CBD Bioavailability Chart

If you want to consume hemp-based products for health, you should become familiar with bioavailability.

What does bioavailability mean?

Bioavailability refers to how well a product works within the body. Specifically, it refers to the portion of a substance that is available to the target body tissue after administration. For example, an intravenous dose of medicine is considered 100% bioavailable because it is injected directly into the bloodstream. When medicine or other substances are administered in other methods, such as in pill form, they are less bioavailable.

CBD Bioavailability Chart

Why bioavailability matters?

I frequently get asked how much CBD a consumer should take. It’s a complicated question to answer because it depends on several factors. For example, our CBD oil comes in a variety of concentrations. We have six different strengths under our brand alone! But how much CBD the body actually uses isn’t strictly determined by how much you are taking. This is when bioavailability comes into play.

The higher the bioavailability of a product, the more benefits you experience. You can use less CBD and still achieve significant benefits when you take a product with high bioavailability. But when CBD is taken in lower bioavailable forms, you may need a greater amount to enjoy the same relief.

Here is a quick guide to help you understand how the bioavailability of different CBD products.

Bioavailability of edibles (4-20%)

Any CBD product that is orally consumed must pass through the digestive system and liver before they take effect. This creates waste, which is why only 4-20% of the cannabinoid is available for use. Even though you’ll need a significant amount of CBD to be effective, it is still a desirable way to take CBD because it’s convenient.

Bioavailability of sublingual tinctures and oils (20-50%)

Holding CBD under your tongue allows it to be absorbed into the bloodstream through a thin membrane, bypassing the digestive system. This boosts its bioavailability significantly.

Bioavailability of CBD Topicals (5-10%)

CBD infused creams and lotions are a rising beauty trend. Of all the ways to consume cannabinoids, topicals are perhaps the least bioavailable way. Cannabinoids are highly hydrophobic, so the skin presents a barrier to its activity. However, other ingredients in topicals can aid in delivery and effectiveness of cannabinoids. Our Releaf Salve has a blend of essential oils and menthol that works synergistically with CBD.

Love and light,

Mimi May

  1. Pharmacokinetics of cannabinoids https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16237477/

Disclaimer:

This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.

Mimi May