It is not a secret that CBD can be a great help with numerous health issues. Although when you look around you will be able to see, that there are many form, shape, and size that CBD products can come. On one hand, this is amazing, since everyone can find something that they like. Some prefer to smoke it, others just love some topicals for their aching muscles. On the other hand, it can be overwhelming to find the right one.  

In this article, we are gonna look at the different, products from the flower bud, till ointments and see what might work the best for your need.

What is CBD?

CBD (Cannabinoid) is one of the major compounds of the cabanas Sativa plant. CBD, unlike THC, has no psychoactive properties, so it doesn’t give you the infamous head-high. Researches show that CBD can have great health benefits. Many believe it can be a success in treating pain, depression, insomnia, muscle spasm, ADHD and the list could go on. 

CBD and the Endocannabinoid-System 

We have a long way to go to have a full understanding of the science behind the Cannabis plant and CBD, but as of now, we do know how it interacts with the human body. CBD interacts with the body via the endocannabinoid-system (ESC). ESC is a complex cell-signaling system, that responsible for regulating a range of functions like sleep, mood, memory, appetite, etc. However the ESC is very complex, and yet to be determined all of its potentials, we know, that its main role is keeping our bodies homeostasis in balance. 

How does CBD come into the picture? The ESC is built up of 3 components: endocannabinoids, endocannabinoid receptors, and enzymes. Endocannabinoids, also called endogenous cannabinoids, are molecules, similar to plant cannabinoids, except that they are made by our body. These endocannabinoids bind to the receptors (CB1, CB2) found throughout our body. So to understand, when our body experiences pain or fever, our homeostasis is thrown off. The body starts to work to bring back this balance and starts to produce endocannabinoids. Binding to the receptors the endocannabinoids regulate (relieve) the pain, and help the body return to its ideal operation. Once endocannabinoids carried out their functions enzymes break them down.

CBD binds to the receptors the same way as the endocannabinoids and that allows it to have a range of effects on the body. It may reduce pain, inflammation, anxiety, and so on.

Bioavailability of CBD products

The bioavailability of any product is the amount of the active ingredient that will reach your bloodstream once you’ve consumed it. Once it’s been absorbed into your blood, it can be transported around your body to be used in your cells and tissues. Different CBD product has different bioavailability. Some CBD products can be absorbed faster but they also wear off sooner. Others might take a while to kick in and you can reap the benefits for a more extended period of time.

CBD Bioavailability Chart

CBD Bioavailability Chart

The different forms of CBD

After having a basic understanding of how CBD works with the body we can move onto the different products and forms of CBD that you can consume. 

We are all unique and have preferences, things we like or dislike and not everything works for everyone. That is why is so good that we can choose from a variety of product when it comes to CBD. Some love vaping and prefer that method, others just love their CBD tincture drops in their coffee or juice. Let’s see what is available for you and what is their best use.

CBD for vaping

You can find dry herb vapes, vape pens, wax pens on the market and if you are a fan of any of these things there is plenty that you can choose from. 

CBD Flowers: CBD flowers, CBD buds, is the bud of the hemp plant, that is rich in CBD and low on THC (0.3% or less). While THC has a mind-altering effect, CBD is more known for its relaxing, calming, and anti-inflammatory properties. If you love vaping flowers are a great way to get you daily CBD, they are naturally infused with aromas from the terpenes and have no other additives. Vaping is not your thing? That’s cool, you can cook with a flower, adding it to salads, or bake it into delicious cookies. 

CBD oil for vaporizers: CBD vape oil is the extract of the plant that further mixed with some kind of carrier oil. (Vegetable glycerin, Propylene glycol) The purpose of the carrier oil is to thin that original CBD extract so it is suitable for liquid vaporizers. You can buy it separately or in profiled CBD cartridges. It contains CBD in concentrated forms and for some people is more hustle-free than dry herb. It is important that you find good quality oils because you want to know what is in your vaporizer.

CBD concentrates: CBD concentrates are an extract of the plant that contains a very high dosage of cannabidiol. It is perfect for people, who want to get a high amount of active compound in a shorter period of time. Especially if you need it for medicinal purposes. 

CBD Edibles

Edibles can come in a form of cookies, candy, any kind of CBD-infused food. They are usually delicious and an easy way to get your daily amount of CBD. CBD tinctures are not specifically edibles, but since you are orally taking them we are going to mention them in this section

CBD Tinctures/ CBD Oil: This is a potent liquid, that is made by steeping hemp flowers into a solvent mixture of water and alcohol. Alcohol soaks up a high amount of cannabidiol. The alcohol then boils off and the concentrated extract is blended with carrier oils. The most common ones are peppermint, vanilla, avocado, hemp, or coconut oil. The carrier enhances the flavor of the CBD oil. Tinctures are easy to use, just a few drops under your tongue will do the magic. They come in many sizes and flavors with different potency, just like other CBD products. 

CBD pills/CBD capsules: CBD capsules are oral capsules that work like any other CBD product, just make dosing easier. It is a convenient way for first times users. They don’t have a strong flavor, you know exactly how much CBD you are taking, and they are hustle-free. 

CBD “treats”: Consuming CBD edibles has many advantages. They are delicious, easy to use, super discreet way of medicating. You can find gummies, hard candies, chocolates, cookies, cakes and they are often more affordable than tinctures or vape juices. Not even mention that 

CBD Topicals

We call topicals any lotion, cream, or salves that are infused with CBD. Topicals are a great way to treat joint inflammation, muscle soreness, or even chronic skin conditions. You apply it directly to the skin. Unlike other forms of CBD, topicals won’t give a general body relaxation, it stays localized, enters local tissue & small blood vessels only.