Overview

So you’ve decided to explore the benefits of CBD now you just need to figure out the best way to take it. Here we discuss the pros and cons of different delivery methods.

Should I ingest, inhale or use CBD topically?

This is a very common question when it comes to CBD and as we delve deeper into the different delivery methods you may be surprised to find out that it depends. CBD is highly individualized meaning that there is no standard when it comes to getting the right dose or taking CBD in a certain way. You may find that one way that works for your friend, co-worker or someone you know may not work for you. So as we go through each method be sure to keep that in mind.

1. Inhalation

With inhalation you can smoke, heat CBD concentrates or vaporize CBD flowers. This method delivers the CBD to the lungs where it directly enters the bloodstream. Below are the pros and cons.

Pros

• Smoking or vaping CBD flower is one of the quickest ways to take CBD. The onset of this method is almost immediate with an average duration of about 2-4 hours.

Cons

• Smoking CBD flower can leave a relatively strong odor that can linger on clothes and hair.
• CBD flower at the end of the joint may leave an unpleasant taste because it acts like a filter for smoke to get through. (issue can be solved easily through the use of bongs, pipes and vaporizers)
• Burning plant material can have unwanted byproducts you can mitigate this though, again, by the use of water bongs or vaporizers.

2. Ingestion

This is the process of taking CBD by consuming or swallowing it. This method includes edibles (like your classic pot brownie), tinctures, capsules, liquids and just about anything you can safely consume that contains bioavailable CBD. This method is not invasive to the lungs, but takes significantly longer when compared to other delivery methods with a time of 30min-2 hours or more for absorption and a duration of 6-8 hours.

Pros

• Not as invasive as smoking CBD flower
• No harmful byproducts from burning plant material
• Lasts 6-8 hours

Cons

• Absorption takes significantly longer at about 30min – 2 hours or more depending on things like an individual’s physiology or if you’ve had a meal prior to ingestion.

3. Oral/ Mucosal

This method is where the CBD is absorbed through the mucous membranes of the mouth. This is how most tinctures and lozenges work. Once you place the tincture under the tongue or lozenge in the mouth it takes 15-60 minutes to enter the bloodstream for a duration of 4-6 hours.

Pros

• Not as invasive as smoking CBD flower
• No harmful byproducts from burning plant material
• Lasts 4-6 hours
• Only 15-60 minutes to get absorbed when compared to other non-inhalation methods

Cons

• The taste of some tinctures or lozenges may be unpleasant, but this can be solved by finding a flavor that suites you best

4. Tropical

Topical CBD can be applied as salves, lotions, oils or balms and provides local effects without entering the blood stream. This method takes about 15 minutes to take effect and the effects are localized in that area for about 2-4 hours.

Pros

• Can target specific localized areas on body.
• Is the least invasive method
• Can keep skin moisturized depending on the type of topical

5. Transdernal

These gels or patches enable CBD to be absorbed deeper into the skin and into the blood stream and can take effect within about 15 minutes. The duration depends whether it is in the form of a gel or patch with gels lasting up to 4 hours and patches 12 hours.

Pros

• Can penetrate deep into skin and into bloodstream
• Is absorbed quickly
• Not invasive
• Approximately 100% of CBD is bioavailable

Cons

• Is not localized (this may be a pro depending on use)

There are a few other methods (such as suppositories), but these are the main and most commonly used to take CBD. After reading this you may want to go do your own research and try different methods to find out which one works best for you. CBD is still being researched with new discoveries being made to fully understand this truly fascinating compound.