CBD (Cannabidiol) is quickly gaining popularity as a one-stop solution for a wide range of health issues. Those who use it regularly find it effective for relaxation, sleep, stress, anxiety, body aches, skin, and other everyday health concerns.
CBD got legal status in the USA through the 2018 federal farm bill, and now you can buy it in all 50 states. Colorado Botanicals is currently the most sought-after cannabinoid brand; you can visit their website here. CBD is also being studied for its efficacy in the treatment of certain neurological conditions like Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease.
For an everyday Joe, it’s just a healthy, clean, and effective option as compared to traditional chemically ridden medications. One question that bothers most new consumers is whether to take it before or after a meal. Well, if you have the same concern, then this article will clear all the doubts.
CBD, before or after the meal?
For most people, the best option is to take CBD after the meal. This not only improves its bioavailability in the body but also reduces the risk of mild side effects like dehydration and nausea. Bioavailability is an important aspect of CBD consumption.
It means how long it will take CBD to actually be absorbed by your body, and it differs between methods of consumption. Commonly, it’s expressed in percentage. For sublingual consumption of oils, it can be up to 35%; for edibles like gummies and softgels, it can be up to 20%; and for inhalants like vapes or smoking a flower, it can be up to 45%.
When you take CBD with food, it enhances the bioavailability by increasing the rate at which the cannabinoid gets absorbed by the body. Why? Because on an empty stomach, your digestive system takes some time to get active, which further delays the absorption. Whereas if you’ve eaten something beforehand, things are already in action, and CBD gets metabolized faster.
What kind of food is best to consume with CBD?
According to this recent study, you should try to consume CBD with fatty foods. During the trials, it was observed that high-fat food had a positive impact on CBD’s bioavailability and absorption in both men and women. A total of 12 subjects were selected, with ages between 18 and 60 years, having body mass index in the range of 18.5 to 25.
Participants were given a total of 70 mg CBD every day, via three capsules in segregated dosing of 23.3 mg per serving. 11 subjects completed the study, and researchers noted that having CBD with fatty food significantly increased its bioavailability, making it an essential aspect of experiencing CBD’s optimal effects.
An earlier study done just a year after the 2018 federal farm bill also indicated similar results. It was done by the University of Minnesota who argued that the kind of food you take with CBD can significantly impact the actual amount that is getting absorbed in the body.
In this case, 99% pure CBD capsules were used, and the subjects were epilepsy patients. The study concluded that taking CBD with food instead of on an empty stomach increased the amount of CBD in the body by 4 times and raised the highest level of CBD in the blood by 14 times. Plus, no cognitive side effects were observed.
Why does CBD work better with fatty foods?
If you take a look at the ingredient list of CBD tinctures, gummies, or softgels, you’ll notice a common ingredient, MCT Oil (Medium Chain Triglycerides). Most of the time it’s either coconut oil or argan oil. But why was it added? Well, that’s because CBD is a lipophilic compound.
That means it loves fat and dissolves much faster with it as compared to water. When you take CBD with fatty foods, it stimulates bile production and increases the breakdown of fats and fat-soluble compounds like CBD. This improves its absorption in the digestive system and also facilitates better dissolution and transportation of all the cannabinoids.
Some fatty foods to pair with CBD:
You may consume any fatty food of your choice, but here are a few examples if you are running out of options.
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Almonds
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Walnuts
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Cashews
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Chia seed
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Flax seeds
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Peanut butter
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Yogurt
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Cheese
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Butter
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Avocados
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Salmon
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Sardines
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Eggs
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Dark Chocolates
You can also use CBD gummies as a topping on your favorite desserts. Or, you can directly sprinkle a few drops of your favorite tincture in desired beverages like coffee, smoothies, etc.
What’s the risk of taking CBD on an empty stomach?
Well, no one’s stopping you from taking CBD on an empty stomach, but it’s not a good choice. First, you’ll be wasting your money because too much of it will just wash away without getting absorbed properly.
Second, you’ll have to wait much longer for the effects to kick in, which can pose the risk of accidental overdosing. Although CBD is well tolerated by the human body, taking too much, and thinking nothing’s happening right away, can cause some side effects.
This includes dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and restlessness. That’s why it’s best to consume CBD with foods, and even better if they are high in fat. If you are a beginner, start with a low dose of 15-20 mg.
Keep a note of the effects, and only increase by 0.5 to 2 mg per week; do this activity till you hit the sweet spot. Do get in touch with your doctor before starting CBD if you are already consuming medicines for heart or liver disease.
Our Final Thoughts
To sum it up, ideally, you should take CBD after a meal. It will increase its bioavailability and lead to better absorption. Fatty foods can be a good choice as CBD dissolves and transports better with fat.
It’s a well-documented fact, proven in many studies and anecdotal reports. Whatever CBD product you choose, ensure that it’s well-tested and comes with the latest certificate of analysis. Try not to fall for flashy taglines and health promises, and stick with well-known and transparent brands like Colorado Botanicals.
Disclaimer:
CBD:
Qrius does not provide medical advice.
The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act) outlaws the recreational use of cannabis products in India. CBD oil, manufactured under a license issued by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, can be legally used in India for medicinal purposes only with a prescription, subject to specific conditions. Kindly refer to the legalities here.
The information on this website is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Gambling:
As per the Public Gambling Act of 1867, all Indian states, except Goa, Daman, and Sikkim, prohibit gambling. Land-based casinos are legalized in Goa and Daman under the Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act 1976. In Sikkim, land-based casinos, online gambling, and e-gaming (games of chance) are legalized under the Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Rules 2009. Only some Indian states have legalized online/regular lotteries, subject to state laws. Refer to the legalities here. Horse racing and betting on horse racing, including online betting, is permitted only in licensed premises in select states. Refer to the 1996 Supreme Court judgment for more information.
This article does not endorse or express the views of Qrius and/or its staff.
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