CBD Oil vs CBD Edibles: What's Right for You?

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There's a wealth of options when it comes to consuming CBD oil. For some people, this is heaven, as they simply adore the massive range of choices, and sometimes even vary up their methods to keep things interesting! However, for others that like to get themselves into a solid routine with one form of consumption that best suits their wellbeing needs, the market can feel overwhelming. The good news is that you have come to the right place, especially those of you that are searching for the best way of consuming CBD for the first time. There are plenty of different methods, such as vaping, sprays, and creams. However, today we are focusing on CBD oil and CBD edibles. This article will discuss the differences between the two, so that you can make an informed decision for your wellness routine. We will also outline the main benefits of consuming CBD oil, as it can significantly enhance your lifestyle. So, make sure that you stay tuned to learn all about these ways of consuming CBD.

What is CBD oil?

Let's kick things off by defining what CBD oil is, as not everyone will be aware of what is or where it comes from. Plus, it's actually pretty interesting to learn about! CBD's full name is cannabidiol, so keep this in mind if you do your own research - we don't want anyone becoming confused! CBD is a chemical compound located in cannabis plants; to be more specific, the cannabis Sativa plant. In terms of how it's made, CBD oil is extracted from the plant, and then diluted with hemp seed oil or coconut oil, and these oils are known as carrier oils.

What you may be surprised to discover is that there are over 100 compounds found in the cannabis plant, and research is only just beginning into some of the potential benefits of the other compounds. However, two of the most well-known are undoubtedly CBD and THC. Tetrahydrocannabinol is the full name for the THC compound, and this is the compound that can cause the user to feel "high" or intoxicated, thanks to its psychoactive properties. However, CBD has no such properties, and that's why it is such a popular all-natural wellness supplement for many people. In fact, the first documented use of CBD for medicinal purposes occurred way back in 2727 BC in China. It was used by Emperor Sheng Neng, who opted for the edible option, as he drank a cup of CBD-infused tea. He took it to potentially help him gain relief for a range of health conditions, such as gout, malaria, and poor memory.

But that's all in the past- what about modern CBD? Well, the future looks bright for CBD oil, especially as more in-depth research into its possible benefits continues. There's contemporary research into many areas of health, such as CBD oil supplements (potentially) for chronic pain, skin issues, and anxiety, to name a few.

What are the different types of CBD out there?

Before we jump into the possible wellness aspects of CBD oil, we will address a few of the technical words you may have already heard relating to CBD oil! The following terminologies are actually pretty essential to understand, because then you will know what you are buying. By "types" of CBD, we are not referring to how you can consume it, but rather the differences in the variations. You see, you can purchase full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate.

• Full-spectrum CBD: let's begin with full-spectrum CBD. This refers to all of the naturally occurring compounds that you find in the cannabis plant. This includes THC; however, there is typically a very low amount of this compound, as most full-spectrum CBD features less than 0.2% THC. Full-spectrum CBD is very high in CBD itself, and this makes it a popular choice for some people. This type of CBD oil is directly linked to a process known as the Entourage Effect. This theory basically refers to all of the cannabinoids working together, including terpenes, with more significant potential effects throughout the body. Due to the fact that this type of CBD oil contains THC, it is of vital importance that you do your research into the legality of THC levels in your country before you make any purchases.
• Broad-spectrum CBD: these types of CBD products are very similar to full-spectrum; however, THC is omitted. This means that you can reap similar benefits from the Entourage Effect, without having to worry about things such as legality or failed drug tests due to any THC in the product.
• CBD isolate: this type of CBD is pretty easy to understand, as the clue is in the name – it is pure CBD. This makes it an excellent choice for people wanting no other cannabinoids in their CBD oil, especially not THC.

The choice is yours when it comes to the type of CBD oil you wish to consume, but it's worth doing some research yourself.

Wellness benefits of CBD

The potential benefits of CBD are far-reaching, and it is important to examine some of the main pieces of research into what it can offer.

People love CBD for a range of reasons, with a high number consuming it to potentially aid with anxiety. One review published in 2015 concluded that CBD oil was efficient in reducing anxiety pertaining to a range of disorders, such as SAD and PTSD. Furthermore, CBD oil demonstrated an excellent safety profile- it is not addictive, and adverse effects are few and far between. A further piece of research found that 79% of the participants experienced a reduction in their anxious feelings. What's more, there is a growing body of research pertaining to sleep disorders and anxiety, in particular, insomnia. One such study found that 48 (66.7%) of participants taking part in the CBD-centered study experienced an improved quality of sleep. Although further research is regarding how CBD and anxiety may interact, the future looks bright for the use of CBD as a supplement to mainstream treatments for this condition. This is mainly due to the fact that the common and current treatments for anxiety, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can cause adverse side effects.

Another common reason that consumers may use CBD oil is for a range of skin conditions, in particular acne. Acne can be caused by the overproduction of sebum (oil), as this can cause blockages in your skin, and acne can occur as a result. Acne spots can appear on your face, back, and chest. They can also be painful, especially if they are touched or 'popped'. A study published in 2014 discovered that CBD could potentially help in preventing the over-processing of sebum cells, and this could therefore help to prevent acne.

Furthermore, the study reported that CBD also boasts possible anti-inflammatory effects, and this may help in the prevention of acne. There is also a growing body of research into the potential benefits of CBD oil for a skin condition called psoriasis. According to the NHS, this skin condition causes red, flaky, sore patches of skin all over the body; and it is a chronic condition that can flare up periodically. A study examining psoriasis patients and CBD was published in 2019. The researchers applied topical CBD onto the sufferers' skin to discover whether it could help reduce the symptoms of psoriasis. While this study was small, it showed promising results. The five participants of the study used the CBD gel for three months, and they applied it to the affected areas of their skin twice per day, seeing 'significant' improvements. This led the researchers to conclude that CBD holds great potential for helping to treat psoriasis, and therefore in improving the quality of life in those living with psoriasis. Something that can also contribute to a better quality of life is the relief of itchy skin. Itchy skin can occur for a variety of reasons; two of the primary health conditions linked to itchy and uncomfortable skin are psoriasis and eczema. One review published in 2017 examined the wealth of research into CBD for itchy skin. They focused on one such study that concluded 81% of its participants experienced relief from their itching skin due to CBD's possible interactions with the certain areas of the brain that cause itching. There is great potential here in the use of CBD oil for a range of skin conditions. The skin conditions that we have mentioned here can be distressing for the individuals, and CBD holds the potential to be an all-natural solution and self-esteem booster.

Furthermore, CBD oil for the management of chronic pain seems to be a viable option for many people suffering from a range of health conditions. A review published in 2017 concluded that CBD might help people suffering from chronic neuropathic pain, by examining eleven controlled human trials. A study published in 2016 examined the effects of CBD in animal models for arthritis. This condition can cause individuals great pain in their muscles and joints, as well as the inflammation of these areas. The researchers in this study applied topical CBD (a gel) to rats suffering with arthritis, over the course of four days. The results look promising, as they concluded that inflammation was significantly reduced, and the rats experienced no adverse side effects from the CBD. In one recent review published in 2020 examined the potential use of CBD for chronic pain, found that it may help individuals sleep better, alleviate their chronic pain, and reduce inflammation, possibly helping to reduce the chances of further pain. This makes the future appear a little brighter for people searching for an all-natural supplement to potentially soothe their chronic pain.

Finally, some cancer patients use CBD to help manage and relieve their pain, as well as nausea, which is a common side effect of chemotherapy treatment. One such review, published in 2019, examined the current literature on the topic of CBD and cancer. It was reported that, while further research is needed, cannabinoids have the potential to "effectively modulate tumour growth in different in vitro and in vivo cancer models." Studies have also examined the way that CBD oil can help cancer patients to manage their symptoms. As we have already discovered, CBD is a possible potent anti-inflammatory, and this can help to manage and alleviate the pain that people experience.

What's more, the investigation into the ability of CBD into potentially helping to relieve nausea looks promising. One such study was published in 2011, and it reported some encouraging findings. The researchers stated that being able to manipulate the endocannabinoid system can have a positive impact on vomiting and feelings of nausea. They concluded that CBD has the potential to be a strong antiemetic for humans, due to its ability to prevent and manage nausea. Things look promising for the use of CBD's potential benefits as a supplementary treatment for cancer. However, more extensive research is needed before CBD could ever be compared to mainstream pharmaceuticals.

People love CBD for a range of reasons, and the most common are the ones that we have discussed above. It's an all-natural supplement that might help alleviate a range of symptoms connected to a range of health conditions after further research into its potential benefits is conducted. However, the outcome is the same no matter what ails you - CBD can help people to live the best life that they can. So, make sure that you consider adding CBD oil to your wellness routine today!

Method of consumption: CBD oil

When people think of CBD, they can be forgiven if their mind goes straight to CBD oil. It is the most prevalent method of consumption of the compound; however, this could be due to the fact that people aren't aware of the vast sea of CBD options out there! Don't worry, that's why we're here. The oil comes in a tincture or spray, and you take it by putting it underneath your tongue. This method is extremely simple, as all you need to do is decide on your dose (drops) and use the dropper to administer the oil underneath your tongue onto the soft tissue.

Method of consumption: CBD edibles

CBD edibles are another convenient way of consuming CBD oil, especially when you are on the go. You can even choose to make the edibles yourself. For example, you could whip up a healthy CBD smoothie, a revitalising cup of coffee, or a sweet treat like cookies or cakes. Another popular choice is CBD gummies, as they are just like eating a gummy bear sweet, but with the added potential wellness benefits of CBD oil. There are also options for the health-conscious out there, as CBD protein bars are a popular choice for gym-goers. Dried CBD fruit is also a common choice, as people enjoy kick-starting their day with some healthy nourishment. Another form of CBD edibles is on the rise, as more and more people are finding themselves reaching for CBD mints! They are a fresh and tasty way of consuming your daily dose of CBD and a great addition to your wellness routine. We would be here all day if we were to list all CBD edibles and compare them directly to CBD oil, so for the rest of this article we will compare and contrast CBD mints to CBD oil, as an example (keep in mind that the benefits of CBD mints are similar, if not the same as other forms of CBD edibles, with the added benefit of fresh breath!)

Oil or food: you choose

In this section, we are going to directly compare the two, as they are fairly different ways of consuming the CBD compound. The differences between them are clear, which will hopefully help you to make that all-important decision!

How long it takes to feel the effects

This is where CBD oil and edibles differ the most - the time it takes before you can experience their balancing benefits for your wellbeing. When it comes to edible forms of CBD, you need to digest them, and therefore they take longer to be absorbed into your bloodstream. There are other factors also at play here, as it all depends on your age, height, and weight, as well as the state of your general health and wellbeing. It can take between 30 minutes to 120 minutes for your body to work out what to do with the CBD edibles, and for you to feel the possible effects. CBD oil, on the other hand, is known for being much faster, as it is absorbed sublingually (under the tongue) and bypasses the digestive system by being absorbed directly into the bloodstream. Some people will begin to feel the effects within ten minutes, whilst for other people it can sometimes take 60 minutes. The same factors that can influence edibles can also affect the time it takes to reap the potential benefits of CBD oil.

This is where the term bioavailability comes in, as this basically refers to the rate of time it takes for the CBD to be absorbed into your bloodstream. One study published in 2007 found that CBD edibles have a bioavailability rate of 4-20%, whereas a study published in 2012 discovered that CBD oil spray has a bioavailability rate between 12% and 35%. However, it's worth noting that not all CBD edibles will take such a long time to be absorbed, as CBD mints will be absorbed faster and have a higher bioavailability due to their ability to dissolve on your tongue. What's more, when it comes to the lasting effects of CBD, edibles seem the way to go if you prefer longer-lasting effects. This is a good idea for those of you wanting to feel the calming effects of CBD for your whole day.

The dosage of CBD

The dosage of CBD refers to the amount you are consuming. It's always a good idea to discover what best fits in with your wellness routine for yourself. We would argue that the dosage of both CBD edibles and CBD oil is simple and convenient. As we already know, CBD oil comes in a bottle along with a dropper, so that you are able to know precisely how much CBD you are administering yourself. Studies have demonstrated that higher doses of CBD oil, such as 300mg, are more effective when it comes to treating anxiety disorders. This study reported the lower doses of 100mg as having little effect on the participants. CBD edibles are also convenient, as they are easily consumed on the go, and you will not draw attention to yourself if this is something that concerns you. However, CBD edibles are typically lower, with most products on the market offering between 50mg to 120mg CBD content. This means that you might need to consume a significant amount more, in comparison to oils. However, this is a huge advantage for some CBD users. Take CBD mints; for example, the lower dosage allows for a greater means of control over your wellness routine. Plus they are particularly useful for first-time users who want to ease themselves into the world of CBD.

The options

Not everyone likes to be confined to one way of taking CBD, and for this reason, CBD oil can be somewhat restrictive. There are plenty of yummy flavours out there to choose from, such as peppermint, lemon, blueberry, and many more. However, these flavours don't beat CBD edibles when it comes to the enormous variety of options that you have the freedom to choose from. We won't illustrate our point by repeating ourselves again, but the sheer amount of choice is astounding! Everything you can eat can become a CBD edible. For the health-conscious out there, you can even make CBD recipes yourself, so you know exactly what you are putting into your body. In our opinion, there's nothing better than a refreshingly simple CBD mint – packed with all the CBD-derived goodness and a yummy taste that is sure to put a smile on your face!

Buy what's right for you

So, there we have it - a direct comparison between CBD oil and CBD edibles. At the end of the day, it all comes down to what you believe will fit your routine the best. We would always recommend doing your own research and trying out these methods for yourself. Of course, if you would rather bypass both of these options and would love to vape CBD oil, as many people do, make sure to check out our range of CBD vape cartridges. Amphora provides all-natural CBD, and offers unique blends to boost your wellness routine and healthy lifestyle.