Various CBD hemp products

Different Ways to Take CBD

A breakdown of the most popular ways to consume CBD to help you find the perfect experience.

Just as versatile as CBD is for benefits and effects, it’s just as versatile in terms of consumption. You can find CBD products in practically every form under the sun, allowing every type of consumer to enjoy the cannabinoid to its fullest.

To give you an idea as to how many different ways you can consume CBD, we’ve talked about some of the most popular methods down below. Once you’re familiar with these, finding the perfect CBD product becomes easier than ever.

TL;DR

  • CBD (Cannabidiol) is a super versatile cannabinoid that can be enjoyed in myriad ways.
  • For ultimate efficacy and quick results, inhaling your CBD may be the best option. 
  • If you don’t want to smoke but still want strong effects, digesting your CBD is viable, though it does take longer to take effect.
  • For those who don’t want to consume CBD at all, topical application, or applying directly to the skin, may be ideal.
  • Sublingual CBD consumption refers to placing CBD oil under the tongue; this method creates high levels of bioavailability and strong effects without much effort.
  • No methodology is better than another: they’re just different!
Different types of CBD consumption methods
Different types of CBD products including gummies, capsules, chocolates, body lotion, and creams. Photo by: Cole Wilson/The Guardian

1. Inhalation

When you think of cannabis, your mind often goes right to smoking. While this isn’t the only way of enjoying the cannabis-derived compounds, it is an extremely effective method.

Inhalation, whether it be through CBD flower or CBD vapes, proves to deliver some of the highest levels of bioavailability over all other methods of consumption.

Inhalable CBD products include:

When you inhale cannabinoids like CBD, the molecules are delivered straight to your lungs and then transported all throughout the body for quick, potent results. With other methods, you may have to wait for the CBD to fully break down or be digested, creating a much longer onset time and less efficacious product. 

Through inhalation, you receive not only a fast, powerful result, but you’re also able to fully appreciate all the plant offers. With CBD flower specifically, inhalation allows you to experience not just the cannabinoids, but also terpenes and flavonoids, too. 

If vaping is your thing – be sure to get CBD Vape Juice and NOT CBD Oil.

Altogether, you get a comprehensive CBD experience that’s straightforward and easy to achieve.


2. Digestion

We understand that smoking isn’t everybody’s cup of tea. Even vaping CBD can sometimes be uncomfortable, especially for those with respiratory issues and complications of the like. For those who want the benefits of CBD but don’t want to inhale it, digestion is the perfect solution.

Digesting CBD refers to enjoying edibles of any type, infused drinks, and even CBD-filled capsules.

Digestible CBD products include:

All of these products have you digest your CBD orally for long-lasting, potent effects.

As we mentioned, with edibles, the CBD has to first break down within the body and travel through the bloodstream to be effective. Because of this, on-set times are longer for effects, but you’ll likely experience benefits for hours. 

With edibles or capsules, you also don’t have to experience the smells and tastes of CBD if you don’t want to. Often, people choose to infuse their everyday meals with CBD so they reap the rewards but don’t have to taste it directly.

In general, digestion creates a perfect option for those who need CBD but may not enjoy its profiles much.


3. Topically

If you don’t want to ingest your CBD at all, you don’t have to do that, either. The topical application of CBD refers to the act of rubbing the CBD on the body in targeted areas. When this is done, the cannabinoid penetrates the skin’s pores and works on muscle tissue and joint pain, as well as surface-level skin issues. 

Topical application does not allow for the CBD molecules to actually absorb into the bloodstream, so it isn’t as effective for issues like anxiety or nausea. However, with its direct relationship on points of pain and high concentration of CBD, the topical application of CBD is transformative for deep muscle discomfort. 

CBD topicals appear in the form:

Great for both the skin and muscle pain, topically applying your CBD is beneficial in its own unique ways.


4. Sublingually

Along with inhalation, another extremely effective way of enjoying CBD comes through sublingual consumption.

When we talk about enjoying CBD sublingually, we’re referring to the act of placing drops of CBD oil, or other extracts, directly under the tongue for absorption.

CBD sublingual products include:

  • CBD oils/tinctures
  • CBD sprays
  • CBD tablinguals
  • CBD strips

Placing CBD under the tongue allows for quicker consumption and the molecules only have to survive traveling through saliva before entering the bloodstream, unlike the journey’s we see CBD edibles take. This results in a potent experience that doesn’t take long to take effect.

CBD oils for sublingual use are available in myriad different flavors and tastes to help either disguise the taste of CBD or celebrate it whole-heartedly. 

This method of consumption is great for those who don’t want to smoke but would love the strong efficacy that the inhalation brings. Plus, it’s super easy to just place a few drops under your tongue and forget about it.


Final Thoughts on CBD Delivery Methods

So, what’s the best way to consume CBD? There isn’t one! Your chosen method of consumption truly comes down to you and your personal preferences. 

Whether you want to smoke or you don’t, whether you want to taste your CBD or not, and how strong of a product you want are all things to consider when buying CBD. From there, it becomes effortless to match you with your ideal CBD product.