CBD, or cannabidiol, is the non-psychoactive component of hemp and cannabis plants that is surging as one of the most popular new legal substances on the market. Skyrocketing as an industry, the CBD market shows no sign of slowing down – but we are seeing signs of new CBD products every single day.

With the new and exciting wide selection of CBD products to try, we look at just how many various ways you can ingest CBD and how CBD is absorbed into the body using each of these ingestion methods. Let’s dive into our tips on ingesting CBD.

Understand Your Body

Every human body has an endocannabinoid system, regulated by a complex network of receptors and messengers, that helps maintain homeostasis in the body. The endocannabinoid system of your body is what helps support many vital processes your body must contend with.

Normally, your body regulates everything through the internal cannabinoids we naturally produce in our system. Unfortunately, illness, stress, injury, genetics, and a variety of other scenarios create situations where the body requires more cannabinoids than it can naturally produce. This is where CBD, an outside cannabinoid, can come to the rescue.

Locate Your Receptors

Having an endocannabinoid system in the body means that we have endocannabinoid receptors throughout the body, as well. These receptors, called CB1 and CB2, are located in your brain, various organs, important nerve endings, and even across your skin. CBD can influence the CB receptors in the body once it enters an appropriate point of access to get into our bloodstream.

The method you choose influences how quickly your body’s receptors respond, the degree at which the CBD will be fully absorbed, and the intensity of the effect it will have on you. While you will never get a “stoned” feeling from CBD, a high enough strength can cause drowsiness, low blood pressure, or rapid heartbeat, so keep this in mind as a tip on ingesting CBD.

Different Ways to Ingest

So, now that you know about your body’s handy endocannabinoid system and you know where the CB1 and CB2 receptors are located throughout the body, it’s time to decide how you want to ingest the CBD to reach those receptors:

CBD Edibles or Infused Beverages

An easy way to not notice you’re consuming a medicinal product, there are many CBD edibles and infused drinks that can mimic the real thing without the herbal taste of the plant. From popcorn to sweet iced tea, there are a wide selection of options available.

CBD Capsules or Softgels

While edibles and beverages are an easy way to not notice you’re consuming CBD, capsules and CBD softgels are even easier. Take them on an empty stomach to feel the medicinal properties sooner; just keep tabs on the strength so you know you’re ingesting enough.

CBD Tinctures or Isolates

Finally, tinctures and isolates are typically CBD concentrates that absorb the fastest through ingestion and, typically, provide the most intense effects.

There are many other ways to consume CBD besides ingesting, as this method typically takes up to an hour before you start feeling the effects. The exception to this is the CBD tincture, as the strength is typically much higher, and you can put the concentration directly under you tongue for a sublingual dose.