Extract Engineers
How to take CBD
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Many different types of cannabinoids exist in cannabis and hemp plants. Research schools and centers have just begun studying them, one of which has shown great promise in regards to health benefits. This compound is cannabidiol, also known as CBD. Unlike the commonly known THC, CBD does not intoxicate. This research is still ongoing and has many years of science to develop.
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CBD has many uses that have been found. The form chosen and ingestion route will allow some forms of CBD to be more bioavailable than others. Bioavailable means the ability to be readily absorbed by the body.
Product Attributes to Research
Broad Spectrum or Full Spectrum
There are many different ways to extract CBD from cannabis and hemp plants. When searching for products you will find verbiage about “broad spectrum” and “full spectrum” in a finished product. Full spectrum oil contains all the cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, including some amount of THC. Broad spectrum oil contains most cannabinoids, but does not contain any THC. Isolate powders and distillate oils will also contain zero THC and only CBD.
3rd Party Lab Testing
It is important to research and find out that whatever you are buying has been tested by a certified third party laboratory testing facility. These tests ensure that you, as the consumer, are made aware of the chemicals you are putting into your body, as well as ensure that you are receiving the proper potency for the labeled product.
Look for US grown hemp
Products made from organic US grown hemp are what to look for. Hemp grown in the US is subject to state agricultural regulations. They legally cannot grow plants that contain more than 0.3 percent THC. Organic hemp means you are less likely to ingest pesticides or other chemicals. Industrial hemp uses these pesticides and chemicals, however post processing, will remove these contaminants, as required by state laws.
Types of CBD Products
Sublingual Products
These types of products are meant to be absorbed under your tongue. These are usually called “tinctures” and are solutions made by instilling CBD into an oil or alcohol. Final products will use a dropper, a sprayer, or become a lozenge.
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Sublingual absorption is beneficial over ingestion and digestion, as the absorption is preserved. Digestion can disrupt the ability to fully absorb the full dosage of CBD. The effects of the CBD will also occur faster if absorbed sublingually.
Topical Treatments
Designed to be applied directly to the skin, CBD topicals are a great option for those with targeted pain. Currently, there is a world of CBD infused products that can be applied topically, including lotions, balms, salves, creams, and transdermal patches.
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Topicals can provide a more concentrated relief to a particular area of the body versus digestion. However, the permeability, or the ability to pass through the skin barrier, is low compared to sublingual tissue. This means that you should look for higher doses of topical CBD products if you are going to use this route. Using a product that contains other analgesics, like menthol and camphor, may bring more relief.
Vaporizers and Smoking Flower
Vaporizers and smoking flower allow the CBD to get directly into your bloodstream. The effects will be much more quickly felt than other methods, such as topicals and edibles.
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There are many options when it comes to inhaling CBD. A high-CBD cannabis flower joint is the most raw form you can opt for. Consider more healthy options, such as a vaporizers with a cartridge that contains CBD oil, or even inhale CBD concentrates that can be added to any fillable vape pen that has a chamber for concentrates.
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Smoking cannabis flower can expose you to many carcinogens, which is why many opt to vape. Vaping concentrates allows you to avoid this, however, make sure to avoid cartridges that contain thinning agents or fillers, such as fractionated coconut oil (MCT), propylene glycol, or vegetable glycerin. These compounds can cause damage to lung tissue.
Edibles
An easy way to try CBD is with edibles. There are a world of options when it comes to ways to ingest CBD. From gummies and chocolates to nuts and ice cream, you'll find your favorite snack variety probably has a CBD infused option. Capsules and tablets are also considered a digestive option.
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The time it takes and the absorption of the CBD is what might hinder some people at this point. Researchers have shown that CBD is subjected to the body's “first pass effect.” This means that the liver and digestive tract break down the CBD and only a small percentage of the CBD can be absorbed into the bloodstream. The CBD will take about 2 hours to take full effect when ingesting this route.
Beverages and Water Soluble Products
There is a growing industry of CBD containing beverages as science has developed ways to get cannabinoids to dissolve in water. This process was developed as a method of ingestion that is easier to absorb than with oil based products. These beverages and products have a more rapid onset than edibles, about 20 minutes, and will be more intense but will not last as long.
Dosage is Important
Dosage is very important when it comes to route of ingestion. Finding what route of ingestion works best for your body, as well as your budget, is important to establish. Once you have chosen what route you want to try, look into how dosing works by reading our Botanix Dosage Chart. Start with a small dose for your chosen route type and work your way up from there. Make sure to keep attention on how long onset, how intense, and duration of CBD benefits listed above. They will help you take notice in your body about when things should feel.
Seek Medical Advice
There are many reasons to take CBD. There are many ways to take CBD. It is important to find out which is the best method for your body, as we all work differently when it comes to metabolism.
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It is important to talk to your doctor or medical professional if you are currently taking any other medications. Some medications can interact with CBD in an undesirable way, such as antibiotics and antidepressants. The doctor may also have some good advice on where to start, based on your body chemistry. Feel safe when you to talk to your doctor about CBD. It can be nerve wracking to bring it up, but it is now much more commonly known about and accepted as an alternative to modern medicine.
Author: A.J. Varela, Biologist
Date: 01/12/21