CBD oil is a staple of many medicine cabinets and a perfect complement to teas, smoothies, shakes and other beverages. Derived from the cannabis plant, CBD oil touts many potential benefits that, luckily, can’t be deterred by the consumption of food or water.
In fact, a recent study conducted by Colorado State University’s Department of Health and Exercise Science found that consuming CBD with food may improve its bioavailability within the body.
From CBD-infused beverages to refreshing smoothies and herbal teas, there are various ways to combine the hydrating properties of water with the potential wellness advantages of CBD oil.
So, can you drink water after taking CBD oil? Yes! You can consume water immediately after taking CBD oil, or even pair the two together with food and consume them simultaneously.
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a natural component that’s found in all cannabis plants. Some cannabis plants, called marijuana, contain high amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Other plants, called hemp, contain only trace amounts of the aforementioned psychoactive compound and are thus federally legal for cultivation and sale.
It’s these plants from which we harvest the CBD oil found on store shelves.
Once CBD enters the body, it can interact with endocannabinoid receptors throughout the body, which are primarily found in the central nervous system and peripheral immune system. In the absence of CBD, endocannabinoids, which naturally occur in the body, bind to these receptors to help the body maintain homeostasis, which includes regulating appetite, sleep and mood.
As a cannabinoid, CBD can help support these receptors’ roles in maintaining the body’s overall health. While research is limited, it’s generally believed that CBD may help manage physical discomfort, relieve stress, support sleep and improve the complexion of your skin.
How fast these benefits take effect depends on the CBD oil’s bioavailability, or how quickly the CBD enters your bloodstream. This is most often determined by the type of CBD oil and its method of consumption.
The Bioavailability of CBD
Ideally, your body would absorb all of the hemp oil you consume. However, that’s not the case. Generally, the absorption rate of CBD is rather low. According to some research, only 13 percent to 19 percent of consumed CBD is absorbed into the body, at most. More likely, only 5 percent to 10 percent of the CBD is actually used.
That said, eating food with CBD or hemp oil can increase its concentration levels within the body, specifically because fatty acids can improve absorption rates and effectiveness within the body. This is why many CBD oils are paired with carrier oils, such as:
- Hemp seed oil
- Coconut oil
- MCT oil
- Olive oil
- Avocado oil
- Grape seed oil
- Sunflower oil
However, research from Colorado State University’s Department of Health and Exercise Science found that water-soluble CBD products — those that easily dissolve in water — are most effective in terms of absorption, compared to oil-based CBD products.
During the study, researchers compared five different CBD formulas among 14 male test subjects. The formulas included:
- CBD diluted in MCT oil
- CBD isolate
- Three different water-soluble CBD ingredients
These formulas were then studied for how quickly they entered and left the bloodstream, as well as their impact on liver function and metabolism.
So, what exactly is water-soluble CBD? Because CBD is naturally hydrophobic, meaning it doesn’t mix well with water, manufacturers of water-soluble CBD must use various techniques to break down the CBD oil into fine crystalline particles that are more easily able to mix with water and, thus, are more easily absorbed by the body. However, water-soluble CBD cannot fully dissolve into water.
All that said, drinking water with a water-soluble CBD product can potentially increase its bioavailability since water-soluble CBD is designed to mix more readily with water, allowing for better absorption in the body. Water may also assist with the breakdown and dissolution of CBD particles during digestion, making it easier for the body to absorb the CBD.
However, drinking water will have very little effect on oil-based CBD. If you’re asking yourself, “how long after taking CBD oil can I drink water?” the answer is almost immediately. Unless paired with a water-soluble CBD product, water will have very little effect on the efficacy of CBD oil.
Although research is limited, the bioavailability of CBD oil can also depend on the type of CBD product you’re using:
- Isolate CBD oil – Isolate CBD is a pure form of CBD that contains no other cannabinoids, terpenes or flavonoids. The purity of this type of CBD limits potential interactions within the body and may provide the most effective absorption within the body.
- Full spectrum CBD oil – Full spectrum CBD oil contains all of the compounds found in the hemp plant, including terpenes, flavonoids and cannabinoids other than CBD, such as THC. Researchers believe that these ingredients work in unison to provide something called the “entourage effect,” in which it’s theorized that the combined compounds can enhance the potential effects of CBD oil. The “entourage effect” is also believed to make full-spectrum CBD oil more bioavailable than broad-spectrum CBD oil.
- Broad spectrum CBD oil – Broad spectrum contains flavonoids, terpenes and cannabinoids, except THC. In terms of bioavailability, it may be similar to full-spectrum CBD, if not slightly lower because of the absence of THC, which may impact the effectiveness of the “entourage effect.”
Bioavailability may also depend on the method of use. Here’s a ranking of the most to least bioavailable forms of CBD:
- Inhalation or vaporization – Inhalation or vaporization of CBD, typically through smoking or vaping, is considered to have the highest bioavailability. When CBD is inhaled, it enters the lungs and quickly diffuses into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. This direct absorption into the bloodstream allows for rapid onset and high bioavailability of CBD.
- Sublingual administration – Sublingual administration involves placing CBD oil or tinctures under the tongue, where it’s absorbed through the sublingual gland and into the bloodstream. This method provides relatively high bioavailability because CBD avoids the digestive system and metabolization by the liver.
- Intranasal administration – Intranasal administration involves using nasal CBD sprays or nasal inhalers, delivering CBD directly to the nasal mucosa. This method allows for efficient absorption of CBD through the highly vascularized nasal tissues, leading to good bioavailability.
- Topical or transdermal administration – Transdermal patches are designed to release CBD through the skin into the bloodstream over an extended period. They provide a sustained delivery of CBD, allowing for gradual absorption and consistent levels in the bloodstream. CBD topical works in the same way. Transdermal and topical CBD can have good bioavailability, although it may vary depending on the formula.
- Oral consumption – Unless water-soluble, oral consumption of CBD, such as oil, edibles and tablets, has rather low absorption rates. That said, they’re a good option if you’re looking for a convenient and discreet way to incorporate CBD into your daily routine. While the bioavailability of orally consumed CBD may be lower compared to other methods, it still offers potential benefits for those seeking overall wellness support.
How to Effectively Combine CBD and Water
Discovering creative and enjoyable ways to consume CBD oil has become increasingly popular among individuals seeking its potential benefits.
In addition to traditional methods, incorporating CBD oil with water opens up a realm of possibilities for consumption. From CBD-infused beverages to refreshing smoothies and herbal teas, there are various ways to combine the hydrating properties of water with the potential wellness advantages of CBD oil.
Here are a few alternative methods that allow you to effectively consume CBD oil while enjoying the benefits of staying hydrated:
- CBD-infused water – Mix a few drops of CBD oil into a glass of water and stir the mixture well. This simple method allows you to consume CBD oil while staying hydrated.
- CBD-infused herbal teas – Brew your favorite herbal tea and add a few drops of CBD oil to enhance the potential therapeutic benefits. You’ll want to steep the tea for a few minutes to allow the CBD oil to infuse into the beverage fully.
- CBD-infused smoothies – Blend CBD oil with your favorite fruits, vegetables, yogurts and a liquid base, such as water or coconut water, to create a nutritious, CBD-infused smoothie. The extra fat from the coconut water may help improve the absorption of CBD, too.
- CBD-infused cold-pressed juices – Add CBD oil to fresh cold-pressed juices for an added wellness boost. Ensure that the CBD oil is well-mixed with the juice before consuming.
- CBD-infused sparkling water – Combine CBD oil with sparkling water to create a fizzy and refreshing CBD-infused beverage. You can also add flavors like lemon or lime to enhance the taste.
Quench Your CBD Cravings With Zebra CBD
For those asking, “Can I drink water after taking CBD oil?”, the answer is a resounding yes. You can drink water before, during and after taking CBD oil, and it will have little to no impact on the effects of the cannabinoid. In fact, water may increase the oil’s bioavailability, particularly when taking water-soluble CBD, since it can help break down the CBD particles and more effectively disperse them throughout the body.
If you’re looking for high-quality self care CBD products that provide full-body effects, look no further than Zebra CBD. Our collection of full-spectrum CBD products are made with premium hemp extract and comes in a variety of types of CBD, from premium CBD oil tinctures to fruity CBD gummies for energy.
Dive into the world of CBD with Zebra CBD, your trusted CBD expert.
Source:
Forbes. New Study Suggests Water-Soluble Cannabidiol Products Provide Best CBD Absorption. https://www.forbes.com/sites/ajherrington/2022/07/14/new-study-suggests-water-soluble-cannabidiol-products-provide-best-cbd-absorption/?sh=123eb3b444f0
Forbes. Is Orally Ingested CBD Actually Absorbed By The Body?. https://www.forbes.com/health/body/cbd-absorption/
Medical News Today. Full-spectrum vs. broad-spectrum CBD: What is the difference?. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/full-spectrum-cbd-vs-broad-spectrum-cbd
