flavonoids

How Does the Body Absorb CBD?

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Cannabidiol -or CBD as it’s more commonly known- is a major industry booming into the forefront of our collective consciousness. Products such as tinctures and CBD gummies are growing in popularity and the success stories keep streaming in. From its relaxation-inducing effects to its anti-inflammatory properties, people report a host of potential benefits. However, all of these possible benefits are still being studied.

But with all this excitement around this burgeoning industry, some might stop to wonder, how does CBD absorb into the body and what’s most effective? It’s a fair line of questioning. We want to know how the products we take in and apply to our skin affect our bodies and how. 

How Does CBD Absorb in the Body

Depending on how you use CBD, the absorption process will vary. There are four typical methods of use: ingestion, topical application, inhalation, and sublingual. 

Ingestion 

A lot of people trying out CBD for the first time will reach for this method. Some ingestible products include tincture oils, capsules, and even beverages. These are all highly celebrated favorites in the hemp industry.

When CBD is ingested, it is absorbed by the digestive system and metabolized by the liver. From there it will enter the bloodstream to work its magic through the body. But due to the “first-pass effect”, a lot of the ingested CBD is broken down by the digestive enzymes before it has a chance to metabolize in the liver. 

Despite the loss of some of its potency in the digestive process, ingestible products can still be an effective, easy method to enjoy CBD. Remember, it’s important to choose the right dosage for you to assure you’re reaching the full potential benefits of what CBD has to offer. 

If you’re curious about ingestible CBD, try GRON CBD Milk Chocolate Bar 100mg! 

Topical Application

Those with skin issues or sore muscles might reach for a CBD salve, lotion, or ointment. Though human skin has a low permeability rate, cannabidiol can reach receptors under the skin through the pores when applied liberally. 

Our skin naturally blocks most substances from entering the dermis. CBD works by reaching receptors in the epidermis near the application site. Topical CBD products have been observed to improve elasticity, hydration, and a transepidermal water loss in users with and without skin conditions. Many report relief from soreness or inflammation near the application site as well. 

Support healthy skin and find dermal relief with products such as the Bridgetown Botanicals Hemp Extract Topical Creme 500 MG.

Inhalation or Vaping 

Vaping is another popular method to take advantage of the benefits of CBD. This is one of the quickest and most effective vehicles for delivering the compound into the bloodstream. That means the effects can set in at a more rapid pace. 

Vaporized CBD is absorbed through tiny air sacs in the lungs called alveoli. It is then diffused directly into the user’s bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system and liver. Since inhaled CBD avoids the digestive system, less of it is broken down before the molecules can make their way to the bloodstream. 

Without a pre-measured tincture or tablet, vaping allows the user to determine how much CBD they want to take in more intentionally. 

Usually, CBD products you can inhale are presented as a cartridge or portable vaporizer pen with a combination of CBD and other types of oil.

Try out the Ambary Gardens CBD Cartridge 250 MG to see if this method is a good fit for you.

Sublingual Method 

To avoid the “first-pass effect” altogether, a CBD user can opt to try the sublingual method. This can be done by holding CBD oil or concentrate under the tongue for roughly 60-90 seconds. The mucus membranes in the mouth can then absorb the active ingredients and speed up the absorption process. 

This is another method that offers quick delivery of CBD to the user so they can take advantage of the benefits more efficiently. Similarly to the inhalation route, the compounds can pass directly into the bloodstream and into our natural endocannabinoid system without breaking down as much. 

A great product to try if you’re curious about the sublingual method is the Bridgetown Botanicals Full Spectrum CBD Hemp Oil 250mg!

Which Method is Better?

Each CBD user is after a different goal when they set out to seek the potential of hemp plants. Every product has something a little different to offer:

If you’re after quick results, reach for a vaporizer or sublingual product. 

Those with a desire to start a regular regiment might consider the ease of ingestible CBD. 

And for centralized use for muscles and skin, topicals will be the way to go.     

Evaluate what you’re looking for in a CBD product and decide what is best for you and your unique situation. Whatever route you choose, introducing CBD into your arsenal of daily products could be a great step toward finding your homeostasis.

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Terpenes and Flavonoids: How These Chemicals Affect Cannabis

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Common knowledge about cannabis, CBD, and related products has been rapidly improving over the last few years, but there is still a lot to be learned. It’s awesome to see that there are so many great resources full of information for those that want to learn, and we’re excited to be able to provide that kind of content, too.

Though some people haven’t heard of the word cannabinoid, they have heard of THC and CBD. These are the two most well-known cannabinoids, so there is some level of familiarity with these substances.

Flavonoids and terpenes, on the other hand, remain largely overlooked despite the huge number of these compounds found in cannabis plants! Why is it that these compounds aren’t as talked about? Let’s take some time to understand what they are, and why you should care!

The Basic Differences Between These Compounds

Many familiar with CBD, THC, and other cannabis products don’t know much about these components and how they affect what you experience.

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds (such as the well-known CBD and THC) that interact with the endocannabinoid system in your body. When the cannabinoid binds with a receptor, it causes a specific reaction in the body.

Flavonoids are nutrients. These nutrients give cannabis plants (and lots of other living things!) their color. There are more than 20 different flavonoids that have been found in cannabis plants, and more research still needs to be done to understand their use. 

Terpenes are aromatic metabolites. They are aromatic compounds that can be found in the oils of all plants. When you smell a basil plant and can recognize what it is based on the smell, that is because of the terpenes! Terpenes help to create the flavor of plants and plant-based products as well.

There are more than 20,000 different terpenes in the world. Cannabis plant strains have more than 100 identified terpenes; most plants contain at least 50 different terpenes.

The Variations of Products

One of the reasons that we find it important to learn about these different parts of cannabis and what can be extracted from the plant is because every strain has different amounts of these items. That is why there are cannabis plants with different levels of all of these things. 

Depending on the way that the plant was grown, handled, and processed, the final amount of terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids will be different. From there, the balance between the three might be further adjusted while creating any cannabis-based products.

When you choose a product, there is nearly always going to be more to its history than just what its name is! By gaining a better understanding of what can be extracted from the plants, you can also better understand any supplements that you are using.

All About Flavonoids

As mentioned, flavonoids are nutrients that create color in plants. They can create any color depending on what they are, and cannabis plants contain more than 20 flavonoids on average. Despite how their name sounds like the word “flavor,” these nutrients have no known effect on taste.

Dark purple cannabis strains may be colored by anthoxanthins or anthocyanins. Plants like berries also get their color from anthocyanins, and the specific color will depend on the pH of the plant’s growing environment.

Effects

There are cannaflavins that are found only in cannabis that have also been shown to have pharmacological effects. These flavonoids may have an effect on how things like CBD and THC are formed or function, but more research is still needed to figure this out.

We already know that one flavonoid, quercetin, that can be found in vegetables has antioxidant and anti-fungal properties. Catechins, found in cocoa and tea, may support the cardiovascular system.

We still aren’t sure exactly what many of the flavonoids in cannabis do, but we are excited to find out!

All About Terpenes

As mentioned, terpenes help to create the aroma and flavored experienced when perceiving a plant or plant-based product.

You might already be familiar with the effects of some terpenes:

  • • Humulene: Earthy. Found in basil and cloves. Suppresses appetites.
  • • Myrcene: Fruity. Found in basil and lemongrass. In some strains, up to 50% of cannabis’ terpene content is myrcene. Anti-inflammatory.
  • • Terpinolene: Smokey. Found in sage and rosemary. Reduces anxiety.
  • • Linalool: Floral. Found in spices and flowers like lavender. Anti-inflammatory.

While it’s often the most abundant, myrcene isn’t the only terpene found in cannabis. There’s even a terpene that boosts anti-acne effects in cannabis-based skincare products.

Highs and Lows of Terpenes

One of the most interesting ways that terpenes may have a huge effect on the future of cannabis-based products and medicinal usage is because of their ability to bring out the benefits of other chemicals in the product.

There are terpenes which lower the effects of THC, a psychoactive component. This means that a strain with very high concentrations of both CBD and THC could be blended with the terpene in such a way that the powerful potency of the CBD could be harnessed without too much THC causing problems for the user.

There is still much research to be done about possibilities like this in the CBD world, and it will be very exciting to see what is discovered

Full Spectrum Benefits

As you can see, there are a lot of potential benefits that things like flavonoids and terpenes bring to the table when looking at a cannabis plant. That is why some people prefer to use full-spectrum products as they contain higher amounts of all three important items:

  • • Cannabinoids
  • • Flavonoids
  • • Terpenes

If you’re interested in seeing the effects for yourself, trying a full-spectrum product might be a good idea.

Complementary Chemicals

While it’s true that flavonoids and terpenes don’t have as much impact in the medical and supplement world as CBD does right now, that doesn’t mean that these chemical substances don’t have some power. And that power is worth learning about!

As you learn more about the specific components that make up cannabis plants, you can learn more about the possibilities that may be further developed in the future. CBD oil is the most well-known chemical product right now, but other complementary chemicals may get similar products in the future!