What is bioavailability?
Bioavailability is the rate at which something is absorbed into the bloodstream. The bioavailability of a substance is key to understanding how much you need to take in order to have the desired effect. This ensures that you are getting an accurate dosage. The bioavailability of a product can also depend on the form in which the substance is taken.
Bioavailability and CBD
The bioavailability of CBD will depend on the method of consumption. With CBD trends growing by the day, many people are coming up with more creative forms of CBD. From oil tinctures to edibles, topicals and even drinks, there is an endless number of ways to consume CBD, and some of them offer a higher bioavailability than others.
Vaping CBD
Inhaling CBD is said to be one of the best ways to consume CBD. This is because CBD is then absorbed through the lungs, giving it a higher bioavailability rate. This then allows the CBD to enter the bloodstream and reach the appropriate endocannabinoid receptors within the body. Vaping CBD is said to have a bioavailability rate of up to 56%.
Sublingual
Taking CBD sublingually means that a few drops are placed under the tongue and held there for a few seconds. This means that the CBD is absorbed through the sublingual gland meaning that it can enter the bloodstream reasonably quickly. Although not as fast as vaping, taking CBD sublingually can still take effect within around 20 minutes. The effectiveness of this method can be reduced if the oil is not held in the right place, or swallowed too quickly.
Oral CBD
Taking CBD orally is the preferred method of consuming CBD. It is also the most popular way of taking CBD. However, taking CBD orally (through food and drink for example) is likely to give the lowest bioavailability. This is because the CBD has to travel all the way through the digestive system before it can reach the bloodstream, resulting in a delay in the effects of CBD. It can take over an hour for the effects of CBD to begin working when taken orally. This also means that the bioavailability of CBD is around 20%.
CBD Topicals
CBD topicals do not go through the bloodstream, therefore they primarily bind to the endocannabinoids in the central nervous system. Topicals have been found to be effective in targeted pain relief, as long as the product is applied properly. This is because the CBD needs to be absorbed into the skin to ensure the desired effect. CBD topicals are thought to have a lower bioavailability rate.
Conclusion
Overall, there are many other factors that need to be taken into consideration when it comes to bioavailability and CBD dosages. Things like weight, method, metabolism can all change the bioavailability of a product. It is always best to start off with a smaller dosage and gradually increase the dosage until the desired dosage is found.