Key Takeaways
- CBD Bioavailability is the absorption rate (percentage) of a particular CBD product that gets absorbed in the bloodstream.
- The type of CBD and the method of consumption are two major factors contributing to the bioavailability of a CBD product.
- Although it’s one of the most popular methods to consume CBD, the bioavailability of oral CBD products (capsules, edibles, tinctures, and oil) is relatively low – around 6-19%.
- Vaping CBD has an exceptionally high bioavailability – around 10-60%.
- The sublingual CBD administration method (under the tongue) has a bioavailability of 13-19%.
- The topical application of CBD (transdermal) has the lowest bioavailability, as CBD doesn’t reach your bloodstream, but still – a certain amount of the substance does get absorbed.
- There are ways to increase the bioavailability of CBD – for example, by using supplemental terpenes and herbs or by turning to processes like emulsification and nanotechnology.
If you are not new to CBD, you might already know how this substance has many potential benefits.
That said, for CBD to be effective, it must reach the endocannabinoid system. And for that, it needs to be properly absorbed in your bloodstream first.
This concept is referred to as bioavailability.
Once in the bloodstream, CBD has to stay long enough to reach all your demanding tissues and organs.
This article will explore what you may need to know about CBD bioavailability.
Keep reading!
Content Overview:
- What Is CBD Bioavailability?
- Why Is It Important?
- CBD Products and Their Bioavailability
- How To Increase CBD Bioavailability?
- Final Words
What Is CBD Bioavailability?
CBD Bioavailability is the percentage of CBD that gets absorbed in the bloodstream. Think of it as an absorption rate of a particular CBD product you are consuming.
The higher the percentage, the more you can enjoy the benefits of CBD. Furthermore, the way it is consumed affects the amount of CBD distributed in the body.
Have you ever wondered why doctors usually ask you to take your medicines or vitamins with meals?
That’s because when taken with food, the ingredients and components of such medications are adequately absorbed by your body.
Simply put, your food increases the bioavailability of the medicine you want to consume.
Why Is It Important?
Products with poor bioavailability fail to provide you with all the promising benefits as only a tiny portion gets into your body.
Many factors contribute to the bioavailability of a CBD product. However, two major ones are the type and the method of consumption.
Today, CBD is present in many different forms. From edibles to tinctures, each item promises unique benefits, and manufacturers are eager to find ways to increase the bioavailability of every CBD product.
In the next section of this article, we will look at different CBD products in the market and their bioavailabilities.
CBD Products and Their Bioavailability
You can both inhale and eat CBD. Moreover, there is also sublingual CBD, transdermal CBD, and injectable CBD.
Since your body processes each form differently, knowing which product is best for you is imperative.
Oral CBD
This category contains CBD products such as capsules, edibles, and oil. Oral CBD is one of the most popular ways to consume this substance, but unfortunately, the bioavailability of ingested CBD is relatively low, around 6% to 19%.
It is because CBD takes time to absorb when consumed orally, and so most of the product is excreted before benefiting your body.
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So instead of entering your bloodstream directly, an oral CBD product travels through your digestive system, gets mobilized, and then released into your blood.
However, compared to gummies and capsules, tinctures have a high absorption rate because they directly enter the bloodstream.
Inhaled CBD
You can inhale CBD in two ways, vaping and smoking. Moreover, unlike oral CBD, this form bypasses your digestive system and absorbs the membranes of the lungs before joining your bloodstream.
Unlike smoking, vaping is a much safer and more elaborate form of inhaling CBD. And it also has a bioavailability of around 10% to 60%, which is exceptionally high.
Many people dealing with better sleep and anxiety management often choose to vape to experience the potential benefits of CBD.
Sublingual CBD
Products such as drops and sprays come under this category. This form of CBD rejects the involvement of your digestive system or lungs in the absorption process but uses enzymes to metabolize any compound.
However, compared to inhaled CBD, this form has a low bioavailability.
The consumption of CBD oils is quite simple.
You only have to place or spray the oil under your tongue and wait for a few seconds for the mucus to absorb CBD properly.
Transdermal CBD
Interestingly, there is a wide variety of CBD topicals these days. There is a transdermal CBD product for every part of your body, from eye creams to facial serums.
But it is imperative to note that CBD doesn’t reach your bloodstream when used topically.
Instead, the skin pores absorb this substance and then help transfer it to the dermis.
Unfortunately, your skin is not too permeable when it comes to CBD, but a certain amount of this substance does get absorbed.
Intravenous CBD
Injectable CBD is only allowed for hospital use and has 100% bioavailability.
However, this method of CBD consumption may affect your blood levels, so it isn’t relatively safe.
How To Increase CBD Bioavailability?
There are many ways to increase the bioavailability of CBD so that you can benefit from its potential good results:
Utilizing Emulsification and Nanotechnology
These processes help break CBD molecules into tiny pieces, which are much easier to absorb by your bloodstream.
In addition, emulsification uses water or oil-based products, thus making high CBD bioavailability successful.
Using Supplemental Terpenes
When mixed with terpenes (natural fatty oils extracted with CBD), the benefits of CBD increase through the entourage effect.
The blend of these compounds helps increase the bioavailability of CBD, resulting in beneficial consumption.
Terpenes such as Limonene, Menthol, and Myrcene may help create a positive difference in your CBD product.
Supplemental Herbs
Another way to increase CBD bioavailability is by consuming the substance with some common supplemental herbs.
This combination helps enhance bioavailability and is also great for a balanced diet.
Herbs such as black pepper, chamomile flowers, and piperine are pretty beneficial for your body and are also readily available.
Final Words
Whether you want to consume CBD to improve your sleep or ease discomfort, you can’t reap the potential benefits of this substance until it has an acceptable bioavailability percentage.
Luckily, there are many ways to increase the absorption rate, such as consuming CBD with herbs, using it with terpenes, or utilizing emulsification.
Moreover, these methods are considered both healthy and safe.
Whichever form of CBD you go for, make sure that it reflects high quality. Besides, choose manufacturers that organically extract CBD, and all their products are third-party tested.
If essential, look for any certifications that might help you confirm the source of CBD.
