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Most people who are familiar with CBD will have heard of or used oil-based formulas. But they are not always aware of the alternatives to the oil, such as water-soluble CBD.
As the type of product you use can make a big difference to your experience, knowing what the alternatives are and how their effects may differ is extremely important. In this article, we’ll focus on water-soluble CBD, but it’s worth doing your own research to understand the full range of CBD options available.
Making water-soluble CBD is not an easy process, but it’s worth it – the benefits of this formulation compared to oil-based CBD products are huge. So here’s everything you need to know about water-soluble CBD.
What is water-soluble CBD?
Water-soluble CBD is CBD that has undergone a process to make it miscible with water. CBD is naturally fat soluble, which means it will dissolve easily in oil, but if added to water, it will just sit on the surface.
By changing the physical structure of CBD, we can convert it into a water-soluble product. This makes it more easily absorbed by your water-based body and helps prevent wastage. The reason why it is difficult to make water-soluble products is because CBD has a natural affinity for oil-based forms, but the end result is a more effective product for the user.
Forms of water-soluble CBD
Available in various forms, you can always find a water-soluble CBD product that best suits your lifestyle:
- Liquid CBD is used for ready-to-drink beverages, liquid pump sprays and personal care items such as water-soluble CBD body gel.
- CBD gum makes it simple to accurately dose and can mask the taste of CBD if you’re not a fan of it.
- CBD capsules are easy to incorporate into your daily routine.
- CBD powder is an excellent choice if you plan to add water-soluble CBD to food or make your own CBD drinks at home.
How is water-soluble CBD made?
Nano emulsion or nano CBD
Food manufacturers have been using nanotechnology for years, as it allows them to reduce the fat content of certain foods and stabilise emulsions to improve their texture and shelf life. This proven method is now used by the CBD industry to reduce the fat (oil) content of CBD.
The process of nano-emulsion involves the breakdown of CBD molecules into much smaller particles. This creates a larger total surface area and means that there are more contact points for the water interacting with the particles. The easier the interaction between the water and the particles, the easier the particles are absorbed by the body.
Microemulsion is another term you might hear – it’s essentially the same as nano-emulsion, but the particles don’t break down as small.
Physical distribution
You can emulsify CBD oil and water yourself at home by placing them in a container and shaking them vigorously. This allows the CBD oil droplets to remain dispersed throughout the mixture, rather than accumulating and floating on the water as they would naturally.
However, it is a very crude process and does not yield the best results. The finished product is prone to settling in an unpleasant way and the CBD oil is not protected from oxidation.
Famine
Liposomes can be used to produce water-soluble CBD without any emulsion. Liposomes are nanoscale particles that can encapsulate a drop of oil, protecting it up to the ideal release point. The outer layer of a liposome is similar to the cell membranes found in the human body, so it is easy for these cells to absorb it.
By using liposomes, the CBD particles are protected from being ingested too soon. Instead, they can be released at the right time and position to ensure optimal absorption. This kind of technology is already popular with vitamin manufacturers as a way of increasing bioavailability.
Solvents
Dissolving CBD oil in a water-miscible solvent is another way to make it water-soluble. It is an effective method that provides reliable solubility, but some concerns prevent some CBD manufacturers from using it.
Firstly, the presence of a solvent in the ingredients list may put off buyers looking for the purest CBD possible. Secondly, the solvent can affect the taste and smell of the product, also driving buyers away. Finally, the formula is prone to scalping (where the CBD sticks to the lining of the container), which can reduce the CBD content in the final product.
What are the benefits of water-soluble CBD?
The benefits of CBD are many – you can read all about them in our CBD 101 guide. In addition, water-soluble CBD has its own unique benefits.
Best taste
Water has no taste or odor, so it does a good job of creating a CBD product with a neutral taste. In comparison, CBD oil often uses carrier oils with strong flavors, such as coconut oil or olive oil.
The improved taste associated with water-soluble CBD means it is more enjoyable to consume and is more versatile in terms of adding it to foods and drinks.
Faster absorption
The water-soluble CBD particles are already in an easily absorbable form when they enter the body. This means that no time is lost in breaking down CBD into smaller particles that can be absorbed, as must happen with CBD oil.
The end result is that the full benefits of CBD can be realized much more quickly with the water-soluble formulas.
Easier absorption
Water-soluble CBD has up to 4.5 times greater bioavailability than other forms. This is partly due to the fact that the increased surface area of the water-soluble CBD particles allows for easier absorption into the bloodstream. Easier absorption means less work for the body, which in turn means more particles can be absorbed.
Think of it like this: a conveyor belt passes in front of you with a number of objects on it. Your job is to grab as many objects as possible as they pass in front of you. If there is an extra step in the process – for example, you need to remove the packaging from the items before you grab them – then you will be able to remove fewer items.
The biggest reason why easier absorption is such an advantage is that it reduces product waste. Less waste means more CBD is absorbed and you end up with better value for your money.
Is water-soluble CBD better than CBD oil?
There are different benefits to CBD oil and water-soluble CBD, but generally speaking, the latter is a better product for many people. This is mainly due to its increased bioavailability:
- CBD oil is broken down once it reaches the liver, with only 6-12% of available cannabinoids being digested before that.
- On the other hand, water-soluble CBD ensures that up to 100% of the active ingredients are absorbed.
- Easier absorption means that water-soluble CBD often provides a more stable dosage.
Dutch Natural Healing’s CBDactive+ formulation is 10 times more effective than regular CBD oil. This means that you can take less quantity to achieve the desired results, resulting in a cheaper product.
How to use water soluble CBD
Water-soluble CBD can be used like other forms of CBD. There is a wide range of ready-to-use consumer products available on the market, such as
- CBD capsules
- CBD gummies & other edible products
- CBD elixirs and tinctures
- CBD nebulizers & sprays
You can also choose to buy water-soluble CBD powders, crystals or CBD pastes. These can be used to create your own CBD drinks and foods at home.
Frequently asked questions about water soluble CBD
Why is water-soluble CBD good for?
Water-soluble CBD is good for anyone who wants fast-acting CBD with a high absorption rate. It is also extremely convenient and excellent for ensuring accurate dosing.
How effective is water-soluble CBD?
Compared to other forms of CBD, the water-soluble types are incredibly effective. They have high bioavailability, which means that CBD can be quickly and easily absorbed into the bloodstream. This means less of the product is wasted and you can feel its full benefits.
Does water-soluble CBD work faster?
Evidence shows that water-soluble CBD works faster than CBD oil, thanks to its increased compatibility with the human body. When you use water-soluble CBD, therefore, you experience its positive effects in a shorter period of time.
How much water soluble CBD should I use?
Everyone’s physiological makeup is different, so the amount of water-soluble CBD required to produce the same effect may vary from person to person. There is no way to know your ideal dosage until you experiment with what works for you.
If you are taking CBDactive+, we recommend starting with about 1-2 pumps once or twice a day. From there, you can gradually increase the dose to achieve the desired effect.
Source: dutchnaturalhealing.com
