CBD products are continuing to gain popularity, and there are tons of different products on the market that contain CBD. There are a variety of ways you can reap the benefits of CBD, so let’s talk about the top 5 ways to use CBD in your day-to-day life! 

1. CBD Capsules

Taking CBD capsules is a very easy way to ingest it. Many capsules you can find on the market today are CBD, either pure or full spectrum, mixed with a carrier oil such as MCT oil, olive oil, or coconut oil. Not all CBD is created equal, so be sure to do your research and choose a high-quality product. CBD capsules provide very measured dosing, so consumers know exactly how much they are taking each time. It is so easy to add CBD capsules to the mix of any other nutritional supplements you might already be taking to make it part of your daily routine! 

The capsules available at Color Up contain a mixture of olive oil and either CBD or Full Spectrum oil. We chose olive oil because it is known to be a healthy fat that is good for the heart, has anti-inflammatory properties, and many have other therapeutic benefits when consumed orally. It’s also said to have a high bioavailability percentage when taken orally.

2. CBD Tinctures

Using CBD tinctures is also a very popular way to use CBD. A CBD tincture is a liquid containing CBD mixed with a carrier oil, that can be dropped directly into the mouth, generally under the tongue so it can be absorbed better. Some tinctures may also have a little flavor added like peppermint or spearmint oil. With CBD tinctures, you can vary your dosage to fit your needs specifically. Some bottles range from containing 100mg to 1000mg of CBD, so be sure to read the label to determine how many drops you will need to get the dosage you want. CBD tinctures are also nice because you can add CBD to your food, tea, or other items if you prefer to consume it with something else rather than dropping it directly into your mouth.

The tinctures available at Color Up are made of CBD isolate or Full Spectrum oil encapsulated in MCT (medium chain triglyceride) oil with a hint of spearmint. We chose this MCT Oil because of its smaller particle size and ability to penetrate through the mucus membrane into the bloodstream. The ability for any compound to make it through ingestion and digestion is also known as its “bioavailability,” or the degree at which something is absorbed by the body’s circulatory system. MCT oil is highly bioavailable, making it a terrific option for ingestion.

3. CBD Topicals

There is a whole range of CBD topicals available today! Topicals are applied to the skin and may help reduce skin issues such as inflammation, redness, dryness, pain, and more! CBD topicals can take the form of CBD lotions, massage oils, lip balms, salves, deodorants, and so much more! Most of these products don’t require any special application, so you can simply use them as you would use the same product without CBD. As with any CBD product, be sure to do your research, check the labels, and ensure that you are using a quality product. After all, these may be products you use daily! 

4. CBD Edibles

CBD can be added to food or drink and are often referred to as “CBD-infused” or “edibles”. You can often find CBD-infused drinks and food wherever you purchase other CBD products. You can also add CBD to your own food or drink at home using a tincture, as mentioned above. When cooking with CBD oil, avoid heating it too much, or it can alter the taste.

5. Vaporizing CBD 

Vaporizing or smoking CBD isolate is another excellent method of consumption. The bioavailability of CBD that is inhaled is a bit higher than when it is ingested through an edible or applied to the skin. That means the CBD enters your bloodstream faster, and you can feel some effects almost immediately. For some people, it may take time to determine what the sweet spot is for dosage, so start small and work your way up until you’re feeling the effects you desire. 

How You Ingest CBD Matters

Ingesting CBD Capsules

Gel capsules are metabolized through our complex digestive system and our vital enzyme system called the CYP450 (Cytochrome 450) system that metabolizes around 80% of all of the drugs we consume (this is known as first-pass metabolism). We have learned that cannabinoids, “at high doses,” meaning over 100mg, may have an effect on blocking the action of this system. Due to this interaction, it can make other medications more potent by causing more to build up in the blood or can make them become less effective, decreasing how well it works. Most internal pharmaceutical medications are digested through this system, and anyone prescribed medication should take the time to become educated about this by their physician. 

This is the same for many pharmaceuticals and other plants, such as grapefruit. For example, it is suggested not to take grapefruit juice with other medications due to the compounds it contains called furanocoumarins (Bergapten being the strongest of the components that inhibit CYPs function) and their effect on the CYP3A4 enzyme system. If your medication is contraindicated with grapefruit, then we suggest following the same guidelines provided by your physician on how far to space out their ingestion. Typically, waiting 4- 6 hours in between digestion of other medications and CBD is a good rule of thumb, but your physician will be able to give you proper instructions. 

Ingesting CBD Sublingually

When taking CBD sublingually, it is absorbed through the mucus membrane under the tongue; therefore, it avoids the first-pass effect and is directly absorbed into the bloodstream for systemic circulation. This is typically the better option for those on pharmaceutical medication.

Are There Side Effects of Ingesting CBD?

As far as side effects, there are no known contraindications when using CBD topically. As mentioned earlier in this article, the gel capsules experience “first pass” metabolism through our liver enzymes, which reduces bioavailability and potency, like all other medications taken orally. They are also metabolized through our complex digestive system and vital enzyme system called the CYP450 (Cytochrome 450) system that metabolizes somewhere around 80% of all of the drugs we consume. We currently know that there are cannabinoid receptors within this system, so CBD and all cannabinoids “at high doses” may have an effect on blocking the action of this system. What that means is that it may make other medications more potent by causing more to build up in the blood, or less effective, decreasing how well it works. So a few hours in between digestion of any other medications is a good rule of thumb. 

Looking for High-Quality CBD Products?

Color Up has a huge variety of high-quality CBD products available for purchase anywhere in the US that CBD can be sold. From full spectrum to pure CBD, you can find products that work for you! To include our internal, pet, body care, and facial care lines, all of our products and services are infused with Cannabidiol (CBD) from organically and sustainably grown Hemp on a 2014/2018 Farm Bill compliant, and CDA registered Colorado Hemp farm. We are licensed by the CDPHE, and it is legal to purchase and resell all of our product lines. We follow cGMP guidelines closely, and we source only pharmaceutical-grade Cannabis. Visit our website for more information or to browse our products today!

*The FDA has not evaluated these products for safety of efficacy. Content on our website is provided for general informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice. Information on Hemp Oil infused products is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and should not be substituted for medical care.