When it comes to consuming CBD, there are four main methods:
- Inhaling it by smoking or vaping it.
- Applying it to your skin topically.
- Taking it under the tongue (sublingual).
- Ingesting it using edibles.
We’ll break down each of these for you!
INHALATION
(SMOKING/VAPING)
Inhaling CBD is one of the fastest ways to feel its effects since it goes straight into your lungs and bloodstream.
There are two ways to inhale CBD: Smoking and Vaping. We’ll discuss each.
SMOKING CBD
You can smoke cannabidiol concentrate using a “rig”, which is similar to a water pipe. It works by heating the “nail” (the chamber where you place the CBD concentrate), then putting the CBD into the nail with a dab tool (a small metal tool used to transfer the concentrate from its container to the rig). This produces vapor, which you inhale.
Alternatively, you can smoke it by rolling a joint out of CBD Hemp Flower. However, this method means you’ll also be consuming very little THC (0.3% or less).
PROS OF SMOKING CBD
- The highest concentration of CBD and the fastest way to consume it.
- Easily manage how much you consume.
CONS OF SMOKING CBD
- Smoking can be harsh on the throat and lungs.
- High concentration can be more than some people want.
- Requires additional tools (like an rig, dabber, and/or joint paper).
VAPING CBD
You can vape CBD with a vaporizer pen. If you’re new to vaping, you'll need a battery and a vape cartridge OR a disposable vape cartridge.
Vaping is a great alternative to smoking if you still want the maximum possible effect, but without the harsh feel of smoke (from CBD Hemp Flower) in your throat and lungs.
PROS OF VAPING
- High concentration means maximum possible effects.
- No harsh smoke to aggravate your throat and lungs.
- Easily control your dosage amounts.
CONS OF VAPING
- The high concentration may be more than you want to consume.
- Requires extra purchases (CBD vape pen and accessories).
TOPICAL APPLICATION/BALMS
The next way to use CBD is through topical application -- meaning, you place it on your skin in the form of a balm, lotion, or ointment.
This method is probably the easiest as it doesn’t require any special tools or knowledge to use. Simply figure out the dosage you want (we’ll help you with that in the next section), then apply that amount of balm to your skin.
PROS OF TOPICAL APPLICATION
- Easy to use.
- No extra tools or accessories required.
- Has the mildest effects of all the consumption methods.
CONS OF TOPICAL APPLICATION
- Has the mildest effects of all the consumption methods (you might require more CBD).
- While the effects happen quickly, they don’t last as long in comparison to other methods.
SUBLINGUAL
(UNDER THE TONGUE)
You can purchase CBD tinctures -- little bottles that look like eye drops -- to take your cannabidiol (CBD) sublingually (under your tongue).
Simply apply a few drops under your tongue from the dropper, hold it in your mouth for ~30 seconds, then swallow! (May be swallowed with a drink, such as water or your drink of choice.) This method is discreet, effective, and gives you feelings of calm and well-being. It’s believed that pure hemp concentrates are a good way to add a large number of cannabinoids to your daily routine -- the more the merrier.
PROS OF SUBLINGUAL CONSUMPTION
- Easy to use and requires no extra tools or accessories.
- Discreet -- you can use them in public easily without drawing attention.
- It’s easy to control how much you use.
- Long-lasting effects when taken this way.
CONS OF SUBLINGUAL CONSUMPTION
- Results may vary from person to person.
- Tinctures take longer to have an effect than the previous two methods.
*Credentials & Author of this article = Appalachian Extracts*
*ORHC didn't write this article*