The bioavailability of a substance is how much enters the circulation once it is introduced to the body and becomes active. Various factors influence CBD bioavailability:
- The physical and chemical properties of the CBD preparation
- The route of administration
- Individual physiological factors like metabolism and body composition
- Concurrent consumption of other substances
- Timing relative to meals
The way CBD enters the bloodstream varies, with weed carts offering a distinct absorption process.
Inhalation through vaporization
Vaporization using specialized cartridges, commonly known as weed carts, represents the most efficient delivery method for CBD. These devices heat CBD-containing oils to temperatures that transform active compounds into inhalable vapor without combustion. This method offers several distinctive characteristics affecting absorption:
- Rapid absorption – CBD vapour passes directly into the lungs’ extensive alveolar surface area when inhaled, quickly diffusing into the bloodstream. This pulmonary absorption bypasses the digestive system and first-pass liver metabolism, allowing CBD to reach circulation within seconds.
- High bioavailability – Studies suggest that inhaled CBD demonstrates bioavailability between 30-60%, significantly higher than oral consumption methods. This efficiency means more of the active compound reaches circulation with less waste.
- Precise dosing control – The immediate onset of effects allows users to titrate their dosage in real-time, adjusting intake based on perceived effects within minutes rather than hours.
- Shorter duration – While weed carts deliver CBD efficiently, the effects typically last 2-4 hours, shorter than edibles but longer than some other inhalation methods like smoking flower.
These properties make vaporization particularly suitable for conditions requiring rapid onset of effects or where dose adjustability is essential.
Oral absorption through edibles
In contrast to inhalation methods, edible CBD products like gummies, capsules, and infused foods follow a dramatically different absorption pathway:
- Delayed onset – After consumption, edibles must travel through the digestive system before CBD can be absorbed in the intestines. This process typically delays onset by 30-120 minutes, depending on individual metabolism and whether the product is taken with or without food.
- Limited bioavailability – Orally consumed CBD undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism in the liver, where enzymes transform much of the compound before it reaches systemic circulation. This process significantly reduces bioavailability, typically 6-19%, meaning a larger dose is needed to achieve effects comparable to other methods.
- Extended duration – Despite lower bioavailability, the effects of edible CBD typically last significantly longer (6-8 hours) than inhaled forms, making this method better suited for sustained relief rather than acute situations.
- Unpredictable absorption – Individual variations in digestive function, liver metabolism, and even recent meal consumption dramatically affect how efficiently edible CBD is absorbed, creating less predictable effects than other methods.
These characteristics make edibles better suited for preventative use or managing chronic conditions rather than addressing acute symptoms requiring rapid relief.
Sublingual absorption through tinctures
Tinctures occupy a middle ground between the rapid absorption of weed carts and the delayed but prolonged effects of edibles:
- Moderately rapid onset – When held under the tongue for 60-90 seconds, CBD in tinctures absorbs directly through the oral mucosa into nearby blood vessels, partially bypassing first-pass metabolism. This typically produces effects within 15-45 minutes.
- Intermediate bioavailability – Sublingual absorption typically achieves 20-30% bioavailability, higher than edibles but lower than vaporization methods.
- Balanced duration – Effects from sublingual administration typically last 4-6 hours, representing a middle ground between the shorter duration of vaporized products and the extended effects of edibles.
This balanced profile makes tinctures versatile for various applications, though they lack the immediacy of vaporization or the duration of edibles. A better approach may involve combining methods, such as vaporization for breakthrough symptoms and edibles or tinctures, to maintain a baseline. By understanding the fundamental differences in CBD absorption pathways, consumers can make more informed choices about CBD consumption methods.