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As CBD oil becomes more commonplace in holistic stores, it also comes in various delivery methods. Finding what works best for you in terms of delivery and result is a personal task, but having the correct information to make a choice is essential.

It isn't just about what delivery method to choose, though. There is much more to selecting the ideal CBD product. From manufacturing to additional ingredients, the CBD process isn't straightforward. That's where we come in.

We have experience with CBD products and can help you learn more about what you're looking for in your journey.

What Is CBD Oil?

CBD oil, short for cannabinoid oil, is a derivative of cannabis that lacks the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) found in some cannabis plants, such as marijuana. Unlike THC, CBD oil is non-intoxicating and will not cause a "high."

CBD oil contributes to overall wellness. Though it may not be perfect for any specific condition, it can sometimes help manage symptoms and stress. Because it is non-intoxicating, it is generally safe to use.

CBD oil is used for fitness, oral hygiene, boosting the immune system, meditation, digestion, acne, arthritis, inflammation, anxiety, stress, relaxation, pain, and so much more. Talk to your doctor for information about whether CBD oil is a good fit for you.

Where to Buy CBD Oil in the UK?

CBD oil made from hemp plants, not marijuana, is the only kind available in the UK. It is available over-the-counter and online. Speciality shops carry only CBD products, making them reliable choices when looking for experts.

An excellent place to find quality CBD oil online is here at Amphora, where we have a wide variety of oils available to purchase. Our oils, such as the Inspire blend, may help treat inflammation, stress, and sleeplessness to provide more focus and productivity.

How Do I Make Sure I'm Getting the Best CBD Oil?

Knowing the product's origin is step one. Reputable products will have their information available for customers. CBD extraction processes can make the difference between weak and robust CBD oil.

Many different factors apply to choosing the right CBD oil brand and delivery method. Because CBD oil can be expensive, it is good to know how to select a high-quality product before making your investment.

Knowing the lab testing results for the product is vital, too. As you investigate the products, there are guidelines for what to expect. From batch ID and analysis, the information provides quality control for your product.

Extraction Processes

The best CBD oil is processed using ethanol to remove toxins and unwanted residue from the hemp plant as you extract the oil, or CO2 extraction, which uses extremely cold temperatures and pressure to extract the oil. Either will yield a high-quality CBD oil.

Using ethanol, butane, propane, isopropyl, or alcohol solvent extraction utilizes a solvent to pull the cannabinoid out of the hemp plant. Then, it's set aside for the solvent to evaporate, leaving behind the CBD product.

CO2 extraction is much more complex and expensive but is a great way to extract CBD oil without any potentially harmful residue safely. The process involves freezing and pressure, which then leaves CO2 in a separate chamber with the CBD oil. The CO2 then rises to the top of the canister, leaving behind the cannabinoid.

Olive oil is the oldest extraction process, which means it comes with an air of nostalgia to it. The raw hemp plant is heated, then removed. Olive oil combines with it, and then they're heated again. Through this process, the olive oil binds with the cannabinoids. This process makes a less potent product but still effective.

Plant Source

As with any agricultural product, the plant's location significantly impacts the quality of the crop. Rich, fertile soil will provide healthier and more robust plants, while depleted soil will be overworked and create weaker products.

Farmers should avoid growing hemp in any location high in metals because those metals can impact the hemp plant and the CBD oil. Maintaining safety is essential in any health product, so knowing that your CBD is metal-free is critical.

Hemp plants and marijuana plants both produce CBD oil, and knowing which was the base for the product is essential. Hemp plants do have THC in them, but at extremely low levels and are typically removed during the extraction process, whereas marijuana plants have a much higher concentration. They both grow in similar climates and require similar care.

Whole Plant and Full Spectrum

While it can be cheaper to purchase CBD oil that is not full spectrum or "whole plant," it dramatically affects the quality of the product. Full-spectrum CBD oil maintains the other cannabinoids within the plant that work together with CBD oil to strengthen it.

Choosing a full-spectrum option might cost more, but the benefits are more significant because of flavonoids, terpenes, and other cannabinoids. It's a more natural approach as well to include the entire plant in the extraction process.

Using the whole plant for every potential benefit means that the desired outcome is more likely to occur. When you're looking for some relief, the strength of that relief matters a great deal.

Entourage Effect

CBD oil works best when taken with other cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes. This combination is called the "entourage effect." Not every product works this way, however, and there are various spectrums to consider.

• CBD Isolate - this is where the only product you're consuming is the CBD itself. There are no other cannabinoids or derivatives with it. These reduce the entourage effect completely. This is why many companies will add terpenes and other cannabinoids to their formulations to make up a whole plant effect. The added bonus is there is absolutely zero chance of feeling any intoxicating effects or infringing on local laws.
• CBD Distillate - these products contain all other byproducts such as cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes, and small amounts of THC. The amount of THC in these products is always within the legal limit of 0.2%, and they have the most benefit from the entourage effect.

Deciding which type of CBD product to use makes a difference for the product's strength and how effective it will be in treating whatever ailment you face.

How Do I Take CBD Oil?

There are various ways to take CBD oil, depending on the intended use and personal preference. The delivery method impacts the bioavailability of the CBD. Bioavailability means how much of it is absorbed and then used by the body.

The delivery method also impacts how long it takes for the effects of the CBD oil to begin as well as how long they last post-consumption. Wisely choosing your delivery method will help mitigate whichever symptoms from which you need relief.

There are several different methods of delivery that are effective:

• CBD oil drops
• CBD vape pens
• CBD edibles
• CBD sublinguals
• CBD topicals

CBD Oil Drops

CBD oil drops can be used sublingually or added to a food or beverage for easier consumption. Some people dislike the flavour of CBD oil, and mixing it with milk or tea can make it more palatable.

Drops often come in a variety of flavour choices, as well, which makes it more likely that you'll find one that works for you. They're easy to use and measure, and they come in a variety of strengths.

Drops are easy to use, too, because they fit inside your bag and don’t require any extra devices for dispensation. They’re compact and transportable. Drops can be an excellent choice for someone who needs several doses throughout the day but wants to remain discreet.

CBD Vape

You can also consume CBD oil via vape pens as a way to smoke the oil rather than ingest it. The bioavailability of vaping CBD oil is the highest at almost 50%. It absorbs into the bloodstream and kicks in almost immediately, which can be incredibly beneficial.

Vaping is also a good option for people who are traditional smokers, as it feels more natural. Vape oil comes in a variety of flavour profiles, just like the oil drops. There are choices for strength and flavour type with this delivery method.

When choosing a vape method, be sure the CBD oil is not mixed with a thinning agent such as propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, or MCT (fractionated coconut oil), as these additions have not been proven for inhalation and may be unsafe. Pure CBD is safer.

People with stress, and sleep problems might experience the best results with a CBD vape.

CBD Edibles

Edibles have the lowest bioavailability at around 19%, but they’re still a viable delivery method. They may be an excellent option for someone who wants a slower result and only requires a moderate impact.

Edibles can come as pre-made items like gummies, or you can add CBD oil into your kitchen routine. You can use brownies, cookies, salad dressings, or any other items with sufficient fat for the oil to bind with for consumables.

Edibles may be a fantastic choice for you because they have flavours that mask the CBD earthiness, and you can enjoy chocolate, mint, lemon, or any other flavour you choose, depending on the product you've baked. If you can bake it, you can add CBD to it.

These take longer to kick in, though, because of the natural delays in the body's digestive system called the "first-pass effect." The flip side of that is that they take longer to metabolize fully, and then they linger in the body longer.

Edibles might be an excellent option for people who need a longer-acting result.

CBD Sublinguals

CBD Sublinguals are another delivery option. Oil drops fall into this category if you choose to take the drops without mixing them into something. It doesn't take as long to kick in as edibles but is slower than vaping.

Sublingual CBD products such as oils, sprays, and tinctures have to sit under your tongue for a few seconds before swallowing them. This delay gives time for them to absorb through your sublingual gland and then through the digestive system, which preserves some of the CBD potency.

Sublingual is where having flavour options comes in handy, too, because the earthiness of the CBD oil isn't always something people enjoy. Adding another flavour profile gives character to the product and allows for a personalized experience.

Sublinguals may also work great for people who do not want the added sugars from edibles because they don't have anything added to them.

CBD Topicals

CBD topicals come in creams, lotions, patches, salves, or balms. You can apply them directly to an affected area, such as shoulder joints or sore muscles. The muscle or joint absorbs it straight away rather than systematically like an oral or inhaled CBD product.

The benefit to a localized application is a targeted result, which means there are no lost effects. It isn't diluted or reduced by the body in any way. They may work as an anti-inflammatory for the muscles and skin.

CBD can also work to treat inflammatory skin conditions and cutaneous scars to improve healing and care. Eczema and psoriasis are some of the conditions that may benefit from topical CBD application.

CBD topicals must be applied liberally so they can work effectively. As the oil absorbs into the skin and muscle, it needs enough to reach the targeted area. Our skin is designed to keep things out of our bodies, so it is essential to use enough to absorb through that barrier.

Individuals with irritated skin or muscle aches may get the best results with CBD topicals.

Choosing the Best CBD Delivery Method for You

As you consider all of the information about choosing the right product and the options for delivery methods, it comes down to personal preference. Here at Amphora, we have a wide selection to help you find the perfect choice for you.

There is no right or wrong way to use CBD oil. In fact, for many consumers, multiple delivery methods offer a range of results. You might want the topical cream for that strained muscle, but vaping for stress relief, and who doesn't like brownies for a bit of calm?

Once you've found what works for you, you're not locked into that choice forever either. There will always be options available to suit your immediate need, and testing different delivery methods can help you find what works best for you in any given situation.