By Ainsley Smith
To say we’re living in a stressful time would be a serious understatement. And typically, that means the perfect remedy is a little TLC – perhaps at the spa, on a retreat, or even on a mini vacation.
But through the pandemic, as many of these traditional treatments were temporarily suspended to help slow the spread of the virus, people were more frequently turning to cannabidiol (CBD) to help ease their minds and reduce stress. Cannabidiol, also known as hemp oil, is one of the two main components that make up marijuana.
CBD is the part of cannabis that doesn’t get you high – it’s the THC that does that.
For some people, taking CBD is part of their morning wellness routine, while others prefer to use it to unwind after a long day by soaking in a CBD bath or by mixing up a CBD-infused cocktail. As you could imagine, there’s an overwhelming number of CBD options out there.
Unsure where to start? That’s where we come in – read on to learn about six great ways to incorporate CBD into your daily routine other than smoking it.
Drop It
The most common way to enjoy CBD is as a tincture – which is when you drop it under your tongue – because it’s a capillary-rich area so the CBD will reach your bloodstream quicker. Simply drop a small dose of CBD under your tongue and try holding it there for a minute before swallowing.
Eat It
The beauty of CBD is that it can essentially be baked into anything, which is why you’ll find everything from infused chocolates and cookies to brownies and gummies. Keep in mind that ingesting CBD oil through food can take around two hours for you to feel an effect, as it has to go via the digestive system – so it may be less as effective when you feel it kick in.
Drink It
Just like food, CBD can also be added to your favourite beverages for a quick and easy way to ease any unwanted jitters or stressors you may be feeling. You can try adding few drops into your morning smoothie for a calm start to the day; drop it into your coffee to help take the edge off; or if you’re feeling something stiffer, you could whip up a CBD cocktail.
Rub It
In balm or rub form, CBD can be blended with coconut oil or beeswax, making it easy to spread on the skin, just like you would with a regular body lotion, to target issues like sore muscles or joints.
Vape It
Vape pens are easy to use and can go undetected because they produce little smoke. Vaping is a highly effective way to consume CBD, as it reaches the blood stream directly through the lungs, and is absorbed rapidly. But remember, it’s hard to know exactly how much you’re taking in this way, so always be mindful of that when you vape.
Pop It
When consuming CBD in a capsule form, you can maintain a consistent amount that you put in your body. Capsules are simple and there’s no guesswork with how much you’re taking in – but they can take awhile to deliver results.