Cannabidiol, or CBD, has become super popular. It’s like the exact opposite of public enemy number one. So...public friend number one? That sounds weird. Whatever, we’ll deal with that later.
For now, let’s focus on how you can actually consume CBD. No matter how you choose to consume cannabis, remember to start low and go slow. It can take a few tries to figure out the right amount for you, so it’s always better to be on the safe side.
Oh also: CBD doesn’t produce the intoxicating effects that THC does. That’s important to know.
Alright, enough small talk. Let’s get into it.
When should I take CBD?
That’s really not for us to say. It’s your body, so do what’s right for you. But if you’re trying cannabis for the first time, make sure you do it in a calm environment around people you know. Even though CBD doesn’t produce the intoxicating effects that THC does, you should still make sure you’ve got enough time carved out to ride out the duration of any possible effects. Your first time is special. Don’t rush it.
Softgels
You can get CBD capsules, or softgels, if you’re looking for a more modern way to consume cannabis. Think of softgels as something from a spy’s toolbelt. They’re discreet, they’re convenient, and they have a lot packed into a small package. Unfortunately, they won’t help you take over the world. But really, who wants to be in charge of a whole planet?
Softgels are tiny capsules filled with cannabis extract and a carrier oil. They’re low maintenance, so you can pop them in your mouth without needing a syringe, pipe, bong, or any other accessory for that matter. All you need is water.
When you take a CBD softgel, it can take between 30 minutes and 2 hours for the effects to kick in. Ingested cannabis has to travel through your gut and liver before it’s processed. Hopefully it packed a neck pillow. That’s not a short trip.
Oil
Cannabis oil is made by taking cannabis extract and adding it to a carrier oil, then putting it in a fancy little bottle with a syringe, dropper, or spray pump. CBD oil is made the same way because...well, because CBD is still cannabis.
The benefits of CBD oil are convenience, convenience, and oh yeah, convenience. Each spray of CBD oil provides approximately the same amount each time, so there’s little-to-no guesswork involved. Plus, the active compounds have already been decarboxylated, so you don’t have to heat it up. We weren’t kidding around when we said it was convenient.
Just be careful when you go to buy CBD oil, because sometimes people use the word “oil” as a synonym for CBD drops or CBD tinctures, and that’s not accurate. Unlike CBD oil, drops and tinctures can be made with harsh solvents like ethanol. Not ideal.
This method is also processed through your gut and liver, just like the softgels, so it’ll take about 30 minutes to 2 hours to feel the effects. Maybe grab a nice book while you wait.
Flower
If you’re looking for something a little more traditional, try to scope out a CBD-dominant dried flower with little-to-no THC. They’re a little harder to find, so you might have to do some digging. Not literally, though. Please don’t start digging holes everywhere. More commonly, you can find strains that have 1:1 ratios of THC to CBD.
Vaping or smoking CBD is the quickest way to feel the effects. It can take anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes for them to kick in, because the smoke or vapour is absorbed right into the bloodstream through the lungs.
Edibles and Vapes
You can’t legally buy CBD edibles right now, but you can make your own. If you’re going to use CBD oil to make an edible, try to heat it as little as possible. Since the oil is already decarboxylated, heating it up even more could actually harm the cannabinoids, and that’s not what you want.
As for CBD vapes? Well, you’ll just have to wait a little while longer. We can’t tell you much, but we can tell you we’re working on it. Actually, put that down for edibles, too. Just keep an eye out.
Quick Recap
- Take CBD in a comfortable environment if it’s your first time.
- You can get CBD softgels.
- You can get CBD oil.
- You can get CBD or 1:1 dried flower.
- CBD edibles and vapes are on the way.
- We should really learn how to write shorter lists.
REMEMBER: Even though CBD does not have the same effects as THC, it’s always important to start low and go slow when consuming cannabis products.
