When you choose CBD, choose the right CBD form for you.
To choose the right you need to understand the following:
- CBD
- CBD Gummies
- CBD Oil
- The core differences between the gummies and the oil
- Unique method to choose one form for yourself
Before you choose gummies or oil, do you know what CBD is?
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural compound found in the cannabis plant, which can help you with:
- Sleep
- Stress
- Depression
- Chronic pain and many more problems
In ancient India, the cannabis plant helped with treating many ailments, such as:
- Pain
- Inflammation
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
Ayurvedic texts mention cannabis as one of the top five sacred plants. Cannabis has been an ancient remedy that is still used today in the form of CBD.
How does CBD work?
CBD interacts with the Endocannabinoid system (ECS) to bring the body to a state of balance.
The ECS is a cell-signalling system present in the body. ECS manages many important functions in the human body. Some of the functions are:
- Mood
- Memory
- Metabolism
- Sleep cycle
- Pain response
CBD Products come from 3 types of extracts:
- Full Spectrum
- Broad Spectrum
- Isolate
Let’s break down what makes each different.
- Full Spectrum – This extract contains all the compounds present in the cannabis plant. It includes CBD, THC, terpenes and many others. All the compounds work together to give a stronger effect than a single compound. This effect is called the entourage effect.
- Broad Spectrum –Individuals who don’t want THC often choose broad-spectrum extracts. The broad spectrum is beneficial when you have drug tests. But they may contain trace amounts of THC, so be careful.
- Isolate – This form contains pure CBD.
Many people have used CBD to tackle their problems, and most of them like to consume CBD in the form of gummies.
CBD Gummies
CBD gummies are CBD-infused with a jelly.
CBD gummies come in unique flavours and shapes. The gummies usually have other ingredients besides CBD.
Consumption Method
CBD gummies are eaten like candy. Open the wrapper and pop one gummy according to your needs. If you’re starting out with CBD, remember to limit your intake to 1-2 gummies a day.
Speed of Absorption and Effect Time
The gummies take approximately 1-2 hours to be absorbed into the body as they pass through the digestive system. The effect gradually builds up and lasts for a long period, typically 6-8 hours.
Strength & Intensity of Effects
The gummies may feel strong depending on the product’s potency. Read information about the potency of the product before you consume it.
Taste & Sensory Experience
People love gummies because of their taste, and the candy-like texture makes them fun to consume.
Dosage Control
There is an accurate dosage on the gummies, and you have control over the amount you eat.
Discretion & Portability
It may look like an everyday candy, but keep it away from others, especially children, as the gummies might react differently for everyone.
Best Use Cases
The CBD gummies are good for helping you in many ways, some of which are:
- Mild Insomnia – Eat one to two gummies after your last meal, and you will slowly drift off to sound sleep.
- Anxiety – Since the effect of gummies is long-lasting, it might help you if you have anxious thoughts, especially at night.
- Anger Management – You can manage your anger with CBD as it has calming properties that help you feel at ease and relaxed.
CBD Oil
CBD oil is the extract from the cannabis plant, and was the first CBD product. Mainly used for medicinal purposes and general wellness as a natural alternative to many synthetic options. The oil has been used to manage many severe health conditions.
Consumption Method
CBD oil can be consumed in many ways. You can add the oil to your tea, smoothies, salad, brownies, coffee or consume it directly under the tongue.
Speed of Absorption and Effect Time
When you take CBD oil sublingually (under the tongue), it has rapid absorption and starts to take effect. This happens because there are small blood vessels under the tongue which allow the CBD to enter the bloodstream and start its effect. The oil gets absorbed fast and also wears off faster this way. But, when consumed with snacks, tea, or juices, it takes longer to start working, as the CBD passes through the digestive tract before entering the bloodstream.
Strength & Intensity of Effects
CBD oil can be too strong or too weak, depending on the product’s potency and the number of drops you consume.
Taste & Sensory Experience
The CBD oil has a natural, earthy flavour. In other cases, it also comes in different flavours like peppermint, tulsi etc.
Dosage Control
It’s easy to control dosage with the dropper.
Discretion & Portability
The oil will stand out especially in public. If you don’t want to gather attention by taking CBD, it can become problematic. Most high-quality CBD oils come in amber glass bottles, which can be difficult to carry from day to day.
Best Use Cases
CBD oil can manage many lifestyle ailments, some of which are:
- Chronic Pain – The CBD oil can help with calming down chronic pain and give you a rapid recovery time.
- Intense Insomnia – The calming properties of CBD when consumed by the sublingual method can help you get sound sleep in a faster and safer way than any synthetic alternatives.
- Severe Stress – Stress can weaken the immune system and also affect your memory. With the help of the CBD oil, you can relax and melt away your stress.
4 steps to choose your CBD form
Everyone is different. That’s why they face different problems which need different solutions. To solve your problem, you need to understand it first and choose how you would deal with it.
To help you choose, here is Awshad’s ASAP method, a step-by-step approach that matches your needs to the right CBD form.
Awshad’s ASAP Method
The ASAP method stands for Ailment, Severity, Approach, and Preference. Follow each step to select your ideal CBD form.
1) Ailment
What type of ailment (problem) are you facing right now that CBD can help with?
Is it stress, sleepless nights or migraines? Be clear about the problem that you want to solve by using CBD.
When you identify the problem, your path to choosing the right product will become clear.
2) Severity
You need to categorise the level of your problem.
You can categorise it into 3 levels, which are:
- Mild
- Moderate
- Severe
Once you have categorised the ailment, it’s time to pick an approach.
3) Approach
The approach you take will determine how effectively you solve your problem.
Are you dealing with a severe problem that needs immediate relief or a mild to moderate problem that needs minimal management?
Do you need fast effects or a slow-rising effect that stays for a long period of time?
Once you have made sure what things you need, then it all comes down to what you like.
4) Preference
This is the final step to consider before you choose the right form of CBD.
Your preference = Your liking
Would you like the earthy flavour of CBD oil or the candy-like taste of the CBD gummies?
Would you like cannabinoids or different beneficial ingredients as well?
Would you like the versatility of the oil or the ease of use of the gummies?
It all depends on what you like.
Conclusion
There are many ways to reach a destination.
Some people like to take a bus.
Some people like to drive a car.
Some people like to cruise on a bike.
Suppose you want to reach a hill station with fewer distractions by yourself, you can either take a car or a bike. Whatever vehicle you take will help you reach the hill station.
Likewise, CBD Gummies and CBD oil can take you to a state of calm, but the way you want to reach there depends on you.
Remember, before you consume any CBD product, consult with a Doctor.
