How CBD is Absorbed in the Body: A Look at Bioavailability

Whether you’re a CBD enthusiast or you’re looking to try CBD for the first time, understanding how it interacts with the body is an important aspect, especially if you want the best experience with CBD.

CBD is a compound that gets absorbed by your body and then interacts with it in a physiological manner. If you’re interested in harnessing the full potential of this natural compound, then it’s key to learn more about how CBD interacts with you.

One crucial factor in this equation is bioavailability. In the case of CBD, bioavailability plays a vital role in determining its effectiveness and the level of potential benefits it can have.

Bioavailability refers to the degree at which a substance is absorbed into the bloodstream and becomes active in the body. CBD can be consumed in various forms, and each method of consumption affects the bioavailability of the product differently. This means that you may feel the effects of some CBD products faster and more intensely than others.

Let’s take a look at what can affect the bioavailability of CBD:

Administration Method

How the product is administered influences how the CBD is absorbed. Here are the three primary methods:

Inhalation (Vaporisation or Smoking)

Inhaling CBD allows for extremely fast absorption through the lungs. As such, this method is highly preferred by those seeking immediate relief. But why does inhalation work so quickly? That’s because CBD is able to enter the bloodstream quickly through the lungs’ extensive network of blood vessels, instead of having to travel through the digestive system first.

In particular, the lungs have a vast surface area for gas exchange, with millions of tiny air sacs called alveoli. These alveoli provide a large contact area for CBD molecules to be absorbed into the bloodstream. This high surface area facilitates efficient absorption and, thus, allows for a quick onset of effects.

Sublingual (Under the Tongue)

Administering CBD oil or tinctures sublingually involves holding the liquid under the tongue, allowing for absorption through the mucous membranes. This method also allows the CBD to bypass the digestive system and enter the bloodstream directly. It takes longer than inhalation, but it does provide a high bioavailability.

The area under the tongue contains many capillaries, which are tiny blood vessels. These capillaries allow for rapid absorption of CBD into the bloodstream. Plus, the mucous membranes under the tongue are relatively thin, which means the CBD molecules don’t have to work as hard to reach those vessels.

Oral Ingestion (Edibles, Capsules, Oils)

Orally ingesting CBD – such as through edibles, capsules, or oils – requires the compound to pass through the digestive system and liver. This process slows down the absorption, since CBD needs to be metabolised in the liver before it can be effective. As a result, the bioavailability of orally ingested CBD is lower, but some individuals prefer the ease of this method or the taste.

Formulation

The formulation of CBD products can impact bioavailability. As such, certain techniques aim to enhance absorption and improve the effectiveness of CBD. Here are examples:

Oil-based formulations

Many CBD products, such as tinctures or oils, are formulated with a carrier oil to improve CBD absorption. CBD is a fat-soluble compound, meaning it dissolves better in fats or oils. The carrier oil can enhance the bioavailability of CBD by increasing its solubility and aiding in absorption.

Liposomal formulations

Liposomes are small vesicles made of lipid bilayers, which can encapsulate CBD molecules. These formulations can enhance CBD bioavailability by protecting the CBD from degradation in the digestive system and facilitating its absorption through the intestinal lining. Liposomal CBD products potentially offer higher bioavailability when compared to traditional oral CBD formulations.

Nanoemulsion or water-soluble formulations

CBD is inherently hydrophobic (repels water), which can limit its absorption in the body. Nanoemulsion or water-soluble CBD formulations use advanced technology to break down CBD into tiny nanoparticles, increasing its water solubility. This process can enhance bioavailability by improving the absorption of CBD in the gastrointestinal tract and increasing its overall systemic exposure.

Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum formulations

Full-spectrum CBD products contain a range of beneficial compounds present in the hemp plant. These additional compounds may work synergistically with CBD, a phenomenon known as the entourage effect, potentially enhancing its bioavailability and overall therapeutic effects. Broad-spectrum CBD products, which contain multiple cannabinoids and terpenes but no THC, can offer similar benefits.

Topical formulations

CBD products designed for topical application – such as creams, lotions, or transdermal patches – are primarily intended for localised effects. While they may not have high bioavailability for systemic absorption into the bloodstream, they can still interact with local cannabinoid receptors in the skin, muscles, or joints.

Individual Factors

Several individual factors can influence the bioavailability of CBD, such as:

• Body Composition: The percentage and distribution of body fat can affect how CBD is stored and released over time. Higher body fat may result in prolonged CBD release, potentially extending its effects.

• Genetics: Genetic variations in liver enzymes, particularly those involved in CBD metabolism (CYP450 enzymes), can influence the rate at which CBD is broken down. These genetic differences can determine CBD bioavailability and individual responses to CBD products.

• Age: Older individuals might experience variations in how CBD is absorbed and the effects it has on their body. Metabolism and absorption efficiency may decline with age, potentially affecting the bioavailability of CBD.

• Health Conditions: Certain health conditions, such as gastrointestinal disorders or liver impairment, can impact the absorption and metabolism of CBD.

Drug Interactions

CBD has the potential to interact with other medications. It can inhibit CYP450 enzymes in the liver and affect the bioavailability of certain drugs. Likewise, other medications can also impact the bioavailability of CBD. This highlights the importance of discussing CBD usage with a healthcare professional, especially for individuals taking several medications.

Conclusion

Bioavailability is a very interesting topic because it affects our experience with CBD. A greater understanding of bioavailability when it comes to CBD can greatly enhance the way CBD aids our wellness journey. It also helps us make informed decisions about the products we buy and how they affect us.

If you’re taking CBD for the first time and want to understand more about dosage and administration, as well as how it all affects bioavailability, check out our comprehensive guide on how much CBD you should take to see results.

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