Step 3: How to select a CBD or other cannabinoid product

You want to try CBD, but you are having trouble deciding which product to choose...

The good news is there are many CBD products to choose from, but it can be a little  overwhelming. So does it really make a difference which one you try?

Yes, it can. Depending on your goal, the product you choose can certainly affect the results you achieve. Personal preference should also be considered. Basically all cannabinoid products, including CBD can be divided into basic categories based on how you use the product, how quickly the effects of the product take place and how long they last.

The first category is oral products:

Ingestible or edible products are identified as any product that is swallowed, thus entering the gastrointestinal system (your gut) and metabolized by the liver before entering the bloodstream. This category includes products such as capsules, tinctures/oil infusions, food products and beverages. The time it takes to first feel any effects (called onset of action) averages from 30 minutes to 2 or more hours and the effects can last (called duration of action) from 6 to 8 hours. Categorized by “slow in and slow out”, ingested products take the longest amount of time to take effect, but they also last the longest.

Mucosal is the second oral category and these products are identified by their absorption into the bloodstream via the mucous membranes inside your mouth. Absorption can be sublingual (under the tongue) or buccal (between your cheek and gums). This category includes tinctures/oil infusions, lozenges or other dissolvables and sprays. Onset of action averages 15 to 60 minutes and duration of action averages 4 to 6 hours. These products are middle ground when it comes to onset and duration, between ingestible products and inhalable products.

Next are the inhalable products, identified by their absorption into the bloodstream via the lungs. This category includes products that are smoked or vaporized such as flower, oil or concentrates. Onset of action is immediate to several minutes and duration is 1 to 2 hours at the most. Categorized by “fast in and fast out”, inhalable products have the fastest onset of action as well as the shortest duration.

Topical products are applied externally, directly to the skin. They differ from other product categories in that they do not enter the bloodstream, thus providing a localized versus systemic effect. This category includes lotions, salves, balms, bath products, lip balms and other skincare products.

Two other categories that are not as commonly seen are suppositories and transdermal applications. Suppositories are inserted rectally, vaginally or into the urethra.The suppository dissolves or melts and provides localized and systemic effects. Transdermal patches or gels while applied externally, directly to the skin like lotions, balms, etc. of the topical category, are specially formulated with chemical enhancers that enable the product to penetrate and be absorbed into the bloodstream for systemic effects.

Step three complete! Now you can identify products by category which can help you narrow down the options that may align best with your health and wellness goals as well as your personal preferences.

Disclaimer Note To Readers:

This information is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as medical advice or to be any form of medical treatment and its use is at the discretion and good judgement of the reader. Consult your designated healthcare provider before changing any part of your current medical treatment including supplements, diets, and medications. Please see our website for additional information such as the FDA disclosure.