CBD and water don’t mix. If you were to put this cannabinoid in a glass of water, it would naturally form a separate layer. The explanation behind this phenomenon is “fat-solubility,” and it’s the main reason CBD supplements are usually mixed with a carrier oil.
CBD’s fat-soluble status may not seem like a big deal to consumers, but it significantly affects this cannabinoid’s absorption rate. If you take this fatty cannabinoid at the “wrong” time, you may not be enjoying the most significant benefits.
What Does It Mean That CBD Is “Fat-Soluble?”
Like all other cannabinoids, CBD has a fat-soluble chemical structure. This means that CBD particles need fatty cells to cling to. If CBD wasn’t suspended in a carrier oil like MCT, it wouldn’t naturally mix into water. CBD particles mixed in oil are well-distributed, so you can expect a similar concentration of cannabinoids with each dropperful. These carrier oils also help transport CBD through your digestive tract for more efficient absorption.
However, since CBD oil is fat-soluble, some cannabinoids will inevitably cling to your body’s fat cells and remain in your system for days, weeks, or even months. Indeed, this is a primary reason people who take THC-containing substances test positive for cannabis months after smoking weed. Just like CBD, THC is a fat-soluble substance.
Not only does this mean CBD stays in your system far longer than water-soluble compounds, it means CBD oil’s absorption rate isn’t optimal. Unless you’re taking CBD sublingually or vaping CBD e-juices, you won’t enjoy 100 percent absorption of this cannabinoid.
Related: Click here to check out Real Tested CBD’s ‘Best CBD Oils’ category.
Since CBD Is Fat-Soluble, When Should You Take It For Max Benefits?
While CBD’s fat-soluble nature makes it difficult to absorb this cannabinoid, it also gives us a clue on when we should take CBD. You should take CBD with a high-fat meal if you want to experience a higher CBD absorption rate. The extra fat content seems to help naturally deliver more CBD into your system.
Interestingly, scientists at the University of Minnesota proved this hypothesis in a recent study. During UMN’s trial, participants took CBD capsules either before a meal or while eating a burrito. Unsurprisingly, those who took CBD during breakfast absorbed significantly more CBD molecules.
Although we need more data to confirm these findings, it makes sense that CBD would have a higher absorption rate with a fatty meal. While CBD will still “work” on an empty stomach, there’s a lower chance this cannabinoid will have the same degree of potency.
Could Companies Improve CBD’s Absorbability? — The Promise Of Nano CBD
In its natural state, CBD will always be a fat-soluble cannabinoid. However, that hasn’t stopped researchers from manipulating CBD’s structure for max benefits. Many “CBD oil” manufacturers are now experimenting with nanotechnology to shrink CBD molecules’ average size. Arguably, the smaller the CBD compounds are, the better chance our bodies could absorb them more efficiently.
If you’d like to keep up-to-date on cutting-edge developments like nano CBD, please follow Real Tested CBD on social media. Our CBD experts always love sharing the latest news and insights with fellow hemp flower fans.
Most Recent Tested products
Leave a Comment