The different ways CBD interacts with your body

CBD which stands for cannabidiol is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis Sativa or simply called the cannabis plant. It is derived from the hemp species of cannabis Sativa and is known to have less than 0.3% THC, which is the main component of the marijuana plant. Hence CBD is known to have non-psychoactive nature and does not impart the euphoric feeling that comes with the use of THC and marijuana.

After the various studies and researches that have shown CBD to impart various medical benefits to the body, an increase in demand for CBD has been observed. CBD based items and products of various forms have overwhelmed the market both online and local and are now selling like hotcakes as a proper wellness and medicine related product. But some confusion still remains among the people regarding its effective use, dosage, and possible effects that it could have on their body.  

With so many different methods of consumption and various unique forms that it comes in, there are bound to be some complications among different usage forms and consumption methods of CBD. We discuss here how does CBD acts differently, exhibit different effects, and interact in its own unique way in your body, all spending upon the kind of product you use and the method of its consumption. Ointments, tinctures, topical creams, edibles, capsules pills, gummies, vapes, smoking, and many other ways are available in the market for you to try. But each method has its own effect and the most suitable method for any person depends upon his intended use and desired effects. 

Through digestion and metabolism:

Cannabinoids such as CBD itself, are lipophilic molecules and are only absorbed by fats. So they are not readily absorbed by the body when taken immediately as they can not be absorbed by water. Overall, the CBD products have an absorption percentage of 6-15% only, and this all due to slow absorption rates. One solution is to bake them with some fats like butter itself to speed up the metabolism and absorption. But the first-pass metabolism is also a hindrance as the CBD molecules are broken down by enzymes in the liver before they can get absorbed by the bloodstream. But this also has a solution. You can find various cbd gel pills online that have already been made by emulsifying and absolution agents that speed up the process and provide immediate effects.

Sublingual intake by membranes:

The tinctures of CBD are alcohol-based and are faster and more effective than oral method products. Tinctures are consumed by mostly placing them under the tongue. They absorb faster in the bloodstream.

Lungs and alveoli:

Smoking or vaping CBD through plants or flowers and even vaporized oils and extracts can have the highest rate of absorption compared to any other type or method of CBD consumption. But socials stigma revolving around smoking and the more recreational use of this method rather than nutraceutical usage is still causing this method to be under-appreciated. As CBD is absorbed directly into the blood by alveoli of the lungs, smoking can cause as high an absorption rate as 56%. Carcinogens are greatly reduced when the whole plant is used or when oil vaporizers are used as they do not combust.

Action through skin cells and muscles:

Topical application in form of ointments or patches is still a slow method as CBD has to get through muscles and skin to get into the bloodstream. They are suitable for maintaining a specified amount of CBD in your blood and taking slow controlled amounts of CBD at a time.  Various additives are added in topically applied CBD products to increase its penetration inside the body and into the bloodstream. One such example is Ethosomes that causes more effective movements of CBD compounds between cells and membranes by mimicking the already present molecules. 

Through mucus membranes:

One of the latest methods is the intranasal method of CBD consumption where it is directly absorbed into the bloodstream by the mucus membrane inside the noses and has shown an absorption rate of up to 46%.  It also shows no side effects and is a good alternative to smoking and vaping.