CBD comes in many forms, from vaporizer oils to creams and capsules. Each delivery method has its advantages and disadvantages, with the main difference being each bioavailability. Bioavailability refers to the amount of CBD that can be absorbed into the body and defines how much of the substance you need to get the desired effect. The most effective method of getting a substance into the bloodstream is through the veins and will guarantee 100% bioavailability.
Oral consumption
Oral consumption means taking it in the mouth and allowing the active ingredient to release through digestion. CBD edibles and capsules like those found at White Label CBD are both in this category and offer one of the simplest methods to get the substance into your system. The main issue with taking CBD orally is that a large amount will be filtered out by the intestines, meaning that 4% to 20% will be absorbed.
Sublingual consumption
Taking a substance to be absorbed under the tongue is known as taking it sublingually, as it will enter directly into the bloodstream through the sublingual gland. Typical dosage forms that can be taken in this manner are CBD sprays and drops, and they offer a higher bioavailability than oral methods. Studies have found that the amount of CBD that’s absorbed when using this method is between 12% – 35%, making it far more efficient than oral or topical application.
Vaporizing
Using CBD in special oil made to be heated can be added to a vaporizer and inhaled directly into the lungs. The CBD can then enter the bloodstream with a high bioavailability of around 35% – 55% or even higher, making it one of the most effective ways to take CBD. The increased bioavailability makes the cost per effective dose significantly lower than other methods, making this method one of the cheapest. For instance, if you were to use a CBD edible with 500 mg of CBD for $50, which will have a 10% absorption rate at best, you’ll be paying $1 per mg. If you were to pay the same amount for the same 500 mg of CBD vape liquid, a 35% absorption rate would leave you at the cost of $0.28 per mg, saving 72% when compared to the edible option.
Topical
Topical delivery refers to taking a substance like a cream and applying it to the skin. The disadvantage of this method is that the skin is specifically there to stop unwanted substances from entering the body, so minimal amounts of CBD will enter your bloodstream. There are endocannabinoid receptors in the skin, though, so some positive can be gained from this method. It’s recommended that topical products are applied directly to parts of the body that require pain relief, such as sore muscles or arthritic joints. As the CBD won’t now enter your bloodstream, this isn’t an effective delivery system for conditions like anxiety or PTSD, where the CBD needs to bind with the receptors in the central nervous system.
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