Water-Soluble CBD vs. Oil-Based CBD — What to Choose?

If you’re new to the world of cannabidiol, all the differences between CBD products may seem extremely confusing at first. For instance, there’s an ongoing discussion about water-soluble and oil-based CBD, filled with many arguments from enthusiasts of both products. Which one is better? What should you choose?

Determining which supplements are right for you should be based on a number of factors. It’s important to remember that CBD is not a magical, one-size-fits-all solution that will work the same for everybody.

For instance, it might help one person reduce inflammation, but someone else with the same issue may experience no positive changes. Therefore, no matter how potent your product is, the precious purchase may go to waste if you accidentally get something your body simply won’t absorb well enough.

With that being said, here’s what you should know when trying to choose between water-soluble and oil-based CBD.

What Is Water-Soluble CBD?

It is still considered to be quite a novelty on the market, but it already has some devoted fans who recommend it.

Because CBD is hydrophobic, it doesn’t mix with water. However, thanks to the use of groundbreaking CBD nanoemulsion technology, it can be formulated into an emulsion that disperses in water instead of just floating in it, as oil does.

And because the average percentage of water in a person's body is around 60%. This can be absorbed into the body and enter your bloodstream much easier and faster.

Thanks to these properties, it can be taken with morning coffee or an evening cup of tea, but you won’t have to wait long for it to kick in. There’s also no need to consume any fats, as there’s no oil involved – just the emulsion.

This means that if you’re on a diet or live a busy lifestyle that doesn’t always allow you to eat at the times you take your daily dose of CBD, this may be the ideal solution for you.

What is Oil-Based CBD?

Even if you’re completely new to the world of CBD, you simply cannot go online and shop for products infused with this compound without stumbling upon an oil-based product. The reason behind it is really simple: oil-based CBD is what started all the rage, and it continues to be arguably the most popular product on the market. But why is that?

One of the reasons for its popularity may be the fact that when CBD is extracted from cannabis or hemp plants, it’s already in the oil form. Then it’s added to a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or hemp seed oil, which dilutes it.

It can then be administered sublingually in the form of a tincture, added to edibles, capsules, food, or drinks and consumed orally, or used topically in creams, bath bombs, massage oils, salves, and various balms.

Oil, unlike emulsion, doesn’t mix with water. This means that you can add a few drops of your favorite CBD tincture to your tea or coffee, especially if you don’t enjoy the distinct, earthy and bitter taste of a tincture, but the oil will float in the liquid.

This may make it harder for your body to break down and absorb the CBD oil, which may result in it taking longer to work or even reducing its bioavailability.

However, this may not be as big of an issue if you tend to add a lot of healthy fats to your meals or, in general, don’t shy away from high-fat meals, which help your body absorb CBD oil. Oil-based CBD may also be significantly cheaper than the water-soluble alternative because the production process is far less complex.

Which Product Should You Use?

After reading the basics, you may be left wondering which product will work better for you. The truth is that, in the end, the choice is entirely up to you and your personal needs and preferences. You might, however, want to consider further some of the factors mentioned above.

For instance, if you’re after a product that your body can absorb fast and the water that's already in your body and bloodstream will be enough to break it down, then water-soluble CBD may be a good option for you.

But if you don’t mind the fact that oil-based CBD won’t mix with liquids and you already eat a diet that would make including it in your routine quite effortless, then there’s no reason why you shouldn’t try oil-based products. It’s also possible that CBD products may be a little more expensive than their more traditional alternative.

In Conclusion

As you can see, the difference between water-soluble and oil-based CBD is not overly complicated, yet still very distinct. When choosing the right product for your needs, remember to consider your lifestyle and any specific needs you may have.