
CBD Dosage & Delivery.
CBD dosage and methods of delivery are two important factors to consider whenever you are about purchasing a CBD product. This is because they play a critical role in the activity and overall effect of CBD in the body. It is true that CBD possesses some excellent, potential therapeutic benefits related to anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-tumor, antioxidant, anxiolytic, and anti-inflammatory agents; their activity is limited to the mode of delivery.
How is CBD delivered?
Based on the mode of delivery, CBD products are classified as inhalants, edibles, tinctures, and topicals. Regardless of the method of administration, the main aim is to provide CBD to the right target site for the best activity. Let’s take a look at the common delivery methods and how they affect CBD activity in the body.
Inhalants
This involves the inhalation of CBD vapors directly into the lungs. It is one of the oldest methods of using cannabis. CBD products belonging to this category come in the form of vapes, e-liquids, and juices. It is the most common method of application for people who are interested in the recreational benefits of CBD and medical marijuana.
Pros and cons of CBD inhalants
- Easy mode of administration:
CBD inhalants come in different flavors, which gives the users a chance to choose one that suits their needs. Using a CBD vape is very simple. All you need to do is to place your CBD product into the vape, apply some heat, and inhale the best feeling ever. - High level of bioavailability
CBD inhalants offer one of the best bioavailability measuring from 50-60%. This means less concentration of the CBD is wasted, thus giving you a chance to enjoy the best effects. Bioavailability is the total concentration of a compound available for biochemical activities. - Fast effects
The effect of CBD inhalants is felt almost immediately after taking the products. This is usually within the first 30 to 60 seconds after administration. - May predispose users to lung diseases
Some CBD vaporizers may contain harmful chemicals that can harm the lungs. As of February 18, 2020, about 2, 807 cases or deaths linked to vaping e-cigarettes have been recorded by the CDC. - The effects wear off too soon
Although the effects of CBD vape or inhalants are fast, they tend to disappear too quickly. The effects last from 30 minutes to 1 hour only.
CBD Edibles
CBD edibles, just as the name implies, includes all products administered via the oral route or digestive tract. The category of products under this class includes CBD oil, CBD hemp oil, CBD drinks, and CBD coffee. CBD edibles are great for conditions requiring a constant supply of CBD for a long time.
Pros and Cons of CBD edibles
- They provide a long-lasting effect
Once CBD edibles are ingested, they pass through the digestive tract to the liver, where they are activated for biochemical activities. The activation of CBD by the enzymes produced in the liver is known as the First-pass metabolism. This allows for the slow release of CBD for a long-lasting effect. CBD edibles offer a long-lasting effect lasting from 30-60 minutes to about 12-13 hours.
- Low level of bioavailability
The series of activities involving the activation of CBD in the liver leads to a high level of loss in CBD concentration. After activation, only about 13-19% of the original CBD concentration ingested is available for biochemical activity. This is lower than what is obtainable in all other methods of administration.
- No exposure to toxic chemicals
Unlike CBD inhalants, CBD edibles do no predispose users to risk of lung infections.
CBD tinctures
These are CBD products administered by placing a drop or two of the products under the tongue (sublingual application) for about 30 seconds before swallowing. This allows for the absorption of CBD directly into the bloodstream without depending on the first-pass metabolism.
Pros and CONs of CBD tinctures
- Long-lasting effect
Just like CBD edibles, CBD tinctures offer a prolonged activity lasting up to 12 hours.
- High level of bioavailability
The bioavailability of CBD tinctures is at 20-30%.
- Not subject to enzymatic activation
By placing the tinctures under the tongue, they are absorbed directly into the bloodstream, thus reducing the level of wastage experienced in the CBD edibles.
- No exposure to toxic chemicals
Unlike CBD inhalants, CBD tinctures are free from toxic chemicals capable of harming the lungs.
CBD Topicals
These are CBD creams, lotions, balms, cold patches, and robs applied directly to the skin for the best CBD experience. They contain a vast array of chemicals that serves to provide relief from skin conditions while interacting with the endocannabinoid receptors.
Pros and Cons of CBD topicals
- Ease of use
Using CBD topicals is quite easy, clean the affected area and apply the product on it. This means users don’t have to deal with the unfriendly experience of swallowing oils. - High level of penetration
The skin is well supplied with cannabinoid receptors that can take up CBD and other members of the cannabinoid family to provide the best effect. - High bioavailability
CBD topicals offer the second most effect bioavailability after CBD inhalants. Their bioavailability is capped at 45%. - Absorption may be affected by skin type
Skin type may reduce the level of absorption, thus making the effects different from one user to the other.
How can I dose my CBD product?
There are pieces of information regarding how best to dose CBD products. While these pieces of information are true, it is important to note that our body reacts differently to CBD hence the need to identify your personal dosage. To do this, it is important that you start small and increase the dosage gradually. Most researchers believe taking 6mg of CBD per body weight is excellent for a starter dose. You can try out a baseline dosage of 25- 30mg and increase gradually until you experience the best effects.
Don’t forget to contact us if you have questions about CBD products and how to use them. We will love to hear from you soon.