Dealing with pain can be a horrible experience. You not only have to feel the discomfort, but it’s up to you to decide how you will treat it. Luckily, an alternative source of medicine, such as CBD, can help you deal with pain. Cannabidiol, often referred to as CBD, is one of the most prevalent compounds in cannabis. It has many benefits in addition to a versatile profile.
You can find CBD in many forms, including oils and gummies. Here you will find a comparative overview of CBD oil vs. CBD gummies for pain. Besides that, you will understand the potential risks and side effects of using such a product.
CBD Oil or CBD Gummies: Which is Better for Pain?
There are different types of pain, and this might influence the type of product to use. Are you dealing with chronic pain or acute pain? Do you need a product that offers faster effects or one whose effects seep slowly over a long period? In that situation, you must determine which CBD product is the best. So which one should you choose when dealing with pain- CBD oil or CBD gummies?
Ingredients
Gummies and oils have some ingredient variations that lead to distinct formulations. Of course, CBD gummies are very popular. This is because they are delicious and taste like candies. They also have a greater aesthetic appeal.
Most manufacturers make gummies or edibles with broad-spectrum or isolate CBD. Besides that, there are those who add in ingredients such as turmeric, melatonin, apple cider vinegar, and multivitamins. This is meant to enhance the effectiveness of CBD. CBD oils are mostly made with CBD and carrier oils such as MCT coconut oil for an enhanced absorption rate. Besides that, the oils often feature other cannabinoids such as CBN, CBC, CBG, or even trace amounts of THC.
Rate Of Absorption
How long does it take CBD to finally reach the circulatory system from the time of intake? Since CBD oil and gummies are found in different forms and used differently, they have different absorption rates. It can take 30 minutes up to 90 minutes for the body to start absorbing CBD from gummies. The compound, in this case, has to pass through the digestive tract to reach the circulatory system.
On the other hand, it generally takes 20-30 minutes to start feeling CBD oil effects. This is because the oil is usually administered orally by placing the drops under the tongue. While holding the oil drops here for a few seconds, the tiny blood vessels located under the tongue will expand and absorb the compound quickly. So, if you want to experience pain relief quickly, choose CBD oil. If you want to experience lasting effects, gummies would be ideal for you.
Full-Spectrum Benefits
A full-spectrum CBD product contains CBD as well as other plant compounds. This includes cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Generally, full-spectrum CBD is highly potent and normally produces the entourage effect. This type of product is, therefore, important for pain management since it provides more pronounced benefits of CBD.
Manufacturers can make CBD oil or gummies using full-spectrum hemp extract. However, full-spectrum CBD oil products are readily available since they are more common. Meanwhile, it’s not easy to find full-spectrum gummies on the market. Most manufacturers usually sell edible gummies made with isolate and sometimes broad-spectrum CBD.
Serving Amount and Dosage
How much CBD should you use when taking CBD oil or gummy? Is it easier to dose on an oil product or an edible gummy? In terms of dosage, CBD gummies come in pre-dosed servings. This makes them easier to dose since you can precisely consume the same amount that you need over time. Even though CBD oil usually comes in bottles with droppers, you can only make dosage estimates depending on the number of oil drops. But the upper hand of using CBD oil is that there is flexibility in dosage adjustment.
Bioavailability
CBD’s bioavailability refers to the amount of CBD content that gets into the circulatory system after intake. Besides that, bioavailability also indicates the rate of absorption, and it usually varies from one product to the other.
CBD oils have the highest bioavailability rates. They are usually made for oral consumption hence the greater rate of bioavailability. This often ranges between 13 and 20%. On the other hand, CBD gummies have the lowest rate of bioavailability. This usually ranges between 10 and 20%. But this rate can fall to as low as 6%. This is because CBD gummies have to undergo the digestive process before the compound can find its way into the circulatory system. CBD oil wins in terms of product bioavailability, and you are bound to feel the effects quickly.
How To Use CBD For Pain
How you use CBD depends on the personal user experience you desire. Using gummies tends to feel like having candy treats since they are delicious. On the other hand, CBD oil has a more versatile profile; hence you can add it to your favorite food products.
CBD Oil
To use CBD oil, place the desired number of oil drops under the tongue. Just give some time before spitting or swallowing. Alternatively, you can add the appropriate oil drops to your favorite beverages or food.
CBD Gummies
CBD gummies are easier to use. They come in packages in pre-dosed servings. You need to chew CBD just like a regular gummy. It will pass through the digestive tract before reaching the circulatory system. CBD gummies offer discreetness; hence you can pop them anytime. You can also count the number of gummies you need per day. However, you can only consume them as they are.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Even though CBD in oils and gummies is well-tolerated, the compound has a few downsides. This can result in unpleasant side effects such as fatigue, nausea, reduced appetite, dry mouth, drowsiness, and dry eyes. In most cases, the side effects tend to occur due to the unreliability of the dosage. However, factors such as product purity and metabolic response also influence how the body reacts to CBD.
Avoid using CBD when you are taking drugs or supplements. Some of these products are normally metabolized in the liver, just like CBD. This can increase the potential for drug interactions. This includes medications such as antipsychotics, antidepressants, drugs for chemotherapy, epilepsy medications, and those for high blood pressure. Pregnant and breastfeeding women shouldn’t use CBD products. This is because there are limited research reports on the effectiveness of CBD. Without reliable and comprehensive information, consumption of CBD would risk hurting infants and unborn babies.
What To Look for When Choosing CBD For Pain?
When choosing CBD oil or gummy, it’s generally important to consider the source. The best CBD products in the market come from organic sources. They are free of contaminants or other toxic agents that may cause harm.
The most reputable brands usually subject their products to independent 3rd-party tests. So, make sure to look for the certificate of analysis to verify the CBD’s profile. It’s important to have a comprehensive overview of the components found in the CBD product. Potency is another vital thing to look for. Whether you are looking for CBD oil or gummy for pain, you need a product that will effectively cater to your needs. CBD oil is ideal for providing quick pain relief effects. Meanwhile, CBD gummies are suitable for providing long-lasting effects even though the effects take longer to kickstart.
CBD Oil
CBD oil is generally cheaper compared to gummies. So, it’s important to consider the price per mg. The price should be able to match the strength option. High-potency CBD oil will generally be more expensive and vice-versa. Overall, consider choosing premium quality CBD oil for pain because they are the most effective one for you.
CBD Gummies
When looking for CBD gummies, consider the count per package or bottle. You need something that can last you a couple of weeks to experience the desired effects. You find that most gummies are found in 30-count bottles. But if you are dealing with a chronic condition, then a 60-count package would be ideal.
Consider the gummies’ potency. Most of them come in 5-10 mg doses. These are ideal for acute conditions. Chronic conditions need a stronger potency for lasting effects. CBD gummies for pain are normally available in several fruit flavors. As a result, you should consider choosing a product that suits your taste preference.
Final Thoughts
Which product is better for pain, CBD oil or CBD gummies? Even though they can provide the same health benefits, these products have significant differences. They are made with different ingredients, which can affect their safety and risks. They have different rates of absorption since they are found in different forms. CBD oil usually reaches the circulatory system faster than the components of CBD gummies. It’s easier to dose CBD gummies than oil since the edibles usually come in pre-dosed servings. However, the effects normally take longer to kickstart. Overall, the best option between the two depends on the condition you want to experience and your personal user experience. Regardless of your choice, always start with a lower dosage to avoid most of the side effects.
