What is the Most Effective Way to Take CBD?

Thinking about taking CBD? Don’t know whether to go for CBD oil, gummies, cream, etc.? Don’t worry – we are here to help. In this article, we will tell you the most effective way of taking CBD safely.

With an array of available consumption methods, many people are eager to discover which is the ‘best method or is the one that maximizes the benefit. To be reasonably honest, each method has its fair share of pros and cons. 

However, certain differentiating factors of each method include the lengths of onset and duration times, level of bio-availability, and ease in consumption. We have reviewed the best CBD products available in the market as well that you can take depending on which method of intake you choose.

Want to learn more? Keep Reading!

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  • All-natural
  • Lab-graded
  • Soy-free
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Cannabidiol, mostly abbreviated as CBD, has found a lot of success among customers in the dietary supplement market. Lots of clinical studies have backed the use of CBD as an effective remedy for several issues.

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    Best CBD Products in 2024 – Comparison Table

    Best CBD Products in 2024

    In this section, we review the Top 10 CBD products available in the market.

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    Cannabidiol, mostly abbreviated as CBD, has found a lot of success among customers in the dietary supplement market. Lots of clinical studies have backed the use of CBD as an effective remedy for several issues. 

    Be it treating complex mental disorders or helping sleep peacefully at night, CBD products have become the go-to for most people nowadays. Probably the most common way to consume CBD is via oils. 

    This lab-grade 750mg variant of Spruce’s CBD oil is a nice option for beginners. Processed from the finest grade hemp and verified by strict lab evaluations, this product guarantees maximum efficacy. It comes in 25ml packaging with a refreshing peppermint flavor.

    PROS

    • All-natural
    • Lab-graded
    • Soy-free
    • Non-GMO

    CONS

    • 0.3% THC 
    • Can be picked up in drug tests

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    Some users dislike the use of regular oils and creams. The best thing about Spruce is that it has managed to cater to all types of customers. Formulating an option amid oils and creams, Spruce introduced their CBD salves. 

    It is kind of an oily cream, like Vaseline but slightly firmer. These CBD salves cater to high-end users with greater potencies. The salves are available in two different variants - 1000mg and 2000mg in 0.87oz and 1.7oz jars respectively.  The ingredients are safe, natural and very simple.

    PROS

    • All-organic
    • Higher potencies
    • Lab-graded
    • Non-GMO

    CONS

    • 0.3% THC content
    • Contains allergens (coconut traces)

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    Different people have different preferences and ways to use a product. Some users prefer old-school creams over oily salves. Spruce has the answer to this problem in the form of their CBD Topical creams. 

    The Spruce CBD topical cream is completely easy to use. It needs to be applied to the skin over the target area and it’ll work its magic. The regular 2oz jar of topical cream guarantees 300mg of CBD kick. 

    It is an all-natural product derived from the finest-grade hemp and a touch of coconut oil. The creams are evaluated by local and independent labs to verify quality.

    PROS

    • Plant-based
    • Easy application
    • Lab-tested
    • Non-GMO

    CONS

    • Can be picked up in drug tests (0.3% THC)
    • Contains allergens (coconut traces)

    Cheef Botanicals has garnered a reputation owing to the quality and innovation they bring in their products. Even though other brands also offer CBD in the form of edibles, Cheef has perfected its version of CBD edibles. 

    They use the safest ingredients to deliver the best quality products to their users. Completely free from gluten or dairy ingredients, their CBD edibles guarantee the optimum kick of CBD to users, without giving the “high” feeling. 

    Finest-grade hemp sourced from their own Colorado farms is used in this product. The hemp is processed via the carbon dioxide extraction method which preserves its quality.  They have a variety of options, ranging from 300mg edibles for beginners to 3000mg edibles for high-end users.

    PROS

    • Gluten-free
    • Dairy-free
    • Various potencies
    • Lab-graded

    CONS

    • Contains minor traces of THC
    • Can alert drug tests

    Vaping has become very trendy in recent times, mostly among young adults. Cheef Botanicals used this opportunity to full effect by producing CBD e-juices to cater to the customers that were fond of vaping. 

    The e-juices come in small cartridges that can be used with basically any common vaping device. The cartridges come equipped with a high-end atomizer that makes them compatible with any regular vaping device. 

    Cheef Botanicals offers an extensive list of flavors for its e-juices. Customers have the option to choose from 20+ exciting flavors like caramel macchiato and mango. Batteries and a charging device can also be purchased separately. 

    The process of vaping is as effective as using topicals or oils, delivering just the right amount of CBD to the body.

    PROS

    • 20+ Exciting flavors
    • Organic e-juice
    • Easy to use
    • Lab-graded

    CONS

    • Contains 0.3% THC
    • Can alert drug tests.

    CBDistillery was established in 2016 with the motive of bringing quality and innovation to the CBD supplement market. The brand has garnered a good audience, which speaks numbers about its quality. 

    Using CBD oils can be hefty for some folks, considering the hassle of measuring the right dosage using droppers. CBDistillery has provided the users with the hassle-free option of CBD pills that are pre-measured and completely organic like other forms of supplements. 

    The pills have gelatin shells and are easily digestible. Optimum amounts of CBD are measured and put in each pill to provide a consistent dose.

    The pills are available in bottles having 30 and 60 pills. The product is made from non-GMO ingredients and is evaluated by third-party labs to validate authenticity. It is safe and reliable for use.

    PROS

    • Easily Digestible pills
    • Organic formula
    • Easy intake
    • Lab-graded

    CONS

    • Contains 0.3% of THC
    • Drug tests can return positive.

    While oils and pills can be considered old-school by certain customers, CBDistillery offers another form of CBD supplements – Gummies. The gummies are a sweet and exciting shift from the traditional intake methods for CBD supplements. 

    They are available in 30mg and 150mg potencies. One variant of the gummies aids in nighttime sleep while the other variant is for everyday use. The gummies are made from the finest hemp, sourced from the brand’s farms in Colorado. 

    They employ the carbon dioxide extraction method to formulate cannabidiol from the hemp, to preserve the freshness and quality. You need not worry about the product quality, as all products undergo strict lab evaluations. The brand uses safe and non-GMO ingredients.

    PROS

    • Sweet flavor
    • All-organic formula
    • Pre-measured gummies
    • Two different potencies

    CONS

    • Contains 0.3% of THC
    • Drug tests can return positive.

    CBD isolate powders are yet another exciting innovation in the already versatile range of CBD product types. The nutritionists at CBDistillery have carefully crafted this product after extensive research and experiments. The product does not contain any other active ingredient except for anhydrous hemp oil. 

    The best thing about isolate powders is that they can be added to any food or drink. This makes the intake method easy and effective. Each gram of the isolate powder furnishes approx. 970 mg of CBD. 

    Another exciting feature about this product is that it has 0.00% of THC which is very unique. The product is thoroughly evaluated for quality and verification against any harmful or allergic ingredients.

    PROS

    • Zero THC content
    • All-organic 
    • Can be mixed in any food/drink
    • Lab-grade

    CONS

    • Expensive

    Charlotte’s Web is another well-reputed name that leads the CBD supplement market with its effective products. Oils and powders can prove a hassle for many folks, considering the fact the right dose has to be measured every time. 

    Charlotte’s Web’s premeasured capsules are a very good alternative for people who want a CBD supplement that can be taken easily on the go. The all-organic capsules are made from only 2 active ingredients. 

    One is the extra virgin olive oil which acts as the carrier oil in the liquid capsules, and the second is the cannabidiol. The CBD is derived from hemp using the carbon dioxide extraction process. This specific process is used to preserve the freshness of the product.

    PROS

    • Organic
    • Vegan Friendly 
    • Pre-measured capsules
    • Lab-grade
    • Non-preservatives

    CONS

    • 0.3% THC

    Lazarus Naturals is one of the reputable names in the CBD business. Their teams of skilled professionals crafted these CBD tinctures after a ton load of research and studies. Their tinctures are high in potency and pack the extra punch that high-end CBD users look for. 

    The tinctures are made from premium hemp seed oil which is sourced from the finest-grade hemp. The hemp is grown in Lazarus’ farms. Lazarus goes the extra mile by suspending the hempseed oil in MCT coconut oil which creates a very light formula but with greater potency. 

    The packaging comes with a dedicated dropper that can be used to measure the optimum dosage.

    PROS

    • Natural
    • Comes with a dropper
    • High potency
    • Third-party tested

    CONS

    • 0.3% THC
    • Contains traces of coconut oil, can prove allergic

    What is the Most Effective Way to Take CBD?

    What is CBD?

    CBD, also known as Cannabidiol, is one of the many different kinds of cannabinoids found in hemp and cannabis plants. With time, CBD has proven to be a natural remedy for many issues like seizures, muscle aches, anxiety, and lack of sleep. 

    Thus, due to its multiple uses and growing demand, there are now multiple ways of consuming it. 

    Methods of CBD Intake

    Each method of intake is designed to fulfill the unique needs of individual consumers, since not every method will prove to be ideal for each consumer. For simplicity, we will make a broad division of the types of methods which include:

    1. Ingestion
    2. Topical
    3. Sublingual
    4. Inhalation

    While all these four methods are different, here are a few essential points to consider before choosing any of them:

    • Lab-Tested 

    It is important to note that currently, CBD products are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Hence, it is essential to check at the time of purchase if the product has been lab-tested by a third party. 

    This task is essential in knowing the safety level of the product you are about to consume.

    • The Spectrum of the CBD

    While buying, please ensure that the products are made with broad-spectrum or full oil instead of distillate or isolate. This is so that no compromise on health benefits is made. However, Broad-spectrum oils contain most cannabinoids, but unlike full spectrum, they generally do not contain THC. 

    Full and broad-spectrum products tend to be less processed, which means some of cannabis's volatile organic compounds are preserved and provide health benefits at the time of consumption. 

    Now that we have established the basic buying procedure, let us dive into WHAT to buy, which of course, is determined by the type of method that suits you best. 

    Let’s first start with Ingestion

    • Ingestion 

    This is one of the easiest and safest ways of consuming CBD through edibles. In this, you can simply swallow some CBD oil, and if the taste does not suit well, then other methods of Ingestion can be used. 

    Some other CBD edibles include gummies, truffles, mints, lollipops, CBD oil, etc. They are the most discreet methods of taking CBD, especially if you want to consume it while you are preoccupied or at a public place.

    While resorting to this method, just be well aware of the amount of time this method requires to be effective. Do not overdose yourself in the expectation of an instant result. Take a small quantity and then wait for a few hours to check how you feel before consuming more of it. 

    Pros of Ingestion

    • Hassle-free consumption

    CBD gummies, truffles, mints, lollipops can be easily consumed at any place at any time. No heavy bottles, water, or smoking areas need to be found. A simple small box of these items can be kept in handy bags. 

    • Variety

    Edibles offer you a lot of variety, from gummies, truffles, mints, lollipops to simply adding the oil to your favorite food. There is no one particular method you need to resort to; you have much variety to pick the best option from. 

    • Discreet

    Edibles, as stated previously, are one of the most discreet ways to consume CBD. They are odorless, portable, and silent. Hence, you can easily have them at work, in your car, at the mall-just anywhere you want. 

    • Effect lasts long

    While edibles take their time to kick in, their effect indeed lasts for long - almost 12 hours off a single serving. 

    • Easy to measure and keep track

    CBD gummies, truffles, mints, and lollipops are usually easy to measure. You can easily keep track of the dosage, for example, two gummies per day. No measuring cups etc, are needed. Just simply count and munch on, and you are good to go!

    Now, like every other method, this method, too, has its fair amount of caveats. Let us have a look at some of those.

    Cons of Ingestion

    • Takes time to start working

    As stated previously, edibles are not very rapid in starting their job. They take a fair amount of time to take effect. Hence, in the case where you look for some rapid reaction or solution, edibles are not the go-to method then. 

    • First-pass effect

    Edibles might not only take more time to effect but are sometimes ineffective too. As per research, Edibles take a few hours to start effecting, and once they do, one absorbs about 20 to 30 percent of the CBD consumed, hence total effectivity is hindered. 

    You are now in an excellent position to analyze if this method suits you or not! Go on to discover the second method now.

    • Topical Applications

    Some people are not comfortable eating anything similar to medicine. Or even inhaling, which is another method that we will discuss further. It is okay, do not worry if you are one of those. 

    You can resort to applying creams and balms. Yes, you heard that right! CBD creams and balms. The process is straightforward and self-explanatory from the title given above. All you have to do is apply CBD lotions, balms, creams, salves, and transdermal patches on the affected areas of your skin that might be suffering from sore muscles, skin conditions, or simple migraines in which you just have to massage the balm well on your temples.

    Now let us look over the pros and cons of this method to evaluate better if this suits your need or not.

    Pros of Topical Application

    • Not subject to the first-pass effect

    Unlike the ingestion method, this method is not susceptible to the first pass effect and so can be more effective in some instances like that of sore muscles. 

    • Easy to use

    All you have to do is apply the cream or balm to the affected area. And for this, all you require is prior experience of applying any simple cream, lotion, or even a makeup product. We are sure you have done that before, hence, this method should be super easy for you. No hassle!

    • Direct Application

    You just have to apply CBD on the affected area rather than bombarding the entire body with it. No need to affect the entire body when just a small area of skin is affected demands CBD. 

    • Added Odors

    Different flavors of CBD lotion-like Apple etc, are available. Hence, you have a variety to choose from and can smell great. It also works as an excellent alternative to regular lotions when the body requires CBD. 

    Cons of Topical Application

    • Hard to measure

    Unlike edibles, cream and balms are hard to measure. No certain measure can be kept on the amount of cream and balm that is being applied each day, and so variations can occur. 

    Extreme variations, which are unlikely, can cause unwanted health problems.

    • Low Absorption

    Unlike edibles CBD, is not directly reaching inside your body. The skin acts as a barrier, thereby lowering the absorption rate. Hence, more CBD will be needed to get the same results as achieved in other methods. 

    Now let us head on to our third method, which is sublingual.

    • Sublingual

    Edibles, like CBD gummies and lollipops, usually contain sugar and other preservatives along with CBD, which some of you might not want. Hence to get away from the unwanted intake of sugar and other preservatives, you can always resort to the sublingual method.

    Sublingual is said to be the most effective and prevalent method of taking CBD. In simpler words, sublingual is just applying sublingual CBD products under your tongue for about sixty to ninety seconds before you swallow it. Sublingual CBD products include tinctures, which are solutions made by soaking the cannabis flower in oil, alcohol sprays, oils, etc. 

    However, we understand that keeping something under the tongue might be a source of discomfort for some of you. Do not worry, if that is the case. It is entirely normal to feel so, and that is why other forms of intake exist. 

    But if you are fortunate enough not to feel so, you should carefully read the high benefits and a few disadvantages of this method.

    Pros of Sublingual Method

    • Rapid action

    Sublingual products are usually rapid action products. Unlike the other two aforementioned methods, sublingual products take around 10-15 minutes to start their effect throughout the body. So, when you are in search of a quick heal, you now definitely know what to choose. 

    • Better Absorption Rate

    Since Sublingual products are not eaten, which means the users do not face metabolism issues. Moreover, they are not applied on the skin, where skin acts as a barrier for intake in the body. Instead, they are directly put into the body and so they have high absorption and, therefore, high effectiveness.

    • Highly effective

    Because CBD Sublingual products simultaneously have both a high absorption and quick effectivity rate, they are deemed as the most efficient way of consuming CBD.

    • Discreet

    Like other methods, this method too is easy to execute. Just keep a small bottle in your pocket or purse and use it whenever the need is, be that in your office or a mall. Just apply some CBD oil under your tongue and keep it there for sixty seconds.

    Cons of Sublingual Method

    • Difficult to measure

    Sublingual products, unlike edibles, are challenging to measure. Hence, keeping an accurate track of daily doses can get tricky at times.

    • Discomfort

    Not everyone is comfortable holding CBD under their tongue for a minute or so. Some might feel nauseous while doing so. 

    • Effects last for a short time

    Although Sublingual products are quick to react, their effect usually lasts for a shorter time, unlike that of gummies. Hence, more doses might have to be taken in this case. 

    Now let us move to our last method.

    • Vaping and Smoking 

    Another less common way of intaking CBD is through inhaling it. This can be done in multiple ways, such as inhaling CBD concentrates such as sugar waxes with any sort of vape or using a vaporizer with a cartridge that contains CBD oil. 

    You should choose the method that’s most comfortable for you. While this method is effective because you can absorb around 30-60 percent of the CBD in ten minutes or less, it needs to be evaluated well before you decide to go with it. For that, let us have a fair pro and con analysis.

    Pros of Vaping 

    • High Absorption Rate

    Unlike edibles, vape is not eaten, which means they do not face metabolism issues, nor applied on the skin, where skin acts as a barrier for intake in the body. Instead, it is directly inhaled into the body, and in ten minutes or less, you can absorb around 30-60 percent of the CBD. 

    This means this method has a very high absorption rate.

    • Routine task for daily consumers of Vape

    For those who already smoke or vape, this method is super easy. They do not have to go through the effort of convincing themselves to do something different, like having gummies or applying creams. They simply can consume CBD through vaping or smoking.

    Cons of Vaping

    • Not the safest method

    Smoking CBD can expose one to carcinogens. For those of you who do not know, a carcinogen is an agent that can cause cancer in individuals exposed to that agent. 

    Furthermore, smoking CBD vape cartridges that are made with thinning agents that can cause detrimental effects on lung tissue. Hence, this method is not the most ideal and safest one.

    • Short effectivity rate

    Although this method has a high absorption rate, its effectiveness does not last for very long, and frequent doses need to be taken for a significant duration of effectiveness.

    • Not very discreet

    It cannot be practiced everywhere. Smoking areas need to be found for this method.

    FAQs

    How many methods of intake of CBD are there?

    There are four methods of intake of CBD, each of which we have listed and explained above in detail.

    Which method is best for me?

    One of the most serious and legitimate questions is which method one should use. The brutal truth is that no one method can be deemed as the best. Go through the pros and cons of each method that we have listed above and choose the method which you think is perfect for you.

    Most Effective Way to Take CBD – Final Word

    We have tried our best to provide you with all the methods and their pros and cons. Now your job is to carefully examine all these points and determine which method you think would suit you best. This obviously would be dependent on the type of issue you have, the severity of the issue, the regularity of your dosage, and your comfort level.

    Based on these factors, pick the method you think would be best suited to the given problem and have a test and trial approach. The practical examination is unarguably the best way to determine which method would suit you the best. 

    Stay safe and healthy, folks!