The Benefits of Taking CBD Products: Internal vs Topical Use

Whist taking some CBD for my arthritis recently I thought: "I think it's time we ran a CBD feature on That's Food and Drink." So here it is.

In recent years, CBD (cannabidiol) has gone from a fringe wellness product to a mainstream supplement. 

Whether infused into oils, capsules, skincare products, or balms, CBD is now widely used for its potential health benefits. 

But what are the real pros and cons of using CBD internally or topically? Here's what you need to know.

What is CBD?

CBD is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, it’s non-psychoactive, meaning it won’t make you feel ‘high’. It's legal in the UK as long as it's derived from approved strains and contains less than 1mg of THC per product.

Internal Use: Oils, Capsules, Edibles

Benefits:

Anxiety and Stress Relief: Studies suggest CBD may help regulate mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety.

Pain and Inflammation: Internal CBD use may assist in managing chronic pain and inflammation from conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia.

Sleep Support: Many users report improved sleep quality with regular use.

Neuroprotective Effects: Early research shows promise in managing neurological conditions like epilepsy and MS.

Cons:

Slow Onset: Effects can take longer (30 mins to 2 hours) to kick in.

Digestive Sensitivity: Some users report nausea or gastrointestinal issues.

Drug Interactions: CBD may interact with medications such as blood thinners or SSRIs.

Topical Use: Creams, Balms, Serums

Benefits:

Targeted Relief: Ideal for localised pain, such as sore muscles, joints, or skin irritation.

Skin Health: May soothe conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Non-Systemic: No risk of it interacting with medications or affecting other body systems.

Cons:

Limited Absorption: CBD doesn’t easily penetrate deep into the skin, so benefits may be surface-level.

Shorter Lasting: Effects may wear off quicker than internal applications.

Inconsistent Dosing: Harder to measure exact dosage compared to capsules or oils.

Which Is Right for You?

The right type of CBD depends on your needs. For full-body effects or mental wellness, internal products may be more effective. For targeted skin or muscle issues, a topical product may be more appropriate.

CBD offers a promising natural alternative for managing various health concerns, but it’s not a miracle cure. Always purchase from reputable UK-based brands, check for third-party lab results, and speak to a healthcare professional—especially if you're on medication or have a chronic condition.

How can you take CBD? Here are some simple recipes you can try for yourself:-

Perfect! Here’s a recipe card you can include in your blog post for a CBD-Infused Lemon & Honey Tea – a relaxing drink that’s simple, soothing, and perfect for first-timers using CBD in cooking.

CBD-Infused Lemon & Honey Tea

Serves: 1

Prep time: 5 minutes

Total time: 5 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

1 cup hot (but not boiling) water

1 herbal tea bag (chamomile or lemon balm work beautifully)

1 tsp honey (or to taste)

1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

1–2 drops (approx. 5–10mg) CBD oil (food-grade, lab-tested)

Instructions:

Brew your tea

Pour hot water over your herbal tea bag and let steep for 3–5 minutes.

Add lemon and honey

Remove the tea bag and stir in the lemon juice and honey while the tea is still warm.

Add CBD oil

Once the tea has cooled slightly (not steaming hot), add the CBD oil and stir gently.

Sip and relax

Enjoy your calming cup of tea as part of your evening wind-down or mid-day wellness moment.

Tips:

Avoid adding CBD to boiling hot water as it may degrade its potency. Let your tea cool to around 60–70°C before adding it.

You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave for a vegan option.

Experiment with herbal blends like ginger, mint, or lavender for variety.

The Pros and Cons of CBD Drinks

CBD, or cannabidiol, has been making waves in the wellness industry for its potential health benefits. 

While CBD oil, capsules, and topical creams are common, CBD-infused drinks have emerged as a popular way to consume this compound. 

But what are the advantages and disadvantages of these beverages? Let’s dive into the pros and cons of CBD drinks.

Pros

1. Easy and Convenient Consumption:

CBD drinks offer a simple and convenient way to consume CBD. Unlike oils that require measuring and capsules that need to be swallowed, you can enjoy a refreshing drink infused with CBD on the go. This ease of use makes it accessible for people with busy lifestyles.

2. Potential Health Benefits:

CBD is renowned for its potential therapeutic benefits. These include pain relief, reducing anxiety and depression, improving sleep, and alleviating symptoms of certain neurological disorders. While more research is needed, many users report positive effects from incorporating CBD into their routines.

3. Variety of Options:

The market offers a wide variety of CBD drinks, from flavoured waters and teas to coffee and smoothies. This variety allows consumers to choose a beverage that suits their taste preferences and dietary needs, making it easier to incorporate CBD into their daily lives.

4. Non-Psychoactive:

Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD does not have psychoactive effects. This means you can enjoy the potential health benefits of CBD without experiencing a 'high'. This makes CBD drinks suitable for consumption at any time of the day.

5. Social Acceptance:

Drinking a CBD-infused beverage is often more socially acceptable than other forms of CBD consumption. You can sip on a CBD drink in public or at social gatherings without attracting unwanted attention, as these drinks often resemble regular beverages.

Cons

1. Variable Dosage:

One of the main challenges with CBD drinks is the inconsistency in dosage. The amount of CBD can vary significantly between different products and even between batches of the same product. This can make it difficult to manage your CBD intake and ensure you are getting the desired effects.

2. Slow Onset:

CBD drinks typically have a slower onset time compared to other methods like sublingual oils or vaping. This is because the CBD needs to pass through the digestive system before entering the bloodstream. If you are looking for immediate relief, CBD drinks may not be the most effective option.

3. Potential Interactions:

CBD can interact with certain medications, potentially altering their effectiveness or causing side effects. If you are taking prescription medication, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider before incorporating CBD drinks into your routine.

4. Cost:

CBD products, including drinks, can be quite expensive. The cost of sourcing high-quality CBD and the process of infusing it into beverages contribute to the higher price point. This can make regular consumption of CBD drinks a costly endeavour.

5. Limited Research:

While anecdotal evidence and preliminary studies suggest various benefits of CBD, there is still a lack of extensive clinical research to fully support these claims. The long-term effects and safety of regular CBD consumption are still being studied, and consumers should be aware of this when considering CBD drinks.

Conclusion

CBD drinks offer a convenient and enjoyable way to potentially reap the benefits of CBD. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before incorporating them into your lifestyle. While they are non-psychoactive and socially acceptable, issues such as variable dosage, slow onset, and potential interactions with medications should not be overlooked. As always, consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns, and choose reputable products to ensure quality and safety.

Goodrays Gummies, Oils and Sparkling Drinks are is now stocked in Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Tesco and has recently launched in France too. www.goodrays.com 

Goodrays Reports Growth of 1,491% as Waitrose Expands CBD Range

Waitrose supermarkets are taking four new products this month (June) which Goodrays predicts will contribute to the brand tripling its revenue over this next financial year.

A four flavour mixed pack will be sold exclusively through Waitrose as a permanent SKU, RRP £7.50. It contains 250ml cans of Elderflower & Yuzu, Blood Orange & Grapefruit, Raspberry & Guava and Passionfruit & Pomelo. It is completely plastic-free, vegan and low calorie, and each can contains a market-leading 30mg of CBD.

Waitrose has also taken CBD Zen Drops and CBD Night Drops Oil and 'anytime' CBD Gummies. CBD Oils, as recent research by Goodrays shows, are currently the most popular way for the UK to consume CBD. 

Goodways Head of Marketing Henry Colyer said: “For Waitrose to have taken on our whole range is game-changing for us - it supports our brand mission to educate on the benefits of CBD and provide daily calm and clarity to people all over the UK. We are excited to have launched the mixed four pack of our delicious flavours - just in time for the festival and summer party season in the UK. Our fully recyclable pack allows you to enjoy relaxation without the toxification. 

"Goodrays is the perfect alternative to a four pack of beer or cider when you want to take a break and achieve a bit of balance. Waitrose now offers an option for multiple moments of the customer's daily routine, thanks to our oils designed for day and night, and tasty gummies that can be enjoyed when needed.”

Goodrays recent research of 2000 CBD users showed that the most popular way to consume CBD is:

Oils and Tinctures (54% reported this was their preferred way to consume CBD)

Drinks (40%)

Gummies (32%)

Coffee (26%)

Balm (24%)

Other (6%)

Goodrays now has a team of ten and is based in Shoreditch, London.

Awareness around mental wellbeing has been a huge driving force for Goodrays' founder Eoin Keenan. Keenan has been a vocal advocate of the power of the hemp plant for over a decade.  He launched Goodrays in 2021 to focus on high quality CBD products at an accessible price point, such as oils and RTD canned drinks. Goodrays is now available at Waitrose and Tesco and other major retailers such as WH Smith.