Understanding CBD
You may know that CBD, or cannabidiol, derives from the cannabis plant (also known as the hemp plant). Unlike marijuana, CBD products are derived from a single compound in cannabis.
Marijuana contains the psychoactive THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which produces the classic ‘high’ feeling associated with marijuana. On the other hand, CBD is non-psychoactive and includes a dosage less than or equal to 0.3% THC, the legal limit in the USA, meaning you won’t get high from consuming CBD.
Both THC and CBD come from the family of cannabinoids, which are chemical compounds connected to cannabinoid receptors in the body and produce specific effects. CBD molecules imitate endocannabinoids produced by the body’s endocannabinoid system.
The endocannabinoid systems act as the body’s natural way of maintaining itself through a process known homeostasis, using endocannabinoid receptors to regulate the following mechanisms:
- Pain
- Metabolism
- Memory
- Sleep
- Appetite
- Stress/Mood
Oil-Soluble CBD Vs. Water-Soluble CBD
However, you may not be as familiar with the two different forms of CBD and their varying effects on users: oil-soluble CBD (CBD oil) and water-soluble CBD.
CBD oil occurs as the natural form of cannabidiol, and you cannot consume this form of CBD in any foods. CBD oil acts as a hydrophobic solution, meaning that it repels water. As such, this oil form is somewhat ineffective, as most of the CBD oil passes out of the body without absorption.
What Is CBD Bioavailability?
Bioavailability refers to the amount of a substance that the body can absorb. With CBD oil, the body cannot absorb too much, particularly in the stomach.
To understand why the body does not readily absorb CBD oil, we need to look at first-pass metabolism or the first-pass effect.
First-pass metabolism disrupts a drug’s interactions with the body, leaving only a smaller concentration of the substance for circulation throughout the body’s bloodstream.
The substance cannot progress past the liver, limiting its progress throughout the body.
Affected substances include:
- Curcumin (from turmeric)
- Morphine
- Lidocaine
- CBD oil
Due to this low absorption, ingestion of CBD oil remains unadvisable, as the body will not strongly absorb or experience its effects.
However, you can increase the absorption by diluting CBD oil with a combination of other oils, such as coconut, MCT or hemp seed oil.
For consumption, customers tend to prefer products like CBD tinctures, which are extracts of hemp plants. A CBD tincture serves as a liquid dietary supplement. CBD tinctures often come in bottles and require a milliliter dropper for proper technique.
Green Roads has a great oil dispenser that is excellent for exact dosing. Read our review on Green Roads CBD here.
CBD tinctures can become relatively concentrated in strength, so you should take a small dosage for therapeutic purposes. A consumer might mix a few drops in with their coffee or soup to cut down on the bitter taste. Others prefer to consume the tincture sublingually (under the tongue) for faster absorption.
For the quickest absorption try smoking CBD flower. It’s the purest form of taking advantage of the entourage effect.
CBD tinctures get submerged in distilled alcohol, which increases their bioavailability. Manufacturers often mix CBD tinctures, which can be bitter, with sweeter oils like peppermint to enhance their flavor profile and enrich the user’s experience.
What Is Water-Soluble CBD?
Due to bioavailability, many consumers worry that they may not be getting a fair shake with their oil soluble products.
But some brands have found a creative way to get around the issue of bioavailability and increase the number of goods in the customer shopping cart: a water-soluble CBD product.
Brands like CAASI offers a top-quality water soluble CBD product that comes in versatile flavorless drops that mixes seamlessly with any beverage.
Scientists essentially mold the molecules to become more compatible with water. Up to 60% of the human body contains water, so this conversion makes for much better transport and absorption in the body, producing greater customer satisfaction.
How do scientists make water-soluble CBD?
Oftentimes, they will transform CBD oil into a powder that can dissolve more easily in water. This conversion process also means that you can consume the
CAASI Beverage Drops
Caasi CBD offers effective, easy-to-us water soluble CBD beverage drops that can be mixed with any drink.
It’s perhaps the easiest way to consume CBD. There is virtually no flavor at all and mixed with your favorite drink, you won’t even notice that you are consuming them.
It is a CBD isolate product which means that you will not consume any THC at all. The CBD isolate is turned from a powdered form into a liquid one which makes it much more bioavailable and easy for your body to absorb.
Expect a slight cloudiness to the beverage as the drops are added.
product in ways other than holding an eye dropper under your tongue. Using the water-soluble concept, you can turn the product into a dissolvable powder for a drink or a capsule for easy consumption on the go.
American Shaman
American Shaman has a great alternative for flavored drops of water soluble CBD.
You can expect the same high quality CBD and shopping experience that American Shaman always delivers in these drops.
The 300mg CBD per bottle comes in nano technology, meaning that it goes very quickly into your bloodstream and has fast acting effects.
A perfect alternative for people who have difficulties falling asleep at night. Just add a couple of drops to a cup of tea and you’ll feel the difference within 15-30 minutes.
Is CBD Water Soluble?
But is CBD water soluble..? Not really….
The ‘water soluble’ name is maybe somewhat misleading since the products still retain the same form with an oil base; scientists have merely adapted the substance to work better with water.
The Benefits of Water-Soluble CBD
A disclaimer: the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings to companies for marketing CBD water-soluble products or CBD oil using unfounded medical claims. We cannot advise on health benefits, such as whether these water-soluble products can diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, nor whether it is intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease.
As far as drugs for medical treatment are concerned, the FDA has approved only one product derived from cannabis (and three related to cannabis), which a licensed physician must prescribe. Therefore, you shouldn’t trust rumors claiming that water-soluble CBD cures epilepsy, seizures, glaucoma, or many diseases and disorders. Only trust the guidance of licensed health experts and CBD researchers regarding the potential medical benefits of CBD.
Water-soluble CBD may offer tangible wellness benefits for the body and mind. Many people report an overall improvement in wellbeing, such as a relaxing or calming effect, thanks to water-soluble CBD. It can be an excellent way to unwind after a long, stressful day.