Cannabidiol (CBD) is a hot topic in the medical field right now. Some patients swear by its benefits, while others find it less effective than other medications for their condition. There are many different types of CBD medications on the market these days, including oils, capsules, edibles, topical creams, and those that can be vaporized.
Some forms are more easily absorbed by the body than others, and some provide a stronger dose of CBD than others. Understanding the differences between these medications will help you choose the one that’s best for you. This blog post will look at the differences and similarities between some of the most popular CBD medicines on the market right now. Stay tuned to learn more!
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis plants. CBD is non-intoxicating and does not produce the “high” associated with THC. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which controls things like mood, how we feel pain, and how hungry we are. CBD has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anxiolytic effects. CBD is available in many forms, including oils, capsules, topical creams, and vaporization. CBD is generally well-tolerated, with few reported side effects (including dry mouth and diarrhea). Before taking CBD, you should talk to a doctor or nurse because it may interact with some medications.
Full Spectrum CBD vs CBD Isolate
CBD Isolate vs. Full Spectrum In CBD medications, you may have noticed that there are two main types of CBD available: isolate and full spectrum. CBD isolate is a pure form of CBD that doesn’t have any other cannabinoids or terpenes in it. Full-spectrum CBD oil contains all of the cannabinoids and terpenes that are found in the cannabis plant. CBD isolate is typically more expensive than full-spectrum CBD oil, as it is a more pure form of the medication. CBD isolate may be a good choice for those who are sensitive to other cannabinoids or terpenes, as it eliminates these additional compounds.
Full-spectrum CBD oil may be a good choice for those who want to take advantage of the entourage effect. The entourage effect is how all of the compounds in the cannabis plant work together to make it work better. This synergy creates an effect that is greater than the sum of the individual parts. Some people prefer full-spectrum CBD oil, believing that it is a more natural form of the medication.
Differences between CBD Medications
Now that we know a little bit more about CBD, let’s take a look at some of the most popular CBD medications on the market today.
CBD Oil
CBD oil is perhaps the most popular form of CBD medication. CBD oil is typically made by extracting CBD from cannabis plants and then diluting it with a carrier oil. CBD oils can be taken orally by dropping the desired amount under the tongue and holding it there for 60–90 seconds before swallowing. CBD oil can also be added to food or beverages. The effects of orally ingesting CBD oil typically kick in within 30 to 60 minutes. The CBD carrier oil used can also affect the absorption rate, taste, and price of the medication. For example, MCT oil (a type of coconut oil) is known for increasing the bioavailability of CBD. Click here to learn more about the various advantages and disadvantages of each carrier oil.
CBD oils have different concentrations. This often confuses patients who are comparing oils, as the more diluted medication appears to be better value for money. To find out which medication offers the best value for money, one must find out the total milligrams of CBD in the bottle and then divide that number by the price of the medication. This calculation will tell you how many cents you are paying per milligram of CBD.
Capsules
Capsules are another popular form of CBD medication. Capsules are easy to take and provide a pre-measured dose of CBD. CBD capsules are made by encapsulating CBD oil in a gel cap. The CBD oil gets into the digestive system when the gel cap breaks down in the stomach. The effects of CBD capsules can take up to an hour to kick in, as they must first be digested before being absorbed into the bloodstream. This is significantly slower than CBD oil as it is not absorbed submucosally, and there is the additional delay of the cap having to be broken down.
Topical Cream
Topical creams are CBD medications that are applied directly to the skin. Topical creams are a popular choice for treating localized pain and inflammation. CBD topical creams are made by combining CBD oil with other ingredients such as beeswax or coconut oil. Topical creams are typically applied to the affected area and then rubbed in until they are absorbed. As soon as the CBD is absorbed through the skin, the effects of CBD cream can be felt.
Vaporization
CBD can also be vaporized using an e-cigarette or vape pen. When CBD is vaporized, it is inhaled as a fine mist. The effects of CBD vaporization are typically felt within minutes, as the CBD is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs. CBD vaporization is a popular choice for those that do not like the taste of CBD oil or for those that do not want to wait 30-60 minutes for the effects of orally ingested CBD to kick in.
Medical grade CBD vs Black Market CBD medications
When purchasing CBD medications, it is important to make sure that you are buying a high-quality product. CBD oil that is sold on the black market may be diluted with other oils or it may not contain the amount of CBD that is advertised. Black market CBD medications may also be contaminated with heavy metals or other chemicals. In contrast, medical-grade CBD oil is subject to strict manufacturing and quality control standards.
Conclusion
CBD is a non-intoxicating compound found in cannabis plants. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which controls things like mood, how we feel pain, and how hungry we are. CBD has been shown to have inflammatory, analgesic, and anxiolytic effects. CBD is available in many forms, including oils, tinctures, capsules, edibles, and topical creams. CBD is generally well-tolerated, with few reported side effects (including dry mouth and diarrhea). Before taking CBD, you should talk to a doctor or nurse because it may interact with some medications. CBD oil is perhaps the most popular form of CBD medication. It is typically made by extracting CBD from cannabis plants and then diluting it with a carrier oil.
