Part of the reason why cannabis is such a powerful form of alternative medicine is because of the numerous ways that the herb can be used, to extract its various benefits. And as the therapeutic properties of cannabidiol (CBD) and other non-intoxicating components of the plant have been scientifically confirmed, the market has continued to expand.
In this post, we’ll consider CBD e-liquid, CBD concentrates, CBD edibles, CBD topicals and more, exploring the advantages of each type of product, and what ailments they can be taken for.
But first, let’s learn a bit more about CBD, its history and the effect it has on the endocannabinoid system and our health.
CBD and the all-powerful endocannabinoid system
The importance of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) cannot be downplayed or disregarded, with studies showing that this complicated network of fatty acid neurotransmitters and cannabinoid receptors is integral to physical and mental wellbeing. The ECS is peculiar, in that it responds not only to anandamide (AEA) and 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and other endocannabinoids, but also CBD, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other compounds that are categorized as cannabinoids. Yet cannabinoids are amazingly rare in the plant world and are only found in abundance in cannabis.
Israeli chemists were responsible for identifying the ECS when they discovered AEA in 1992, but humans have been regulating this system for thousands of years, with ancient cultures around the world often referencing cannabis and other medicinal plants – such as opium – in their art and texts.
However, CBD does not interact with the ECS in the way that you would expect a compound to affect a system in the body (by substituting another compound or making up for a deficiency). Instead, CBD optimizes the ECS by naturally correcting issues – for instance, if there is a lack of AEA in the body, CBD turns off the FAAH enzyme temporarily, which stops degradation and increases concentrations of AEA.
It’s possible that CBD makes many more complex interactions that researchers have not yet gotten around to studying in-depth. However, one study points toward CBD being an agonist to the 5-HT1A receptor in the serotonin system, and CBD may also indirectly stimulate the vanilloid receptor (TRPV-1) by stopping the breakdown of AEA. Furthermore, there are suggestions that CBD can interfere with the pleasure-reward mechanism that causes opioid dependency, raising hopes that the compound could be used as an anti-addiction tool.
Specific benefits of vaping CBD
While not everyone is prepared to vape, especially if they have never smoked (cannabis or tobacco), evidence is accumulating to show that there are few health risks to vaping long-term. Moreover, vaporizing is the preferred method of consuming CBD for those who have conditions that must be treated quickly, such as chronic neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
CBD has a higher bioavailability when vaporized, which means the same therapeutic effects can be administered with less CBD. Therefore, for regular CBD users who need to medicate multiple times a day, vaping e-liquid can be more cost-effective and beneficial.
When vaporizing, the CBD is transported in the blood all over the body, where it can bind or influence the necessary cannabinoid receptors to produce the desired effects. This is rather helpful in the cases of pain and inflammation.
High-strength CBD concentrates
Medical cannabis patients with extreme conditions often require big doses of CBD to receive sufficient relief from their symptoms – sometimes more than a standard e-liquid bottle can offer. This is where CBD concentrates come in, high-strength CBD products that can tackle more significant discomfort. There are no dangers to taking much larger amounts of CBD, with studies indicating that the body can comfortably tolerate 1,000mg and more daily.
CBD wax and shatter are ideal for dabbing; CBD crystals are more potent, can also be dabbed and also added to e-juice to increase the strength.
Tasty CBD edibles
CBD edibles are one of the more interesting ways to consume CBD, and also an easy way to get the dosage right. However, there are also a few practical benefits of medicating with edibles.
Firstly, inhalation and sublingual absorption sees the CBD take effect quickly, but also wear off after a couple of hours. For some, having to re-dose throughout the day may not be an issue, however if working in a non-vaping area (e.g. office), you need a treatment that delivers sustained relief. In addition to lasting for several hours, edibles (so long as they don’t contain terpenes) have a barely discernible odor and provide maximum discretion.
Secondly, CBD edibles help to relax the whole body, and the six to eight hours of therapeutic effects are perfect if looking for a natural sleeping remedy. The slow release of CBD molecules helps ensure you enjoy quality rest in deep sleep, where body tissue and muscle is able to regenerate.
CBD oil tinctures: an efficient way to take CBD
CBD oil tinctures may be considered the professional way of medicating with CBD, and for many this method brings the best of both – speedy effects without putting any pressure on the lungs. CBD is dripped and then held under the tongue for around two minutes with tincture oils, where it can be absorbed sublingually into the bloodstream. CBD oil is available as an isolate and also full-spectrum, which is of more medicinal value to some users because of the extra cannabinoids in the oil.
This type of CBD oil is also suitable for application on the skin, although it’s not classed as a topical.
CBD creams, balms and more
CBD topicals are designed mostly for treating skin conditions, to reduce pain, calm some forms of inflammation, and for anti-aging purposes. These products can be liberally rubbed into the skin without fear of exacerbating symptoms, as CBD is an antioxidant and also has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal qualities. CBD creams could be very popular among acne patients soon, with cannabinoids demonstrating an ability to regulate the sebaceous glands. CBD also helps to revitalize the skin, and reduce wrinkling and sagginess.
