Finding the Best Form of CBD for You!

By Joanna Harrison

Thanks to its meteoric rise in popularity, CBD is readily available across the United States and you can find it in an ever-growing list of different forms. Quick background lesson for any CBD-beginners: CBD stands for cannabidiol and it’s one of the main active ingredients in the cannabis plant. Because CBD is a non psychoactive compound, it doesn’t give you the altered mental state (high) that you would get from the THC compound in cannabis.

It does however, offer a wide range of therapeutic benefits and is touted by many as a helpful addition to a wellness routine! 

In a wealth of new studies, CBD has been found to promote a laundry list of benefits ranging from reducing acne to helping alleviate inflammation and muscle pain. One study concluded that evidence “strongly supports the potential of CBD as a treatment for anxiety disorders.” It was shown to reduce stress, decrease the physiological effects of anxiety, and (in some cases) help with sleep. 

So, you’re interested in taking CBD but there are so many options for how to consume it. What’s the best form of CBD for you?

Ask yourself a few questions first. 

What am I taking it for? 

Different forms of CBD can work a little bit better depending on why you’re using it and what results you are hoping to achieve. For example, if you’re looking to soothe and relieve muscle tension or aches and pains, you might do best with a topical treatment (cream, gel, or lotion). 

The “onset time” of CBD can vary depending on the form as well. So if you want to feel the effects of the CBD slower or faster, you can choose how you ingest it accordingly. 

• Edibles: up to 2 hours
• Tinctures: 15-45 minutes
• Topicals:45-60 minutes
• Vape Products: 15-30 minutes
  (Healthline)

What do you find the most enjoyable and convenient?  

CBD forms are all about preference. Maybe you prefer the ease and convenience of a tincture -- using a dropper to quickly ingest a few drops of CBD under the tongue. This is a great way to absorb the CBD quickly and be able to easily adjust the dosage by a drop or two. 

Maybe you’re not crazy about the taste? If you still want to use the tincture, you can add a few drops to your cold brew or tea in the morning and you’re good to go. Or, consider using a topical cream or lotion or ingesting your CBD through capsules. 

Want to add a little bit more fun to your CBD routine? Edibles, like gummies, are a popular choice for consuming CBD because they’re enjoyable to eat, delicious, and easy to add into a daily routine (take your CBD when you take your daily multivitamins!). 

Edibles often pack an extra punch with a slightly higher dosage than other forms, so be sure to read the labels first and make sure you’re choosing your desired dosage!

Read More → CBD: A Beginner’s Guide

Experiment to find your best match

The best way to explore CBD and its benefits is to play around with a few different varieties and dosages until you find what works best for you. Be aware of the dosage level and start low. Take note of how long it takes to feel the effects, and how the benefits vary from product to product.