CBD edibles, which include tinctures, oils, candy, cake pops, and chocolate bars, offer a more sustained release of CBD compared to inhaled products.

What are CBD edibles?

There are CBD-infused versions of almost every type of food or drink available for sale. CBD edibles, such as coffee, tea, energy drinks, cookies, candies, and wine, have become incredibly popular. This is partly due to the current state of the world and CBD's reputation for promoting a sense of calm and aiding in sleep. Experts discuss the benefits of CBD edibles, how to enhance their effects, and how to find safe, high-quality products.

What is cannabidiol?

CBD stands for cannabidiol, and it comes from the Cannabis sativa plant, which contains over 100 different chemical compounds called cannabinoids and other useful phytochemicals. These phytochemicals help protect the plant from pests and UV radiation. Although there is limited data, there is some promise in using CBD for anxiety and pain relief.

CBD is available in various forms such as oil, tinctures, edibles like candies and chocolates, as well as pills. Upscale products like CBD-infused cake pops and shots are also available.

CBD edibles come in different types: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolates. Full-spectrum products contain other cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and sometimes delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the main mind-altering ingredient in marijuana, but CBD can be extracted from hemp plants with very low THC content.

Broad-spectrum products contain other chemicals found in the plant, but THC has been removed. CBD isolates are products that only contain CBD.

Can you eat them?

Cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, is a compound derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. This plant contains over 100 other chemical compounds called cannabinoids, as well as beneficial phytochemicals that protect the plant from insects and UV radiation. While research on CBD is limited, there is some evidence suggesting its potential benefits for anxiety and pain relief.

CBD products come in various forms, such as edibles like candy, chocolate, and cake pops, as well as tinctures and capsules. These products may be full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate. Full-spectrum products may contain other cannabinoids like THC, as well as terpenes and flavonoids from the cannabis plant.

Unlike marijuana, which contains high levels of THC, hemp-derived CBD products contain very low levels of THC (0.3% or less) and are non-psychoactive. Broad-spectrum products contain additional compounds found in full-spectrum products but with the THC removed, while CBD isolates do not contain any THC.

Are CBD edibles legal?

Sure, here's a clearer version of the text with spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors corrected:

It is legal to consume CBD edibles in states that have medicinal and/or recreational marijuana programs. However, it is still against federal law to do so, as cannabis and its components are classified as Schedule 1 substances with no known medical benefits and a high potential for abuse.

According to Jahan Marcu, PhD, founding partner of cannabis consultancy Marcu & Arora and editor-in-chief of the American Journal of Endocannabinoid Medicine, "CBD is tolerated to some extent by law enforcement, but it is not freely legal despite what the internet might suggest."

Marcu and other experts believe that purchasing CBD edibles in areas where marijuana is legal and regulated is the best way to test them out. In the absence of such a system, it is impossible to know if products contain the ingredients they claim to.

Regarding the use of products that are not obtained legally, Marcu warns, "I strongly advise individuals to avoid doing so." As an alternative, he suggests looking for a product that has undergone independent testing by a recognized laboratory. If they cannot provide you with a recent lab test for a product, take your business elsewhere and support companies that prioritize human well-being.

How to find quality CBD edibles

"When there isn't a state-licensed dispensary, Dr. Goldstein recommends looking at the Certificate of Analysis (COA). This document provides the results of independent testing, including the phytocannabinoid profile indicating the levels of CBD, THC, terpenes, and other cannabinoids, as well as whether the product is free of contaminants like pesticides and solvents.

The maker should provide the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) for free, and it can usually be accessed by scanning a QR code on certain CBD products. Dr. Goldstein warns that it's important to be cautious, as there have been cases of forged or fraudulent COAs.

When shopping for a reputable brand, look for a website with contact information such as a phone number or email address. Dr. Goldstein also suggests looking for CBD gummies that meet safety and quality standards set by experts.

According to Dr. Goldstein, a money-back guarantee is a good indicator of a legitimate business or product. Additionally, for those considering using CBD regularly, she recommends taking the product to a cannabis testing lab to ensure its safety."

How long do they take to work?

Martin A. Lee, co-founder and director of Project CBD in California and author of Smoke Signals: A Social History of Marijuana–Medical, Recreational, and Scientific, explains that CBD edibles take longer to take effect compared to smoking or vaping CBD oil. However, the effects are more significant and long-lasting. It may take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours to feel the effects of a CBD edible, and the side effects may last for up to six hours. To speed up the process, you can keep a CBD tincture or oil under your tongue for two minutes, allowing it to be absorbed directly into your bloodstream through the mucous membranes.

What are they used for?

CBD edibles can be used by healthy individuals for various reasons, including stress relief. Epidiolex, a prescription version of CBD approved by the Food and Drug Administration, has been effective in controlling severe forms of epilepsy in children caused by Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gestaut syndrome, and tuberous sclerosis complex.

According to Dr. Goldstein, some people believe that CBD helps them sleep, but in reality, it may have an energizing effect in small doses. Achieving a calming effect with CBD can be expensive.

How much should I take?

Sagnik Bhattacharyya, a professor of translational neuroscience and psychiatry at King's College London and an expert on CBD's therapeutic benefits in psychosis, believes that cannabinoids are poorly absorbed from the stomach. As a result, only 6% to 15% of the content of a CBD capsule will make it to the bloodstream, where it may exert its benefits.

Dr. Goldstein says a 5 mg CBD gummy will provide little more than the placebo effect. She advises starting with a small dosage rather than a high one and increasing it gradually until the dose feels comfortable.

Dr. Goldstein and other experts suggest that eating CBD edibles with a meal, especially one that includes fat, rather than on an empty stomach can help the body absorb the CBD more quickly.

According to cannabis neuroscientist and educator Greg Gerdeman, PhD, "It has long been recognized that cannabinoids like CBD or THC are absorbed much more effectively when taken before or after a meal."

He suggests eating a slice of buttered toast with your morning CBD oil dose, as it can lead to a 30 percent increase in absorption!

Can they make me flunk a drug test?

It is recommended to avoid THC-containing products if you use CBD daily and are concerned about feeling euphoric. THC is the psychoactive component of cannabis that can be detected in drug tests because it produces a pleasant high. Even trace amounts of THC can accumulate in the body over time, so it's crucial to select a product that is truly THC-free. Third-party testing and a reliable certificate of authenticity are also important in this regard.

Important Tips When Taking Edible Cannabis:

Be Sure to Read the Label Carefully.

Remember that the characteristics and ingredients of cannabis-infused edibles, such as the levels of THC and CBD, can vary significantly. It's important to carefully read the packaging before consuming any edible cannabis product. If you're new to edibles or cannabis in general, it's recommended to start with a low dose of 2.5 mg of THC. Once you start feeling the effects, you can adjust the dosage accordingly.

Additionally, it may be beneficial to learn about the effects of THC and CBD on the brain and body and how these effects differ when cannabis is inhaled versus consumed. It's also important to be aware that certain edible cannabis products have expiration dates and may contain additives that could cause adverse reactions in some consumers.

The Effects of Ingesting Cannabis Last Longer than Inhaling.

Remember the following information about edible cannabis:

The THC in edible cannabis takes a longer time to be absorbed by the body compared to when you smoke or vape it. This results in the effects lasting longer when consumed orally. The effects can persist for up to 24 hours after consumption.

If you are a first-time user of cannabis edibles, it's advisable to have friends or family members around who are knowledgeable about their safe use. If you plan to consume edible cannabis at a friend's or family member's house, make travel plans ahead of time or be prepared to spend the night. After consuming cannabis, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery due to the long-lasting effects. Ensure that you have the time in your schedule to accommodate the lingering effects of edible cannabis.

The Effects of Ingesting Cannabis Can Be More Intense than Inhaling Cannabis.

Consuming cannabis edibles can have stronger effects compared to smoking the same amount of dried cannabis for some individuals. This heightened potency occurs because your liver converts the THC into a more potent form when you consume it. Both the original THC in the product and the enhanced version created by your liver can impact the intensity of the high from edible cannabis.

For those new to cannabis or edibles, it's important to check the THC content of the product before consuming and to start with items that contain no more than 2.5 milligrams of THC per serving. When trying edible cannabis for the first time, it's best to do it with someone you trust. If someone consumes too much cannabis and feels unwell, they should visit their local poison control center or seek medical help. If you're new to edibles, start with a product that has no more than 2.5 mg of THC.

It Takes Time to Feel the Full Effects.

Please keep in mind the following information about edible cannabis:

The "high" or intoxicating effects of edible cannabis typically start to take effect 30 minutes to two hours after consumption and peak around four hours after use. Depending on the dosage, the effects may last up to 12 hours, with lingering residual effects for as long as 24 hours. This is different from smoking or vaping cannabis, where effects are felt much more quickly, usually within seconds or minutes. With edibles, it takes around 30 minutes to feel the full effects, depending on the specific strain.

When you consume edible cannabis, it takes longer for the THC to reach your bloodstream and brain because it goes through your stomach and liver first. Keep in mind that this process varies from person to person, so it's impossible to predict exactly when you'll feel the full effects. This means that consuming more cannabis during this time period could lead to over-intoxication, as it can take up to four hours to feel the effects fully. Overindulgence may result in anxiety, panic, nausea, vomiting, and signs of psychosis such as paranoia.

To stay safe, be patient and start with no more than 2.5 milligrams of THC at a time when consuming edible cannabis.

Be Sure to Store Your Cannabis Products Properly.

Chocolates and brownies infused with cannabis taste and look just like their non-infused counterparts. This means they have a broad appeal since they may be enjoyed by both adults and children.

Accidental intake of edible cannabis by children or dogs, although rare, may have serious health consequences. Use child-resistant containers and re-seal them after use if you have edible cannabis in your house, and keep it out of the sight and reach of children and pets otherwise.

A lockbox, whether purchased or homemade, is also a smart idea. Anyone who has accidentally taken cannabis and isn't feeling well should go to a poison center or get medical help. Always label and keep your cannabis items correctly.

Cannabis Should Not Be Mixed with Alcohol or Other Substances.

Combining cannabis with alcohol can significantly increase the likelihood of experiencing intoxication and impairment. Possible side effects of cannabis overdose include anxiety, panic, nausea, vomiting, and paranoia. To minimize the risk of a negative experience, it's best to avoid using both cannabis and alcohol together. It's also important to refrain from combining cannabis with nicotine or other substances like stimulants or depressants, as this can lead to serious health issues. If you are taking any medications, it's advisable to consult a healthcare provider to understand if cannabis may interact with them. Additionally, to prevent drowsiness, it's important not to mix cannabis with anything else that has a sedating effect.

Regular Use of Cannabis Can Affect Your Mental Health.

A regular intake of cannabis raises the risk of dependency and may exacerbate anxiety and depressive disorders, as well as bring on new ones. High-THC cannabis products may raise your chance of developing psychosis, particularly if you have been diagnosed with schizophrenia or have a family history of these disorders due to your regular usage.

Cannabis use and mental health: a report by Clearing the Smoke on Cannabis. These statistics are provided to help you weigh the benefits and drawbacks of cannabis use before you decide whether or not to try it. Avoid inhaling or ingesting cannabis products that contain more than 100 mg/g (10 percent) of THC or more than 10 mg of THC each dose to reduce your chance of developing mental health issues.

It's also possible to lessen the hazards by limiting your cannabis consumption. Avoid cannabis usage on a daily or near-daily basis, and go for products with lower THC concentrations.