Guide to CBD edibles

At this point, you’ve probably heard about CBD, whether it was from a coworker, an instagram ad, or even CBD products in your local wellness stores.

As laws surrounding CBD continue to relax, there’s been a boom in the market leading to a flourishing of options, particularly CBD edibles.

CBD edibles offer an endless amount of possibilities, so there’s plenty of room for them for products to expand.

But what exactly are CBD edibles, and how do you go about taking them?

Here’s a quick guide to CBD edibles.

What Are CBD Edibles?

As you may already know, CBD edibles are basically a type of CBD product you can eat.

And while CBD oil remains arguably the most popular way to consume CBD, edibles are widely enjoyed as a tastier, more discreet option, and this is especially true for those who have a hard time getting around the earthy, bitter taste of hemp.

On top of that, CBD oils take a bit of effort to measure, but with CBD edibles, you know exactly how much CBD you’re consuming (assuming the CBD edibles come from a reputable brand).

CBD edibles, on the other hand, are not only fast and convenient, but they make your daily CBD ritual into a pleasant, sweet treat, and they can add a whole new level of possibility–

So let’s talk about all of the different CBD edibles you can find on the market.

Different Types of CBD Edibles

CBD edibles come in all sorts of different shapes and sizes, and they’re typically found in three different extraction types:

Full-Spectrum

Full-spectrum edibles are made with the hemp plant’s entire spectrum of compounds, though they should contain less than 0.3% THC

Broad-Spectrum

Virtually the same as full-spectrum CBD edibles, except there is no THC present in the plant, which may be a plus for those concerned about the more touchy drug tests.

Isolate

With CBD isolate edibles, CBD is going to be the only hemp-based compound found. There will be no other cannabinoids, terpenes, or flavonoids, and these edibles typically consist of up to 99.9% CBD.

Beyond this scope of category, there is truly no limit when it comes to CBD edibles–if you can think of any beverage or drink, you can probably find a CBD edible version of it. And if you can’t find a CBD edible version for sale, you can probably make it.

Currently, though, some of the most popular CBD edibles around include CBD gummies, which you can find at pretty much any store that sells CBD products, and they can be found in a few different recipes in order to work for different dietary restrictions, like vegan and sugar-free.

CBD honey sticks are also growing in demand, and make a great way to sweeten your morning cup of coffee or tea, or you can add it to some nut butter, or you can keep them in your pocket for sports and hikes when you need a boost of energy.

Why Eat CBD Edibles?

So why should we be eating CBD edibles, and what are their benefits?

Before we dive into the benefits, there’s something here that’s worth noting, first: aside from the anti-seizure medication Epidiolex, there is no FDA-approved form of CBD, so brands are not permitted to make any kind of medical claim about their products, even if there is research to back them up.

Research, meanwhile, is still in progress, and there’s a number of studies linking CBD with several different benefits. Even so, Be cautious about the language you use when discussing CBD.

That being said, there is no shortage of anecdotal evidence, and its suggestive of CBD’s benefits for conditions like nausea, inflammation, and chronic pain.

But why choose CBD edibles, specifically? Especially when there are so many CBD products available, like CBD capsules, CBD oils, and CBD vapes?

For starters, it’s easier with CBD edibles to determine your dosage at any given time. Keep an eye out for brands that clearly state their products’ CBD strength.

CBD edibles, of course, are also extremely convenient, and perfect for on-the-go lifestyles. Plus, there’s an ever-growing variety of options.

On top of that, the use of CBD edibles will help reduce your risk of lung irritation, unlike inhalable products like vapes or pre-rolls. And while it’s true that it’ll take a bit longer for CBD edibles to kick in, their effects will last longer.

The bottom line with CBD edibles: they’re a great option for those who don’t want to sacrifice novelty for the sake of convenience, and for those who wish to enjoy their CBD to every extent.

How Many CBD Edibles Should I Take?

While it’s true that CBD edibles tend to have a more straightforward dosage, they can still create a sense of confusion.

So what’s the right amount of CBD edibles to take?

First, it helps a bit to know how CBD edibles are processed in the body. Basically, when CBD edibles are eaten, some of the CBD is actually digested before it enters the bloodstream. And as a result, the amount of CBD that actually kicks in will be less than what you ate.

Because of this issue with CBD’s bioavailability, you’ll want to take a little bit more CBD than you normally would. The best dosage that works for you will depend on your own body chemistry, weight and metabolism, and it could be anywhere from 2mg to 30mg. But overall, the best rule of thumb is to start out with the lowest dosage possible.

How Long Does it Take for CBD Edibles to Kick in?

If you’re used to getting your CBD by inhaling (i.e., vaping a CBD cart or smoking a joint), it’s key to remember that CBD edibles are going to take a bit more time to kick in; while inhalables can take as little as 60 seconds, CBD edibles typically take anywhere between 30 minutes to 2 hours.

That being said, CBD edibles are going to stay in the bloodstream for longer, so you’re going to feel the effects longer.

If you’re a beginner with CBD edibles, make sure to stick with a small dosage, and give it some time before you take more.

Side Effects of CBD Edibles

While CBD is generally considered to be well-tolerated in most individuals, it can still cause some side effects, such as drowsiness, fatigue, reduced appetite, dry mouth, and diarrhea. It’s also worth noting that CBD edibles may interact with certain medications, so make sure to contact your physician if you’re taking any kind of medication.

 

Crystal Kadir