Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid which is a compound that binds to specific receptors in cells that affect the activity of neurotransmitters.
CBD is extracted from the cannabis (marijuana) plant and diluted with a carrier oil to produce CBD oil.
Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is not psychoactive and hence, this oil is used for medicinal purposes as it can relieve pain and anxiety. [1]
What all Ways can CBD be Taken in Daily Life?
Along with the new research, CBD has become quite popular as an alternative line of therapy. As it interacts with the receptors of the endocannabinoid system, its presence can mediate several physiological responses.
The major ways to include CBD in the daily regimen are as follows: oral, topical, sublingual, and inhalation. Oral CBD comes in the form of pills, capsules, and tablets.
Topical CBD can be utilized as creams, lotions, gels, ointments, balms, as well as salves. People interested in experiencing immediate effects can try the sublingual CBD oil drops and the vaporizers that allow CBD to be inhaled.
Oral
One of the major modes of delivery of CBD is the consumption of oral pills, tablets, and capsules.
It is definitely the most convenient method of delivery and can easily be made a part of the daily medication routine, after consultation with a health care provider.
The type and dosage usually depend on the disorder being treated. [2]
The tablets are generally measured carefully with the appropriate dosage and then packaged.
In order to amplify the benefits conferred by CBD as well as to reduce any side effects that might be caused due to the presence of THC, the medication may contain other beneficial compounds such as curcumin or melatonin. [3]
As the initial standard dosage for CBD is 25mg spread out throughout the course the day, preferably via doses of 10mg after meals, most tablets contain 10mg of the phytocannabinoid.
Standard packs of 10 tablets generally have 100mg of CBD. [4]
In some cases, THC is required to provide fast relief. Therein, tablets contain 5mg of THC mixed with 5mg of CBD. Hence, a standard pack of 10 tablets typically have 50mg of THC and 50mg of CBD. [5]
As mentioned earlier, curcumin may be also be mixed with CBD to increase the benefits. Curcumin is a natural compound produced by turmeric. Each tablet contains 10mg of CBD mixed with 100mg of curcumin. [6]
10mg CBD tablets can also contain 3mg of melatonin to improve the calming effects of the medication. Melatonin is actually a hormone which is known to regulate sleep and wakefulness. [7]
Benefits
CBD oil usually provides several health benefits including relief from pain, stress, inflammation, and anxiety.
10mg tablets are usually recommended for inflammatory conditions wherein the body is in a chronic state of inflammation, such as the case of IBD (inflammatory bowel disorder), periodontitis, and arthritis. [8]
Studies have shown that this oral dose is also particularly effective for treating muscle spasms (sudden, uncontrollable muscular convulsions) as well as in managing epileptic seizures for adults and minors alike.
helpful in controlling Epilepsy seizures for adult and minor patients. 10mg tablets are also prescribed to patients complaining of insomnia and other sleep-related disorders. [9]
A mix of THC and CBD is usually recommended for patients who have gone through severe weight loss or cachexia.
In a 2009 review, the University of Liverpool has shown that cannabinoids like THC can boost the appetite and CBD regulates hunger. [10]
They can also treat painful muscle spasms. These tablets are also useful for providing pain relief and reducing nausea. [11]
CBD tablets containing curcumin are suggested for inflammatory autoimmune diseases wherein the immune cells start attacking the normal cells.
This is because CBD lowers inflammation and curcumin, as proved by a 2018 study by the National University of Sciences and Technology, has the ability to modify the immune response.
These tablets can be used to manage IBD, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune disorders. [12]
CBD tablets having small amounts of melatonin help in better controlling the sleep and wake cycles. They are usually recommended for people suffering from sleep disorders, particularly insomnia. [13]
Topical
Another method of accommodating CBD oil in daily life is the topical application for the treatment of several kinds of skin conditions as well as relieving pain.
Topical CBD can be applied directly as an oil, ointment, lotion, cream, gel, balm, and salve. In this form, the CBD oil gets speedily absorbed by the skin and can, therefore, be directly used to treat the affected areas. [14]
It is always recommended to carefully balance and measure the optimum amount needed to obtain the desired result.
This is because some topical CBD ointments might contain the psychoactive THC and, hence, be more potent. [15]
Furthermore, CBD topicals can be a useful and efficient treatment option for a wide variety of skin symptoms.
Following application, they generally require anywhere between 1 to 48 hours to provide notable relief. The time is dependent on the dosage, severity of the symptom, and the frequency of use. [16]
Most users found that consistent application of topical CBD provides an analgesic (pain-relieving) effect that considerably reduces local discomfort.
CBD’s effects can actually enhance the natural levels of analgesic endocannabinoids (cannabinoids produced inside the body), decrease inflammatory reactions, and reduce the sensitivity of the pain receptors. [17]
There are several variants of topical creams containing different amounts of CBD such as 50mg, 100mg, 150mg, and 300mg.
The different concentrations are prescribed as per the extremity of the skin condition. Sometimes, trolamine is mixed to enhance the analgesic properties of the cream. [18]
Before the application, it is important to identify the exact area from where the pain has originated, such as temples, neck, or even the lower back.
Users are advised to wash their hands before applying the ointment to prevent any contamination.
Benefits
The major benefit of using cannabis topicals is that the active compounds like CBD can directly be absorbed through the skin to provide instantaneous relief.
The cannabinoids can easily interact with the receptors without having to enter the bloodstream. This mode of delivery also allows the effects of CBD to be focused solely on the affected area. [19]
Phytocannabinoids like CBD can supplement the efforts of the endocannabinoids and, as a result, amplify the functioning of the endocannabinoid system.
Upon interacting with the cannabinoid receptors, CBD helps to modulate the release of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers produced by nerve cells) which mediate communication between cells and manage physiological functions. [20]
Barring these benefits, topical CBD oils usually contain a vast array of several other important nutrients which include proteins, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients further help to boost bodily functions. [21]
The ointments are fortified with nutrients like Vitamins A & D which are responsible for the repair of damaged skin.
As shown by the 2014 study by the University of Debrecen, CBD topicals improve skin quality by supporting the growth of skin cells and managing the production of sebum (oil).
Application of CBD oil is recommended for people suffering from acne and eczema. [22]
While CBD itself is an antioxidant, its effect is reinforced by the presence of the antioxidative vitamins (C & E) which protect the skin’s collagen protein against free radical (oxidative) damage as well as from sunburns. [23]
Topical CBD creams are also recommended for skin infections caused the growth of bacteria because of the phytocannabinoid acting as an antibacterial agent.
CBD helps in lowering inflammation and is an excellent pain reliever and, therefore, CBD oil is routinely applied to treat pain caused by arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. [24]
Sometimes, topical CBD creams are infused with trolamine in order to stimulate the process of wound healing and prevent contamination of the damaged skin tissue. [25]
Sublingual
CBD sublingual drop is another effective mode of delivery that can be added to any daily medication routine.
Sublingual administration refers to adding the drops under the tongue which allows the compounds to be directly absorbed via tissues in the mouth and get diffused into the bloodstream. [26]
These drops contain CBD as well as some terpene-containing hemp oils. Terpenes denote the aromatic and flavorful compounds that are derived from plants are usually one of the main constituents of essential oils.
They are quite frequently found in oils derived from the leaves and dried flowers of the cannabis plant. [27]
The sublingual products contain a mix of CBD and terpenes and standard packs can contain anywhere between 100mg to 1500mg of cannabidiol.
Smaller acks are preferred initially as the daily intake usually starts around 25mg. [28]
In order to achieve the desired effect, the drops need to be kept under the tongue for about 90 seconds before they can fully diffuse into the tissues.
The recommended serving size can differ amongst products and hence, it is important to check the bottle for specific instructions on the dosage. [29]
Terpenes often have a very strong smell which might bother some users. Therefore, manufacturers have introduced flavoured drops which taste like strawberries, blueberries, pineapples, and even honey.
Per ml of a sublingual drop contains around 7mg of CBD. Therefore, it is necessary to measure the dose accurately to consume the prescribed amount. [30]
Benefits
The major benefit of consuming CBD oil sublingually is that the process of absorption averts the digestive system, particularly the liver metabolization.
This allows CBD to reach the bloodstream rapidly and interact with the receptors of the endocannabinoid system more quickly. [31]
In case the users require immediate relief, this option is quite promising. It is particularly useful for treating dental problems and gum diseases like relieving the pain caused by periodontitis. [32]
It also relieves inflammation inside the mouth and its antibacterial effect destroys any microbial growth in the cavities. [33]
The sublingual method is also particularly useful for people suffering from sleep-related disorders due to its fast action.
It causes users to fall asleep faster and prevents any discomfort. Similarly, it is useful in treating anxiety and stress-related problems because it has a calming effect, particularly due to the presence of the terpenes. [34]
Inhalation
Finally, inhalation of CBD by vaporizing is another method of consuming it for an immediate effect. The vaporizer heats up the CBD oil so that it releases its active compounds.
The oil is heated to just the right temperature so that it does produce any harmful chemicals that are created by combustion. [35]
During the process of vaporization, the cannabinoids enter the lungs and diffuse into the bloodstream immediately.
As it does not go through the digestive tract, it is not metabolized by the liver and hence enters the circulation much faster. [36]
The CBD oil products designed for inhalation via vaporizers include CBD e-liquid. It contains CBD oil reinforced with vegetable glycerin or has high-CBD concentration.
The vaporizers typically range in size from tabletop units to smaller battery-operated portable pens. [37]
Usually, 6-8mg is inhaled which requires 2 puffs or inhalations.
Benefits
The major benefit of vaporizing is that it provides almost instantaneous relief. CBD inhalation is usually recommended for people suffering from asthma as it relaxes the airways in the lungs quite fast.
Therefore, it can be used to manage asthma attacks. [38]
It is also used to treat epileptic seizures and movement disorders as it helps in providing an observable effect in case of rigidity or extreme shaking.
Vaporizers can also be used to treat pain, particularly headaches. It is also prescribed for other kinds of pain such as arthritis. [39]
Vaporizers can also be used to treat sleep disorders and help in lowering insomnia as it provides a calming and soothing effect.
They can also be used to treat anxiety disorders, particularly in case of panic attacks. [40]
Summary
To summarize, it can be said that there are four major ways to consume CBD as a medication. These include oral CBD, topical CBD, sublingual CBD, and CBD vaporizers.
CBD can be consumed orally in the form of pills, capsules, and tablets to treat inflammatory disorders like IBD.
Topical CBD can be applied as oils, creams, ointments, and balms. They help in improving skin quality, reducing acne, and treating wounds.
Sublingual CBD and vaporizers are mostly to experience immediate effects. CBD drops can be taken under the tongue to relieve problems like periodontitis.
They also help in promoting sound sleep. Finally, CBD can be inhaled using a vaporizer to relieve headaches, anxiety attacks, and asthma attacks.