There are many different ways to get CBD into your body and each format comes with its own benefits and considerations. We've compiled a quick guide to the most common CBD delivery formats, how they work and who they might be best for. If you're still unsure, get in touch and we'll help you choose.
| Format | Examples | How it works | Onset time | Duration | Best for |
|
Sublingual |
Oils |
CBD is absorbed by the glands under your tongue and enter your bloodstream |
5–20 minutes |
2–4 hours |
Most popular format; great for everyday use |
|
Edible |
Softgels |
CBD is processed by your digestive system and absorbed into your bloodstream |
30–60 minutes |
4–6 hours |
Lower intensity, longer lasting effects |
|
Topical |
Balms |
CBD is absorbed by the skin but does not enter the bloodstream |
Varies |
Varies |
Localised relief for muscle aches, menstrual cramps |
|
Transdermal |
Patches |
CBD penetrates the skin and passes directly to the bloodstream |
20–60 minutes |
6–8 hours |
Discreet, long-lasting effects |
|
Inhalation |
Vape oil |
CBD enters the lungs where it is absorbed by the bloodstream |
Immediate |
45–60 minutes |
Nearly instantaneous relief with a shorter duration |
| Format | Examples | How it works |
|
Sublingual |
Oils |
CBD is absorbed by the glands under your tongue and enter your bloodstream |
|
Oral |
Softgels |
CBD is processed by your digestive system and absorbed into your bloodstream |
|
Topical |
Balms |
CBD is absorbed by the skin but does not enter the bloodstream |
|
Transdermal |
Patches |
CBD penetrates the skin and passes directly to the bloodstream |
|
Inhalation |
Vape oil |
CBD enters the lungs where it is absorbed by the bloodstream |
| Format | Onset time | Duration | Best for |
|
Sublingual |
5 - 20 minutes |
2 - 4 hours |
Most popular format; great for everyday use |
|
Oral |
30 - 60 minutes |
4 - 6 hours |
Lower intensity, longer lasting effects |
|
Topical |
Varies |
Varies |
Localised relief for muscle aches, menstrual cramps |
|
Transdermal |
20 - 60 minutes |
6 - 8 hours |
Discreet, long-lasting effects |
|
Inhalation |
Immediate |
45 - 60 minutes |
Nearly instantaneous relief with a shorter duration |
| Format | Examples | How it works |
|
Sublingual |
Oils |
CBD is absorbed by the glands under your tongue and enter your bloodstream |
|
Edible |
Softgels |
CBD is processed by your digestive system and absorbed into your bloodstream |
|
Topical |
Balms |
CBD is absorbed by the skin but does not enter the bloodstream |
|
Transdermal |
Patches |
CBD penetrates the skin and passes directly to the bloodstream |
|
Inhalation |
Vape oil |
CBD enters the lungs where it is absorbed by the bloodstream |
| Format | Onset time | Duration |
|
Sublingual |
5 - 20 minutes |
2 - 4 hours |
|
Edible |
30 - 60 minutes |
4 - 6 hours |
|
Topical |
Varies |
Varies |
|
Transdermal |
20 - 60 minutes |
6 - 8 hours |
|
Inhalation |
Immediate |
45 - 60 minutes |
| Format | Best for |
|
Sublingual |
Most popular format; great for everyday use |
|
Edible |
Lower intensity, longer lasting effects |
|
Topical |
Localised relief for muscle aches, menstrual cramps |
|
Transdermal |
Discreet, long-lasting effects |
|
Inhalation |
Nearly instantaneous relief with a shorter duration |
