CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis that has been gaining popularity as a natural remedy for various ailments. Unfortunately, while CBD is generally considered safe, many people find that it doesn't always work as well as they'd like. If you're one of those people, don't despair: you can do a few things to make your CBD more effective.

CBD Bioavailability 

Have you ever taken CBD and felt like it wasn't working as well as you had hoped? Well, you're not alone! One of the biggest reasons for this is something called bioavailability. But don't worry; we're here to break it down for you in a way that's easy to understand and (hopefully) a little fun.
First things first, let's define bioavailability. Essentially, it's the amount of a substance (in this case, CBD) that makes it into your bloodstream. Think of it like a game of telephone: you take CBD, but by the time it reaches your bloodstream, not all of it makes it through. The percentage of CBD that does make it through is called bioavailability.
Now, why does this matter? Well, let's say you take a 50mg CBD gummy. If the bioavailability of that gummy is only 6%, then you're only getting 3mg of CBD. That's a big difference.
So, how do we ensure we get the most bang for our buck? There are a few ways to increase bioavailability, but taking CBD sublingually (aka under the tongue) is the most effective. This method bypasses the digestive system and allows the CBD to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream. Research suggests that the bioavailability of sublingual CBD can be as high as 34-46%.
But wait, there's more! Another way to increase bioavailability is by taking CBD with a fatty meal. Because CBD is fat-soluble, it binds to the fat in your food and is more easily absorbed into your bloodstream. So, next time you take CBD, try eating a spoonful of almond butter or avocado.

How To Take CBD Oil

CBD, or cannabidiol, is the buzzy compound of the moment for a good reason. It's a natural compound found in cannabis that has been shown to have many potential health benefits. But with so many different ways to consume it, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That's why we're here to break it down for you in a way that's easy to understand and (hopefully) a little fun.
Here are the main ways to consume CBD products:

1. CBD oil: This method involves dropping a few drops of oil under your tongue and holding it there for a minute or two before swallowing. This is called the sublingual method and is considered one of the most effective ways to consume CBD, as it allows quick absorption into the bloodstream. Plus, it's super easy to measure your dosage.
2. CBD Edibles: These can come in gummies, chocolates, cookies, and even drinks. The great thing about edibles is that they're super convenient to take on the go, but the downside is that they take longer to take effect and can be harder to measure out your dosage.
3. CBD Capsules and pills: These are similar to edibles in that they're easy to take on the go, but they're even easier to measure your dosage. The downside is that they can take a while to take effect and are less potent than other methods.
4. CBD Topicals: These products include creams, balms, and lotions applied directly to the skin. They're great for targeting specific areas of pain or inflammation and are a good option if you want to avoid the psychoactive effects of other forms of CBD.
5. Vaping and smoking: These methods are great for fast-acting relief but carry some health risks and are not recommended for people with lung conditions.

Effectiveness Of CBD Oil

First things first, let's define sublingual. It's a fancy word that means "under the tongue." So, when you take CBD oil sublingually, you place a few drops under your tongue and hold it there for a minute or two before swallowing. This method is considered one of the most effective ways to consume CBD because it allows quick absorption into the bloodstream.
Here's the science: when you place CBD oil under your tongue, it's absorbed by the tiny blood vessels in the mucous membranes, bypassing the digestive system. This is a big deal because when you ingest CBD (i.e. swallow it), it has to go through your stomach and liver before it reaches the bloodstream. And during that journey, a lot of the CBD gets broken down and lost, leaving you with less bang for your buck.
But with sublingual CBD oil, you're getting a higher percentage of the CBD into your bloodstream, which means you're getting more potential benefits. Research suggests that the bioavailability of sublingual CBD can be as high as 34-46%.
But that's not all. Taking CBD oil sublingually also allows for fast, long-lasting effects and easy dosage control. Plus, it's a discreet and convenient way to consume CBD on the go.
Now, we know that the taste of CBD oil can be earthy and pungent, but that's a small price to pay for all the potential benefits, right? And if you're not a fan of the taste, you can always chase it with a glass of water or candy.

Effectiveness Of CBD Edibles

When you consume CBD edibles, the CBD is metabolised in your liver before it reaches your bloodstream. This process is called "first-pass metabolism", and it can reduce the bioavailability of CBD. In other words, not all CBD will make it into your bloodstream. So how much of it does?
The bioavailability of CBD edibles can vary depending on the product, but research suggests that it can range from 6-20%. So if you're consuming a CBD gummy with 10mg of CBD, you only get 0.6-2mg into your bloodstream. But this doesn't mean that CBD edibles are ineffective; it just means that you may need to consume more to get the desired effects.
One of the most significant advantages of CBD edibles is that they're incredibly convenient to take on the go. They come in various forms, such as gummies, chocolates, cookies and even drinks. They're easy to consume and don't require any special equipment or setup. Plus, they're a discreet way to consume CBD; you can take them anywhere, and nobody will know.
Another advantage of CBD edibles is that they have a long-lasting effect. Unlike other methods of consumption, such as vaping or sublingual consumption, the results of CBD edibles can last up to 4-6 hours. This means you can take them in the morning and still feel the effects throughout the day.

Effectiveness Of Capsules And Pills

Now, let's talk about the effectiveness of CBD capsules and pills. Just like CBD edibles, they're metabolised in your liver before they reach your bloodstream, reducing the bioavailability of CBD. But the good news is that the bioavailability of CBD capsules and pills is similar to that of edibles, which means that you'll still be getting a decent amount of CBD into your bloodstream.
One of the most significant advantages of CBD capsules and pills is that they're super convenient and easy to swallow. So they're perfect for people who don't like CBD oil's taste or edibles' texture. Plus, they're a discreet way to consume CBD; you can take them anywhere, and nobody will know.
Another advantage of CBD capsules and pills is that they can easily measure your dosage. Unlike other methods of consumption, such as oil or edibles, you can be sure of how much CBD you consume with each capsule or pill. This is particularly useful for people who need to take a specific dosage for a medical condition.
In conclusion, CBD capsules and pills may not be as potent as other consumption methods, but they're still an effective way to consume CBD. They're convenient, discreet, easy to drink, and easy to measure out your dosage. So, go forth and take those CBD capsules and pills like a pro!

Effectiveness of CBD Topicals & Creams

Unlike CBD capsules and pills, CBD topicals are applied directly to the skin, making them perfect for targeting specific areas of the body. They're often used for pain relief, muscle soreness and even skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
One of the most significant advantages of CBD topicals is that they're great for targeted relief. If you're dealing with pain or soreness in a specific area, you can apply the cream or ointment directly to that area for localised relief. They're also easy to use; you apply the cream to the skin and rub it in.
Another advantage of CBD topicals is that they're non-psychoactive and don't enter the bloodstream, making them safe to use in any setting. Plus, they come in various forms, such as creams, balms, and even patches, so you can choose the right one for your needs.
The bioavailability of CBD topicals can vary depending on the product, but research suggests that it can be as high as 20%. If you're using a topical cream with 10mg of CBD, you're getting 2mg into your bloodstream.

Effectiveness of CBD Vaping & Smoking

Vaping and smoking CBD is one of the quickest ways to feel the effects, as the CBD is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the lungs. In addition, this method of consumption has a bioavailability of 31-56%, which is significantly higher than other methods, such as oral or topical.
One of the most significant advantages of CBD vapes and smoking is that the effects are nearly instant. This makes it an excellent option when you need immediate relief from anxiety or pain. 
Another advantage of CBD vapes and smoking is that it's easy to control the dosage. With a vape, you can adjust the amount of CBD you're consuming with each puff and with smoking, you can control the amount by the number of puffs you take.
However, it's important to note that smoking and vaping can have adverse health effects and are not recommended as long-term consumption methods. There are also concerns over the safety of vaping, particularly with the use of unregulated vape products.

3 Tips To Increase CBD Oil Effect

1. Use Full-Spectrum Products Over Pure CBD

First and foremost, consider using full-spectrum products over pure CBD. Full-spectrum CBD extracts contain a complete range of beneficial hemp cannabinoids and terpenes. These compounds work together to produce the "entourage effect", making full-spectrum CBD products more advantageous than pure CBD isolate. In addition, research suggests that full-spectrum, CBD-rich extracts can be up to 4 times more potent than pure CBD.

2. Take CBD with Fat

When taking CBD by mouth, it's recommended to have a high-fat meal first. CBD is a fat-soluble compound, so fats help your body absorb it. A study from 2019 showed that taking CBD within 30 minutes of a high-fat meal (like a breakfast burrito) increased its bioavailability by four times. So, if you're having trouble feeling the effects of CBD, try having a high-fat meal before taking it.

3. Follow The Proper Technique

Another easy way to increase CBD bioavailability is to follow the proper technique for your chosen administration method.

• Sublingual: Hold CBD oil under your tongue for as long as possible. Most products recommend holding it for 30-60 seconds, but longer is better. Try holding it for at least 3 minutes or even longer.
• Inhalation: Follow one of the two main methods: direct-to-lung or mouth-to-lung. Hold the smoke or vapour for at least a few seconds. Use a device specifically designed for vaping CBD and experiment with a temperature range between 160-230°C.
• Topical: Apply CBD topically in creams, lotions, oils, and patches. The bioavailability of CBD topicals can vary depending on the product, but research suggests that it can be as high as 20%.