What is Water Soluble CBD?

Whether you’re at the forefront of contemporary popular culture or somewhere on the periphery, chances are you've heard something about cannabidiol (CBD). While many people have come across CBD oil, fewer are aware of water soluble CBD and its benefits.

In recent years, CBD oil has steadily grown in popularity due to its wide variety of applications. From pain management to mood regulation, cannabidiol has helped many people find relief. However, there are some potential downsides to CBD oil.

Understanding CBD Oil

CBD is a plant-based compound extracted from hemp. It has garnered a considerable amount of attention amongst both researchers and the general public in recent years due to its numerous therapeutic effects.

Hemp based CBD oil products such as oral drops, capsules, and edibles have become widely available across the United States.

While CBD oil has indeed become popular, ingesting it is not the preferred form of administration. This is largely due to what scientists refer to as the first pass effect. In basic terms, when we swallow a drug such as CBD, it must travel through our digestive system to reach our bloodstream via the gut.

When swallowed in its natural oil-based state, the concentration of CBD becomes significantly reduced before it reaches the bloodstream and makes it way to the endocannabinoid system (ECS) — this is where it reacts with receptors to produce therapeutic effects.

The issue is due to the fact that in an oil-soluble state, CBD is inefficiently absorbed and metabolized in the digestive system. This ultimately means that when you ingest CBD oil, much of the chemical compound is not absorbed as it passes through the intestines. The end result is a significantly reduced concentration of CBD.

As much as 90% of CBD is wasted when it is ingested in an oil-based form. That means that if you swallow 50mg, as little as 5mg will actually make its way into your bloodstream.

What is water soluble CBD?

Water soluble CBD is the solution to our body's inability to absorb much of cannabidiol when it’s ingested in its natural oil-based state. By combining the CBD molecule with certain additives and enzymes, scientists have created a new form of CBD that easily mixes with water. This in turn greatly increases the amount of cannabidiol that is absorbed into the bloodstream when it is ingested.

Bioavailability of Water Soluble CBD

So then do all applications of CBD oil have trouble making their way into the bloodstream?

The short answer is no, and it all comes down to something known as bioavailability. In pharmacology, this process refers to the fraction or percentage of a drug that actually reaches systemic circulation.

Different forms of administration have different bioavailabilities. For instance, intravenous administration of a drug has a bioavailability of 100% as the substance is directly injected into the bloodstream. All other forms of administration generally have a lower bioavailability as they do not immediately reach systemic circulation.

Different Forms of Administration

When it comes to CBD oil, some forms of administration have higher bioavailabilities than others. As we mentioned earlier, CBD oil that is swallowed has a very low bioavailability and therefore is not an efficient form of administration.

Vaping and dabbing in comparison, have much higher rates of absorption as the vapor fills the alveoli of the lungs. Because the CBD oil is inhaled and not ingested, it reaches systemic circulation much more quickly and by a more direct route. This, in turn, increases the amount of CBD that is absorbed by the body, reducing the amount needed in a single dose.

Vaping or dabbing might help to increase the bioavailability of CBD oil, but heating and inhaling cannabinoids can lead to irritation and respiratory problems in the lungs. Numerous toxins and gases are released into your lungs when you vape or dab, and as a result, it may not be an ideal form of administration for many people.

So, what do you do if you're interested in the therapeutic benefits of taking CBD but not so interested in vaping or dabbing?

How is Water Soluble CBD Made?

The answer lies in water soluble CBD. In recent years, scientists have successfully converted CBD from its natural oil-soluble form to a water soluble state, greatly increasing potential methods of administration.

Why is water solubility important? Well in simple terms, it all comes down to absorption. Our bodies are predominantly made up of water, and as a result, water-based substances are more easily absorbed into the bloodstream.

The poor absorption associated with ingesting CBD is due to the fact that in its natural oil-based state, it is broken down by CYP450 enzymes in the gut, which can reduce bioavailability by as much as 40%.

In order to remedy this issue, scientists have used a number of water-soluble, non-toxic additives to bind the CBD molecule with CYP3A4 and inhibit the CYP450 enzymes. Normally, CYP450 enzymes destroy much of the ingested dose of oil, but this effect is neutralized by the presence of CYP3A4. The end result is as a scentless, tasteless, CBD powder with a much higher bioavailability when ingested.

What Can You Do With Water Soluble CBD Powder?

Add it to Your Food and Drinks

Because the CBD powder is completely water soluble, it can now be used in a wider range of applications. One of the biggest benefits of transforming CBD oil into a water soluble form is that it can now be ingested without compromising its ability to reach the bloodstream.

Furthermore, because it is in the form of a scentless, flavorless powder, it can be added to an endless variety of different foods and beverages. This makes getting your daily dose of CBD extremely easy.

No longer do you have to go through the process of vaping or dabbing to effectively administer a dose of CBD. With water soluble powder, you can simply mix a specified amount into a glass of water or cup of coffee and you’re good to go.

Food & Supplement Manufacturers

The introduction of a completely water soluble CBD product has also been incredible news to food and supplement manufacturers. From gummy candies to organic health foods, more and more water soluble CBD infused products continue to enter the market.

Supplement companies have also begun integrating CBD into some of their products. For instance, combining water soluble CBD isolate with whey protein has multiple health benefits for everyone from the elite athlete to the casual fitness enthusiasts.

Both whey and CBD are antioxidants and help to support the immune system. Whey is an essential supplement for muscle building and CBD helps to reduce pain and inflammation, making them ideal supplements for anyone involved in sports and fitness.

Apply it Topically

CBD powder can also be mixed with cream or lotion and applied directly to your body. Because it is water soluble, it can be easily absorbed by the skin. Numerous people have found CBD effective for managing skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis as well as for maintaining overall healthy skin.

Full Spectrum CBD vs. CBD Isolate

When CBD is extracted from the hemp plant, it comes along with trace amounts of other cannabinoids, of which there are over 100!

This means that if you consume a full-spectrum water soluble CBD product, you are getting trace amounts of THC, which is the psychoactive component found in cannabis. This won’t get you high -- hemp must contain less than 0.3% THC by federal law -- but it will show up on a drug test.

So if you are someone who is worried about drug testing, water soluble CBD isolate is the answer to your prayers. Through a multistage process, all other contaminants (including THC) are removed from the compound, leaving pure CBD.

CBD isolate, therefore, will not return a positive drug test and can be safely taken by athletes and anyone else who undergoes drug testing on a regular basis.

Wrap Up

While CBD products have flooded the market in recent years, some are more effective than others. Oil-soluble edibles, in particular, are less effective than other forms of administration due to low levels of bioavailability during digestion.

Water soluble CBD products on the other hand, greatly increase bioavailability when ingested. Further, mixing the scentless, flavorless powder directly into your food and beverages makes getting your daily dose of CBD incredibly easy.

Finally, if you are worried about getting THC in your system, make sure you go with CBD isolate. This will assure that you are not getting trace amounts of THC with your CBD.