CBD, or cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive, naturally-occurring chemical present in cannabis. Its usage is continuing to grow in the UK, with a variety of methods being used to take the product. Not only can CBD be added to food, it is also used in cosmetics and shampoos; it is a completely legal and versatile natural product used extensively throughout the UK.
CBD Oil
One of the most popular methods to take CBD oil is orally. Harvesting CBD oil is done in a variety of ways, including CO2 extraction, whereby CO2 is passed through the plant at a warm temperature. This method is often considered the safest (it removes all impurities on the plant) and most effective for harvesting the purest CBD oil. Other methods include Ethanol Extraction, which collects CBD oil using high-grain alcohol, but this can often damage the plant. The third method is extraction via a carrier oil, such as olive oil; this method is becoming increasingly popular because it gives the added benefit of other oils within the product. When the oil is ingested orally, the supplement is absorbed by the liver.
A number of CBD oils have added oils to help thin the product, making it easier to consume from spray bottles; these bottles are widely used to take CBD oil, but can also be transferred to capsules and consumed as pills. Whilst CBD oil can be taken on its own, it can also be added to various foods too.
If CBD oil is ingested sublingually, it means that the oil is held under the tongue for approximately 90 seconds for maximised effect. When this method is adopted, the supplement reaches the bloodstream faster as it bypasses the digestion process. Mucus in the mouth absorbs the oil faster than it is digested, making interaction with the endocannabinoid system in the body quicker and more efficient than simple oral consumption.
CBD Tinctures
Tinctures are made using high grade alcohol or vegetable glycerin. CBD tinctures are usually combined with hemp oil to create a similar grade supplement to CBD oils. However, the concentration of this is usually lower than pure CBD oil, but they are usually taken in the same way: by pipette/spray or added to food. As CBD tinctures contain a lower percentage of CBD than the concentrated oils, they are cheaper and great for those new to CBD products.
CBD Cosmetics & Hygiene
An increasingly popular method of CBD intake is by cosmetic use. CBD oil can be added to face-wash, cream, balms and shampoo to create specialist cosmetic goods. The supplement can be mixed with shea butter, coconut oil and other natural products, as well as added manually to shop-bought shampoos and soaps. Topical supplements (creams and lotions) are applied directly to the skin. The active ingredients are absorbed into skin cells rather than directly into the bloodstream.
Vaping CBD
CBD oil can be consumed in the same way as conventional vaporizers. Vaping CBD is considered to be the most economical way of consuming the supplement. This is because the oil is absorbed into the bloodstream via the lungs, instead of passing through the gut and liver (as the eaten supplement does). A vaporizer heats CBD oil to its optimum temperature, releasing compounds present in the supplement. Vaping makes the process faster and more efficient than other methods; it uses less CBD oil per dosage. CBD supplements used for vaping contain CBD e-liquid that is infused with vegetable glycerin or propylene glycol. As with conventional vaping, CBD vaping oil comes in a variety of flavours to satisfy all tastes.
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