CBD Edibles: A Tasty Way of Improving Your Wellbeing
So, what are CBD edibles? CBD edibles are one of the most popular forms of CBD in Canada. CBD gummies, in particular, steadily increased in popularity over the years.
In 2015, the market value of CBD gummies was only around $256.1 million USD. By the end of 2023, its market value is expected to grow to $1.62 billion USD. It’s a 533% increase in just nine years.
The market trend also shows that CBD gummies’ market value could easily balloon to $3.1 billion USD in 2025. It’s nearly double the market value at the end of 2023.
CBD gummies aren’t the only types of edibles though. This CBD form also includes gummies, chocolates, brownies, infused drinks, etc. And they all offer a tasty way of improving your well-being.
If you’re new to CBD edibles and want to try them, then read on. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of CBD edibles. We’ll also talk about the many health benefits of these delicious treats.
Types of Edibles
As mentioned earlier, there are many types of CBD edibles. These include but are not limited to:
- CBD gummies
- CBD candies
- CBD chocolates
- CBD butter
- CBD-infused baked goods like brownies, cookies, and cakes
- CBD-infused beverages
Their CBD concentrations differ. They can range anywhere from as low as 5 mg to as high as 25 mg per edible.
Their shelf life also differs. CBD gummies, candies, chocolates, and infused beverages last longer than CBD baked goods, of course. If you want to prolong your CBD edible’s shelf life, then you need to store it the right way.
- Store your CBD edibles in a cool, dark place.
- Make sure you store it away from direct sunlight or near a heat source. Heat and light speed up the degradation process of CBD and affect its potency and quality.
- You can also store it in your refrigerator. But make sure to cover it with a dark material. This prevents light from affecting CBD and speeding up its degradation process.
If you have CBD edibles at home, be a responsible adult. Keep them away from your pet and children’s reach. Or better yet, keep them under lock and key.
Health Benefits of CBD Edibles
CBD edibles offer the same health benefits as CBD oils or other forms of CBD. It can:
- Ease chronic pain
- Control inflammation
- Relieve stress and anxiety
- Improve mood and relieve depression
- Promote relaxation of the body and the mind
- Improve sleep quality and duration
- Maintain normal physical and mental health
- Improve skin conditions like acne and psoriasis
- Protect the central nervous system and other organs
- Act as an antioxidant
CBD edibles are non-psychoactive and non-addictive. You don’t have to worry about getting high or addicted to it.
Consuming CBD Edibles Safely
Consuming CBD edibles isn’t’ the same as consuming CBD oil. This is because CBD edibles go through the first-pass effect.
Simply put, the CBD edible you eat passes through the stomach where it’s processed into smaller pieces. It then goes through the liver where it is, again, processed and broken down into its smaller form called metabolites. From the liver, CBD is absorbed into the systemic circulation and then travels to different parts of the body via the bloodstream.
It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours or more before you start feeling the effects of CBD edibles. Because of this, we always recommend waiting for at least 30 minutes before consuming your next dose.
This is actually one of the mistakes many people new to CBD edibles make. They take another piece soon after the first one, thinking the effects are taking too long to set in. What they don’t realize is that it takes some time for the body to process CBD and for it to enter the bloodstream. Immediately taking another dose increases their risk of overconsumption and developing side effects.
To be safe, you can always split the edible into smaller pieces. This way, you can control your dose and minimize CBD’s side effects.
The side effects of CBD include:
- Lightheadedness and dizziness
- Dry mouth and dry eyes
- Drowsiness or sleepiness
- Reduced appetite
- Fatigue
These are well-tolerated though and usually go away on their own.
Pros and Cons of CBD Edibles
Now that you understand CBD edibles more, let’s explore their pros and cons.
CBD edibles offer many advantages:
- It’s easy, convenient, and discreet to use. Just pop one in, and you’re good to go. You don’t have to worry about the smoke or vapour bothering other people.
- Since it stays in the body longer, its effects last longer. These can last anywhere from six to eight hours. People dealing with chronic health problems may benefit more from these effects.
- It’s versatile. CBD edibles come in many forms — from gummies to infused beverages. You can easily find one that fits your preferences.
- It’s a healthier alternative to inhalable CBD products like flowers and vape. You don’t have to worry about the byproducts of smoking or vaping.
- It’s a fun and tasty way to enjoy your daily CBD.
Of course, CBD edibles also have their disadvantages:
- The delayed onset of effects may not be good for people dealing with acute symptoms like acute migraine attacks and headaches.
- Getting the right dose can be quite challenging at first, especially since CBD edibles come in different potencies.
- As mentioned earlier, there is a risk of overconsumption.
- CBD interacts with other drugs. So always discuss CBD use with your doctor first, especially if you have chronic health problems and are taking maintenance medications for them.
- There’s also the risk of food allergies. Some CBD edibles like baked goods may contain ingredients you might be allergic to like nuts. So always check the product label and ingredient list to be safe.
Final Thoughts
CBD edibles offer a fun and tasty way of improving your physical and mental well-being. But before you buy CBD edibles though, be sure to consider their pros and cons. You should also know the proper way of taking CBD edibles.
More importantly, always speak with your primary care physician first before trying CBD edibles. This is especially important if you have chronic health issues and are taking medications for them.
