CBD edibles are everywhere these days, and they come in a number of forms on the market. But before you dive into the world of CBD-infused edibles, you should understand what they are, how they work, and determine if they’re the right form of cannabidiol for you.
What Are CBD Edibles?
Two of the most popular types of edible CBD are gummies and candies. They can be sweet, sour, or even have a more natural, earthy flavor. Check out the online marketplace, and you’ll find dozens and dozens of different shapes, sizes, and doses. When it comes to CBD-infused edibles, there is truly something for everybody!
Why Buy CBD gummies?
With so many types of CBD products available, why buy CBD gummies? The answer is going to boil down to personal preferences, but here are some more scientific and tangible reasons you might opt for edibles over tinctures or vaping:
- Sublingual drops and vaped products enter the body quickly, where edibles can take 30-120 minutes to take effect, depending on your digestive system.
- CBD derived from edibles stays in the system longer than drops or vape do. As the edible travels through your digestive system, it releases more CBD along the way.
- The dose of CBD in a gummy or candy is premeasured, unlike oils or vapes.
While you’re likely already familiar with CBD oils and tinctures, CBD edibles are another way for users to enjoy the potential benefits of cannabidiol. Edibles can come in so many forms, including gummies, candies, pills, drinks, food items, and even beer.
That aside, some do prefer edibles because they typically have a lower dose than tinctures. While some more “seasoned” CBD users turn to edibles, others prefer to start their CBD journey with edibles because of the slow, long-lasting effect.
Others turn to edibles simply because they prefer the taste. They may even purchase a CBD tincture and make their own candies and gummies, whether it’s because they love the DIY aspect or have a preference for a specific flavor. We recommend that if you do opt for the DIY method that you purchase a high-level CBD product—this is far more cost-effective because you can get a higher “dose” per candy than you can with a lower-level product, and make many more candies.
Careful with Drinks
We’ve found a variety of drinks online that contain CBD and can see why this is an appealing option for some. However, be very careful when drinking CBD-infused beer or cocktails. The effects of the CBD can magnify those from alcohol.
In addition to that, whether the drink contains alcohol or none, the oils don’t mix well with water-based fluids. Much of the oil will stick to the container, which means you may not be left with much CBD in the drink you’re consuming.
How Edible CBD Products are Prepared
This is the million-dollar question because it plays a large part in the quality and potential efficacy of the product. CBD is not currently regulated by the FDA, which means consumers need to be savvy about what to look for when buying edible CBD products.
Unfortunately, some companies don’t perform third-party lab testing to verify the quality of the ingredients or the level of CBD in the product. This testing is not required, but when investing in CBD, that peace of mind protects your wallet as well as your health. Before you purchase any CBD product, you should always know the concentration of CBD, as well as have confirmation that it is free of pesticides, mold, fungi, and other toxins.
After you have read the lab reports, now you’ll want to investigate a bit further. What ingredients are on the label? Are there a lot of artificial flavors, colors, and chemicals? The best CBD edibles do not contain flavors or coloring, so if you see those listed in the ingredients, you may want to keep looking.
The cannabis plant is a known accumulator, which means it absorbs harmful toxins and heavy metals from the earth while it’s growing. These toxins can end up in the final product (check those lab reports!). For this reason, look for products made with organically grown hemp that is grown in the United States.
Next, how were the gummies or candies prepared? Some manufacturers cut corners and costs by preparing gummies and then spraying or dusting on CBD isolate before packaging. CBD isolate is created by extracting the CBD from the cannabis plant, and stripping away other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, leaving only the CBD crystals. This also precludes the possibility of the entourage effect.
You will want to ensure that the product is infused with CBD rather than sprayed or sprinkled with isolate. If you can’t find the answer to this on the packaging or website, don’t hesitate to reach out to the company to ask. They are happy to provide this information.
How to Store CBD Edibles
How you store your CBD edibles can ensure that they last long and do not break down. For example, if you buy CBD gummies online, try to avoid doing so during the hottest months of the year, as temperatures above 88°F can melt them. And if you carry your bottle in a purse or backpack, be sure not to leave it in a hot car. The last thing you want is for them to melt!
But should you refrigerate CBD hard candy and gummies? Refrigeration is not required, but a fridge is ideal because the temperature is constant, and it provides a dark environment (light can break down CBD). If you purchase edibles that aren’t enclosed in an amber jar such as cookies, wrap your products in foil to protect them from light degradation. And if you have little ones, the fridge may not be the ideal place to store your gummies.
We do recommend that if you have children that you keep your edibles stored in the same way you would for prescription medications. Most containers will be childproof, but that still comes with risks, so err on the side of abundant caution and store them out of sight and where they can’t easily be found.
Also, avoid storing it in places that experience temperature fluctuations, which can be just as harmful as warm temperatures.
When do CBD Candy and Gummies Expire?
With any cannabis product, we recommend checking the date it was manufactured to ensure that it hasn’t been stored for too long before purchase. Most products should also have an expiration date printed on the packaging.
When you bring your edibles home, it might help to write the date of purchase on the packaging so you can keep track of how old it is. If the CBD candy or gummy products you’ve purchased changes color, develops an odor or tastes odd, throw it away.
Edible CBD Products Will Not Get You High
CBD is sought after for its reported calming effects, but it will not produce the high effect that THC does. THC works with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) and binds to the receptors that are associated with the ECS, and overwhelms them, which causes a psychoactive feeling or high.
CBD interacts indirectly with these receptors but doesn’t have any psychoactive effects. Some users might report feeling calmer or find going to sleep easier. But even at very high doses, edible CBD products will not make the user feel high. That said, the side effects of CBD edibles can vary from person to person. Before you operate heavy machinery or drive, be sure you know how cannabidiol might affect your body.
Are CBD gummies legal to have?
Because CBD is derived from the cannabis plant, we’re often asked if it’s legal to have. While most states have legalized CBD products, we highly recommend that you check your state and local laws. And use extra precautions if you’re traveling, especially if you’re vacationing in another country.
Final Thoughts on Edible CBD
No matter your reasons for turning to edible CBD products, they’re a tasty, convenient way to get your cannabidiol, and they’re long-lasting, too! Before you pick a product or brand, learn more about the ingredients, third-party lab testing, product shelf life, and reviews so you can invest with peace of mind. You may try a few different products before you find the one you fall in love with!
At Ripon Naturals, we offer a fantastic selection of CBD candies and gummies. Check out our full- and broad-spectrum formulas that come in a variety of great-tasting flavors today!
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