Can you combine different CBD products?
Like many people, you may be asking yourself "is safe to combine different CBD products as part of your daily routine." The short answer is in some cases, yes – but not always. It can depend on certain factors, including the type of CBD you are using and the method of taking it.
The CBD market contains a variety of products, each unique in its own right. The product you decide to use will usually depend on your specific needs and lifestyle. You can use CBD as a capsule or tincture, add it to food, or apply it to your skin. Every product has a different effect that varies depending on its suitability, strength, variation in consumption, and duration of use. To get the best of both worlds, you can combine different CBD products.
But before you combine everything and anything, read this guide first.
Can you combine different CBD products? Understand what CBD is first
CBD is short for cannabidiol. It is one of over 100 different naturally occurring cannabinoids that are found in the resinous flower of the cannabis plant. It is the second most abundant compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, it does not have psychoactive effects. Interest in the use of CBD has grown tremendously in recent years with a number of scientific tests and studies being conducted.
CBD is usually extracted from a specific type of the cannabis plant called Cannabis Sativa. It is more commonly known as hemp. Hemp is a strain of the cannabis plant that contains low levels of the compound THC and high levels of CBD.
What are the different types of CBD?
The CBD market is currently one of the fastest-growing industries, with a variety of products already available and new ones being added all the time. However, you need to be careful when it comes to buying your CBD products. It is important to ensure that all of the products you buy contain less than 0.3% THC, which is the legal limit in the UK. CBD comes in three main forms, and it's key to understand the difference between them before you try combining products.
CBD isolate
This type of CBD, as the name suggests, is free of all other cannabinoids and terpenes, making it pure CBD. It is often available in crystal or powder form.
Broad-spectrum CBD
This type of CBD contains a full range of both terpenes and cannabinoids. It is a middle ground between CBD isolate and full-spectrum CBD. The main thing to know is that broad-spectrum CBD contains no THC.
Full-spectrum CBD
This type of CBD, like broad-spectrum CBD, contains a number of terpenes, cannabinoids, and fatty acids. However, unlike broad-spectrum CBD, it also contains trace amounts of THC, which naturally occurs in the cannabis plant. Remember that, in order to meet legal restrictions in the UK, full-spectrum CBD products must contain less than 0.3% THC. Be sure to buy your CBD from a reputable supplier to ensure that these conditions are met.
Tips for combining different CBD products
As the number of different CBD products continues to increase, many users are interested in trying out different types of combinations. Doing so can be perfectly safe, but you need to follow a few simple guidelines to be sure.
Here are some tips to help you combine different CBD products.
Use quality CBD
Since not all CBD products are created equal, it is important that you make sure you purchase your CBD from reputable manufacturers. Consider buying from companies that publish details of third-party lab tests to get a clear picture of what their products contain. Also, be sure to read any descriptions they provide of the processes they use to make their products.
Start “low and slow”
CBD products can have different effects on different individuals. It is important to learn how your body responds to the combination of CBD products. As a precaution, start combining smaller samples of CBD just to find out how your body will respond to them. Take it slow until such a time that you find the perfect combination that works best for your needs and lifestyle.
Keep track of which CBD products you are using
While you are still looking to understand how you respond to different CBD products and how they affect you, it is critical to keep records of what you are taking and when. This will help you understand your preferred dose as well as identify what works best for you.
While keeping track of your CBD intake, use milligrams as your measurement unit. Knowing how much CBD you consume every day helps you when combining different products.
Situations when combining CBD products is a bad idea
Even as you combine different CBD products trying to find the perfect mix for you, it is important to note that not all combinations are a wise idea. Some may backfire and possibly pose health risks.
CBD oil and e-liquid
Vape pens are meant to work with e-liquid to produce vapour. When oil is used instead, the results can be unpleasant – and may even pose serious health risks. Oil is a heavier substance, which means it will not fully vaporise when used in a vape device. The result will be vapours that contain oil residue, which, when inhaled, can potentially cause lung damage in the long term.
Vaping equipment and CBD oil
When you use CBD oil in vape pens, it burns and the vapours build up on your coil. There is a higher risk of clogging and damage to your pen. Burnt oil also creates bad-tasting vapour compared to fresh vape juice. Re-using the vape pen may require you to spend a lot of time cleaning it. Using oil with your vape device results in a higher chance of it getting damaged as compared to using the recommended e-liquid.
When looking to combine different CBD products, it is critical to do some personal research into each product. However, you are always safer buying ready-made CBD products. Where you feel the taste of the product is not pleasing, try being creative by masking it with your favourite flavour to allow you to enjoy the experience. Some manufacturers produce flavoured CBD products that can easily fit your preferences.
Different delivery methods for CBD
CBD products can be taken in a wide variety of different ways. The four most common are:
CBD edibles
As the name suggests, this category encompasses all the CBD products that you can eat. A particularly popular option is CBD gummies. These are classic gummy sweets infused with CBD, and they are readily available in a range of nostalgic shapes and flavours, like CBD gummy bears. CBD edibles are a great way to take CBD on the go quickly and discreetly.
Sublingual CBD
The sublingual method is a very common way of taking CBD oil. Sublingual means "beneath the tongue". To take CBD this way, simply use the dropper that comes with your CBD oil to dispense the desired amount under your tongue. It is believed that this method provides a faster absorption rate. You administer it by holding the CBD oil in place for one to two minutes before swallowing.
It is usually advised to avoid drinking or eating anything afterward for about 30 minutes.
CBD vaping products
These products are growing in popularity especially among young adults. They involve the use of vape pens combined with a specially-made CBD e-liquid. The most efficient way to get CBD into your bloodstream is through the lungs, so using CBD e-liquid with a vape pen is a great option.
Topical CBD
Topical CBD products can be rubbed into the skin. They come in different types including body oil, lotion, and balm. Topical CBD can be applied just like you would a lotion. It targets only the part on which you apply it and thus does not enter the bloodstream. Topical CBD penetrates your skin activating the endocannabinoid system (ECS) by binding to your cell receptors in the skin, nerves, and muscle tissue.
Figuring out the right amount of CBD for you
A range of variables can determine the amount of CBD that you can take. These include:
- Your general body weight
- The CBD concentration in each product dose
- Your individual body metabolism
Some of the CBD products will tell you exactly how much is in a single serving. Such is the case with CBD gummies, pills, or capsules. CBD oil will likely come in a dropper bottle with the packaging specifying how much CBD is in a single drop.
It is important to stick to the recommended dosage indicated by the manufacturer even as you combine different CBD products to meet your needs.
Conclusion on combining different CBD products
As long as you pay attention to your body, combining different CBD products is considered safe. However, it is important to proceed slowly and carefully, and be sure to read the labels on the products you use. Reputable suppliers will offer detailed instructions on appropriate dosages, and you should be sure not to exceed the recommended dosage when combining different products.
Keeping a note of which CBD products you use, and the quantities you take, is a great way to make sure you're keeping to recommended dosages.