What Are CBD Edibles | Everything You Should Know

Before CBD edibles were even publicly marketed as consumer goods, CBD and marijuana enthusiasts have been incorporating cannabis extracts into their food, drinks, and even cooking oils for years.

Now that hemp-based CBD is slowly being embraced by the general public, cannabis users have been enjoying a lot more variety. From gummies to chocolates, honey, gum, and mints, CBD is making its way into the general population for that extra boost of healthy goodness.

But what are CBD edibles exactly? What are the types of CBD edibles? And what is CBD edibles’ role in possibly assisting better health? These are delicious treats and beverages that have been infused with cannabidiol, one of the many compounds found in the cannabis plant that is touted by the masses to provide a range of health benefits minus the “high”.

However, while thousands are swearing by these products, are they really as effective as users claim? Of course, with no conclusive evidence at present, it’s hard to truly vouch for CBD edibles’ efficacy. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy them safely with guidance from a healthcare provider who specializes in all things CBD!

Before you do, though, here are 8 important questions you need to ask before you dive into this tasty health trend.

Let’s begin!

 

1) What Is Cannabidiol?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid collected from the Cannabis sativa plant (which can include both industrial hemp and marijuana) through CO2 extraction, solvent extraction, or alcohol extraction.

The cannabis concentrates can be further broken down to make different types of CBDs (Full-Spectrum, Broad-Spectrum, and Isolate CBDs) or mixed into carrier oils, edibles, or topicals.

Most of the CBD products in the market are made from hemp flowers, leaves, and stalks. This is because the 2018 Farm Bill has recategorized industrial hemp from a controlled substance to an agricultural commodity, as long as they contain less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) — the cannabinoid responsible for cannabis’s psychoactive effects.

CBD can be administered either orally or topically to possibly assist with mental or physical discomfort and relaxation. In theory, the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS) processes the CBD and distributes it to CB1 and CB2 receptors throughout the body, allowing for these benefits to take place.

However, more research is needed in order to fully grasp how CBD truly interacts with our ECS.

As far as CBD edibles are concerned, depending on the type of edible, they may contain Full-Spectrum, Broad-Spectrum, or Isolate CBD. Knowing what will work best for your needs requires a careful approach consisting of an honest discussion with your healthcare provider and some well-informed trial and error.

 

2) What Should I Take CBD Edibles?

The types of CBD edibles can include gummies, chocolates, flavored tinctures and syrups, and drinks. However, with CBD’s growing popularity, we can expect more varieties to pop up.

But what do you take them for?

CBD edibles offer the same health benefits as their less “exciting” counterparts when taken in the right dosage for your individual needs. So, it really all boils down to preference.

Are you looking for a more convenient way to take your CBD? And/or do you hate CBD’s raw taste?

If you answered yes, then edibles can make it easy for you to incorporate the benefits of CBD into your daily routine in a fun and tasty way.

 

3) What Are CBD Edibles’ Risks? Are They Safe?

Yes, for the most part.

So far, there have been no reports or studies that suggest CBD toxicity, as long as they are purchased from a reputable seller who doesn’t incorporate harmful additives, fillers, or preservatives into their products.

However, you can still take too much.

One research review reports that some users can safely consume up to 1,500mg of CBD per day. Anything more than that can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and drowsiness.

It’s also important to avoid consuming CBD if you’re taking medications that come with a grapefruit contraindication since both CBD and grapefruit (both fresh fruit and fruit juice) have been shown to cause interactions with the same medications.

CBD edibles should also be used with caution for people who are sensitive to THC since even trace amounts of it can cause a reaction.

All things considered, it’s still an important step to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure safety and maximum efficacy when adding CBD edibles into your daily health routine.

 

4) Can I Get High From CBD Edibles?

The likelihood of getting high from CBD edibles is very low but never zero, especially if you’re taking marijuana-based CBD edibles which can have a THC concentration of at least 5mg to 10mg.

If you’re sensitive to THC or just don’t want to risk getting “high” in general, we recommend sticking to Broad-Spectrum or Isolate CBD products derived from industrial hemp.

 

5) How Will CBD Edibles Make Me Feel?

To build on Question #4, the effects of CBD edibles will depend on their THC content. At high concentrations, THC can cause altered perceptions of time, hallucinations, memory loss, and impaired movement.

CBD edibles with low THC content, on the other hand, can provide a relaxing and calm sensation which can possibly assist with mental and physical discomfort when taken at just the right doses.

 

6) Are CBD Edibles Legal?

Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD edibles and other products that have 0.3% THC are legal on a Federal scale.

However, it gets tricky from state to state. Why?

Because the FDA has acknowledged that they don’t have the right infrastructures in place to fully regulate CBD safety, efficacy, and contraindications. And so they leave it to each state to make its own set of directives.

For example, in states like Idaho, Iowa, and South Dakota, even CBD products containing the Federal legal limit of THC are prohibited.

But industrial hemp-based CBD derived from the plant stalks is considered legal in other states, yet still come with some restrictions. Washington, South Carolina, and Montana allow CBD products as long as they are not incorporated into food and drinks.

For more information about CBD legality and restrictions, check out our blog “Is CBD legal in my state?”.

 

7) Are CBD Edibles More Effective Than Other CBD Products?

When it comes to CBD efficacy in general, it all boils down to four factors: 1) Bioavailability, 2) THC and/or CBD concentration, 3) individual characteristics that affect how your body reacts to CBD, and 4) delivery systems.

First, let’s discuss bioavailability a.k.a. how well any food, nutrient, or active ingredient is readily absorbed by your body. Different CBD products have varying absorption rates, depending on how they’re formulated. For the sake of simplicity and brevity, we look to nano-formulated CBD as an example.

With the CBD industry rapidly evolving and expanding, it comes as no surprise that they’re consistently finding better ways to help CBD become more bioavailable for users.

One of these innovations is nano-formulation: The process of turning CBD into microscopic particles. The smaller CBD size makes it easily absorbed (up to 100% absorption rate) and work faster (within 15 to 30 minutes) than regular CBD edibles (within 30 to 60 minutes).

One drawback of nano-formulated CBD edibles, however, is that they only work for a few hours vs. regular CBD edibles which can last ​​from 6 hours to 12 hours. To learn more about the differences between nano-formulated CBD and regular CBD.

Second is THC and/or CBD concentration. Of course, the more CBD is readily absorbed by the body, the better and stronger its effects will be.

But there is also another thing to consider: The entourage effect — a phenomenon that happens when all cannabis compounds, including CBD and THC, work in synergy and possibly produce better, more potent health benefits.

If this is what you’re looking for, then we highly recommend Full-Spectrum CBD edibles. Remember, you might experience a slight “buzz” from the 0.3% THC content. If you’re sensitive to THC, then best to take Broad-Spectrum CBD (little to no THC) or Isolate CBD (0% THC).

The third factor is dependent on a few things, including age, gender, and health status and concerns.

While studies of CBD efficacy on older adults have produced inconclusive findings, there have been other studies that report greater promise in women vs. men when it comes to possible assistance with mental discomfort.

It is also said that users’ general health may also play a part in boosting CBD efficacy — particularly the health of your ECS. Unfortunately, more studies are needed to find a way to measure ECS health to get more conclusive results.

And, finally, the fourth factor: Delivery systems. How CBD is administered also has possible impacts on its efficacy. That’s why, compared to CBD oils and tinctures that are consumed sublingually, CBD edibles are at a tiny disadvantage.

While nano-formulated CBD edibles can be highly bioavailable (10% to 20%), they still need to deal with acids in the stomach. These acids can break down some of the CBD before they get a chance to work their magic.

On the other hand, sublingual consumption of CBD can possibly increase its bioavailability by 13% to 19% without being subjected to internal factors that can reduce its efficacy.

To note, CBD edibles’ effects do last longer than CBD oils and tinctures. So, if you’re looking to just relax, go for CBD edibles. If you’re looking for possible assistance with physical or mental discomfort, go for CBD oils and tinctures.

 

8) How Do I Find Quality CBD Edibles?

To find the right CBD edible, you need to consider the following factors:

• Your health needs
• CBD potency, quality, and bioavailability
• CBD seller integrity
• CBD product certification and/or third-party testing
• CBD raw product sourcing and manufacturing quality
• CBD palatability
• Other personal factors

We discuss the first five points in-depth in our “How to choose the right CBD product”.

 

So, Are CBD Edibles Right For YOU?

It depends.

Are you looking to spice things up with a CBD product that also doubles as a tasty treat? Can your health concerns benefit better from taking CBD edibles?

With the help of your healthcare provider, you can get a better picture of how CBD edibles can (or cannot) possibly assist with your needs.

Remember that conclusive evidence for CBD efficacy is still underway, so having expert guidance on matters regarding your health is key to fully enjoying CBD’s benefits without putting your safety at risk.

Also remember to only buy from reputable sellers who provide third party-tested, organic, and highly bioavailable CBD edibles to make sure you get your money’s worth. Once you do, then exploring the vast ocean of options before you can become a more enjoyable experience!

Why Buy From Zatural

Zatural offers a wide range of CBD products. Zatural has everything from Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, Nano, and Isolate CBD edibles.

Each edible has 3rd party lab test available, made in the USA with organically grown hemp and packaged in a GMP compliant facility. Click below to go to our amazing selection of CBD Edibles.

For educational purposes only

*FDA DISCLAIMER -These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.