CHOOSING THE RIGHT CBD FOR YOU: THE IMPORTANCE OF BIOAVAILABILITY

The effectiveness of cannabinoids (CBD) depends on the method of delivery, the product ingredients, and the bioavailability of the CBD by each method. CBD products come in many and varied forms; tincture, soft gels, capsules, balms/salves, edibles, vapor, among others. The bioavailability of any active compound is the percentage of a given serving that ends up being available for the body to use. The active ingredients in CBD include cannabinoids and terpenes. Each method provides benefits but the more you absorb, the more potent the effect.

CBD requires the ability to reach your endocannabinoid system to be effective. The amount absorbed and used is dependent on the process of pharmacokinetics; how your body absorbs and eliminates CBD, the type of CBD delivery, and other influences such as age, health, circulation, and metabolism.

The only method that allows for 100% bioavailability is through intravenous administration and is generally only used in hospitals1. All other methods will result in some percentage of the CBD becoming unavailable to the body. Let’s take a look at some of the primary methods of administration and their ranges of bioavailability.

The bioavailability of an active compound is the percentage of a given serving that ends up being available for your body to use.

 

INHALED, VAPORIZED, NEBULIZED.

CBD can be inhaled, vaporized, or nebulized and is absorbed directly into the lungs. The effects are almost immediate because this method bypasses the digestive system and liver. Although highly bioavailable, smoking can be irritating or damaging to the lungs1.

Inhaling through a vaporizer pen is estimated to range between 25 to 60%. Although lung irritation can still be a concern with vaping, it is generally less than with smoking. Vaporizers are worn on the face and generate a mist that is inhaled. This method is primarily used in hospitals for patients with compromised respiratory systems 1,2.

 

TOPICALS.
CBD topicals, such as balms, salves, lotions, and patches have become increasingly popular products. Since there are endocannabinoid receptors in the skin, CBD topicals have been shown to be effective at addressing pain and inflammation without side-effects. Since the application is topical, the gastrointestinal system is bypassed, allowing for uninhibited bioavailability 3.

 

ORAL ADMINISTRATION.

Oral consumption, in general, is one of the least effective methods to get cannabidiol. Oral CBD products such as, capsules filled with oil or powder, and edibles, like gummies, are just a few examples. One study showed the oral bioavailability of CBD is between 10-20%, 1 but another study showed it to be as low as 6-5%. This method of delivery requires the CBD to be broken down in the intestines and liver before it can be used by the body.

The exception is water-soluble capsules or soft gels. Here, raw hemp oil goes through an additional processing step that uses nanoemulsion technology to transform it into nano-sized emulsions. This process makes it the most bioavailable broad-spectrum CBD in the industry. In other words, more of the CBD is put-to-use by your body.

TINCTURES.
Tinctures are also taken orally, under the tongue, or added to beverages and food. A tincture is a liquid, usually in an oil or alcohol base, which has been infused with CBD oil. Tincture bioavailability is comparatively higher, some as high as 35%, with a range of 20-35% 6 as it is readily absorbed by the mucous membranes under the tongue. Carrier oils, such as olive, hempseed, orange, or MCT, are often used to make the flavor of CBD oil more pleasing.

SUMMING IT UP.
Quality CBD provides many therapeutic effects. Although product type and method of delivery are ultimately personal choices, you will always want to consider method of consumption, ingredients, and the bioavailability of the CBD by each method. Keep in mind, any product having to pass through the digestive tract, liver, and other systems first, result in reduced bioavailability and more time to experience effects.

1. Marilyn A. Huestis. Human Cannabinoid Pharmacokinetics. Chem Biodivers. 2007 Aug; 4(8): 1770–1804.

2. Kalpana et al. Cannabidiol Bioavailability After Nasal and Transdermal Application: Effect of Permeation Enhancers. Drug Dev Ind Pharm, 2010 36(9):1088-1097.

3. Hammell et al. Transdermal Cannabidiol Reduces Inflammation and Pain-related Behaviours in a rat model of arthritis. Eur J Pain. 2016 Jul; 20(6): 936–948.

4. Bruni et al. Cannabinoid Delivery Systems for Pain and Inflammation Treatment. Molecules. 2018 Oct; 23(10): 2478.

5. Ohlsson et al. Single-dose Kinetics of Deuterium-Labelled Cannabidiol in Man After Smoking and Intravenous Administration. Biomed Environ Mass Spectrom.1986 Feb;13(2):77-83.

6. Mannila et al. Precipitation Complexation Method Produces Cannabidiol/Beta-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex Suitable for Sublingual Administration of Cannabidiol. J Pharm Sci. 2007 Feb;96(2):312-9.

1 Comments

  1. Dulsea Welch Salomone on January 13, 2021 at 9:37 am

    Thanks again for the blog article. Really looking forward to read more. Great. Dulsea Welch Salomone