At Equilibria, we are all about the science of cannabis. One of the terms we frequently use is bioavailability, and for good reason! Bioavailability is an important factor in how cannabinoid products work within our bodies.
When we talk about bioavailability, we're referring to the amount of CBD (or THC) that your body absorbs and uses systemically. In other words, bioavailability is the rate and degree at which a substance is absorbed into the body. This differs between products (methods of administration), and is part of why Equilibria offers a wide variety of premium hemp products! Bioavailability is a key concept when it comes to dosing, as it essentially determines how effective or potent your dose will be. So how can we use this knowledge to our advantage and optimize our products? Let's dive into EQ's ingestible product line!
Everything you need to know about bioavailability
Daily Drops
Daily Drops are taken sublingually (under the tongue), which allows for fast absorption. When taken properly, Daily Drops almost entirely avoid the GI tract. This means that it avoids the liver's first-pass-metabolism, a process that decreases a product's potency. This is because the oil is absorbed directly into the bloodstream via the many capillaries, or tiny blood vessels, within the cheek and under the tongue. Depending on a few factors, including a person's body chemistry, the CBD bioavailability of Daily Drops sits between 12–35%.
How to optimize
Make sure you're holding your Daily Drops under your tongue for at least 60 seconds. The goal is to swallow as little as possible, since your body will digest anything swallowed (versus absorbed sublingually) which results in less bioavailability.
Daily Softgels
Our Daily Softgels are swallowed whole and absorbed through the process of digestion. In contrast to the sublingual delivery method, Softgels DO go through a first-pass process. When you first digest your Softgel, it is then further broken down by the liver before entering systemic circulation. This can result in a lower bioavailability of around 13–19%, depending on the level of healthy fat you have in your diet. Though more subtle, the benefit here is that the effects tend to last longer.
How to optimize
Make sure you take your Softgel with food! Cannabinoids are fat-soluble, which means that if we pair it with a meal or snack that contains healthy fats, our body can absorb the CBD more easily! Many members love to take their Softgels with a handful of almonds, a spoonful of nut butter, or avocado toast!
Rapid Calming Melts
Designed for fast-acting support, our Rapid Calming Melts have the highest bioavailability out of our entire product line at about 95%. They are absorbed sublingually, much like Daily Drops. What makes these different is the fact that they are engineered on a molecular level to bind to our oral mucosa and enter the bloodstream much more efficiently.
How to optimize
The only thing you need to do to optimize these is swallow a sip of water and then hold one under your tongue until it fully dissolves! They kick in within 5–10 minutes.
Should products be chosen solely based on their bioavailability?
While it may seem best to reach for a product with the highest possible bioavailability, there is so much more to consider! More does not always equate better. There are reasons to choose and cultivate a unique routine for every individual.
For example, Softgels have a relatively low bioavailability compared to Rapid Calming Melts, but there are many reasons our members reach for our Softgels. The slower absorption of the Softgels allows for a more subtle, long-lasting effect. This is great for those who prefer more background support. The swift action of our Rapid Calming Melts is ideal for more in-the-moment relief.
When choosing the right Equilibria product, it is always valuable to consider your goals and lifestyle. It's also important to educate yourself on how hemp products work. Luckily, you're in the right place for that! Here at Equilibria we have a highly educated team of Certified Wellness Coaches here to support you throughout your wellness journey. You can schedule a wellness call today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CBD bioavailability and why does it matter?
Bioavailability refers to the rate and degree at which a substance is absorbed into the body and reaches systemic circulation. For CBD products, bioavailability determines how effective your dose will be — a higher bioavailability means more CBD is absorbed and available to interact with your endocannabinoid system. Delivery method is one of the most significant factors affecting bioavailability, which is why different Equilibria products are designed for different purposes.
Which Equilibria CBD product has the highest bioavailability?
Rapid Calming Melts have the highest bioavailability of Equilibria's product line, at approximately 95%. They're engineered on a molecular level to bind to the oral mucosa and absorb directly into the bloodstream through sublingual delivery. Daily Drops come next at 12–35% depending on individual body chemistry, followed by Daily Softgels at approximately 13–19%.
How do I maximize the absorption of my CBD Daily Drops?
Hold the drops under your tongue for at least 60 seconds and try to swallow as little as possible. CBD that is swallowed rather than absorbed sublingually goes through the digestive process instead, which reduces bioavailability. The goal is to allow as much CBD as possible to absorb through the capillaries in your cheeks and under your tongue before swallowing.
Why should I take CBD Softgels with food?
Cannabinoids are fat-soluble, which means pairing your Softgel with a meal or snack containing healthy fats may support more efficient absorption. Without adequate fat in the digestive environment, some of the CBD may pass through without being fully absorbed. A handful of almonds, a spoonful of nut butter, or avocado toast are all options members commonly use.
Should I choose my CBD product based on bioavailability alone?
No — bioavailability is one factor among several. A higher bioavailability doesn't automatically mean a product is better for your goals. Daily Softgels, for example, have a relatively lower bioavailability than Rapid Calming Melts, but they offer a longer-lasting, more gradual effect that works well for daily baseline support. The right product depends on what you're looking to address, how quickly you need support, and how you want it to fit into your routine.
