While the hemp market has grown exponentially over the years, cannabidiol (CBD), the very first cannabinoid to hit the mainstream, remains in high demand. As the dominant chemical compound in the hemp plant, CBD is very popular, and has been studied at length for decades in order to better understand its multitude of potential benefits.
Cannabidiol comes in all kinds of product types, and each one is incredibly valuable in its own way. But, today, we’re going to be focusing on one product type in particular: CBD edibles. As you’ll find out, edibles bring something truly one-of-a-kind to the table, and are a fantastic option for those who want to use the cannabinoid daily to derive as many benefits as possible.
What is CBD?
Before diving right into edibles, we gotta offer our readers an overview of CBD, especially for those who are still new to the world of hemp. Cannabidiol is the dominant compound in the hemp plant, making up anywhere from 10%-25% of the plant’s chemical composition. It’s classified as a cannabinoid – a type of compound that makes cannabis unique, and something that we’ll get more into in a little while.
Cannabidiol was first discovered in the 1960s, allowing plenty of years for medical researchers to analyze it and understand its unique properties. Because of that, when we talk about CBD edibles, we’re able to offer a lot of research-backed insight into what these products can actually offer.
Does CBD Get You High?
CBD is a nonintoxicating cannabinoid, which means that no matter how much you take, you won’t get high off of it. The cannabinoid simply doesn’t interact with receptors in the brain that cause intoxication, which is something that makes CBD distinctive from THC. CBD can offer mood effects and help a person feel more relaxed, but there is no actual high.
How Does CBD Work with the Body?
You’ve probably heard over the years about all of the unique potential benefits that CBD has to offer. The reason why this is possible is because CBD is a cannabinoid, which means that its job is to attach itself to cannabinoid receptors found throughout the body, each in charge of regulating an important physiological process. Cannabinoid receptors belong to the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS has the job of keeping the body in homeostasis.
Now, the endocannabinoid system has two categories/classes of cannabinoid receptors:
– CB1 Receptors: Exclusive to the nervous system.
– CB2 Receptors: Found in the nervous system, immune system, and digestive system, primarily.
Both classes of receptors regulate processes of the body that affect how we feel and function each day. CBD works with both types of receptors, and that’s why its potential benefits are so widespread and extensive.
What is CBD Used for?
Now we recognize how CBD is able to deliver its properties to the body, but we want to get more specific. Exactly what kinds of potential benefits does cannabidiol have in store for us, whether we take the compound in edible form or in some other product type? Here are the most notable benefits you might derive from a CBD routine.
- Effects Related to Pain: CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can regulate the body’s inflammatory process to minimize inflammation. Inflammation is a common source of pain, being a response from the immune system when it perceives the body as injured or infected. CBD may be able to alleviate a wide variety of pain conditions, including arthritis, migraines, digestive discomfort, and much more.
- Neuroprotective Properties: Studies have shown that CBD is a neuroprotectant, which means that it plays an important role in balancing the neurological system. It interacts directly with cannabinoid receptors that regulate neurological activity. Because of this, studies repeatedly show impressive results when using CBD to address epilepsy. Researchers are also impressed by the potential link between CBD and other neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s and dementia.
- Mood-Related Effects: CBD interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the brain that play a role in our mood, via the regulation of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and cortisol. People commonly describe a mood-lifting effect when they take CBD, as well as a feeling of relief from stress.
- Sleep Effects: Another common purpose for taking CBD is sleep. Many people find that a serving of cannabidiol before bedtime helps them feel more capable of resting, by easing the body and the mind.
- Appetite Effects: CBD is known to improve appetite, which is extremely helpful for anyone who struggles with eating enough food each day. Taking the cannabinoid daily can help a person desire more food than they would normally eat otherwise.
What are CBD Edibles?
At the moment, we have given a good overview of what makes cannabidiol unique from other plant compounds. So, let’s talk about edibles, specifically. Edibles refer to any product that’s ingested, as opposed to being absorbed in the body in some other way (inhaled, absorbed sublingually, or used topically).
Edibles have remained a really popular way to consume cannabis compounds, CBD included. The way in which they absorb into the body is unique, which allows for an experience unlike what any other product type can provide. Besides that, they’re generally enjoyable – after all, who wouldn’t enjoy a tasty CBD gummy or chocolate bar, for example?
How are CBD Edibles Unique?
Edibles are different from other delivery methods in a few ways. When we consume a CBD edible, the cannabinoid travels through the digestive system before reaching the liver, after which point some of the cannabinoid is metabolized right away, and most of it is absorbed into the bloodstream. Once the cannabidiol is in the bloodstream, its effects are active, crossing the blood brain barrier to offer distinctive effects through the endocannabinoid system.
This process is different from, say, vapes, which allow the cannabinoid to enter the bloodstream quickly through the lung tissue, or tinctures, that allow the cannabinoid to absorb through the oral tissue. As a result, it takes longer to feel the effects, because traveling through the digestive tract takes time. It can take up to 2 hours before the CBD edibles “kick in”, as opposed to inhalable products that require only minutes. Keep in mind that the onset time is different for everyone, since our digestive systems are all unique, and the length of time can be affected by how much you’ve eaten.
The long onset time may be a turnoff, but the payoff is that you can feel the effects for up to 8 hours, while other delivery methods offer half that, or less. This means that if you’re hoping to feel the effects of cannabidiol for as long as possible, edibles are the way to go. This is especially great for those with stress, pain, and other issues that require hours of relief.
Another thing about edibles that people love is how easy they are to take. Just pop a serving into your mouth, and you’re all set – no need to measure or count anything out. And, since most edibles come in individual servings, you’ll know exactly how much you’re getting per piece, by the milligram, for straightforward and consistent dosing.
Are CBD Edibles Legal?
Yes, CBD edibles are completely legal. Federal law (2018 Farm Bill) has determined that all hemp products containing a maximum of 0.3% delta 9 THC by dry weight can be sold legally. CBD complies with federal law completely in this regard.
Some states have banned certain cannabinoids and product types over the years, one thing that remains fully legal in all 50 states is CBD edibles. Because of that, you can buy them anywhere, including locally and online, and enjoy them without any worry. Of course, one exception would be CBD edibles that also contain a cannabinoid that is banned in a certain state – like delta 8 THC (currently prohibited in 19 states, total).
What Kinds of CBD Edibles are There?
CBD edibles come in all kinds of varieties – after all, it’s such a popular product type that every company wants to put their own spin on it. Let’s take a look at the different ways in which edibles can differ from one another.
Types of Edibles
Easily, CBD gummies are the most popular of all edible types. But, there are other kinds that are worth exploring too, like:
- Candies
- Chocolate Bars
- Baked Goods
- Beverages (seltzers, teas, syrups, etc.)
- Savory Snacks
- Capsules (only difference is they contain far less ingredients than other edible-based products do)
Flavors
Obviously, there are all kinds of flavor options alongside the product type. For example, you can find gummies in plenty of flavors, from sweet and sour blue raspberry to tangy pineapple. The same goes for, say, chocolates, which can come in plenty of tantalizing varieties.
Milligram Strengths
Another thing that’s important to pay attention to is milligram strength. Edibles come in a variety of milligram strengths, which tells you how potent each serving is. With CBD edibles, there’s no real risk of overdose, but you might feel groggy if you take too much. Strengths most often range from 10mg to 60mg, but you can find higher and lower options. The majority of people start with 25mg of CBD a day, in edible form. How much you should take really comes down to two primary factors: your body weight, and how potent you want the effects to be based on your needs and goals.
Full Spectrum/Broad Spectrum/CBD Isolate
There are three kinds of CBD extracts, and edibles can contain any one of the three.
Ø Full spectrum extract is an extract of the entire hemp flower, which contains an additional 100+ cannabinoids, plus terpenes, nutrients, and flavonoids. Full spectrum extract also contains the trace amount of THC in hemp, which is both legal and nonintoxicating.
Ø Broad spectrum extract is the same as full spectrum, except it contains zero THC.
Ø CBD isolate is just a pure cannabidiol extract, without any compounds in there.
Overall, full spectrum is the top way to get the entourage effect – in other words, the synergistic benefits of consuming all of hemp’s compounds as they naturally occur. Full and broad spectrum extracts contain terpenes (responsible for the taste of hemp). CBD isolate, therefore, is flavorless.
Ingredients
Edibles can contain any variety of ingredients, and that’s something you will need to look at if you’re a picky hemp user. One big thing to consider for any vegans out there, is whether or not the edibles you are looking at contain animal derivatives. Gummies often contain gelatin, which comes from animals, but many companies now make vegan options, using fruit-derived pectin as a replacement for gelatin.
Cannabinoids
Sometimes, CBD edibles contain other cannabinoids, like CBG, delta 8 THC, delta 9 THC, or so on. Of course, you’ll want to be aware if there are other cannabinoids in your edibles – especially if those cannabinoids are psychoactive, since that’s going to mean that you’re going to get high.
Active Ingredients
Finally, some edibles contain active ingredients besides CBD, like herbs that promote stress relief, or melatonin, which helps with sleep. This will be indicated on the product’s label, so make sure that you look at what you’re buying based on your needs – for instance, you probably don’t want melatonin in your CBD gummies if you’re trying to get more energy during the day.
How to Take CBD Edibles
To get the most benefits from consuming CBD edibles, you should want to develop a routine that ensures your body is getting the cannabinoid as efficiently as possible.
– First off, like we mentioned earlier, try to think about the ideal strength that can for you. Example: 25mg is a great starter point, and after two weeks, you can decide if you need to take more or less to end up with the results you’re looking for.
– Make sure that you’re taking them daily, if possible. The more frequently cannabinoids are taken, the more effective they are. How come? Well, because this allows the cannabidiol to accumulate in the body, and to be used as thoroughly as possible by the endocannabinoid system.
Do CBD Edibles Cause Side Effects?
If you’re worried about side effects with CBD edibles, let’s make it clear that hemp is nontoxic, so you don’t have to worry about overdosing on it. Of course, just about anything can cause side effects, especially if you are new to the product or take a higher dose than recommended. Luckily, the side effects associated with THC are generally very mild, and last for no more than a few hours.
They include:
- Grogginess/drowsiness
- Lightheadedness
- Dry mouth
- Dry eyes
- Decreased blood pressure
How Do I Know I’m Getting the Highest in Quality and Most Effective CBD Edibles?
If you’re looking for the finest CBD edibles possible, we have some recommendations about how to find the perfect product for your needs. Hemp-infused products can vary a lot in quality, so you will wanna know what to look for, in order to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible.
Tip #1: View Third-Party Lab Reports
Third-party lab reports indicate whether or not a product complies with industry standards for safety, quality, and purity. These lab reports should be provided on the company’s website, to indicate that the product has undergone testing through a state-authorized facility. You’ll be able to read about the product’s safety profile (environmental toxins, contaminants, etc.), the purity of the product, its potency, and what cannabinoids and terpenes are found in the formula.
Tip #2: Go with a Trustworthy Company
Always buy from a brand that has a name you can trust. Look the brand up to find reviews, to see if other people are satisfied with the products they sell. And, make sure that the company offers good amounts of transparency about how their products are made, their policies, and so on.
Tip #3: The Use of Quality Ingredients
You’ll also want to look thoroughly at the list of ingredients on the product’s label, to avoid any questionable fillers or chemical additives, or, of course, ingredients that you happen to be allergic to. The cleaner the ingredients, the better.
Tip #4: An Effective Milligram Strength
Always make sure that you’re getting a CBD edible product with a milligram strength that’s going to be effective. For instance, going below 10mg per serving can mean results that are too mild for what it is that you’re trying to achieve.
Tip #5: Organically Derived CBD
Yes, be sure that a brand is using CBD from organically grown hemp. Why? So that you’re not consuming pesticides or other unwanted environmental toxins each time you take a dose.
GreenLife Remedies Has Some Tasty CBD Edible Options!
CBD edibles come in all kinds of forms, flavors, strengths, and more. If you’re looking for a generous selection to choose from, we recommend heading on over to GreenLife. Here, you will find all kinds of tempting options including gummies and a lot more. Our products all come from trusted brands, and even have undergone strict testing protocol to ensure nothing but the best quality possible. Check out our CBD edibles and other hemp products today, or visit us in person at our Charlotte, NC dispensary!
