CBD’s popularity has grown in recent years due to its various wellness benefits. CBD can be consumed in many forms such as oils, gummies, teas and cocoas, smoking blends, bath salts and soaks, soaps, and CBD in halers.
We are thrilled about the recent release of CBD nasal sprays! Here at the Apothecary, we always love exploring new ways to enjoy CBD. Even though the wellness benefits of CBD don’t change depending on the form, different methods can offer differentiated absorption rates, how long it stays in your system, and what specific purposes it works best for.
So, how effective is CBD nasal spray? How does this administration method compare to others? And how can you know if a CBD nasal spray may be right for your specific needs? Read on to learn more about this intake method with The Brothers Apothecary!
What Is CBD?
CBD is one of the many cannabinoids, or plant-based compounds, found in cannabis and hemp plants. Out of the 100+ known cannabinoids within these plants, CBD (cannabidiol) is the most active cannabinoid in hemp and has been studied more than any other phytocannabinoid.
CBD can provide a sense of wellbeing by interfacing with the body’s endocannabinoid system. The ECS has cannabinoid receptors, enzymes, and produces naturally occurring endocannabinoids.
The ECS is an internal communication network that helps keep our everyday biological functions operating within normal range.
For example, when we experience high levels of stress or pain in the body, the ECS produces endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids interact with cannabinoid receptors which activate certain natural biological functions to help restore homeostasis in the body. Once support has been provided, enzymes break down endocannabinoids back into their original form. This is where CBD comes into play.
CBD Phytocannabinoids work by assisting the endocannabinoid system rather than directly binding with receptors. This helps to provide our bodies with overall relief and support as opposed to targeting a specific area.
CBD has a multitude of benefits, one of which is the ability to ease anxiety and tension. It does this by regulating our endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for many important functions in our body every day. CBD can also help us get better sleep by supporting the endocannabinoid system in its regulatory processes.
Is CBD the Same as Cannabis?
Even though CBD is found in cannabis, people usually don’t referring to them as one and the same. You can find CBD in hemp plants and other types of cannabis, where it acts as one of the most important active ingredients. Although hemp is a type of cannabis plant, keep in mind that legal definitions for “hemp” and other types vary from place to place.
The 2018 Farm Bill federally legalized any type of cannabis plant containing less than or equal to the 0.3 percent THC by dry weight limit.
Any cannabis plant containing more than 0.3 percent THC by dry weight is referred to as cannabis, and products from these plants are currently not legal federally. However, 19 states have legalized recreational use of cannabis while CBD is legal in almost every state.
Is CBD Legal?
The 2018 Farm Bill changed the law so that hemp-derived CBD with less than 0.3 percent THC by dry weight content is federally legal. This means that any product made from hemp plants with this low level of THC is considered legal under federal law. CBD is not considered a psychoactive substance and won’t cause a high or alter the mental state.
What Is CBD Nasal Spray?
Alright, so we know that CBD can provide many wellness benefits, but how is this done through a nasal spray?
A CBD nasal spray is a product that delivers CBD into the body through the nose. This is in contrast to other methods such as smoking, consuming, or applying topically. Many CBD nasal sprays contain carrier oils like those found in traditional CBD oils, such as organic coconut MCT oil. They may also include other moisturizing ingredients and flavoring.
CBD nasal spray can come in full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or CBD isolate form. Full spectrum CBD contains all of the nourishing plant compounds found in hemp including a trace amount of THC while broad spectrum includes all parts except for THC. Lastly, pure CBD with no other hemp cannabinoids, terpenes, or flavonoids included is what you’ll find in a CBD isolate.
CBD nasal spray is a type of decongestant that helps clear your sinuses and comes out as a mist.
Once sprayed into the nose, the CBD can quickly reach the bloodstream as it absorbs through blood vessels in the nose.
What Is CBD Nasal Spray Used For?
One of the advantages of a CBD nasal spray is that it can rapidly provide benefits such as promoting natural relaxation, easing tension and discomfort, and supporting better sleep.
CBD nasal spray provides a better absorption rate as it is quickly and effectively absorbed into the bloodstream. This happens because the nasal mucosal membrane includes blood vessels, and thus allows CBD to be directly absorbed without any amount lost to first-pass metabolism in the liver (as opposed to ingestible CBD).
The effects of CBD nasal spray can last much longer than oral consumption, because it bypasses the digestive tract. Almost immediate relief can be achieved in as little 10 minutes with a smaller dose providing stronger effects.
CBD nasal spray is often a blend of ingredients that can help ease discomfort or tension in the head, sinuses, and nasal passage. The cannabinoids are quickly absorbed through nearby blood vessels.
In addition to CBD, some nasal sprays may also contain emollients like aloe vera or vitamin C. These help moisturize the nose and soothe congestion, providing relief from a stuffy nose.
Is CBD Nasal Spray Safe?
CBD is regarded as very safe, with hardly any side effects that tend to go away quickly. Most CBD side effects tdend to be mild and include things like nausea, vomiting, or dizziness. Thesesymptoms only happen when somebody takes an extremely high dose of CBD though. Premeasured doses in nasal sprays lowers the risk for adverse reactions if taken correctly according to instructions.
Use a CBD nasal spray as directed on the label—never exceeding the recommended dosage. Furthermore, ensure that you only purchase from reputable manufacturers who perform third-party testing.
If you have questions about using a CBD nasal spray, speak to your healthcare provider.
How Much CBD Is in Nasal Spray?
Depending on the product, a typical CBD nasal spray can have anywhere from 100 mg to 200 mg of CBD per bottle. A common dose usually falls between 0.5 mg and two ms of CBD per spray.
Because CBD nasal spray has a high bioavailability, it is more potent than other forms of CBD. So, even if you are accustomed to taking larger doses of CBD, don’t exceed the recommended dosage for your particular product!
Two sprays of CBD per nostril, no more than twice a day is the general recommended dosage for adults. This amount usually provides enough relief for most people.
How To Use CBD Nasal Spray
To use a CBD nasal inhaler, simply shake the bottle well and then prime it by squirting out a fine mist. Next, place the nozzle at the tip of your nostril and spray once while gently sniffing in through your nose. Be sure to sniff gently rather than snorting as you spray the CBD nasal spray.
Does CBD Nasal Spray Work?
CBD nasal spray’s absorption rate and bioavailability is looking good from early evidence! However, don’t think that CBD nasal spray is any better or worse than other forms of CBD. As long as your CBD product comes with a carrier oil or emulsifiers that work well, then it’s up to you what form you want to take it in.
What’s the Best Way To Use CBD?
There are many ways that you can use CBD, depending on what your needs are. For example, if you want a fast and full-body response, then using a CBD nasal spray, oil or tincture taken sublingually (under the tongue), or smoking blend is ideal as it bypasses the digestive tract and quickly goes into blood vessels in the nose, mouth or lungs.
Some people prefer the long-term effects of edible CBD, for example in the form of gummies, honey, tea, or cocoa. The relaxing effects of CBD edibles may take a while to set in as the it goes through your digestive system; however many find this ingestion method tastier and more fun.
If you’re wanting to ease localized discomfort, a CBD topical or bath soak can be beneficial in soothing sensations of soreness and tenderness in the muscles or joints.
The Bottom Line
CBD nasal sprays are a quick and easy way to get your daily CBD benefits. By combining CBD with other helpful compounds, CBD nasal sprays can provide all of the calming and comforting effects of CBD directly to the nose. While more research still needs to be done on this relatively new product, there are plenty of other ways you can benefit from CBD!