CBD Sublinguals vs. CBD Topicals vs. CBD Vapes

CBD Sublinguals vs. CBD Topicals vs. CBD Vapes

If you’ve heard about CBD, then you’ve probably learned many different things about the cannabinoid. The internet is full of blog posts, industry articles, videos, research, and social media content that centers around CBD. 

Most of the information is helpful, especially when it’s coming from a credible source like a reputable CBD company or a well-known research organization. But other times, it’s hard piecing together all of the information you find when it’s coming from multiple sources that present competing information. 

These discrepancies are typical in a new industry. Most people in this market are still learning about CBD, so the various claims and opinions you see in content reflect that learning curve. 

What’s even more true is that things are always changing in the CBD industry. What you read one morning might change the very next day when you wake up and read a new article. 

However, what never changes are the basic concepts around CBD. There are fundamental characteristics of this cannabinoid that researchers and the CBD industry agree on. And some of these foundational attributes center around the three most popular CBD delivery methods: sublinguals, topicals, and vapes. 

What are CBD Sublinguals vs. CBD Topicals vs. CBD Vapes? 

Before diving into the differences between the three most popular CBD delivery methods, let’s briefly cover the 101 information on CBD. 

CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is one of over 85 cannabinoids in the hemp plant. In 2018, the Farm Bill legalized the production of hemp, which has led to the influx of CBD products that you see today. 

Most of these products are CBD sublinguals, CBD topicals, and CBD vapes. And while they all carry the same ingredient, each of these delivery methods works quite differently.  

  1. What are CBD sublinguals?

CBD sublingual are arguably the most common way to use CBD. This administration method requires you to use a dropper to place the CBD remedy underneath your tongue. 

The CBD oil will need to stay there for a certain period of time to ensure you encounter an effect. But after it sits underneath your tongue for about 60 seconds, you can swallow the remedy. 

  1. What are CBD topicals?

CBD topicals are lotions, creams, gels, and balms with CBD in them. These types of products can sometimes include droppers like our Kat’s Naturals Skin Serum. However, even with a dropper, you should only apply a CBD topical to your skin. 

You can’t and shouldn’t ingest these products. A CBD topical works by penetrating your skin to provide relief, so you’ll want to apply a small amount of it on the desired area.

  1. What are CBD vapes? 

CBD vapes are inhalation devices. This category includes products like CBD pens and rechargeable vape units, which are slightly more sophisticated than the former. 

However, regardless of the type of CBD vape you get, they’ll all work similarly. All you have to do is inhale the vapor-like smoke, hold it for a short amount of time, and then exhale. 

CBD delivery methods and the endocannabinoid system

Regardless of whether you choose CBD sublinguals, CBD topicals, or CBD vapes, they’ll all interact with your endocannabinoid system (ECS). However, each one will interact with this network a bit differently. 

To understand how these product types work in your body, you first need to have a general understanding of the endocannabinoid system. This network is a cell-signaling operation in your body. 

In the early 1990s, researchers at St. Louis University discovered the endocannabinoid system while examining THC. Over time, researchers have confirmed that this complex network in your body helps regulate crucial functions, including your memory, mood, sleep, appetite, reproduction, and fertility. 

Researchers have also uncovered the following elements in the endocannabinoid system that help it perform properly: 

  • Endocannabinoids: These properties are similar to cannabinoids. However, endocannabinoids are molecules that your body produces. The two primary ones are anandamide and 2-Arachidonoylglycerol. 
  • Endocannabinoid receptors: These components live throughout your entire body and bind to endocannabinoids to push your endocannabinoid system to take action. The primary two receptors are CB1 and CB2 receptors. 
  • Enzymes: Once endocannabinoids have completed their function, the enzymes will break the molecules down. Researchers have discovered two significant enzymes in your endocannabinoid system: fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol acid lipase.

When a CBD product enters the picture, it will interact with your endocannabinoid system to unleash a therapeutic effect. But again, how it interacts with this complex network will depend on the delivery method that you’re using. 

How do CBD sublinguals interact with the endocannabinoid system? 

CBD sublingual are one of the fastest and most effective ways to get CBD into your bloodstream because your body consists mostly of water. 

When you place a few drops of your CBD sublingual underneath your tongue, the mucous membranes and blood vessels in that area will absorb the oil. From there, the CBD will go straight into your bloodstream. 

Afterward, the CBD will bind to the CB1 receptors in your brain and the CB2 receptors in your body to produce a therapeutic effect.

How do CBD topicals interact with the endocannabinoid system? 

When it comes to CBD topicals, it’s much harder for the CBD to enter your bloodstream. However, that doesn’t mean that CBD topicals are ineffective or unable to interact with your endocannabinoid system. 

In fact, CBD topicals are potent remedies that provide significant relief. They unleash long-lasting effects by penetrating deep into your skin, which is very porous and absorbent. 

The CBD then interacts with the endocannabinoid receptors within the second layer of your skin. And high-quality carrier agents in the topical help push the CBD into your bloodstream.

How do CBD vapes interact with the endocannabinoid system?CBD Sublinguals vs. CBD Topicals vs. CBD Vapes

CBD vapes are fast-acting remedies because they enter your bloodstream quicker than any other delivery method. When you inhale vape-like smoke, the CBD absorbs into the tiny air sacs in your body, which are known as alveoli. 

These air sacs line the walls of your lungs. And when they absorb CBD, the cannabinoid immediately travels into your bloodstream and then to your brain to interact with your endocannabinoid receptors. 

What is the bioavailability of CBD sublinguals vs. CBD topicals vs. CBD vapes?

CBD bioavailability refers to how much—and at what rate—CBD gets absorbed into your bloodstream. This factor is important to consider because it will determine how much CBD you should take and what form is best for you. The bioavailability of CBD significantly hinges on the delivery method that you choose, so it’s important to know the following information:

  • The bioavailability of CBD sublinguals: When you take CBD sublingually, the oil has a bioavailability rate of 13% to 19%, although some studies indicate it’s as high as 35%.
  • The bioavailability of CBD topicals: Remedies that go on the skin don’t enter your bloodstream, so the bioavailability of CBD topicals isn’t something you need to consider. These products are not like sublinguals and vapes to where they need to enter your system to work.
  • The bioavailability of CBD vapes: These product types offer an intranasal bioavailability of 34% to 46%, but some studies suggest it’s as high as 56%. As such, inhaling CBD is the best way to ensure a high bioavailability.

Researchers are still diving into CBD and bioavailability, so more studies will shed light on this topic, but current research is still insightful.

Benefits of CBD Sublinguals vs. CBD Topicals vs. CBD Vapes 

While CBD sublinguals, CBD topicals, and CBD vapes differ in many respects, they do share some similarities. Those similarities center around their benefits. 

Because each of these delivery methods includes CBD, you will experience the soothing relief that CBD offers. However, the therapeutic properties that you encounter may differ slightly depending on the type of CBD product you use. 

  1. What are the benefits of CBD sublinguals? 

Researchers are still diving into the soothing power of CBD sublinguals, but a body of clinical studies suggest that these products offer some relief. 

Research indicates that you may notice CBD sublinguals do the following

  • Decrease anxiety
  • Reduce depression
  • Provide neuroprotective properties
  • Enhance heart health
  • Soothe gut conditions
  • Relieve perimenopausal symptoms

With so many therapeutic properties, CBD sublingual help enhance your overall wellness. If you use a credible CBD sublingual, you should experience all the relief that CBD may offer. 

  1. What are the benefits of CBD topicals?

CBD topicals are just as soothing as CBD sublinguals. But the relief that CBD topicals provide will center on your skin.  

Researchers believe that CBD topicals can soothe the following

  • Joint pain 
  • Muscle pain 
  • Eczema
  • Inflammation
  • Dermatitis
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Psoriasis 
  • Menstrual cramps 

More studies still need to dive deeper into these supposed benefits, but the current research is promising. 

  1. What are the benefits of CBD vapes?

One of the best benefits of CBD vapes is how fast they are at providing relief. If you’re looking for a CBD product that will have an almost immediate effect, then you may want to consider CBD vapes. 

What’s also interesting is that these products make CBD more bioavailable. This benefit is a significant advantage because you can encounter more of CBD’s therapeutic properties.

Outside of those two benefits, CBD vapes provide the same soothing properties as CBD sublinguals. Researchers suggest that CBD vapes may do the following: 

  • Decrease anxiety
  • Reduce depression
  • Provide neuroprotective properties
  • Enhance heart health
  • Soothe gut conditions
  • Relieve perimenopausal symptoms

With a great CBD vape device, you can experience quick and effective relief to enhance your health and wellbeing.  

Dosages for CBD Sublinguals vs. CBD Topicals vs. CBD Vapes

If you want to encounter relief with a CBD sublingual, CBD topical, or CBD vape, you’ll want to use the proper dosage for each delivery method. But deciding on the best CBD dosage may be tricky since there isn’t a standard serving size for each delivery method. 

As a result, every credible CBD company will provide a recommended dose for each of their products, so it’s important to read the label for instructions. However, you’ll want to avoid making the assumption that a CBD dosage will be similar within product categories. 

Some CBD sublinguals come with different dosage recommendations. For example, we recommend using 3 to 5 drops of our CBD sublingual called Heal. But for Relax, another one of our popular CBD oils, we recommend using 5-10 drops. 

Ultimately, referring to the product label will be the best way to determine how much CBD you should use, regardless of whether it’s a sublingual, topical, or vape. However, you’ll also want to consider several other factors, such as your environment, diet, weight, genetics, metabolism, and reason for using a CBD remedy. These elements will help you determine the best CBD dosage for you.

Taking the next step 

Learning the differences between CBD sublinguals vs. CBD topicals vs. CBD vapes is one of the first steps you should take if you’re interested in trying CBD. 

You want to identify the right product for your health and wellness, which means you need to discover the different CBD delivery methods that are available to you. Once you know your options, you can start considering remedies in the product category that you’re most interested in. 

And from there, you should be able to find the perfect product for you. Just make sure you’re buying from a company that you trust. There are many options in the CBD industry, and you want to purchase a remedy from a credible business and known for producing premium products. 

Know what CBD delivery method you’re interested in using? If so, check out Kat’s Naturals’ THC-free CBD sublinguals, full-spectrum CBD sublingualsCBD topicals, or CBD vapes

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