GUIDE TO CBD EDIBLES

CBD edibles are among the best way of taking CBD. You do not need to put tinctures under the tongue or use sprays to consume CBD products. Instead, you can have CBD edibles infused in food or drinks. With the widespread legalization of CBD products, users can enjoy their benefits everywhere easily and conveniently.  

The legalization of hemp products in many countries has led to an exponential rise in the CBD products. CBD products offer multiple medicinal, recreational, and therapeutic benefits. Studies have linked cannabis derivatives to several health benefits, including but not limited to treating pain, inflammation, insomnia, anxiety, stress, and depression. Anecdotal results have also linked CBD with treatment for autism, COPD, and cardiovascular disorders like hypertension. Herein, we discuss CBD edibles' benefits, potential challenges, and how to determine the best quality edibles from the cannabis market. 

What is CBD? 

CBD means cannabidiol. It is a compound derived from the hemp plant. CBD products may contain THC in small amounts, although the concentration of ordinary CBD is less than 0.3% of the psychoactive THC. The cannabis derivative can be used in many products to offer the multiple benefits of cannabis. The product can be taken in multiple ways; placing tinctures under the tongue, taking the oil, capsules, pills, sprays, and CBD edibles. The product can be topically used for skin conditions.

What are CBD edibles?

CBD edibles are foods or drinks infused with CBD. The most common edibles in the market are cookies, cakes, gummies, and tinctures. You can buy them online or from the local markets. You can also make the edibles at home by adding CBD oil or butter to your favorite food or drinks. Since CBD is sensitive to high temperatures, it should be infused in cooked food to preserve useful components. Marinotti & Sarill (2020) noted that the edibles come in three spectrums; full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolates. Full-spectrum edibles contain all cannabinoids, including THC. In contrast, the broad-spectrum contains cannabinoids except for THC, while the isolates only contain CBD.

How to use CBD edibles

CBD edibles are ingested. They are relatively safe and can be taken regularly without any consequences. You can take two edibles in a day, once in the morning and one in the evening or in any other way, depending on your taste. Take the edibles on an empty stomach to facilitate the absorption; a full stomach may hinder the absorption of CBD, thereby delaying the desired effects.

How do CBD edibles benefit your body?

Zhang et al. (2016) stated that numerous researches are being undertaken on the effects of CBD and its ability to treat certain diseases and conditions. However, the FDA has only approved Epidiolex for epilepsy. Hence, most findings on the benefits of CBD are anecdotal. Studies show that CBD edibles can relieve anxiety. The antidepressant properties in CBD can calm the brain hence reducing anxiety. Additionally, CBD has anti-inflammatory effects; these properties can treat chronic and mild pain. It also reduces cancer and arthritis pain, reduces seizures in patients with epilepsy. The edibles can also ease conditions like nausea.

Where can you get CBD edibles?

As aforementioned, CBD can be obtained online or from the local market. If you buy them online or from the local market, ensure they are from a licensed dealer. To be safe, buy edibles from countries that have legalized cannabis. Always check the certificate of analysis (COA) to ensure your edibles do not contain THC or chemical contaminants. This certificate also contains third-party testing results. To avoid THC, buy edibles infused with broad-spectrum or CBD isolates. Like any other CBD product, the edibles are relatively affordable; avoid cheap products as they could relate to poor quality or a higher amount of THC. If you choose to make your edibles home, ensure you cook them at the right temperatures to maintain the CBD potency. You can infuse CBD into your food by adding CBD oil or butter.

How often should you take CBD edibles?

Since CBD is generally safe for healthy adults, there is no limited number of times you should take them; the frequency of consumption depends on the user’s preference. However, first-time users should take them twice a day for two weeks. After realizing the effects, you can choose to reduce the dose or continue with the same dosage.

Side effects of CBD edibles

CBD edibles are safe and healthy. However, it might present mild side effects like fatigue, changes in appetite, and dizziness. In rare cases, CBD edibles can lead to liver damage, especially if taken in high doses. CBD can also undermine pharmaceutical drugs; therefore, users should avoid them when under medication. There is not enough information on CBD edibles' effects on pregnant women and unborn babies. (Dickson et al., 2018) Therefore, pregnant and nursing mothers should not take these products unless prescribed by a doctor. Learn more about different types of edible products

Conclusion

CBD edibles are among the best forms of consumable CBD. They are made by adding CBD oil to food or everyday snacks. The edibles can be bought from the local market or ordered online. CBD edibles contain anti-inflammatory, anti-seizure, and anti-depressant properties that treat different conditions and diseases. Depending on your preferences, you can take the edibles twice a day. Healthy adults can also take CBD edibles. However, users under medication or pregnant and nursing mothers should not take the edibles unless prescribed by a doctor. Lastly, users who want to infuse CBD oil in food should ensure their temperatures remain moderate to preserve beneficial components of CBD. The CBD edibles are among the best forms of consumable CBD. They are made by adding CBD oil to food or everyday snacks. The edibles can be bought from the local market or ordered online. CBD edibles contain anti-inflammatory, anti-seizure, and anti-depressant properties that treat different conditions and diseases. Depending on your preferences, you can take the edibles twice a day. Healthy adults can also take CBD edibles. However, users under medication or pregnant and nursing mothers should not take the edibles unless prescribed by a doctor.

References

Dickson, B., Mansfield, C., Guiahi, M., Allshouse, A. A., Borgelt, L. M., Sheeder, J., ... &   Metz, T. D. (2018). Recommendations from cannabis dispensaries about first- trimester cannabis use. Obstetrics and gynecology, 131(6), 1031.

Marinotti, O., & Sarill, M. (2020). Differentiating Full-Spectrum Hemp Extracts From CBD Isolates: Implications For Policy, Safety And Science. Journal Of Dietary Supplements, 17(5), 517-526.

Zhang, M., Viennois, E., Prasad, M., Zhang, Y., Wang, L., Zhang, Z., ... & Merlin, D. (2016).             Edible ginger-derived nanoparticles: A novel therapeutic approach for the prevention     and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease and colitis-associated cancer. Biomaterials, 101, 321-340.