CBD is currently taking the therapeutics industry by storm. With a flurry of treats, oils, suppositories available, buyers can’t seem to have enough of CBD.
But when it comes to liquids, two options are high up several shoppers’ lists – water soluble CBD vs CBD oil.
Water-soluble CBD is relatively newer than the established CBD oil but has an increasing popularity among users.
There is a growing preference for water-soluble CBD as users believe it has some superior perks. But this recent affinity for water-soluble CBD doesn’t take anything away from oil-based options.
To grasp what each liquid CBD variant has on offer, an in-depth look is essential. That’s why this post brings you everything important about oil-based and water-soluble CBD. When you’re through reading, you’ll have the right info to guarantee a perfect pick.

What is CBD Oil?

CBD oil is an extract from cannabidiol, a compound readily found in cannabis and marijuana varieties.
CBD oils go through processes targeted at limiting the presence of psychoactive compounds. Chief among these compounds, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), also gets eliminated in this process. Most CBD oils on the market don’t contain more than .3% THC.
Without THC and other psychoactive compounds, CBD oil users can’t get the ‘high’ effect.
In its finished form, consumers can leverage CBD oil to satisfy several needs. CBD oil supports direct ingestion and comes in tinctures several buyers can conveniently use. Also, many CBD oils support sublingual administration for increased absorption effect.
CBD oil is also a favorite for topical administration. You can benefit from a myriad of ways to gain several benefits of CBD.
But there could be some drawback to CBD oil use.
Some CBD oils don’t have an absorption potential exceeding 20%. It means no matter how much CBD oil you ingest, only a fifth will have an effect on your body. The highest known form of leveraging more from CBD oils is through topical and sublingual administration.
Using CBD oils in a sublingual (under the tongue) manner could result in 30% absorption potential. Topical administration has several effects on our skin layers, and there’s evidence touting its anti-inflammatory potential.
Aside from CBD oils, there are some other liquid-based options capable of promoting better ingestion. Check out the next section for what water-soluble CBDs are, and benefits they can offer.

What is Water-Soluble CBD?

Water-soluble CBD is a cannabidiol extract processed from oils broken into very small molecules.
The droplets from CBD get mixed into surfactant for significant emulsification support. With addition of surfactants, the molecules remain stable and can’t regroup into oily form easily.
Even if water-soluble CBD is a catchy name, this extract can’t readily dissolve in water. Small particles in the extract only allow smoother dispersal than oil-based options. With the particles broken down, it becomes easier for enhanced absorption to take place.
Water-soluble CBD extracts are available in powder and liquids. These extracts are used to make CBD consumables like suppositories, drinks, and the like.
Most processes used to make water-soluble CBD are briefly looked at below;
Nano-emulsification is a decomposition process targeted at created between 10 – 100nm particles. Such tiny molecules promote the use of organic surfactants. The small particle size also makes using artificial surfactants unnecessary.
Some solubilizing processes can also be used to create around 100 – 5000nm droplets. The methods are commonly referred to as micro-emulsification. The chemical process works more like nano-emulsification, but at an advanced rate.
A major drawback of this process is its reliance of surfactants that may be confronting for users. Most CBD makers don’t use this method for creating water-soluble extracts.
Another method is the liposome technology. It can store molecules ranging from 50 – 5000nm.
An internal, H2O-friendly compartment works in tandem with a bilayer membrane. The only drawback of this method is its reliance on high surfactants for increased stability.

Which to Choose: Water-Soluble CBD or Oil-Based CBD?

With both solutions put side-by-side, some regular users could opt for one option and downplay the other. But if you’re keen on making a top choice, you need to be objective in your selection.
One thing to understand before making a choice is that water soluble and CBD oils have peculiar properties. When any of these products are used with intent and the right way, expected results are inevitable.
Follow this guide if you don’t want to, or can’t pick both solutions at the moment;
Water-soluble CBDs go through processes targeted at enhancing its ingestion ease. If you’re looking for a product that packs high efficacy in each dose, consider water-soluble CBD.
And there are some notable issues attached to swallowing CBD oils. The inability of these oils to reach full absorption potential is a major drawback. So, if you need a fraction of CBD to do a lot in record time, consider opting for water-soluble options.
Before settling for an option, check out your personal needs against your preferred product. Look out for the time your desired option takes to kick in, and what effects it brings.
There’s something essential to note – the type of CBD extract used in your preferred option. While some buyers may opt for any choice, consider getting a low-THC option, especially if you’re an athlete.

Final Word

Even if choosing between water-soluble CBD vs CBD oil is entirely preference-based, picking any option should rest on your priorities.
Lovers of CBD oils tend to tout its ease of sublingual administration, albeit its minimal absorption potential. Others swear by the efficacy of water-soluble CBD for simpler administration and pronounced effects.
But when it comes to multiple methods of consuming CBD, both options offer similar benefits. Ultimately, consider what you’re buying a CBD product for before option for one solution over another.
And if you can afford it, snapping up both may offer you an enhanced chance of improved CBD benefits. The choice is yours, so make it for your benefit and enjoy all CBD has to offer!