Main methods of CBD use

The use of CBD is becoming more popular, but those who want to try this product for the first time often face a dilemma: how should CBD be used and what problems does it solve? The main methods of using CBD include applying cannabidiol topically (through the skin), taking it orally (in countries where CBD is considered a dietary supplement), or inhaling it (via CBD flowers or CBD e-liquid). Choosing the appropriate method of CBD use depends on each individual's needs.

We want to help you! In this article, we will discuss in more detail the benefits of CBD (also known as cannabidiol) and the main uses.

Note: This and other articles on Hempo's blog are for informational purposes only. According to the directive of the European Commission, cannabidiol is classified as a 'novel food', therefore CBD products should not be used as a food supplement in Lithuania.

What is CBD?

How to use CBD

Some people choose to use cannabidiol externally, applied to the skin, as various cosmetics. The possibilities of use are really wide, let's discuss a few of them:

• Cannabidiol for irritated, damaged skin. CBD oil has been proven to provide antibacterial effects, moisturize, nourish, and soothe irritated or sensitive skin. It also improves its condition in acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and other skin diseases.
• Helps with skin aging. Cannabidiol is rich in antioxidants that nourish the skin and help reduce wrinkles and other signs of aging. It helps reduce skin damage caused by free radicals, revives gray skin, evens out skin tone and helps you look more youthful.
• Excellent cosmetic effect on hair. A study conducted in 2021 has shown that CBD can promote hair growth in people with alopecia (hair loss caused by genetic factors and/or aging).
• It is worth noting that CBD oil applied to the skin can provide pain relief (for the specific area of ​​the body where the product is applied). Cannabidiol helps to fight joint pains, as well as healing from various physical injuries.

Absorption: After applying the product to the skin, it may take 25 to 45 minutes for the effect to appear. It usually lasts about 6 hours, so after some time the procedure will need to be repeated.

Advantages of Using CBD Externally:

• Excellent localized effect
• Available in water-based and oil-based topical products
• Lower risk of interaction with other medications

Disadvantages of Using CBD Externally:

• Effects are not felt throughout the body
• Slower onset of action compared to other CBD usage methods

In foreign countries where CBD is allowed as a dietary supplement, many people like to drip cannabidiol oil under the tongue: after adding a few drops of the oil, you need to hold it under the tongue for about 30 seconds before swallowing. There are also other edible forms of CBD: gummies, capsules. However, cannabidiol drip oil remains one of the most popular choices.

This way of using CBD has multiple benefits:

• Improves sleep quality - cannabidiol has a positive effect on the nervous system, making it an excellent choice for people who suffer from insomnia or other sleep disorders. Compared to prescription medications, cannabidiol works mildly, does not harm the body, and is not addictive. CBD can be a great alternative to sleeping pills and other sleep medications: try it!
• Reduces tension and stress - Many people of all ages deal with these emotions and their harmful effects on a daily basis. Experiencing long-term stress often affects health, changes in weight, and causes sleep disorders, so it is worth looking for ways to overcome the stressful tension. CBD is a natural antidote to negative feelings: it reaches the nervous system and helps to calm down.
• Increases concentration - it is not uncommon for people to encounter a problem when studying or doing stressful, mental work: it becomes difficult to focus, concentrate and remain productive. CBD reduces stress, which allows you to relax, concentrate better and do all the planned work with quality.
• Helps regulate appetite - cannabidiol is believed to increase metabolism and improve digestion. CBD is recommended for eating disorders to improve or reduce appetite.
• Improve well-being in various diseases - CBD oil helps when oncological diseases are diagnosed, as well as in various chronic or degenerative diseases such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, etc.

Absorption: Absorption of oral products such as oils, tinctures, gummies may vary. When kept under the tongue, the effect of the product begins to manifest itself within the first 15 minutes. But when eating gummies or other foods containing cannabidiol, the effect can be felt after 45 minutes. until 2 a.m. after consumption.

This method of using CBD is available in countries where cannabidiol is permitted as a dietary supplement.

Advantages of Using CBD Orally:

• Effects are felt throughout the body
• This method of CBD usage is well tolerated by most users
• Quick onset of CBD effects

Disadvantages of Using CBD Orally:

• Older individuals may find it harder to dose drops
• Some users may dislike the taste of the oil

Interestingly, perhaps the highest concentration of CBD is found in the flowers of fibrous hemp. When smoking CBD, as with other forms of this product, you will not feel high or hallucinogenic. Of all the parts of the hemp plant, it is not CBD that causes intoxication, but tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as THC.

However, legal cannabidiol products in Lithuania are not at risk. Only a very small amount of THC is allowed in them, which will not cause any negative effects on your body. Smoking hemp flowers or CBD liquid will improve your mood, help you relax, relieve stress, and help you fall asleep faster.

Absorption: smoking CBD directly enters the bloodstream, so the effects are faster and more intense compared to ingesting CBD directly in the mouth. Nevertheless, while the effects are intense, they won't be as long-lasting as using edible cannabidiol products.

Advantages of Smoking CBD:

• CBD enters the bloodstream faster than other forms of CBD, typically within about 30 seconds or even faster

Disadvantages of Smoking CBD:

• The CBD liquid may contain propylene glycol, which is also used in nicotine-based e-cigarettes
• At high temperatures, propylene glycol can decompose into formaldehyde, a chemical that can irritate the nose and eyes and increase the risk of asthma and cancer.

CBD dosage

Using CBD requires knowledge about proper dosing to take advantage of its primary benefits, such as reducing anxiety, pain, and inflammation. It's often mistakenly believed that the concentration of CBD oil is the main factor in determining the correct dosage. However, the actual amount of CBD consumed in milligrams is equally important.

Whether you are using a low-strength, such as 5% full-spectrum CBD oil, or a high-strength, such as 30% full-spectrum CBD oil, the total CBD amount in milligrams is the key criterion for determining the appropriate dosage. For first-time users of CBD oil, it is generally recommended to start with 15-20 mg of CBD, taken twice a day. This initial dose allows your body to acclimate to CBD. As you become more familiar with how much CBD your body needs and how it reacts to this substance, you can adjust the dose. If you seek a more intense effect, you can gradually increase the number of drops until you achieve the desired result. It’s important to remember that everyone's response to CBD can vary, so what works for one person may not work for another.

In summary, it's crucial to understand not only the main methods of using CBD but also how to choose the right dosage. By starting with the recommended dose and adjusting it as needed, you can experience the maximum benefits of CBD oil. Remember that both the concentration of the CBD oil and the total amount of CBD in milligrams that you consume are important.

What else to look for when choosing cannabidiol?

Whatever method of CBD consumption you choose, it is important to remember that the strength of cannabidiol and the effectiveness of the product are also determined by factors such as the type of CBD and the quality of the product. Different types of cannabidiol can be found on the market today:

• Full spectrum CBD oil which has the most intense effect. This product contains very small amounts of THC and all other parts of the hemp plant, as well as terpenes and flavonoids.
• Broad-spectrum CBD oil, which also contains many beneficial components naturally found in hemp plants. This oil is recommended for people who are unwilling or unable to use even a minimal amount of THC.
• CBD isolate contains no other impurities, only pure CBD. It has the mildest effect: if you think full or broad spectrum CBD oil will be too strong, it's worth trying an isolate!

Summary

Each person's needs are different, and the methods of using CBD discussed in the article have their own advantages and disadvantages. We invite you to make sure that the use of CBD is safe and effective: the most important thing is to choose a suitable and really high-quality  CBD product, and to use it in accordance with all the manufacturer's instructions.