Ready to level up your wellness with CBD but not sure where to start? There are many different ways to get CBD into your body and each format comes with its own benefits and considerations.
Below is a quick guide to the most common CBD delivery formats, how they work and who they might be best for.
Format | Sublingual | Oral | Topical | Transdermal | Inhalation |
Examples | Oils Tinctures Lozenges Sprays |
Edibles Softgels Beverages Oils |
Balms Salves Creams Serums |
Patches | Vape oil |
How it works | CBD is absorbed by the glands under your tongue and enter your bloodstream | CBD is processed by your digestive system and absorbed into your bloodstream | CBD is absorbed by the skin but does not enter the bloodstream | CBD penetrates the skin and passes directly to the bloodstream | CBD enters the lungs where it is absorbed by the bloodstream |
Bioavailability | 12 - 35% | 4 - 20% | Not applicable | 80 - 100% | 30 - 50% |
Time to onset | 5 - 20 minutes | 30 - 60 minutes | Varies | 20 - 60 minutes | Immediate |
Duration | 2 - 4 hours | 4 - 6 hours | Varies | 6 - 8 hours | 45 - 60 minutes |
Best for | Most popular format; great for everyday use | Lower intensity, longer lasting effects | Localised relief for muscle aches, menstrual cramps | Discreet, long-lasting effects | Nearly instantaneous relief with a shorter duration |