5 Different Methods for Taking CBD: How do They Compare?

CBD users and scientific studies suggest that CBD is an effective treatment for a wide range of conditions. But the effectiveness of CBD depends largely on the method in which it’s consumed.

Should you pop some CBD gummies, carry around a vape pen, or squeeze out some ointment?

Whether you want to take CBD for anxiety or eczema, you need to know how each delivery method measures up. Let’s take a look at the different methods for taking CBD and which one will bring the most benefit to your life.

5 Different Methods for Taking CBD

From CBD-infused makeup to crispy chocolate balls to smokable CBD flower, there is an ever-growing number of ways to take cannabidiol (CBD). Today, we’re going to compare the 5 most popular methods for taking CBD.

Sublingual Drops/Sprays

Sublingual CBD drops and sprays are more commonly referred to as “CBD oil.” The way you take CBD oil is by spraying it directly into your mouth or placing it under your tongue using a dropper.

How it works: When taking CBD oil, CBD enters your bloodstream almost immediately as it’s absorbed via capillaries in the tissue of your gums. This means you’ll feel the effects quickly and get more CBD in your bloodstream than you would by digesting it.

However, some of the CBD oil will end up being swallowed and digested (though this isn’t necessarily a bad thing). In the end, some CBD will affect you right away, and the rest will process slowly over the next 5-6 hours.

Is it right for you?: Sublingual sprays and drops are some of the most popular methods for taking CBD because they are said to relieve many conditions such as pain, anxiety, gastrointestinal issues, glaucoma, epilepsy, insomnia, and more. If you’re trying CBD for the first time, CBD oil is a great choice.

Vape Products

Vape products contain a heating element that turns CBD into a vapor which the user inhales. Vape products include disposable vape pens and vape juice which can be added to a vape rig.

How it works: By inhaling CBD, you absorb it instantly via the lungs and feel the effects right away. This is the best way to feel the relaxing “buzz” that CBD can produce. Remember to hold the vapor in your lungs for a few seconds before exhaling. The more vapor you exhale, the less CBD you’ve absorbed.

Is it right for you?: Vaping CBD is a great way to feel immediate relief, making it an ideal choice for quick pain relief, panic attacks, and nausea. But when inhaling CBD, the effects only tend to last 10-30 minutes (opposed to 5-6 hours from digesting CBD). Vape products are good for “emergency” situations and as-needed use, but not for chronic conditions.

Topical and Transdermal

Topical and transdermal products are applied to the skin, not ingested. Topical products include creams, balms, and salves. Transdermal products are patches (similar to a nicotine patch).

How they work: Topical products are rubbed on the skin, and the CBD is then absorbed into the skin, affecting the local area. Some CBD will enter the bloodstream, but you’ll feel most of the benefits directly where you’ve applied the product.

Transdermal patches deliver CBD directly into the bloodstream via the skin. The difference from topical creams, lotions, etc. is that patches release CBD over several hours or even days. Patches can provide benefits to the local area and to the whole body for long periods of time.

Are they right for you?: Topical products work locally, so they are recommended for joint pain, muscle pain, and inflammation of the skin. Transdermal patches are good for chronic, localized pain (back pain, knee pain) and for other chronic issues. The only downside of patches is that they can be expensive.

Capsules and Tablets

Capsules and tablets are CBD pills. They are swallowed just like a common vitamin.

How it works: CBD capsules are broken down by the stomach and pass through the digestive tract. Once they reach the intestines, the CBD they contain is absorbed into the bloodstream.

There are pros and cons of digesting CBD. The biggest benefit is that the effects last a long time (5-6 hours). But some of the CBD will inevitably be lost on its way to the intestines, which means the rate of absorption is low compared to other methods for taking CBD.

Is it right for you?: Taking CBD capsules is discreet and easy. It is ideal for chronic issues and digestive problems, though it won’t help you feel immediate relief, as it takes up to an hour for the CBD to enter your system.

Infused Food or Beverages

Infused food or beverages such as CBD gummies and smoothies are usually made with CBD oil or CBD powder. Just eat (or drink) to enjoy the benefits of CBD.

How they work: CBD infused food and beverages deliver CBD to your bloodstream in the same way as CBD capsules (via the digestive tract). For this reason, the effects are not immediate, though they may be a bit quicker to arrive compared to capsules, especially if you drink CBD or eat it with good fats (CBD is fat-soluble).

Are they right for you?: If you want long-lasting benefits from CBD and a tasty treat, CBD infused foods and beverages are the way to go. But expect to pay a premium for a delicious delivery method.

Other Important Factors

Understanding the different methods for taking CBD is important for treating your condition and enjoying the CBD life, but there are other factors to consider as well. Don’t forget to read up on proper CBD dosage and the best CBD brands before making your final decision. And, as always, check with your doctor before trying any new supplements!