Ingesting CBD vs Inhaling: Which is Better?

By: Katelyn Manuel

PUBLISHED: November 15, 2024 UPDATED: December 10, 2024

What is your preferred method of taking CBD? Ingesting and inhaling are two popular methods (besides topical application) offering unique benefits and drawbacks that can impact your CBD experience.

Ingesting CBD through edibles or tinctures provides longer-lasting effects but a slower onset time. On the other hand, inhaling CBD (e.g., vaping or smoking) delivers quicker results that may not last as long.

Understanding these distinctions helps you choose the method that suits your lifestyle and preferences.

Key Takeaways

Ingesting CBD provides long-lasting effects (up to 12 hours), though it has lower bioavailability (6%), while inhaling suits those needing immediate, short-term relief.
Popular ingestion methods include gummies, softgels, tinctures, and CBD-infused foods and drinks.
Ingesting CBD is a good option for people seeking sustained relief without respiratory risks.

What Is Ingesting CBD?

Ingesting CBD involves consuming it orally, allowing the compound to pass through your digestive system before entering your bloodstream. When you ingest CBD, it undergoes first-pass metabolism, where the liver breaks down a significant portion of the CBD before it reaches the circulatory system, resulting in reduced bioavailability.

This process can take 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your metabolism, body weight, and the amount of food in your stomach. While the onset of effects may be slower compared to inhalation, ingesting CBD results in longer-lasting effects, sometimes up to 12 hours.

Methods of Ingesting CBD

There are several ways to ingest CBD, namely:

CBD Gummies: These chewy, flavorful treats are popular among users who prefer a tasty and discreet way to consume CBD. Gummies offer pre-measured doses, making it easy to control your intake.
CBD Softgels: Similar to traditional capsules, softgels provide a convenient and tasteless option for ingesting CBD. They are ideal for those who prefer a conventional supplement format.
CBD Tinctures: Tinctures are liquid CBD extracts typically administered sublingually (under the tongue). They offer faster effects than other ingestion methods, as the CBD is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes in your mouth.
CBD-infused Foods and Beverages: CBD can be incorporated into a wide range of edible products, from coffee and tea to baked goods and savory snacks. This enables creative and enjoyable ways to consume CBD, but it may be hard to control the dose.

What Is Inhaling CBD?

Inhaling CBD involves breathing in CBD vapor or smoke directly into your lungs, allowing the compound to enter your bloodstream quickly through the lung tissue. This method bypasses the digestive system and liver, resulting in a rapid onset of effects, often within minutes.

Inhaling CBD may be an appealing option if you're looking for fast-acting relief from symptoms such as pain, anxiety, or inflammation. However, it is important to note that the effects of inhaled CBD are not as long-lasting as those of ingested CBD and wear off within a few hours.

Methods of Inhaling CBD

There are several ways to inhale CBD, namely:

Vaping CBD E-liquids: Vaping involves using a device to heat CBD e-liquid to produce vapor. CBD e-liquids come in various flavors and concentrations, allowing you to customize your experience.
Smoking CBD Flower: CBD flower is the dried and cured bud of the hemp plant that can be smoked using a pipe, joint, or bong. Smoking CBD flower provides a full-spectrum experience due to other beneficial compounds like terpenes and minor cannabinoids.
Dabbing CBD Concentrates: Dabbing involves heating a concentrated form of CBD (e.g., wax or shatter) on a hot surface and inhaling the resulting vapor. This method is fast-acting but requires specialized equipment and may not be beginner-friendly.
Using a CBD Inhaler: CBD inhalers are designed to deliver precise doses of CBD directly into the lungs. They are discreet, portable, and easy to use, making them convenient for on-the-go relief. However, CBD inhalers may not be as widely available as other inhalation methods.

Differences Between Ingesting and Inhaling CBD

Naturally, ingesting and inhaling CBD are two distinctly different things. When deciding which method to use, there are several factors to consider, like the onset and duration of effects, bioavailability, and predictability.

Onset of Effects

When you ingest CBD, it can take 30 minutes to 2 hours to feel the effects. This is because the CBD must pass through your digestive system and liver before entering your bloodstream.

In contrast, inhaling CBD allows you to feel the effects within minutes. The CBD is absorbed directly into your bloodstream through your lungs, bypassing the digestive process.

Duration of Effects

The effects of ingested CBD can last up to 12 hours, providing long-lasting relief for chronic symptoms. However, when you inhale CBD, the effects may last up to 6 hours, which may suit acute or short-term needs.

Bioavailability

Bioavailability refers to the amount of CBD that actually reaches your bloodstream and is available for your body to use.

CBD's bioavailability is around 6% after ingestion. This means that only a portion of it is absorbed and utilized by the body. The downside is that you need products with high CBD content to get enough CBD into your system.

With inhalation, the bioavailability is much higher, ranging from 11-45%. However, this can vary significantly depending on factors such as the quality of the product and your inhalation technique.

Predictability

The effects of ingested CBD can be less predictable due to various digestive factors. Your metabolism, the amount of food in your stomach, and other variables can influence how quickly and effectively CBD is absorbed.

While CBD provides near-immediate effects when inhaled, the amount can still vary depending on your inhalation technique. For example, how deeply you inhale and how long you hold the vapor or smoke in your lungs can impact the amount of absorbable CBD.

Ultimately, whether to ingest and inhale CBD depends on your preferences, needs, and lifestyle. If you are looking for long-lasting relief and do not mind waiting for the effects to kick in, ingestible CBD is the way to go.

On the other hand, if you need fast-acting relief and enjoy the experience of inhaling, vaping, or smoking, inhalation should suit you just fine.

Benefits of Ingesting CBD

A lady is sitting on a chair and drinking from a cup

Ingesting CBD offers several advantages. One notable benefit is the longer-lasting effects. When you ingest CBD, it is metabolized in the digestive system and liver, resulting in a slow release of the compound into the bloodstream. This allows the effects to persist longer, often up to 12 hours.

Our Multifunctional CBD Gummies are an excellent way to ingest CBD. They are ideal for those looking to improve their wellness with CBD and get relief from symptoms associated with pain, anxiety, and sleep issues.

These gummies are infused with CBD to ensure the highest quality, best-tasting, and most consistently potent experience. They are designed to deliver multifunctional benefits to make your life better. Make these gummies the cornerstone of a daily wellness regimen since consistent CBD dosing yields the best results.

Enjoy these gummies daily as a tasty treat to tackle whatever issues holding you back.

Another advantage of ingesting CBD is that it eliminates the risk of lung irritation. Some people are sensitive to the harsh sensation or potential respiratory issues that can arise from vaping or smoking CBD. So, gummies, softgels, or tinctures help you avoid such concerns.

Precise dosing is another benefit of ingesting CBD. With products like gummies or softgels, you know exactly how much CBD you consume in each serving. This makes it easier to control your intake according to your needs. Tinctures also offer dosing flexibility if they come with graduated droppers.

With this in mind, let’s introduce you to our Multifunctional CBD Tinctures. Our 1000mg Fresh Mint offering is the perfect introduction to how CBD can deliver relief from whatever symptoms you are experiencing.

This strong formula can deliver the results you are after and make you feel calm no matter what life throws at you. Our versatile Tinctures easily fit into any lifestyle and give you all the multifunctional benefits of CBD when you take it consistently and daily.

Ingesting CBD is also discreet and convenient. Unlike vaping or smoking, which may draw unwanted attention or require a specific setup, ingestible CBD products can be consumed anytime, anywhere, without raising eyebrows.

Is Ingesting CBD Right for You?

If you are considering incorporating CBD into your wellness routine, ingesting it is one option. This method offers several advantages that cater to your unique needs and preferences.

One of the main benefits of ingesting CBD is the longer-lasting effects. So, ingesting CBD could be the way to go if you're looking for sustained relief throughout the day or night.

Ingesting CBD is also an excellent option for those with respiratory sensitivities or concerns about lung health. Consuming CBD through gummies, softgels, or tinctures eliminates the potential risks associated with vaping or smoking. You can enjoy the benefits of CBD without compromising your respiratory well-being.

Our Multifunctional CBD Softgels are available in full-spectrum and broad-spectrum versions to suit varying preferences. Start with our Regular Strength Offering, which contains 30mg of CBD per softgel.

Designed for time-release effects, these softgels can keep the benefits coming all day and night, especially with consistent dosing. The more you take, the greater the effects. Once you experience the incredible benefits of these softgels, you can move on to our stronger 60mg and 90mg doses to take the transformation to the next level.

Another advantage of ingesting CBD is you can maintain steady levels of the compound in your system. By consuming CBD at regular intervals, such as taking a softgel or gummy once or twice a day, you can ensure a consistent supply of CBD in your body.

Moreover, ingesting CBD facilitates precise dosing. Products like gummies and softgels come with pre-measured doses, allowing you to know how much CBD you consume each time. Tinctures also offer dosing flexibility, as you can easily adjust the number of drops or milliliters consumed to fine-tune your intake.

Finally, ingesting CBD is discreet, convenient, and easily incorporates into your daily routine. Whether you prefer the taste and texture of gummies, the simplicity of softgels, or the versatility of tinctures, you have options that suit your lifestyle and preferences.

Tips for Ingesting CBD Effectively

You can employ several strategies to maximize CBD’s benefits and ensure a positive experience. These are:

Low Doses

Start with a low dose, typically around 10-15mg. This approach allows you to gauge your response and find the optimal amount for your needs. It is essential to listen to your body, as everyone's tolerance and sensitivity to CBD varies.

Use High-Quality Products

Choosing high-quality CBD products from reputable brands is vital to achieving the desired effects. Look for companies that prioritize transparency and provide third-party lab test results, confirming the potency and purity of their products.

Consistency

Consistency is the key to reaping CBD’s health benefits. We recommend taking it at the same time each day. This helps maintain steady levels of CBD in your system, allowing you to experience the full range of benefits.

You can also incorporate CBD into your daily routine, such as taking it with meals or before bedtime, to help you stay on track and make it a habitual part of your wellness regimen.

Storage

Proper storage of CBD products helps to maintain their potency and freshness. Keep them in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity. Exposure to these elements can degrade the quality of CBD over time, reducing its effectiveness.

If you're using CBD oil or tinctures, store them in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life and preserve their beneficial compounds.

Carrier Medium

When using ingestible CBD products, pay attention to the carrier oil used. CBD is often combined with carrier oils like MCT oil, hemp seed oil, or olive oil to improve absorption and bioavailability. Some people are sensitive to certain carrier oils, so choose one that aligns with your dietary inclinations.

It also helps to consider the timing of your CBD intake. If you use CBD for sleep support, taking it about an hour before bedtime can help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.

Final Thoughts

Ingesting CBD offers longer-lasting effects and precise dosing, making it ideal for sustained relief. But, inhaling CBD provides quicker results and is suitable for immediate needs. Understanding these differences helps you choose the best method for your lifestyle.

For daytime use, taking CBD with meals or after a workout is beneficial, as having food in your stomach enhances its absorption and bioavailability. For nighttime use, take CBD 30 minutes to an hour before bed to give it enough time to get into your system and work its magic.

At R&R CBD, we offer high-quality CBD products tailored to your needs, ensuring effective and safe relief. Our mission is to help you quickly and naturally regain control of your well-being so you can live life to the fullest. By offering the highest-quality CBD on the market, we are giving you a holistic solution to improve your life.

Our CBD extract, always third-party tested, preserves terpenes, flavonoids, and other phytonutrients to make our products unmatched in efficacy. Our world-class team of scientists, doctors, chemists, and others develop our unique products, which we gladly share with the world.

Whether you want help overcoming sleeping problems, chronic or acute pain, or dealing with anxiety and stress, our CBD can work for you.

Ingesting CBD vs Inhaling: Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Better to Ingest or Smoke CBD?

Whether it is better to ingest or smoke CBD depends on preference and desired effects. Ingesting CBD offers longer-lasting effects but takes longer to feel the impact. Smoking or vaping CBD provides quicker relief, but the effects wear off faster.

How Does Ingesting CBD Make You Feel?

Ingesting CBD typically results in a calming and relaxing feeling. It can help reduce stress, anxiety, and pain without causing a high, as CBD is non-psychoactive. The effects kick in gradually and can last several hours.

What Happens When CBD Is Ingested?

When CBD is ingested, it is processed in the digestive system and metabolized by the liver. This process takes longer but provides longer-lasting effects.

Is It Ok to Inhale CBD?

Yes, it is generally safe to inhale CBD, either by smoking or vaping, provided that the product is free from harmful additives. Inhalation allows rapid absorption into the bloodstream, offering quick relief for anxiety or pain.

What Is the Most Efficient Way to Take CBD?

The most efficient way to take CBD depends on the desired outcome. For quick relief, smoking or vaping is the fastest method, while oils, tinctures, or edibles are more efficient for longer-lasting effects. Topical CBD products are more effective for targeted relief.