for your needs.
CBD seems like a fairly new product, but its chemical structure was actually discovered in 1942. Its recent popularity can be traced in part to the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized CBD derived solely from hemp.
Because of this, people could now talk openly about CBD and even buy it at a store. They didn’t even need a prescription, and the new availability sparked a boom.
As with all market growth, the popularity of CBD has brought variety with it. We’ve compiled a guide with some of these products below.
Tinctures and Oils
In this guide, we’ll count tinctures and oils as a single category because there aren’t that many differences.
The main difference between CBD tincture and oil, is that tinctures are mixed with other chemicals, usually a solvent like alcohol. CBD tincture lasts longer because the alcohol acts as a preserving agent. On the other hand, CBD oil is pure CBD but doesn’t last as long.
This distinction can be a bit misleading, though, because manufacturers of CBD tinctures sometimes label them as CBD oil. While both products contain some measure of oil, you might still be buying a tincture and not be aware of it.
CBD tinctures are more diluted than CBD oil, which means that there’s less risk of taking too much CBD. Taking too much CBD is known to cause side effects in some people, such as low blood pressure, dry mouth and lightheadedness. These are not serious, but they can be unpleasant.
Whether you’re buying CBD oil or a tincture, they’re both taken the same way. Use a dropper to put it in your cheeks and under your tongue. But don’t swallow immediately. Some of the CBD will absorb into the tissues, which helps your body process it faster. Swish the oil or tincture around like mouthwash for about two minutes, then swallow.
Creams and Lotions
CBD products also come in creams, lotions, lip balms and other topicals. These often contain less CBD than other products because they don’t need to be absorbed any deeper than the skin. Some topicals can be absorbed further. However, it’s probably not necessary when using it for a skin condition. You also might use a topical for muscle and joint pain.
Topicals usually start working within minutes and can last a couple of hours. Plus, since topicals contain less CBD than other methods, you’re far less likely to take too much. But don’t use more than you need just because you can.
Pills
CBD pills or capsules are also a popular method of ingestion. This is one of the easiest ways to take CBD, but it also has its downside. As with anything taken orally, CBD pills often take a while to work. The good news is that the effects last longer than some other forms of CBD. It’s also much easier to determine a dose. Even so, it’s best to ask your doctor how much you should take.
Edibles
Many products come in the form of edibles, an enjoyable way to take CBD.
Some of the most popular edibles are gummies. They are tasty, don’t cost much and won’t bother anyone around you (unlike vaping). Many come in measured doses, so you don’t have to figure out how many to eat.
missing? Photo from Unsplash.
Edibles don’t kick in very quickly because it must be digested first. Meaning, they can take a few hours to work. People get tired of waiting, assuming the first dose didn’t work. But be patient and don’t overdo it.
A CBD Guide to Products
CBD can be ingested several different ways. We’ve mentioned a few in this guide. But there are plenty of others, and we may find even more methods in the future. It’s best to continue your research so you can decide which method of taking CBD is best for you.
If you want to read more articles about CBD, please visit our website. And if you know anybody who’s starting to get into CBD, we can give you some gift ideas they’ll love.
