A product can claim to contain large amounts of THC or CBD and that it will provide powerful benefits. But while this may be true, it doesn’t explain the complex process of how cannabis ends up absorbed through the bloodstream, which is known as bioavailability. When it comes to CBD and THC oils, the amount of that ends up absorbed in your blood is usually very little.
Bioavailability isthe proportion of a drug or other substance which enters the circulation when introduced into the body and so is able to have an active effect. Itcan be influenced by the body’s make up, physiological processes and, importantly, the method in which you consume. While recreational cannabis is more lax and can be adapted as needed, bioavailability is vital for the plant’s value as medicine. The more bioavailable the product is, the more accurate the dosage, and the less amount of it you’ll need for it to produce its intended effect.
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When ingested in oil form, the effectiveness of CBD and THC becomes compromised. Roughly, about 6% of the THC or CBD present in these products ends up absorbed by the bloodstream.
One reason is the body is made up of 60% water. When compounds are presented in oil form, their potency is affected since the water in our bodies and the oil in the product have trouble mixing. It is the proverbial oil and water. This is further increased by the fact oil is usually ingested orally, absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and later making its way to the liver, where it’s metabolized. After so many stops, the amounts of useful compound ending up in your bloodstream is limited.
There are some ways to trick your body into making the cannabis more effective. You can supplement your cannabis with healthy fats, such as hummus, coconut oil and avocado. You can also try butter and ice cream if you’re not feeling all that health conscious and are just looking for a good time. Another way is to supplement with herbs. Similar to foods, certain herbs can also increase the bioavailability of CBD.
Cannabis contains fat soluble compounds, which means they break down more effectively in fat instead of water. This is why most edibles are high in fat: cookies, brownies, fudge, etc. Coconut oil has been demonstrated to be one of the best fats for absorbing THC molecules.
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With legalization and popularity, the most popular forms of consumption are vaping, smoking and edibles (primarily gummies). The next round includes dabbing, applied topically or absorbed through suppositories. While there’s pros and cons with each, products that are smoked work well since the lungs are highly permeable. Suppositories, even if they’re a little weird, produce among the strongest and longest lasting effects. Topical compounds, which are usually medicinal and for pain relieving purposes, work well since there are plenty of cannabinoids located under the surface of the skin.
Sarah Johns
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