Oils: CBD oils are the most potent and unprocessed form of cannabidiol. CBD oil is removed directly from the flowers, stalks and seeds of the hemp plant during the extraction process. The most effective CBD oils are full spectrum, which means that they include all compounds found naturally in the plant, including the cannabinoids (with trace amounts of THC), terpenes and essential oils. You can find CBD oils in a bottle with a dropper. This allows you to ingest the oil by placing it under your tongue, letting it sit for about 15 seconds and then swallowing it.
Tinctures: Tinctures are another popular way to use CBD, likely because you can easily gauge exactly how much cannabidiol you are ingesting, like CBD oil. A tincture is usually extracted with alcohol or another solvent. With a tincture, you use a dropper and place the drops under your tongue. Sometimes, manufacturers will use carrier oils, natural flavors or fatty oils in their tinctures.
Concentrates: Like tinctures, CBD concentrates are ingested by placing drops under your tongue. But concentrates are typically much stronger doses of CBD. The high potency isn’t ideal for beginners who should start with a low dose and see how they respond.
Capsules: Like any other type of capsule, CBD capsules or pills can be taken with water. This is a convenient way to use CBD, but it gives you less control of the dose. Typically, capsules will contain 10–25 milligrams of CBD.
Topical solutions: Topical CBD products include lotions, salves and lip balms. They are meant to benefit skin, joint and muscle health, and work when they are absorbed into the skin and through the dermal layers. CBD patches are also available for topical delivery of the compound. This allows the cannabinoids to be delivered directly to your bloodstream.
Edibles: CBD edibles, including chocolates, coffees, baked goods, gums and candies containing the compound, are becoming popular. Although this may be a satisfying way to use CBD oil, it can be more difficult to measure exactly how much CBD you are ingesting and the results may be inconsistent.
Powders: CBD powders are another way to use cannabidiol internally. The powder can be added to water, juice, tea or a smoothie. The highest quality CBD powders will not include fillers, but only natural plant compounds.
Vape oil: CBD vape oil is used for vaping CBD. This requires the use of an e-cigarette or vape pen, which can have side effects when chemicals are heated to high temperatures. There are also CBD waxes available that are used for dabbing the cannabis compound. This also requires heating a small amount of the wax and using a dabbing pen. This isn’t recommended for beginners, as it’s usually a higher concentration of CBD.
Sprays: Sprays are another product for using CBD internally. The CBD concentration is usually lower in sprays. Read the label for the exact dosage, but usually you spray the solution into your mouth 2–3 times.
CBD Oil vs Hemp Oil
You may notice that some CBD products are made with hemp oil, which can be confusing. What exactly is the difference between CBD oil and hemp oil? CBD is a compound that’s extracted from the cannabis plant. Hemp and cannabis both come from the Cannabis sativa species, but it’s the amount of THC present in the plant that makes them different.
Hemp oil (also called hemp seed oil) is extracted from the hemp seeds of the hemp plant and it contains very little or no THC. Cannabis, on the other hand, has THC levels above 0.3 percent (usually between 5-35 percent). Because of its low THC levels, you can use hemp oil without feeling “high” afterwards. Hemp is typically grown for industrial purposes, as it’s used to make clothing, paper, ropes, carpets, construction materials and plastic composites.