We often get asked whether you need different CBD products for different ailments.
And in short, the answer is no.
While CBD products come in the form of oils, topicals, beverages and vapes (with each of these indeed being best suited to different needs and circumstances), these products can be used in isolation or in conjunction with another - but mostly one product will work to treat an array of different ailments all at once.
Taking the oil for arthritis will help with your anxiety at the same time, and vaping to help you quit smoking will simultaneously help to soothe that headache.
How?
Well, this is because CBD interacts and stimulates our endocannabinoid system, whose job it is to restore general homeostasis (balance) throughout our body's various systems.
You can think of it as a system of docking sites located in the brain and throughout the body, specifically designed to interact with cannabinoids like CBD. The receptors in the ECS are the most prevalent neuroreceptors in the brain and are prolific in the immune system, organs, bones and skin.
It is generally understood that through this system of receptors and metabolic enzymes, the endocannabinoid system works to regulate and balance out the various systems and processes in the body. This includes immune response, communication between cells, appetite and metabolism, memory and many more.
By interacting with the human body in this way, cannabinoids triggers beneficial biological effects that include dramatically reduced inflammation and the provision of pain relief, as well as improved sleep, elevated mood and the easing of stress.
And because the ECS works to restore overall balance, it can do all of the above at once - without the need for specific products to target specific ailments.
That being said - which type of CBD product is right for you and your needs?
OIL/DROPS
The most common way of taking CBD is ingesting it, typically through a few drops of CBD oil placed directly under the tongue (roughly 20 minutes to take effect) or mixed with food or a cold beverage (roughly 2 hours to take effect).
This is the best option for those wanting to treat an ongoing condition or concern in the long term, as after 10-14 days the CBD has fully adapted to the integration of CBD and is optimised to regularly restore homeostasis ("balance") in the body.
VAPES
More recently, CBD vapes have come to the fore as a socially applicable way to microdose frequently during the day, as they are convenient to carry around and the effects are almost instantaneous.
This is the best option for those wanting to treat situational issues, such as social anxiety or cigarette cravings, as the results are immediate. However, these effects are short lived and vapes do not offer sustained relief as a long term treatment option.
TOPICALS
CBD topicals have a high absorption rate through the skin which is why its use has resulted in incredibly effective products for targeted, localised relief of various ailments. It also contributes significantly to general skin health.
This is the best option for treating a targeted area of pain or inflammation on the body, such as a sore ankle or eczema breakout.
For more chronic or acute conditions like arthritis, topical creams are recommended in conjunction with a daily dose of CBD drops.
BEVERAGES
CBD Beverages, using water soluble CBD have been developed and require less CBD to achieve the same effect as other mediums due to its higher absorption rate and quicker activation time in the body.