Is Water-Soluble CBD More Effective? An In-Depth Look

You’ve likely heard of CBD oil — the brown-green, sometimes yellow liquid that you can find bottled in dispensaries and health shops. There are numerous CBD oil uses, and it’s touted for its potential to support full-body wellness: sleep, concentration, mood, relaxation — it can essentially do it all.

You may also find water-soluble options when it comes to CBD. Water-soluble CBD does mix well with water, unlike regular CBD oil. In fact, water-soluble CBD is able to dissolve in water, and research suggests that this property may increase its bioavailability to initiate fast-acting benefits within the body.

The ABCs of CBD

Across the United States, there are vast fields filled with tall, leafy plants known as cannabis. In legal terms, there are two types of cannabis plants.

The first is the marijuana plant.

This variety contains various cannabinoids, including CBD, as well as high levels of THC. It’s often smoked or eaten to induce brain-altering effects that can distort time, vision and thought processing. For some, this is a pleasurable experience. For others, THC can induce excessive worry and stomach discomfort.

For those who are seeking the potential benefits of cannabis without the psychoactive effects, there is the second variety of plant: hemp. Hemp plants are legally categorized as those that contain less than 0.3% THC content. It’s from these plants from which commercial CBD oils are extracted. More information can be found on our blog regarding CBD vs THC.

Whether you’re using marijuana-based CBD or hemp-based CBD, they interact with the body similarly. Once inside the body, CBD influences receptors found in the endocannabinoid system. These receptors are found throughout the brain, spine and immune tissues. Accordingly, they have a huge impact on the body when endocannabinoids — naturally produced cannabinoids — bind to them.

Cannabinoids, like CBD, can mimic the endocannabinoids, which may produce similar effects to influence:

Appetite
Sleep
Stress
Mood
Memory
Learning
Immune function
Sensory perception

What is CBD Oil?

CBD oil, derived directly from the hemp plant, is widely available across the country and believed to provide many benefits. To determine whether CBD oil is the right fit for your health goals and lifestyle choices, it’s critical to understand its various aspects.

Extraction Process

The extraction of CBD oil is a critical step in ensuring its quality and purity. Common extraction methods include:

CO2 extraction– Considered one of the cleanest methods, CO2 extraction uses carbon dioxide to isolate CBD from the hemp plant. It results in a high-quality and potent CBD extract.
Ethanol extraction – This method involves using ethanol as a solvent to extract CBD from the hemp plant. It's efficient but may extract other cannabinoids and compounds, requiring further refinement. That said, there are some dangers to this method as ethanol is extremely flammable.
Dry ice extraction – For this method, dry ice strips CBD from the plant material to make a clean, high-quality CBD oil.
Hydrocarbon extraction – Soaking the hemp plant in propane, butane and hexane separates the CBD from the plant material. However, this process can leave toxic residue in the extract.
Oil extraction – In this traditional method, hemp plant material is soaked in a carrier oil (such as olive or coconut oil) to extract CBD. The resulting CBD extract is known as CBD oil.

To identify the type of extraction method used for your CBD oil of choice, simply look to the packaging. Here, reputable manufacturers will provide details about the extraction process, as well as the contents of the oil.

Absorption Rate

The effectiveness of CBD oil is influenced by its absorption rate, referring to how the body absorbs and utilizes the CBD. Factors affecting absorption include:

Bioavailability – This term refers to the proportion of CBD that enters the bloodstream and is available for use in the body. Different administration methods have varying bioavailability rates.
Sublingual absorption – Taking CBD oil sublingually (under the tongue) allows for rapid absorption into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes. This method often has higher bioavailability compared to swallowing CBD.
Ingestion – Swallowing CBD oil or consuming CBD-infused edibles leads to slower absorption in the digestive system. While it has a delayed onset, the effects may last longer.
Topical Application – CBD-infused creams, balms or patches applied to the skin target localized areas and have minimal systemic absorption.

To increase the absorption rate of CBD oil, some research suggests consuming it with food, which can change how your body digests the oil.

Effectiveness

The effectiveness of CBD oil varies among individuals due to factors like body weight, metabolism, and the specific condition being addressed. Some key considerations include:

Dosage – It's generally recommended to begin with a low CBD dosage and gradually increase until the desired effects are achieved. This approach helps individuals find their optimal dosage without experiencing adverse effects. While there are no official recommendations via the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), some healthcare professionals recommend starting with about 20 to 40 grams, then increasing by 5 grams every week. Especially for those taking medication for an existing medical condition, it is crucial to consult with healthcare providers regarding CBD dosage to avoid potential interactions and complications.
Consistency – Regular and consistent use of CBD oil may enhance its effectiveness. Building up CBD levels in the body over time may lead to more sustained benefits.
Quality – Choosing high-quality CBD oil from reputable sources ensures the product's potency and purity. Third-party testing certificates can verify the quality of the product and determine if there are any contaminants, such as pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, microbes or fungicides.

What is Water-Soluble CBD?

Water-soluble CBD represents a technological advancement in the world of cannabidiol, which was crafted to improve the bioavailability and absorption of CBD. This type of CBD can easily disperse within water, which is more easily digested and absorbed by the body compared to regular CBD oil.

Extraction Process

The extraction of water-soluble CBD involves breaking down the oil-soluble CBD molecules into smaller, water-friendly particles. The following methods are commonly used:

Physical dispersion – Physical dispersion is a method that utilizes mechanical processes to break down CBD oil into smaller particles to separate CBD from the oil. This involves techniques such as agitation or milling to achieve a more uniform and water-soluble CBD product.
Ultrasonic dispersion – Ultrasonic dispersion involves the use of ultrasonic waves to create cavitation and mechanical shear forces. This process disrupts the larger CBD oil droplets, leading to the formation of smaller, water-soluble particles. Ultrasonic technology is known for its efficiency in achieving nanoscale dispersion.
Co-solvent extraction – Co-solvent extraction employs the use of additional solvents beyond just water to enhance the solubility of CBD. This method involves selecting solvents that can effectively break down the oil-soluble CBD, resulting in a more water-soluble form. Careful solvent selection is crucial for maintaining the overall safety and quality of the final product.
Water-soluble emulsion – Water-soluble emulsion is a method where CBD oil is mixed with an emulsifying agent to create a stable emulsion. This emulsion allows for better integration of CBD into water, preventing separation. The emulsifying agent surrounds the CBD oil droplets, making them more compatible with water or your other favorite beverage. You can also check out our recommended CBD infused drinks for inspiration!

Absorption Rate

A study affiliated with Colorado State University’s Department of Health and Exercise Science found that water-soluble CBD products provide the best absorption rates, compared to traditional CBD oil. The study itself tested five types of CBD products to identify how quickly they entered the bloodstream, which included:

CBD diluted in medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) coconut oil
CBD isolate, the pure form of CBD that does not contain other cannabinoids or plant material
Three different types of water-soluble CBD

Although the results have not been reviewed by the FDA, they do indicate a more than 500% difference in maximum blood concentration when comparing water-soluble CBD to the oil-based formula and CBD isolate.

Effectiveness

The increased bioavailability of water-soluble CBD contributes to its potential effectiveness. Like CBD oil, key considerations include:

Dosage – With higher bioavailability, users may require smaller doses of water-soluble CBD to achieve the same effects as larger doses of traditional CBD oil. This allows for more precise dosing.
Consistency – Water-soluble CBD may provide more consistent results across different individuals, as its absorption rates are less influenced by individual factors such as metabolism or digestive health.
Quality – Ensuring the quality of water-soluble CBD products is crucial for their effectiveness. High-quality formulations undergo rigorous third-party testing to confirm the purity, potency and safety of the product.

Zebra CBD’s Established Track Record

Water-soluble CBD is an emerging innovation within the CBD space. However, CBD oil still remains a trusted choice for those seeking an effective product they can depend on.

Additionally, Zebra CBD stands out as a beacon of consistency and quality in this ever-evolving market.

Our commitment to excellence is reflected in each product we offer, be it CBD capsules, CBD topicals, CBD oils or CBD gummies for sale. At the heart of every Zebra CBD product is premium hemp extract, meticulously sourced to meet the highest standards. Rigorous third-party testing is a cornerstone of our quality assurance process, ensuring the potency and purity of our products. You can access this information through our Certificate of Analysis database, providing transparency and confidence to our customers.

Zebra CBD's established track record is built on a foundation of trust, reliability and a dedication to delivering premium CBD online. With a focus on quality, we invite you to choose Zebra CBD for a consistently exceptional CBD journey.

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