CBD edibles are a portable, tasty, and fun way to add cannabidiol to your wellness routine.
Cannabidiol gummies, other sweets, and edibles like coffee, tea, and energy drinks are everywhere these days. Do you only want the best? We’ll show you how to choose quality CBD edibles that meet your high standards.
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is the primary non-psychoactive compound in Cannabis sativa plants. CBD is typically extracted from industrial hemp plants. These hemp plants naturally contain very little tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound that gets people high, but they are packed full of terpenes, flavonoids, and essential oils.
Manufacturers can extract cannabidiol from industrial hemp in a variety of ways. Supercritical CO2 extraction and olive oil extraction are among the safest methods, as they do not use harsh solvents that can create impurities in the final CBD product.
Three categories of CBD are available on the market:
- CBD isolates are pure CBD products that don’t contain any other cannabinoids. Consumers who are interested in trying CBD but don’t want to ingest any other cannabinoids (including traces of THC) may prefer CBD isolate products.
- Full-spectrum CBD products have a variety of minor cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes, and essential oils. They may also have a THC content of up to 0.02 per cent in the UK.
- Broad-spectrum CBD products differ from full-spectrum CBD products in that they may only contain trace amounts of THC.
Some people believe that CBD, terpenes, and minor cannabinoids act in concert to produce the desired experience, in a phenomenon called the entourage effect. While more research is necessary before any claims can be made about the entourage effect, these consumers will likely opt for full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD products.
Meanwhile, those who want to experience CBD on its own are more likely to choose CBD isolates. CBD isolate products don’t contain any THC, and other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids have also been removed during the manufacturing process.
Why CBD Edibles?
Consumers interested in trying CBD products have plenty of options. Once you pick between CBD isolates, full-spectrum CBD, and broad-spectrum CBD, you can choose which way to take CBD most appeals to you.
Here’s a look at popular CBD products and how they’re used:
- CBD oil is sold in glass bottles at various potency levels. Because CBD oil isn’t pre-dosed, these bottles are equipped with a dropper that lets you measure your desired dose. From there, you can hold your desired dose of CBD oil under your tongue (for a quick effect), add it to dishes, or include it in cosmetics.
- CBD capsules encapsulate CBD oil, giving you access to a convenient and pre-dosed form you can simply swallow with water.
- CBD creams and lotions act locally on the skin. Other topical CBD products like shampoos and lip balms are also available.
- CBD vape liquids and vape pens offer another fast and convenient CBD administration route for vapers.
CBD edibles are, as the name suggests, CBD products you consume orally. Some consumers prefer edibles, as they’re a convenient and portable way to take cannabidiol. Of course, there’s another important aspect to consider — CBD gummies and other sweets can, depending on their formula, be just as tasty as other sweets.
Are you not just interested in taking cannabidiol but also in enjoying it? Edibles may be the right choice for you.
Consumers should note that oral CBD products don’t offer optimal bioavailability. Bioavailability refers to the speed at which a substance reaches your system and takes effect, as well as to the percentage of the original dose that becomes available to your body.
Preliminary research suggests that about six per cent of the original dose reaches the bloodstream, as CBD is metabolised in the liver, and a significant portion is lost in the process. This broadly explains why CBD gummies and other edibles are typically used in slightly higher doses than CBD oil taken under the tongue. (More about that later.)
A Look at CBD Gummies, Sweets, & Edibles: Which Edibles Are Right for You?
So, what’s out there in the big and exciting world of CBD edibles? More than you may think, because innovative new products are always emerging.
We can’t promise this is an exhaustive list, but it’s a good start!
- CBD gummies are soft CBD-infused sweets shaped like gummy bears, glow worms, hearts, balls, and cubes (among many other options). They can have a variety of flavours, including sour!
- CBD boiled sweets (hard candy). These classic sweets are best suited for consumers who want to make their CBD sweets last!
- CBD mints. Technically boiled sweets, mints deserve their own category because of their fresh, minty flavour.
- CBD lollipops. Do boiled sweets last so long that you wish you could pop them out of your mouth? Solve your problem by opting for a fun CBD lollipop!
- CBD chocolates. They’re not as common, but they exist. Tasty!
- CBD protein bars. Great if you’re heading for the gym.
- CBD pastries. Hmmm, pastries! You’ll have to find yourself a local supplier, as baked goods don’t stay fresh, or you could explore making your own.
The general category of “edibles” might suggest something you eat, but cannabidiol-infused beverages are also considered CBD edibles. Available options include CBD tea, CBD-infused coffee, CBD-infused energy drinks, and CBD-infused juices.
Whatever floats your boat, right? You certainly have no shortage of choices. Classic CBD gummies remain the most widespread, and they’re generally a good place to start.
How to Choose High-Quality CBD Edibles
The Food Standards Agency, which regulates CBD products in the UK, acknowledges that CBD products are “widely available” in shops, cafés, and online. Buying CBD products is legal in Britain, and you don’t need a prescription.
However, if you’re determined to get the best CBD gummies, other sweets, and edibles, looking for quality markers is essential. Here’s a look at factors to consider while looking for quality CBD edibles:
- Quality CBD edibles come from reputable sources. A petrol station or market stall may not sell premium CBD products. Shopping online or choosing trusted local suppliers that specialise in health foods is a good choice.
- Reputable CBD manufacturers subject their products to third-party lab testing. A third-party certificate of analysis (CoA) shows exactly what’s in your product.
- CBD extraction methods also matter. Supercritical CO2 extraction and olive oil extraction are among the safest CBD extraction methods. Look for manufacturers that are transparent about their process.
- Third-party certifications can tell you a lot. Some CBD consumers may require vegan, gluten-free, organic, GMO-free, or cruelty-free products.
Of course, you’ll also want to select the spectrum. Look for CBD isolate edibles if you only want CBD, and full-spectrum or broad-spectrum if you prefer to add other cannabinoids and terpenes to your experience.
CBD Edibles: Dosage Tips
Do you love your sweets? Do you think limiting yourself to one gummy is practically criminal, and are you fully in camp “devour the entire bag”? You can’t do that with CBD edibles.
If you’re new to CBD, it’s important to stick to the lowest possible dose. Keep in mind that CBD edibles are less bioavailable than CBD oil used under the tongue, or CBD vape liquids which are inhaled.
Current research suggests that orally-consumed CBD products have a bioavailability (absorption rate) of about six per cent. This is reflected in the dosage manufacturers use. CBD edibles usually have a dose of between 20 and 70 mg, while 25 mg is one of the most common dosages for CBD gummies.
Where should you start? Slowly. Don’t take more than one CBD gummy if you’re new to CBD, and consider trying just half. Don’t increase your dose if you don’t feel any effects yet, either. You may need some time to get used to CBD. Always build your dose up gradually.
Potential Side Effects of CBD Edibles (And How to Avoid Them)
Cannabidiol products can come with potential side effects, including:
- Diarrhoea
- Appetite changes
- Vomiting
- Mood changes
- Liver damage
Consumers are always advised to start with the lowest possible dose. Stop taking CBD and consult your GP if you notice any side effects. People new to CBD may prefer to take CBD on a full stomach.
How to Store Your CBD Gummies and Other Edibles
CBD products should be stored in a cool and dark place. That can be a kitchen cabinet or your fridge. Room temperature is generally considered OK, and the UK isn’t exactly known for its tropical climate. Still, even we get hot summers these days.
That’s an important consideration if you’re hoping to carry your CBD gummies with you. Popping a few CBD candies in your bag is fine, but consumers who want to prolong the shelf life of their CBD sweets probably shouldn’t take the entire container with them.
CBD Gummies, Sweets, and Other Edibles: A Final Word
CBD gummies and other edibles are a fun and tasty way to incorporate cannabidiol into your life — and you’re spoilt for choice! Whether traditional gummies are your thing, or you prefer energy drinks or lollipops, you’ll have no trouble finding them.
Just keep an eye on the quality of your CBD products by looking for reputable manufacturers that subject their products to third-party lab testing and looking for certifications that are important to you.
Enjoy your CBD gummies and sweets in moderation — while CBD won’t get you high, side effects are possible. Take things slow. CBD gummies are pre-dosed for a reason, and new consumers shouldn’t take more than one 25 mg CBD gummy.
Listen to your body and observe your experience. You can build your dose up slowly from there.
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