Tired of CBD oil? Aren’t we all, mate? It seems like you can’t swing a cat in a health food store or read a single article on a lifestyle magazine’s admittedly excellent website without being confronted by the ubiquitous product.
In recent years, as a result of the 2016 statement by the MHRA (Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) stating that products which contain cannabidiol could be classified and licensed as medicine if used for medicinal purposes, the CBD oil market has grown exponentially.
That said, CBD oil itself can’t be classified as a medicine – it hasn’t yet been licensed as such – but the product can be sold on UK high streets as long as it makes no medical claims and contains less than 0.2% THC. Recently, you may well have seen it available in pharmacies and health food shops being sold as a food supplement, though it should be noted that the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has recently slashed their recommended daily allowance of the stuff, from 70mg to 10mg, the equivalent of around 4 or 5 drops of 5% CBD oil.
Still with us? Phew.
That confusion over its status hasn’t arrested CBD’s seemingly never ending rise; it’s estimated that 6.5 million UK adults consumed a CBD product in 2022 alone, with the market predicted to be worth £1 billion by 2025.
And just as the market potential of the product has expanded, so the options for its consumption have diversified, too. Yep, there’s a world beyond the ubiquitous oil drops, with CBD now popping up in everything from face creams to lubricants and pleasure gels. If you’re tired of CBD oil drops and you’re wanting to diversify how you consume yours, then read on; here 5 alternative ways of taking cannabidiol.
CBD Oil Tinctures
Yep, we realise that we said these would be alternatives to CBD oil drops. We realise that CBD oil tinctures may sound rather similar. In fact, there are several differences; a tincture involves the soaking of the hemp plant in alcohol solution or food-grade oil (extra virgin olive oil, for instance) for several weeks in order to extract the natural compounds of the cannabis plant.
Because of this process, these tinctures have a considerably longer shelf life than standard CBD oil (as much as 5 years for an alcohol based tincture), though the method of taking them, sublingually via droplets under the tongue, remains the same.
Now, you could, theoretically, attempt to carry out this process yourself, DIY style, but doing so would likely mean you were breaking the law.
CBD Capsules
CBD capsules are often recommended as an alternative to CBD oils as they provide many of the same reported benefits, only in a compact and time-saving form. Most CBD capsules are made using the same CBD rich formula that can be found in oil tinctures. As opposed to the less predictable nature of sublingual consumption of CBD oil, by taking capsules you can be sure of your dose, and find an amount which suits you.
Generally speaking, doses range from as low as 180mg to as high as 2880mg. Regardless of the dose you choose, it’s essential you consult with your GP or nutritionist before adding CBD, in any form, to your daily routine.
CBD Vape E-Liquids
Vaping has become equally ubiquitous in recent years and even the government has suggested that e-cigarettes (vapes) can be an effective aid to stopping smoking and staying smokefree.
It only makes sense, then, that the CBD vape industry has also seen a huge increase in popularity, and CBD vape juice has become a preferred method of ingestion for some.
It’s important to know that you can’t simply vape CBD oil; like vegetable oils, CBD oils emit toxic waste when torched. Instead, it’s important to seek out CBD e-liquids which are specially made for vaping to ensure safety.
It’s even more important to know that, whilst certainly considerably less harmful than smoking cigarettes, vaping does still carry health risks.
CBD Gummies
CBD infused gummies are one of the most widely available and popular forms of CBD edible, coming in several fruity flavours and boasting a pleasing, chewy texture.
CBD gummies often contain only a small dose of CBD concentrate – a standard dose for a gummy is 5mg – meaning they can be enjoyed as a sweet snack throughout the day, discretely and conveniently.
The most common CBD gummies tend to be mixed fruit pots, although it is also possible to find gummies in specific flavours; strawberry, blackcurrant and even matcha green tea are just a few of our favourites.
Often, CBD gummies contain several other ingredients with potential health benefits; expect to see ginger and turmeric featuring regularly. Most gummies are vegan, too, made from pectin rather than gelatin, though you should check the specific manufacturers ingredients list to be sure. While scrutinising those ingredients, do look out for added sugars, too.
Other CBD Edibles
Gummies aren’t the only way to eat CBD as a snack or as part of a meal. In fact, there are a whole range of CBD edibles out there, ranging from brownies to cakes, truffles, granola bars and even salad dressings.
Rather than us wittering on and you having to listen passively, why not check out this guide to CBD edibles explained? Bon appetit!
*The information provided in this article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not meant to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider or a qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, a health-related issue or a treatment option. Research into the efficacy of CBD is ongoing.*
