Did you know people have been using cannabidiol (CBD) to relieve pain and inflammation since 2900 B.C.? That's almost 5000 years ago! Today, more individuals are embracing similar holistic approaches reminiscent of our ancestral practices. CBD has re-emerged as a promising option for those seeking alternative remedies for various health concerns, and among the common ways to take CBD is through drops.
CBD drops have gained popularity because of their convenience, discreetness, versatility, and proven health and wellness advantages. However, not all CBD drops are equal. They have different types, with oil-based and water-soluble options being the most prevalent. While both types serve the same purpose of delivering CBD into the body, they differ in composition and properties. Understanding the difference between oil-based and water-soluble CBD can help consumers choose the most suitable option for their needs.
Understanding CBD: Drops, Oils, and Tinctures
The World Wide Web can be full of confusing and misleading information, specifically regarding the distinctions between CBD tinctures, oils, and drops.
To simplify, the term "CBD drops" can refer to oil-based and water-soluble CBD solutions, depending on the context. As for "CBD tinctures," some use them interchangeably with CBD oils and drops. Technically speaking, however, CBD tinctures are alcohol-based, while CBD drops can be alcohol-based, oil-based, or water-soluble. This article focuses on oil-based vs. water-soluble CBD drops.
These liquid extracts contain cannabidiol derived from the cannabis plant. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is non-intoxicating and non-addictive. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) disclosed that "evidence from well-controlled human experimental research indicates that CBD is not associated with abuse potential." It helps manage a range of health conditions, including but not limited to chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety, and inflammation-related disorders.
What Is CBD Oil?
Oil-based CBD drops have two main ingredients: CBD extract and carrier oil. Manufacturers typically obtain the CBD through CO2 or solvent extractions, which isolate and concentrate the cannabidiol from the plant. The carrier oil – common varieties including hemp seed, coconut, or MCT (medium-chain triglyceride) oil – helps dissolve CBD's molecules for easier absorption.
Pros and Cons of Oil-Based CBD
The benefits of CBD oil include:
- Easy administration: The oily consistency allows for simple sublingual intake (under the tongue), making it convenient and efficient.
- Versatile: Consumers can incorporate CBD oil into food or beverages for quick and easy daily intake.
- Long shelf life: A CBD oil's shelf life ranges between 1 and 2 years.
On the other hand, the disadvantages of oil-based CBD drops include:
- Slower absorption rate: CBD oil can have a slower absorption rate compared to water-soluble solutions. The carrier oil's presence can delay the onset of effects, as the CBD will need to pass through the digestive tract.
- Acquired taste and texture: Some individuals may find the taste and oily texture odd or unappealing, which can affect the overall experience.
What Is Water-Soluble CBD?
CBD is a hydrophobic compound, meaning it repels or fails to mix with water. It is also lipophilic, indicating that it can dissolve in fats. Due to these properties, oil-based CBD particles must undergo digestion for the body to break them down into absorbable sizes. However, this process can lead to the gradual reduction of CBD's effectiveness. In consequence, consumers only get around 30 percent of the benefits.
To address this challenge, The Urbal Activ team has developed a way to convert cannabidiol into a water-soluble form. This process, called nano-emulsification, breaks down CBD particles into smaller sizes without losing value. This enhanced bioavailability and solubility ensures faster and more efficient CBD absorption into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system and maximizing benefits.
Pros and Cons of Water-Soluble CBD Drops
The benefits of water-soluble CBD drops from Urbal Activ include:
1. Higher Bioavailability and Absorption Rates
Water-soluble CBD drops have higher bioavailability than oil-based varieties. The body absorbs nano-sized CBD particles easier, resulting in quick CBD absorption at a higher rate. Specifically, Urbal Activ's water-soluble and nano-emulsified CBD drops are 10x more concentrated and up to 80 percent more bioavailable than CBD oils.
2. Less Equals More
Consumers may require smaller doses of water-soluble drops to achieve the same effects as oil-based formulations. Urbal Activ recommends a dosage of 2 to 4 drops, taken twice daily, as opposed to CBD oil, which suggests using two full droppers twice daily.
3. No "CBD Hempy Taste"
Urbal Activ's meticulous processes for removing additional compounds and impurities in hemp help minimize or eliminate any nutty, earthy, or grassy taste found in other drops.
4. Prolonged Shelf Life
Urbal Activ's water-soluble formulation enhances the stability of CBD particles. This improved stability reduces the risk of early degradation, as well as maintains the product's quality and effectiveness for a longer duration. Urbal Activ guarantees a one-year shelf life, but independent third-party tests have demonstrated that our products exhibit no signs of degradation even after a two-year period.
As for the disadvantages, water-soluble solutions can be more costly than oil-based CBD. They also have limited availability, as the nanoemulsion technology involved in manufacturing water-soluble CBD drops is complex, precise, and considerably new.
Oil-Based vs. Water-Soluble CBD: Which Is Right for You?
Moving on to head-to-head product comparisons, consider the following factors when deciding between oil-based and water-soluble CBD drops:
1. Bioavailability and Onset of Effects
A 2019 study concluded that the body absorbed nano-emulsified CBD faster and more efficiently than an oil-based CBD.
For those who prioritize faster absorption and higher bioavailability, water-soluble CBD drops are the best choice. Their enhanced formulation facilitates efficient CBD absorption into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive tract. If immediate effects are not a priority, oil-based CBD options can still provide effective results, although they may require higher doses.
2. Taste and Flavor Preferences
Many CBD oils on the market have a distinct hemp flavor, while water-soluble CBD drops may provide a more neutral taste.
Although some individuals may not mind or even enjoy the natural hemp flavor, others may find it unpleasant or overpowering. Consumers should choose a product that meets their taste preferences to enhance the overall CBD experience.
3. Availability
As mentioned, oil-based CBD is more widely available, while water-soluble CBD drops may have limited availability. Luckily, those on the lookout for some of the best water-soluble CBD drops can purchase them from Urbal Activ.
4. Pricing
Compared to CBD oil, water-soluble and nano-emulsified CBD drops may be more expensive due to the advanced manufacturing processes involved.
5. Personal Preferences and Needs
Ultimately, choosing the right CBD product comes down to each person's preferences and needs. Consumers should consider their desired CBD experience, any health concerns or goals, and weigh the benefits and limitations of each CBD type.
Consulting with CBD product specialists can also provide valuable guidance tailored to specific circumstances. They can help determine the appropriate dosage, discuss potential interactions with medications, and address any concerns. Get in touch with Urval Activ's representatives by writing to info@urbalactiv.com.
The Bottom Line: Is Water-Soluble CBD Better?
CBD drops offer a convenient and effective method of incorporating cannabidiol into daily wellness routines. While oil-based CBD has been around for decades, based on the available evidence, 0.00 THC-free water-soluble CBD drops are an innovative alternative with better, more distinct advantages.
At Urbal Activ, the CBD drops we sell are water-soluble. We use our proprietary formulations and exclusive technologies to deliver 99.5% pure, ultra-high-performing CBD into the bloodstream within minutes. If you want a fast-acting CBD product that works, shop now and enter the code ACTIV15 to get 15% off your first order.