Generating considerable headlines for the umpteenth time, the explosive growth of the collective CBD market in the U.S. alone is set to reach the mind-bending $20 billion by 2024, according to a recent study conducted by leading marijuana researchers Arcview Market Research and BDS Analytics.
A broad array of diverse industries, ranging from food and beverage, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, will never be the same again ever since the all-mighty superhero Cannabidiol has hit the world as if by storm.
Bombarded by tons of information, you might be wondering about what are the best ways to use CBD Oil, and if you have been questioning yourself on how to make the most from what the non-intoxicating active cannabinoid has to offer for improving your health and well-being in every meaningful way, then you are already a huge step ahead.
The thing is, the CBD fever is not deprived of milestones that may easily block one’s progress with taking utmost advantage of Cannabidiol’s miraculous therapeutic properties, no matter if it comes to using CBD to target chronic pain and/or inflammation, anxiety, certain types of seizures, better sleep, and/or as an incredible beauty and skincare ingredient.
In a nutshell, there are three major ways to take CBD, namely inhalation, oral ingestion, and topical application. Getting better acquainted with these ways will help you pick out the most reliable method for reaping the benefits of CBD to the fullest, and furthermore, doing so will also help you determine the most suitable dosage of CBD based on your personal needs and preferences.
We have made sure to guide you through the process of discovering the best ways to use CBD because we firmly believe that those who care, share. Last but not least, a gigantic amount of the information available out there on CBD is written by scientific journals, trendy sites promoting the latest buzzwords, as well as companies trying to sell us CBD products, which is why our goal to compiling this article is to sieve the valuable information, and to generously sprinkle it with our first-hand CBD experiences, as to provide you the most accurate information about Cannabidiol (and save you weeks, if not months, of hefty research).
1. CBD Inhalation
The first method for using CBD Oil is to inhale it. This can be done by smoking and/or vaping CBD oil.
Smoking/Vaping CBD Oil
CBD oil concentrate, similarly to high THC concentrates, is perfectly smokable using an oil rig.
The oil rig, resembling a water pipe, helps you heat the chamber where the CBD Oil concentrate is placed (aka “the nail”) so that you can then put the CBD Oil concentrate into the nail using a dabber (or using your long nails, right, #girlswhotoke). Quintessentially, a dabber is a small metal tool that is used to transfer the oil concentrate to the oil rig from the container, so ultimately, the smoke you are about to inhale is produced.
To maximize the therapeutic properties of CBD oil concentrate inhalation, it’s a great idea to re-introduce terpenes by adding terp sauce into the nail. Provided you have a rosin press device available at home, you can easily prep your very own, high-quality terp sauce. With terpenes progressively making their way as part of the healthy lifestyle fever, expect to see more products with a well-defined terpenes profile flooding the market.
Using a vaporizer pen, you can also vape CBD oil. Vaping can allow you to maximize the effects of CBD treatment and to tailor them perfectly based on your unique personal preferences without ever feeling the harsh smoke in your lungs and on your throat.
Video Source: Vape and Juice TV
Smoking/Vaping High CBD Cannabis Flowers
Another way to experience the healing properties CBD oil can provide is to alternatively smoke/vape high CBD cannabis flowers.
Depending on the high CBD cannabis strain you choose to consume, the effects that are about to be experienced, as well as the benefits you can reap, will vary. The more THC there is present in the high CBD strain you get down to smoking/vaping, the higher the psychoactive potency.
20:1 – CBD:THC
If you are to consume a 20% CBD – 1% THC cannabis strain like Cali Kush, then you will barely experience any of the psychoactive effects associated with THC.
Opting for similar cannabis varieties (as far as the CBD:THC ratio is concerned)can be one of the best choices for novice cannabis users who wish to avoid feeling overwhelmed by high levels of THC. Nonetheless, it can be an excellent choice for experienced cannabis consumers alike, provided they simply want to make the most of CBD and keep being focused and energetic while simultaneously feeling far away from the ravages of stress and tension throughout the day or night.
8:1 – CBD:THC
When in a ratio of 8:1, the effects of smoking CBD will rarely resemble the psychoactive effects of THC, just like in the case of smoking a 20:1 CBD:THC cannabis strain, or an 18:1 – CBD:THC cannabis variety.
If you wish to receive a dependable dose of Cannabidiol but not to be deprived of a well-working dose of THC without feeling overwhelmed, you can opt for a well-balanced THC to CBD strain, such as, for instance, Super Silver Haze featuring 5:5 – CBD:THC.
Because of the low levels of THC (only about 5%), and in combination with 5% CBD to further help smooth out the psychoactive potency of THC, smoking/vaping such kind of perfectly balanced strains can give way to a pleasurable relaxation that doesn’t deprive you of your focus, alertness and ability and motivation to get things done.
A 1:1 ratio of CBD to THC is really very balanced, and is a wonderful choice for people who can tolerate THC in moderate doses. The psychoactive potency can be further individually tailored by combining a 1:1 CBD:THC cannabis strain like Super Silver Haze with a higher CBD to THC strain like Cali Kush.
For instance, if you are about to smoke up 0.25 grams of Super Silver Haze altogether with 0.25 grams of Cali Kush, then you are about to enjoy about 8:1 CBD to THC, which is a ratio that rarely induces powerful psychoactive effects attributed to high THC strains, and is perfect for novice users who still want to maximize the benefits of the entourage effect.
Just remember, the higher the percent of THC to CBD, the higher the expected psychoactive potency.
Quick Tip: For the healthy lifestyle enthusiasts out there, vaping CBD, regardless of whether it comes to vaping CBD oil concentrate or dried, high CBD cannabis flowers, makes up for the healthiest option because of limiting possible carcinogens that occur during the process of combustion. Furthermore, vaping devices allow you to choose at what setting to combust the high CBD flowers/ CBD oil concentrate, thus, allowing you to perfectly tailor the desired potency of your CBD intake. Vaping at lower settings will curb any chances of experiencing too strong psychoactive effects.
Short Summary on the Pros and Cons of Vaping/Smoking CBD
#1. Smoking CBD Oil is, hands down, the fastest way to ingest Cannabidiol, and it allows you to easily manage how much you actually choose to consume. It does require a nice set of tools, though, and some users may dislike the harsh feeling on their throats and lungs. Plus, the concentration of CBD oil inhaled when smoked (dabbed) might be more than what some users desire.
#2. Vaping CBD Oil, similarly to vaping high CBD flowers, allows you to intake high concentrations of the active compound to maximize possible effects without having to compromise on harsh smoke aggravating your lungs and throat. Vaping also allows you to easily customize potency, and to control dosage amounts perfectly.
#3. Smoking/vaping high CBD cannabis flowers remains one the healthiest option out there in terms of knowing exactly what you let enter your body, and that’s especially true for those who choose to grow high CBD cannabis strain in their outdoor or indoor ganja garden, as growing weed from seed puts you 100% in charge of the process. Let us kindly remind you that high CBD cannabis flowers make up for brilliant homemade CBD Oil.
2. CBD Oral Intake
Ingesting CBD Oil is the easiest place to start, especially for novice users. Monitoring dosage is fairly effortless when it comes to oral methods of Cannabidiol ingestion.
Apart from simply placing several drops of CBD Oil or CBD tincture under your tongue, you can also take advantage of various CBD-laced edibles and beverages, and/or you can also try out CBD capsules.
Do keep in mind that opting for CBD tincture tends to work a little faster when it comes to experiencing the short-term beneficial effects of Cannabidiol, such as an uplift in good mood and anti-anxiety properties, as opposed to taking CBD Oil, and that’s major because of the quick pathways through which the combination of alcohol and CBD making up for a quality CBD tincture diffuses into the blood by passing through the tissues located under the tongue.
However, as far as the long-term benefits of CBD treatment are concerned, both CBD tinctures, as well as CBD Oil, among various other methods of oral ingestion, work equally well.
As a rule of thumb, make sure to hold the CBD Oil/ CBD tincture under your tongue for a while (holding it for up to one minute should work beautifully), as to allow for Cannabidiol to pass through the tissues under the tongue more efficiently.
If you don’t feel comfortable holding the CBD Oil/tincture under your tongue because of the specific, kind of nutty, bitter aftertaste, then don’t hesitate to try out CBD capsules.
Quick Tip: DIY cannabis capsules are super easy to prep at home! Basically, all you need is high CBD cannabis flowers, coconut oil, and empty capsules, and you can bet that your efforts will be greatly rewarded!
Not the least, having fun with prepping your very own CBD-laced food and beverages can be a fantastic idea to make the most of what CannabidiolOil has to offer for your health and well-being without ingesting any of the unwanted compounds that can come along when smoking/dabbing CBD Oil, CBD concentrates, or high CBD flowers.
Don’t forget that you want to be mindful of the amount of CBD Oil or CBD flowers you choose to incorporate into your Cannabidiol medicated meals as to achieve the desired dose per serving.
To get your creative juices flowing, here’s a shortlist of CBD-infused treats to add to your DIY canna-Master Chef pinboard. As a rule of thumb, avoid exposing CBD Oil to high temperatures as not to harm its quality adversely, and stick to infusing it in meals that do not require being exposed to high thermal processing.
1. CBD-infused gummies
Perfect for precise CBD microdosing and ingesting on the go.
2. CBD-infused lollipops
Simply irresistible, easy to store for an extended period of time, and so fun and pleasurable to consume!
3. CBD-infused chocolate bar
Infusing chocolate with CBD Oil is a fairly enjoyable and beginner-friendly process that allows you to mind the dose per each serving without much of a fuss. Alternatively, you can try out adding CBD Oil into a batch of no-bake, healthy, paleo energy bites (just toss a handful of dates, nuts, and coconut oil into a blender, allow the mixture to cool and roll it into suitably sized balls, adding the desired amount of CBD oil into each healthy energy bite).
4. CBD-Infused smoothies
Reap a whole array of additional health benefits by adding CBD Oil into your favorite smoothies or smoothie bowls.
5. CBD-infused beverages
Give your average beverage a major healthy boost by dropping in the desired amount of CBD Oil and enjoy!
Short Summary of the Pros and Cons of Oral Methods for CBD Intake
Whether you choose to consume CBD Oil or CBD tincture by directly placing it under your tongue, or whether you choose to lace foods and beverages with CBD Oil, the effects that you are about to enjoy will slightly vary.
Sublingual methods of administration make up for wonderful ease of use as no extra tools are required. Furthermore, sublingual methods are 100% discreet, allowing you to ingest CBD Oil or CBD tincture anytime, anywhere. The experienced effects are longer-lasting than the effects experienced after smoking/vaping CBD, and nonetheless, it is effortless to control the amount you get to intake with each serving.
On the low side, sublingual methods of CBD consumption require more patience before you are able to achieve the same results every time, as these results tend to vary from person to person since oral ingestion necessitates a wide array of unique, strictly individual factors that affect the experienced effects upon use to be taken into consideration, such as your body mass index, the type of food you have consumed on a regular basis, your current physical and emotional mood, to name a few. Ingesting CBD Oil usually takes longer for the desired effects to be fully experienced.
Note: CBD tinctures often contain alcohol, as it is thanks to alcohol how the active compounds, including active cannabinoids, and nonetheless, terpenes and flavonoids, are concentrated and extracted. If you are trying to avoid alcohol for whatever reason, and even a few drops seem too much for you to handle, then you can simply opt for vegetable glycerin-based CBD tincture. In any case, we greatly encourage you to prep your very own CBD tincture, as this process requires only some very, very basic tools, and no fancy cooking steps involved, while granting you the invaluable opportunity to tailor the strength and potency of your CBD tincture based on your individual needs, taste, and preferences.
Video Source: Rickvanman – Variety Channel
As far as the pros and cons of infusing CBD mentation and genuine love for the green medication, you truly stand a chance of becoming CBD edibles and beverages guru.
Do mind that similarly to edibles infused with THC, the ones infused with CBD will also take anything from 1 ½ to 4 hours for the full effects to take place.
Even though CBD should not get you high, it is best to be careful about the dose you ingest orally with Cannabidiol-medicated foods and drinks and to always wait before consuming more as to understand better how your body and mind react.
For those who are just starting with making their way through oral methods of CBD oil consumption, CBD capsules are a safe bet, for you can easily microdose your intake while still enjoying long-lasting effects that usually kick in about 45 minutes (a bit faster than when consuming CBD-laced edibles or drinks), and without having to experience the distinct flavor of Cannabidiol Oil lingering on your palate.
Speaking of the distinct taste of Cannabidiol oil, if you can tolerate it well, then simply decarbing high CBD cannabis flowers and consuming them directly or by adding them into smoothies, salads, or any of your favorite recipes is a quick and super affordable way to enjoy the multiple benefits of CBD. Don’t forget that CBD concentrates can be decarbed and successfully used in cooking, too.
For people who want to make the most of CBD for sleep issues, anxiety, and arthritis, among others, edibles and beverages make a fantastic option. However, for those who want to target, for example, tight back or that dodgy knee, topical CBD solutions can make a better choice.
3. CBD Topical Application
Applying CBD oil directly onto your skin, whether it be pure Cannabidiol Oil or adding CBD Oil in DIY balms and ointments recipes is a fantastic idea.
Topical methods for CBD Oil applicationare definitely among the easiest ones you can choose to opt for,as you barely need any special tools to optimize your CBD routine.
All you have to do is to figure out the dosage you want, and then simply apply the needed amount onto your face, body, or hair.
Using CBD Oil topically can work wonders for addressing sore muscles, nasty skin conditions, such as acne, various hair-related issues, such as dandruff and/or hair fall, and nonetheless, migraines, among others.
CBD balms and ointments can be applied directly to any sore areas and localized pains, such as sore feet, or a sore neck, to name a few. Applying CBD Oil or CBD Oil-based topical solutions onto your temples is the way to go if you wish to achieve efficient migraines relief.
CBD Oil balms can bring lasting relief to chapped skin, including chapped lips, too.
Short Summary on the Pros and Cons of Applying CBD Oil Topically
Topical application of CBD Oil comes with ease of use, no extra tools required as in the case of inhaling CBD, and nonetheless, there is no chance of experiencing too potent effects than you wish to, since topical application is known to provide the mildest effects, compared with any of the other methods listed above.
For people who want to target chronic pain and sore muscles, as well as for those who are new to CBD treatment, applying topical CBD Oil solutions is a brilliant move.
On the downside, since topical CBD solutions come with rather mild effects, you may need to use more CBD to reach the desired strength. Also, even though the effects take place quite quickly, they also tend to wear off much faster than when it comes to inhaling CBD or ingesting it orally.
Full-spectrum CBD vs. Isolate
The types of CBD Oil available on the market can be broadly categorized into two major categories.
The first category is used to describe the source of CBD, which can be hemp plants or cannabis plants. CBD Oil extracted from high CBD cannabis plants flowers is superior to hemp-derived CBD oil because of carrying a broader spectrum of active compounds, and because of the related dangers of large-scale hemp production that increases the chances of possible contaminants ending in your bottle of CBD oil. The second category is full-spectrum CBD oil vs. CBD Isolate-based oil.
Although not fully validated from a scientific point of view, at least as of now, but bathing in high support from some of the most reputable scientists across the globe, including “the father of cannabis research,” Dr. Ralph Mechoulam, the human’s body absorbs the active compounds found in cannabis better, taking best advantage of a whole myriad of beneficial amalgam produced by the cannabis plant, including terpenes and other cannabinoids, typically found only in trace amounts, such as CBN, CBG, and CBC, when one is to opt for full-spectrum products.
Full-spectrum stands for “whole-plant” based products, and for those who want to make the most from treating with CBD Oil, full-spectrum is the superior choice. However, If you may be subjected to a drug test at work, then you need to opt for CBD isolate, as this type of CBD products is100% THC-free. Even though full-spectrum CBD Oil will not get you high, it does contain minor amounts of THC, which can inevitably mess things up in the case you are drug tested.
How Much CBD Should I Take
Because of the FDA still failing to establish formal nutritional guidelines for CBD Oil and any forms of CBD products due to the ongoing issues surrounding the national legalization of cannabis, CBD oil dosages often tend to be hard to calculate, and that’s especially true if it’s your first time medicating with Cannabidiol. As a rule of thumb, there is no RDI (Recommended Daily Intake) for CBD Oil, at least as of now. If you notice a recommended serving size noted on the label of your CBD oil, then you can be sure that these recommendations are created by the company selling the particular CBD product, and are not based on any existing standard guidelines or official research.
A bit confused on how much CBD oil should you take
Quintessentially, the answer depends on several highly individual factors.
The first one is the reason why you are taking CBD oil. The more severe the issues you want to target by using Cannabidiol, the higher the dosage you may need to take. Depending on whether you are taking CBD oil for seizures, cancer, or anxiety, you’ll simply need to use less or more accordingly.
The second one is your weight since, like any other compound you let enter your body, the amount of CBD that will work best for you is intricately related to your current weight.
Last but not least, the amount of CBD you want to use depends on the strength of CBD Oil (or other CBD product) you are about to ingest.
Before making any changes to your supplement intake, do make sure you consult with qualified experts for best results.
Also, do mind that just like any other plant-based treatment, you want to take CBD continuously for about 3 months before you will be able to experience the full array of beneficial effects to your mental and physical well-being.
The motto you should best keep in mind is to start low and go slow, especially since it is possible to take too much CBD.
Fortunately, you cannot fatally overdose on CBD. However, there are some possible negative side effects related with ingesting higher amounts of CBD Oil than needed, and although these adverse effects only occur very rarely, it is imperative that you are well-familiar with them for your best sake.
The few negative side effects associated with high doses of CBD include temporary drowsiness, upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, and/or lethargy. And since the exact amounts of CBD that can lead to these unwanted effects remain unknown up-to-date, starting low and going slow is a sure way to keep yourself out of trouble. Pay attention to the way your body reacts to using CBD Oil, and feel free to steadily increase the dose over time until you reach the desired results.
For instance, if you have a 50 ml bottle of CBD oil that comes with a total of 2500 mg CBD in total (that’s 50 mg/ml in summary), then the bottle contains about 2300 drops in total. If your approximate body weight is 132 Ibs, the minimum recommended starter dose in this particular example is 3 drops every 6-8 hours or so, while the average dose suitable for more experienced cannabis users is almost triple, summing down to about 8 drops administrated every 6-8 hours or so.
In the case a person weighs about 220 Ibs, then taking best advantage of a 50 ml CBD bottle featuring 2500 mg CBD in total should be achieved with a minimum starter dose of 4 drops every 6-8 hours or so, vs. an average dose of 8 drops every 6-8 hours.
Then again, minding your dosage with CBD is a huge part of mastering the art of the best ways to use Cannabidiol Oil, as well as any other CBD-laced products.
Working with a consistent concentration of CBD makes it easy to find out what dose works best for YOU. When taking CBD capsules, it is recommended to start with 25 mg per day, and eventually, slowly increase in steady 25 mg increments until you find the perfect dosage for your needs and preferences.
When it comes to the amount of CBD you will get to intake if you are to opt for consuming dried cannabis flowers instead of CBD oil, then keep in mind 1 gram of 10% CBD flower contains a total of 100 mg CBD, and this particular amount should be considered a suitable average dose. However, for beginners, stick with no more than 50 mg of CBD per day obtained from smoking/vaping/cooking high CBD flowers is a good idea. The dose can be customized to your personal preferences accordingly later on as you note how your body reacts. In any case, if at some point you feel that 5 grams a day work best for you, then you should have no worries to go for it. After all, CBD and THC do differ a lot, and if smoking/vaping 5 grams of high THC flowers a day tends to exceed the average norm, so to say, the case with possibly smoking 5 grams of CBD is divergent.
CBD Oil and Terpenes: Maximizing and Individualizing the Benefits of Cannabidiol
To start with, it is important not to mix way too many herbal solutions while you are taking CBD, as doing so may have adverse effects on your body’s ability to fully synthesize the multiple different active compounds you are exposing it to.
However, since CBD is part of the well-over 500 active compounds produced by the cannabis plant, one of your best bets when it comes to ingesting other herbal solutions while treating with CBD is to opt for plants that are naturally rich in essential oils, hence, naturally rich in terpenes, as to boost the synergistic action of active cannabinoids and terpenes on your body and mind.
Fast forward to re-introducing terpenes when ingesting CBD Oil, as we already briefly mentioned at the very beginning of this article, this is one of the smartest and most brilliant ways to maximize the benefits of the entourage effect. While broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD oil products come with the complete variety of terpenes, intensifying the entourage effect and often working much better than pure THC or CBD isolate, the truth is, terpenes do not necessarily have to come directly from the cannabis plant.
Quintessentially, terpenes are omnipresent in nature, and they can be extracted from many plants. Up-to-date, there are over 90 varieties of high-quality essential oils you can choose to use in order to magnify your health in one way or another. If inhaled or absorbed through the skin concurrently with CBD oil, the terpenes contained within various essential oils can easily augment the entourage effect, also known as the ensemble effect. Do mind that you want to opt for essential oils that contain the same type of terpenes found in the cannabis plant, such as Myrcene, Pinene, Limonene, Linalool, Eucalyptol, Geraniol, and Caryophillene, among others.
Not the least, remember the terpenes are not merely a booster to other active compounds found in cannabis, including but not limited to Cannabidiol.
Terpenes, whether it comes to the ones found in various essential oils or in cannabis, are known to spur activity in the limbic system. The limbic system is a part of the brain that is in charge of regulating a whole multitude of crucial functions, such as emotions, long-term memory, and behavior. Not the least, the limbic system is responsible for maintaining several activities that are unconscious yet vital to our well-being, such as heart rate, blood flow, and breathing.
Several types of essential oils that can help you make the best use of CBD Oil include but are not limited to Peppermint essential oil, Cinnamon essential oil, Clover essential oil, Black Pepper essential oil, Orange essential oil, Lemongrass essential oil, Eucalyptol essential oil, and Lavender essential oil. Terpenes are also found in various herbs and veggies, for instance, in mangoes, rosemary, and basil, so feel free to add more of these mighty health warriors to your regime as to maximize the benefits of CBD Oil.
Even though the Western approach to medicine tends to overlook the importance of all the holistic aspects that define good health, the cannabis plant is here to teach us immortal, ancient secrets about holistic health, and especially as we get to understand more about what terpenes have to do when it comes to defining the personality of a cannabis strain, so to say. Simply put, even if two high CBD cannabis varieties may have the same cannabinoid profile, for instance, both featuring 8% of THC and 8% of CBD on an average, they can actually induce quite different effects, all based on the types of terpenes present in the two strains.
Quick Tip: Taking best advantage of the benefits of terpenes with a mind to boosting the healing properties of CBD, and/or individualizing the desired effects of Cannabidiol can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially if you get down to making your very own CBD Oil using high CBD cannabis flowers, and additionally implementing the desired essential oil for personalized benefits.
For instance, if the major goal of taking CBD Oil is to address insomnia, then Myrcene can help you boost the sedating, deeply relaxing effects of CBD oil intake. Just add wild thyme essential oil (make sure you only use edible-grade essential oils!) to your homemade CBD oil or CBD tincture, and you can make Myrcene work in your best restful sleep favor (for the record, wild thyme leaves are known to contain up to 40% of Myrcene by weight). For enhancing the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of CBD Oil, you can take advantage of essential oils high in Alpha Humulene, such as Basil and/or Cloves essential oil
Health Benefits of CBD Oil: A Crisp, Short, Concise and Precise Summar
1. Anti-depression
2. Anti-anxiety
3. Promote restful sleep
4. Anti-stress
5. Anti-inflammatory
6. Pain management
7. Sore/tensed muscles
8. Antibacterial
9. Anti-cancer
10. Anti-dandruff
11. Anti-acne
12. Weight management
13. Diabetes management
Although the health benefits of CBD Oil need further scientific validation, which is still impossible to achieve because of the illegal status of cannabis in many states and countries, the number of anecdotal evidence of the almost too-good-to-be-true therapeutic properties of Cannabidiol keep growing literally every single minute.
While some skeptics claim that CBD is nothing less but diet weed, it really seems that there is much more to Cannabidiol than merely another fancy fad (or marketing trick), since the millions of happy users are the most solid evidence possible that CBD can and does provide an array of invaluable health-enhancing uses to mankind, regardless of users’ sex, background, color of skin, religion, or age, among other factors unique for every person.
However, as with any other health-enhancing, all-natural substances, one must not neglect the need for embracing a healthy lifestyle routine, such as eating local, fresh, clean food, and regularly participating in physical activities, as CBD alone could not possibly outperform a bad diet or bad habits in general
