At Lazarus Naturals, we believe CBD should be made to work and made for all. In addition to ensuring our products are affordable to make them accessible to everyone, we also offer a variety of formats for consuming CBD. We call these delivery methods, and each one has its own pros and cons based on your lifestyle, desired effects and other circumstances.
“We offer a variety of formats in order to address the wide array of applications where CBD can be therapeutically beneficial to our end users,” said Justin Amesbury, Senior Director of Research and Development at Lazarus Naturals.
Before you choose a delivery method, learn why you need to consider each format’s bioavailability.
Bioavailability and CBD Delivery Methods
Bioavailability refers to the percentage of CBD that makes its way into your system once it has been introduced to your body. It is sometimes referred to as “nutrient absorption.” Usually when we talk about bioavailability, we’re talking about how much of a compound reaches your bloodstream, but some topical formulations target specific areas of the body and only deliver compounds to the nerves and muscles that lie right beneath the skin.
CBD is metabolized in different ways depending on how it was delivered. Product formulation, concentration, delivery method/dosage form and individual variations in physiology affect what the bioavailability, onset, and duration of CBD will be. Long-term use of CBD will also result in an additive effect as the cannabinoid levels build in the body over time. This could prolong the duration of benefits for any one method.
Read on to learn more about each of these CBD delivery methods, to find the one that’s right for you.
Sublingual (Under the Tongue)
Sublingual delivery involves placing a serving of a tincture under the tongue, so the salivary glands underneath can transport the cannabinoids through the mucus membranes directly to your bloodstream. Sublingual tinctures are one of the faster options when you need relief now.
After holding the oil under your tongue for a couple of minutes, you can swallow the rest. Sublingual CBD usually takes effect after about 15 minutes and can last anywhere from 4 to 12 hours. This is our recommended delivery method for tinctures.
Who might benefit:
“Individuals that want consistent servings with good absorption in a discreet form would benefit from tinctures,” said Amesbury.
Pros:
- Fast-acting
- Higher bioavailability
- Can be used for a broad range of reasons
- Works throughout the body
Cons:
- Difficult for new users
- Earthy flavor of CBD does not taste good to many people
- Cannot target specific area
Oral (By Mouth)
Oral delivery means taking something by mouth. Think: swallowing CBD oil capsules and soft gels, or chewing and swallowing edibles like gummies. Oral administration allows the cannabinoids to absorb into your bloodstream through the GI tract (e.g., stomach, intestines, etc.).
Unlike the other methods, oral CBD has to be digested and broken down by the liver before it can transform into something bioavailable for your body to use. This process isn’t quick. Oral CBD can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours before it begins affecting you, but the effects can last between six to 12 hours.
This format is often preferred by new users, especially since you get to taste something sweet like chocolate or a gummy.
Who might benefit?
“Individuals that want precise, repeatable dosing in a form that is easily incorporated into any lifestyle would find capsules, softgels, and gummies appealing,” said Amesbury.
Pros:
- Easy to use, especially for new users
- Can be taken for a broad range of reasons
- Works throughout the body
- Diverse product formats
- Dosing is precise
Cons:
- Takes up to 2 hours to exert effects
- Cannot target specific area
- Some bioavailability is compromised
- Portable and discreet method
Topical (On the Skin)
Topical administration means applying CBD to the surface of your skin, allowing the cannabinoids to absorb through the skin, or “dermal,” layer. This format includes body oils, lotions, balms, creams or salves. Topicals are a great option because they take effect quickly and last up to 48 hours. You simply rub them into your skin, and they get to work.
There are two forms of topicals: standard and transdermal. Standard topicals provide surface-level relief to sore muscles and stiff joints. Transdermal topicals surpass the skin barrier and absorb into the bloodstream. This gets CBD into your system while also soothing the same sore muscles and joints. However, full-spectrum transdermal topicals may cause you to fail a drug test, which is important to keep in mind if you play a sport competitively or have occasional testing for work or legal reasons.
Who might benefit?
“Individuals that are looking for rapid, localized relief to skin or muscle ailments would benefit from the rapid, localized relief delivered by topicals,” said Amesbury.
Pros:
- Great for spot-treating certain areas
- Easy to use
- Effects last longer
Cons:
- Effects are very targeted
- The bioavailability is high but more localized than other formats
- Topicals can sweat, wash or rub off
- They are harder to dose
- They have a strong scent, so aren’t discreet
There’s no single best delivery method. Instead, choose a product that will work for your health issue(s) and goals. Ask yourself questions like:
- Do I want quick relief or long-lasting relief?
- Do I want targeted or overall effects?
- Do I need to be discreet with my CBD use?
- Am I comfortable smelling like Hemp?
Experiment with a few different options to find the dosage and delivery method that works for you.