With so many CBD products to choose from, and in so many different forms, how can you know which one is right for you? In this matchup, we’re discussing CBD gummies vs. oil. We’ll walk you through the decision process with a bit of science and a dash of flavor.
What is bioavailability?
When it comes to supplements and medications you put in your body, there is something called bioavailability. Bioavailability is the extent and rate that your body absorbs a substance. Bioavailability changes with the administration method, and is especially applicable when considering CBD gummies vs. oil.
Speed of relief
Tincture oil goes to work in a short time, especially if you follow the directions properly and place the oil under your tongue and hold (about a minute or two, or per package instructions) before swallowing. You should allow about 45 minutes to an hour to assess how you feel. If you’re thinking this means tinctures have a higher bioavailability than gummies and other edibles, you’re correct! But why place the oil under your tongue? This means you’re taking it sublingually. It’s called this because you’re placing it on the sublingual gland found underneath the tongue, which acts as a speedway for CBD to access your bloodstream.
The fact that gummies provide delayed effects has pros and cons. They are metabolized slower than tincture oil since they have to be broken down by your digestive system. In addition to the gummy being digested, a lot of the CBD is first broken down by your liver before circulating in your bloodstream. Gummies can be a good choice to start your day, as long as they don’t have ingredients in them that promote sleepiness, such as melatonin. That kind is great for before bed, though!
Taking CBD sublingually instead increases the bioavailability by about 20%. Of course, this varies by the individual and other factors, such as your metabolism, activity level, body composition, and overall health. If you know you don’t need a big punch of CBD in your routine and are just starting out, gummies are still a good bet.
Strength and servings
According to this study in the journal Molecules, oils provide more accurate servings than juices or teas made from CBD. Depending on your comfort level with the dropper or brand of CBD you choose, you may still have a difficult time regulating how much you actually end up taking. What exactly is a full dropper’s worth? What if you can’t fill the dropper completely? Should you empty it into your mouth and then administer more?
These are all valid concerns. A good rule of thumb is to follow directions on the bottle first. If they’re unclear, visit the brand’s website or contact the seller. It’s likely that the serving size of CBD listed is based on a “full dropper.” A full dropper is actually indicated by a half-full dropper, as some air will be present. Simply squeeze the dropper and release it in the bottle to fill it. Before immediately going back for more, especially if you’re relatively new to CBD, wait several hours to gauge how it affects you.
CBD gummies may taste delicious, and you may have a hard time believing they’re not just ordinary gummies. On one hand, that’s great, but use caution and do not over-serve. Depending on how much CBD you plan to take will determine how many gummies you will need. Most gummies contain about 10mg of CBD each, while CBD droppers may only administer as little as 2mg of CBD per serving. To reiterate, you should give your body time to digest CBD gummies before taking more, just like CBD oil.
Flavors and taste
There are a few things to consider when it comes to flavors and tastes of gummies and oils.
- Want to be able to mix your CBD into something else, such as coffee, smoothies, or soups
- Don’t mind holding the liquid in your mouth for better absorption
- Want something unflavored — there are plenty of varieties
- Like classic flavors, such as mint and lemon, or creative flavors, such as French Vanilla Mocha and Orange Blossom
- Want CBD to feel more like a treat
- Are a fan of other gummy candy
- Like fruity or tart flavors or have a bit of a sweet tooth
- Don’t mind chewing
Value and bottom line
How frequently you take CBD — whether it’s once or twice per day — will determine how frequently you need to stock up. It’s a good idea to purchase your CBD from a shop that offers a rewards program or discounts if it becomes part of your regular routine. Many gummy varieties come in 30- or 60-count bottles, which will likely last you a few weeks. The same goes for bottles of CBD oil, which usually have at least 30 servings per bottle. This can vary quite a bit, however.
Increasing the amount of CBD you take per serving may sound like an obvious solution to cut back on the total amount you need — but be careful. Switching to a higher concentration may result in side effects you’re not used to, such as drowsiness. If you think you need to up the amount of CBD you take, consider doing so before bed rather than at the beginning of a full day.
Gummies or oil — they might both sound good, even if both have different pros and cons. Regardless, check with your doctor before adding CBD into your regimen to make sure that it will not interact with any of your other medications. Once you have the green light, we hope you find something you like!
