Research shows that the CBD market is growing by leaps and bounds these days. Based on recent reports, global CBD sales surpassed $5 billion last year. They’re projected to reach ten times that amount within the next five years. People are increasingly discovering the potential advantages CBD has to offer, not the least of which are relaxation, pain relief, skin improvement, and anxiety alleviation to name a few.
Looking at Different Methods of CBD Consumption
That being said, there are several ways to reap the benefits of CBD at present. Not all of them are created equally, and not all of them are ideal for all goals. Vape pens are popular by demand, and they allow people to effectively and discreetly use CBD. Still, other options are available, including topicals, edibles, and sublingual drops. Which one is best? In truth, that depends on a variety of factors. Consider the following points when determining the best approach to CBD consumption.
Bioavailability
Bioavailability is one of the most important factors to think about when consuming CBD. This refers to the amount of a substance available to the body after being processed. Experts note that vape pens and tinctures, also known as sublingual drops, provide the highest levels of bioavailability. Tinctures simply absorb into the bloodstream, so their effects are quickly noticeable, and they don’t lose a great deal of potency along the way. That’s also the case with CBD-infused vape juices. They enter the lungs and make their way directly to the bloodstream with minimal processing.
In contrast, edibles containing CBD have somewhat limited bioavailability. They must be digested before making their way through the body. Much of their potency is lost in the process. Though they’re still effective and their effects last longer than those of tinctures and vape juices, they may require a higher dosage to get the desired results. Topicals offer the lowest bioavailability because they have to absorb through the skin to generate results. They’re helpful for isolated pain, skin inflammation, and similar issues, but they’re not effective for issues like insomnia, anxiety, depression, or widespread internal inflammation.
Discretion
Discretion is another aspect to consider. Even though CBD is gaining popularity and acceptance, it’s still quite taboo in many circles. Munching on a CBD-laced edible in public may not cause much of an uproar, but there’s always the risk that someone may want to share. Having to explain why that’s not an option could make for an uncomfortable situation. Tinctures can also lack discretion. After all, many people who notice others placing drops under their tongues may automatically assume they’re taking CBD.
Topicals aren’t incredibly overt in their own rights. Plenty of people resort to creams and ointments for various reasons. Those containing CBD sometimes have a telltale odor, though. Vaping certainly isn’t very discreet, but with so many people doing it nowadays, onlookers aren’t likely to question it.
Choosing the Best Way to Consume CBD
Several additional factors may also come into play when choosing the best way to consume CBD. It’s largely a matter of preference, which differs from one person to the next. That being said, vaping offers a nice blend of stealth and high bioavailability. For those who don’t care for vaping, though, edibles or tinctures may be a better option. For localized pain and inflammation that don’t necessarily require whole-body effects, topicals could be the best choice.