CBD Bioavailability: Why You Might be Taking the Wrong CBD Product

CBD products come in a number of forms – all of which have their own time and place for use. This is meant to say, different CBD products from gummies, to tinctures, to vape cartridges and topicals all have varying effects and efficiencies (see CBD Processing information). The reason for this is because of something called bioavailability. Bioavailability is the ability and rate for the human body to absorb a particular compound. This includes medicines, toxins, and yes, CBD. 

The bioavailability of CBD relies entirely on the method of consumption and the product used. For example, CBD can be used and absorbed typically through four different mediums: transdermally (skin), orally (ingestion), sublingually (under the tongue), and inhalation (lungs). CBD used in any of these four methods will vary in the amount absorbed, and the efficacy of the product itself. To further explain, this article will break down these four common uses of CBD and determine which is the most efficient, which are best for personal use, and where the science of CBD product formulation is heading

Transdermal: Topical CBD Products

Topical CBD products are highly popular used for issues like eczema, joint and nerve pain and more. With thousands of testimonies claiming that these products work well for them, it is clear that the bioavailability should be high, right? Not quite.

There are very few studies that actually determine the bioavailability of CBD transdermally, but it is estimated to be very low compared to other methods of use. In fact, CBD applied topically will not enter the bloodstream, but instead interacts with the endocannabinoid receptors in the skin and central nervous system. The absorption of CBD in the bloodstream is important for treating ailments such as anxiety, depression, and other symptoms connected to the cannabinoid receptors in the brain.

Does this mean that topical CBD products are ineffective, or not worth purchasing? No, not at all. Because transdermal CBD application interacts directly with cannabinoid receptors in the skin and peripheral nervous system, these products are effective for their intended use; pain and inflammation remedy. By applying CBD topically on areas of the body that are inflamed, or aching, transdermal CBD absorption is capable of reducing those issues in targeted areas like joints and areas of the skin.

Oral: Edible CBD Products 

Oral CBD products are relatively popular coming in forms like pills, gummies, drinks and other ingestibles. While this does appear to be a relatively straightforward method of taking CBD, the issue lies with its bioavailability. Long story short, this method is among the most ineffective when taking CBD. Let’s take a look at why this unfortunate fact is true.

When CBD is taken orally, it does not find its way directly into the bloodstream. Instead, it has to pass through the digestive system which could take hours to effectively make it into the bloodstream. What’s more, some of that CBD will be lost in the liver and digestive tract making it even less effective overall. Because of this, bioavailability of oral CBD measures somewhere between 6% – 20%.Though this method has among the lowest bioavailability, it is still effective; it may just take more of the same product to accomplish the same effects as other delivery methods. 

Sublingual: Tinctures and Dissolvable CBD products

This method of CBD delivery is a more effective one for products like tinctures and dissolvable products placed under the tongue. The underside of the tongue has more capillaries than other areas of the body that are capable of absorbing compounds faster than other delivery methods. Because of this, tinctures are recommended to be taken sublingually as the bioavailability has been measured to range anywhere from 13%-35%. This method has to be done by specifically holding the product under the tongue for 30 seconds or more in order to properly take effect.

This delivery method is much faster than other methods with effects taking hold in roughly 20-30 minutes as opposed to an hour or more via oral administration. This method has become among one of the most popular ways to use CBD products with nearly every reputable CBD company promoting their own tinctures, sprays and dissolvable tablets. Not only are these products safe and easy to use, they are very effective because of their relatively high bioavailability.  

Inhalation: Smoked or Vaporized CBD Products 

The highest bioavailability products are those that are directly inhaled including smokable hemp flower and vaporizer cartridges. Similar to the sublingual route of administration, the lungs are filled with capillaries that can absorb compounds that are inhaled through smoke or vapor. The bioavailability of these products has been studied as high as 56% with near immediate effects as the quickest way into the bloodstream. So, not only is this method the most potent, it is the quickest route as well, making it a great option for immediate relief.

All that being said, the inhalation of smoke or vapor may not be recommended for a number of people. The simple fact is that inhaling smoke is likely the most unhealthy method to intake CBD. While vapor may be somewhat better, certain additives in vaporizer cartridges can be dangerous to inhale as well making it very important to determine a safe, quality product before purchasing and using when it comes to this delivery method.

Final Thoughts

Clearly, this lesser-known element of the CBD market is a crucial consideration for any CBD consumer to recognize. Without knowing the bioavailability of any particular CBD product, you may be using a product that is relatively ineffective for your personal needs. By knowing the absorption rates of these products and how they affect the human body differently, you can now choose a particular CBD product that you know is the fastest, most efficient choice for your specific needs and spread the word about bioavailability and why it matters in the CBD market overall.