The market for cannabidiol (CBD) products is growing rapidly due to the widespread demand. People are using CBD products to mitigate the symptoms of a wide variety of common ailments like muscle and joint pains, skin rashes and dryness, inflammations, and so on. To get the maximum benefit from using them, you must use the right type of cannabidiol product that suits your needs. Two of the most popular choices are CBD edibles and CBD oils. Having a better understanding of their similarities and differences can help you to make the right choice; read ahead to know more about them.
The Source Of CBD
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the major cannabinoids naturally found in the cannabis family of plants. It can be extracted from both marijuana and hemp plants, and this is also true for products like CBD oil. The major difference between them is their THC content. CBD oil derived from marijuana has high amounts of THC, and consuming it makes you high. Due to this, edibles and oils made from them are only available through dispensaries. Legally available cannabidiol products like CBD oil and edibles are made using hemp CBD extracts. Its THC content is less than 0.3%, and this minute amount will not cause intoxication.
Different Types Of CBD Edibles And Oils
The effectiveness of CBD edibles and oils depends on the type of CBD hemp plant extract used for making them. There are mainly three types of extracts, CBD isolate, full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD.
CBD Isolate: CBD isolate is 99% pure cannabidiol, and because of this, it is the most potent of the three. Also, it is a highly refined product that does not contain other cannabinoids found in the hemp plant, and it usually appears in the form of white crystalline powder. Besides, oils and edibles made using it deliver a higher amount of CBD for a smaller dose.
Full-Spectrum CBD: As the name indicates, this extract contains the full spectrum of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids naturally found in the hemp plant. It has the added benefit of the entourage effect; the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids work synergistically to enhance the individual effect of each. So, consumers prefer edibles and oils made using it due to its better therapeutic and medical effects.
Broad-Spectrum CBD: This CBD hemp plant extract is processed to completely remove its THC content. So, there is no risk of testing positive in a drug screening test when you consume edibles and oils made using broad-spectrum CBD hemp plant extract.
Choosing between edibles and oils made using these three CBD hemp plant extracts depends on your needs and requirements. For those who are engaged in jobs that require periodic drug screening tests, broad-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate products will be the ideal choice.
CBD Oil Versatility
CBD oil is usually made by blending CBD hemp plant extract or CBD isolates with a carrier oil. This is because natural cannabidiol is an oil-soluble compound, and mixing it with lipids or fatty oils increases its bioavailability. It can be consumed either directly or sublingually depending on your convenience.
When you consume CBD oil orally, it must pass through the digestive system to be absorbed into the bloodstream. The big disadvantage of this method of consumption is that its bioavailability is low because of the first-pass metabolism in the intestine and the liver. However, this is not the case when you consume CBD oil tinctures sublingually. Here, CBD is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the tiny blood vessels under the tongue. So, the bioavailability is high, and you can feel the effects in 30 to 90 seconds.
Listed below are the main advantages of consuming CBD oil.
- The dosage can be easily adjusted
- Long shelf life depending on storage, i.e. one year or more.
- Quick absorption when consumed sublingually.
- Cost-effective
- Available in different levels of potency.
Also, keep in mind that CBD tinctures are highly potent, and they are especially useful for treating chronic pain and other such severe discomforts.
CBD Edible’s Convenience
CBD edibles are popular because of the ease with which you can consume them. They can be consumed in the form of candies like gummies and chocolates, baked goods, beverages, etc. They are available readymade, or you can make them at home that suits your taste. Since they are consumed orally, they must pass through the gastrointestinal tract for CBD to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Because of this, it takes longer, i.e. 45 to 60 minutes to feel cannabidiol’s effects. But the effects last longer because CBD is slowly released and absorbed.
Listed below are the main advantages of consuming CBD edibles.
- A wide variety of choices are available.
- They can be consumed discreetly.
- The dosage per serving is fixed.
- Easy to make part of your daily routine.
- Easy to consume on the go.
The choice between CBD oils and CBD edibles boils down to personal preferences.