What is the Best Way to Take CBD: Gummies vs Oil vs Cream?

People around the world are discovering the benefits of CBD, and as a result, more people are experimenting with it, to enjoy the relaxing effect it has on the body. With a wide array of CBD products available online, many first-time users (and people in general) are left in doubt as to the best and most effective method of taking CBD. This question is critical because the effect and delivery to the body are totally dependent on how it is absorbed into the body.

There is no straightforward answer to the best way to take CBD. Whether through dropping it under your tongue, edible gummies, or rubbing it on your skin. All of these are effective ways to use cannabidiol. The larger question that determines the best way to take CBD is entirely on you. what are you trying to achieve? What benefits are you hoping to experience?

So, to help you decide on the best way to take CBD, we have taken the time to break down the pros and cons of the most popular ways of taking CBD; Gummies, Oil, or Cream. However, before we get into it, let’s answer one quick question first; what are the types of CBD formulas.

Cannabidiol aka CBD is a compound extracted from the hemp plant, Cannabis Sativa. The Cannabis or Hemp plant has over 100 compounds and CBD is just one of them. There are three main types of CBD formulas; Full-Spectrum, Broad-Spectrum, and CBD Isolates. Although they are extracted to offer the same benefits, their strengths and properties are not the same.

Full-Spectrum CBD – This CBD extract is impure, in the sense that it contains all the compounds in the cannabis plant including the psychoactive agent THC. In simpler terms, CBD was extracted from the entire plant; stalk, leaves, flowers, and all. Full-Spectrum retains the molecular structure of the hemp plant, cannabinoids, minerals, and THC.

Broad-Spectrum CBD – Broad-Spectrum CBD and Full-Spectrum CBD are alike in their extraction process with only one exception; during extraction, the molecular structure is altered to retain all the vitamins, minerals, terpenes, and flavonoids minus the THC.

Isolates – As the word implies, the extraction process for Isolates is such that only concentrated CBD is gotten from the plant. No other compound or active ingredient is found in CBD isolates.

Since we have that out of the way,

What is the Best Way to Take CBD?

CBD OIL (TINCTURES)

By far the most popular and probably the best way to take CBD, using tinctures simply means dropping the CBD oil under the tongue. This is also known as Sublingual Consumption. This method allows the CBD to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream. This way, the CBD is absorbed quicker, and the effect is experienced faster.

PROS

Easy to Use – CBD Tincture is the easiest way to take your daily dose of CBD. Either drop it under your tongue, in your beverage, or in food, and you are good to go.

Fast-Acting – As soon as you take your dose, you can start feeling the effect after 20 minutes or less. This is great, especially if you are feeling discomfort, and need fast relief.

Bioavailability and Absorption Rate – dropping CBD oil under your tongue and holding it for 60 seconds (or less) is a more direct and efficient way to consume CBD. Since the CBD is entering your bloodstream directly, there is enough CBD available for the body to absorb, and the effect is faster.

Consistent Absorption – since there is no form of metabolizing with CBD tinctures (tinctures are not eaten), your body absorbs CBD at a more consistent rate than edible gummies.

Ideal for High Dosage – if you have a high tolerance or taking CBD for a specific complication, and you need it administered in high doses, then tinctures are the best way to take CBD.

CONS

Risk of Incorrect Dose – droppers can be very tricky, and except you are familiar with tinctures, it can be hard to gauge the exact dosage.

Shorter Effect – although it is a very efficient way to deliver CBD into the body, the downside of it is that the effect wears off after a short period.

If this method is not ideal for your lifestyle or meets your purpose and requirements, then there are other ways to deliver CBD into your body and experience the effect longer.

CBD GUMMIES

So, you don’t feel like carrying a bottle of liquid on your person or putting a tasteless liquid in your mouth, or if putting a dropper under your tongue can put you in a potentially compromising situation, then the best way to take CBD and still be cool is in the form of CBD gummies.

PROS

Easy and Delicious to Consume - CBD gummies are designed for longevity and convenience. This means that you get your daily dose of CBD is a sweet, flavored, chewy morsel that comes in various shapes and sizes, instead of the dour taste of dropping CBD oil under your tongue. Also, since they are tasty, it makes you want to stick to your daily dosage.

Easy to Dose – Unlike CBD Tinctures where you have to get familiar with the dropper or risk overdosing or underdosing, CBD gummies on the other hand are easy to dose. You don’t need to figure anything out. Just take one or two and pop them into your mouth (just be sure to take note of the mg in each gummy).

Holistic Relief – Since you are using this method of delivery, the CBD will need to be metabolized in your liver and then distributed throughout your bloodstream. As a result, the CBD will work with your endocannabinoid system (ECS – the system responsible for your moods, appetite, general health, and mental well-being), in every part of your body and brain.

Long-Lasting – if you need long-lasting relief, then gummies are a better way to take CBD. Since the gummies will need to be digested first before being delivered to the body, they take a longer time to take effect, but once the CBD takes effect, it can provide comfort and relief for up to 12 hours from a single serving.

Discreet – CBD gummies allow you to keep a low profile when you choose to dose. Since it looks like a candy, odorless, silent, and sweet, you can keep a low profile.

CONS

Slow Onset Time – If you need fast-acting relief, then CBD gummies are not the best way to go about it. Since CBD needs to be acted on by enzymes in the digestive system and then distributed around the body, the time it takes for the effect to be felt may vary, from 45 minutes to 2 hours.

Poor Bioavailability and Absorption Rate – your body metabolism plays a critical role in how much CBD your body takes from a CBD gummy, and how fast your body absorbs it. Again, because the body will need to break down the gummy and distribute CBD throughout your body, there is a high probability that the available CBD after metabolism becomes significantly lower, which means that you run the risk of inconsistent dosage.

CBD CREAM

If you are using CBD to relieve localized discomfort, then the best way to take CBD will be CBD Creams or Topicals. The effect takes place as your skin begins to absorb the cream or lotion, and provides general wellness. If you have sore muscles, skin irritation, or a problem with your joints, then taking CBD via cream is ideal because of its therapeutic properties (anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties).

PROS

Easy to Use – If you have ever used lotion before, then you don’t need to Google how to use CBD cream. All you need for fast pain relief is to apply a generous amount of lotion to the affected area and rub the pain away.

Direct Application – This is the best way to take CBD and enjoy its health benefits without bombarding your entire body with cannabidiol. With CBD cream, you can apply CBD to the affected region and effect relief in a matter of minutes.

CONS

Low Absorption Rate – since the skin needs to absorb the CBD before delivering it to the body, the amount of CBD left is significantly lower than the other two delivery methods.

Difficult to Dose – while you may know how much CBD is in the entire tube, you will not be able to tell how much is in a dollop of the cream.

How Long does it Take for the CBD to Kick in?

CBD Tinctures

Initial Onset – Between 15 to 20 minutes

Effect Duration – Anywhere from 4 hours to 6 hours

Recommended Usage – drop desired serving or dosage under the tongue to enjoy whole-body wellness

CBD Gummies

Initial Onset – Anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours

Effect Duration – The Effect can last anywhere between 6 hours and 12 hours

Recommended Usage – Take as necessary before or after meals.

CBD Cream

Initial Onset – Anywhere from 1 hour

Effect Duration – 4 hours to 6 hours

Recommended Usage – Appy directly to the skin or affected area, generously for fast relief and comfort

Verdict

From the above, it is glaring that the recommended way to take CBD is via CBD oil as it offers consistent dosage, fast absorption and effect, and high bioavailability. However, the recommended choice is entirely based on your lifestyle, health needs, and CBD intake.