CBD Edibles UK

CBD edibles are one of the most popular ways of taking CBD. They are convenient, quick and diverse. There are tens of CBD edible products you can choose from, making edibles an exciting and ever-evolving mode of taking CBD.

CBD lovers take CBD edibles for the same reasons they take other CBD products like tinctures – for the potential health and nutritional benefits. That’s why it’s essential to know as much as possible about edibles. In this guide, we will look at everything about CBD edibles and why they could be the missing piece in your CBD experience.

What is CBD?

CBD is short for Cannabidiol. Cannabidiol is a natural chemical compound from the Cannabis Sativa plant. It is best known for imparting a feeling of calm and relaxation. CBD is usually confused with its close cousin Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), known for its psychoactive effects.

Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t have psychoactive effects, which is why it is widely used for its numerous potential health and nutritional benefits.

CBD is the active ingredient in all CBD products, including CBD edibles. It is extracted from special hemp strains with high CBD concentration using various methods, then infused into the different CBD products in the market.

What are CBD Edibles?

As you can guess from the name, CBD edibles are any product designed to be chewed and swallowed infused with CBD. This term also covers CBD-infused drinks.

CBD edibles are an enjoyable and fun way of taking CBD. Edibles are also one of the most diverse CBD products making it easy for CBD lovers with the most complex palette to find a suitable CBD product.

The taste of CBD edibles is often delicious and creative. The best thing about CBD edibles is that new products are released every day, which keeps the experience exciting and adventurous.

Forms of CBD edibles

There are three distinct types of CBD edibles, each of them determined by the form of CBD used to make the edibles.

Full-spectrum CBD Edibles

Full-spectrum CBD is the least processed form of CBD. It has all the cannabinoids found in the hemp plant, terpenes, flavonoids and other molecular compounds. CBD edibles made from this form of CBD are the most potent. They have a vast range of effects and are revered for providing the entourage effect. However, it’s important to note that full-spectrum CBD edibles also contain trace amounts of THC.

Broad-spectrum CBD edibles

This type of CBD edible is very similar to those made from full-spectrum CBD. The CBD used in this case has the same composition as that of full-spectrum. The only difference is that broad-spectrum CBD is THC-free. This type of CBD edible is designed for CBD lovers that want to enjoy the full benefits of the hemp plant without worrying about THC metabolites turning a drug test positive.

Isolate CBD edibles

Isolate CBD edibles consist of 99.99% CBD. Isolate CBD doesn’t contain other cannabinoids, terpenes or flavonoids. Edibles made from this type of CBD are the least powerful. You might need higher doses to achieve the same results as full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD.

Types of CBD Edibles

For the longest time, CBD gummies dominated the market as the only CBD edibles. But now, there are multiple options you can choose from depending on your preference.

CBD gummies

CBD gummies are one of the top-selling CBD edibles. They have been around for quite some time, and even though there are other products now, they still remain a fan-favourite.

CBD gummies are made from jelly mixed with fruit flavours. For better flavour, some brands also add sugar, while others opt for stevia. If you’re keen on purchasing vegan-friendly products, check to ensure the brand only uses organic glucose syrup and natural flavours and no animal products.

CBD Chocolate

CBD chocolates are another revered CBD edible. They are often considered luxury items and make great treats, gifts and rewards. The chocolate bars are infused with CBD and come in various flavours including milk chocolate bar options. You will also find orange chocolate, decadent Belgian chocolate, white chocolate and other varieties.

Although CBD chocolates are expensive, the taste and experience they offer are unbeatable. That is why most people opt to buy them as a treat.

CBD drinks

Under drinks, you have different options to pick from. Each of the options offers a unique experience and are designed to target specific CBD lovers.

• CBD coffee – For coffee lovers, there’s CBD coffee, which has been rising in popularity as a great way to wake up in the morning and add some alertness to your life without the crash that comes with taking too much caffeine. Manufacturers pick the best coffee beans (usually Arabica) for the coffee and infuse them with CBD. The coffee often has a unique earthy taste because of the addition of CBD.
• CBD tea – Tea is a tradition in the UK. It would be impossible not to have CBD tea. Combined with the natural benefits of tea, mainly herbal tea, CBD tea promises to make your tea sessions even more sensational with more benefits.
• Other CBD drinks – If you’re in the mood for a calm, cooling and re-energising drink, you have various options like CBD water, CBD energy drinks, and CBD soda. Each of them comes with the powerful benefits of CBD. There are also CBD alcoholic drinks, which include beer, wine and a collection of spirits.

CBD honey sticks

CBD edibles just keep coming. CBD honey sticks are an excellent way to keep your CBD levels up while enjoying the antibacterial benefits of honey. If you love snacking, this option provides you with a healthy alternative with many potential health benefits. Other edibles that make great snacks include CBD-infused dried fruits, protein bars and chewing gums.

Advantages of CBD Edibles over Other CBD Products

Getting your daily dose of CBD in edible form has multiple benefits compared to other CBD products. Here are a few reasons you might want to consider CBD edibles as your preferred method of taking CBD:

• They are tastier – CBD edibles are infused with delicious, tasty and fruity flavours that mask the earthy, nutty and bitter taste of CBD. They are perfect for CBD users who can’t stand the natural taste of CBD.
• Easy to use – Edibles are an excellent option for newbie CBD users. They are easy to take and come pre-dosed, saving you the trouble of calculating how much CBD you should take.
• Low potency – CBD edibles have lower CBD concentration. For beginners, this is a good thing because it allows you to observe how your body responds to the CBD, and you don’t have to worry about taking too much too soon.
• Perfect for beginners – CBD edibles can help you start your CBD journey on the right footing. They taste great, they are easy to use, and they are effective. There’s nothing more you could ask from a CBD product as a beginner.

What are CBD Edibles Good For?

CBD edibles are suitable for a variety of things. But the exact effects depend on the CBD edible you’re using. Some common conditions CBD users believe CBD edibles can help with include:

Anxiety management

Anxiety management is one of the reasons why people use CBD. Various studies have shown that CBD has the potential to ease anxiety and can work for conditions like Social Anxiety Disorder, Post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety-induced insomnia as well.

A study completed in 2011, focusing on people with SAD, showed participants given 400mg of CBD showed overall reduced anxiety levels within a month.

Improved sleep-wake cycle

A balanced sleep-wake cycle is critical to the normal function of the brain and clear thinking. Poor sleep patterns can be caused by mental health disorders like anxiety and PTSD, medications that might affect your sleep-wake cycle, caffeine, and environmental factors.

In cases where lack of sleep is caused by external factors, CBD can help to restore balance through the endocannabinoid system.

Most of the research regarding the impact of CBD on sleep is still in its infancy. But there have been a few eye-opening findings, one of them a study that was conducted in 2019 that looked at whether CBD could improve sleep or reduce anxiety. The study showed that among 72 subjects experiencing poor sleep for various reasons, 79.2% reported lower anxiety levels after taking 265mg of CBD each day for a month, and 66.7% had better sleep.

Inflammation

The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD have been extensively researched. In 2015 a review was published in Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Journal discussing the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD. The reviewers expressed that CBD helps to reduce inflammation through several pathways. Another study conducted in 2016 confirmed the same properties after observing the effects of CBD on pancreatic inflammation in diabetic mice.

Better digestive health

Because all CBD edibles have to go through the digestive system, they can help to battle inflammation and other common conditions within the digestive system. CBD is believed to help with conditions like swelling and bloating of the stomach and has often been associated with aiding with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

How to Use CBD Edibles

CBD edibles are among the easiest CBD products to use. They are meant to be prepared and consumed the same way you take food products.

For gummies, CBD snacks and honey sticks and other similar CBD edibles, you only need to chew and swallow after removing them from the packaging.

Some CBD drinks like tea and coffee require some preparation. But this isn’t any different from how you would prepare your usual cup of tea. For sodas, energy drinks and CBD water, you simply open the cap and enjoy.

When taking CBD edibles, it’s important to plan the servings ahead of time because the digestive process can take up to one hour. This means it could take more than an hour to start experiencing the CBD effects.

Keep your CBD edible consumption between one and two CBD edibles per day while starting out. You can adjust the intake after observing your body for a while.

How Do CBD Edibles Work?

CBD edibles work the same way as other CBD products. The only difference is in the mode of delivering CBD into the bloodstream.

Edibles have to go through the digestive system where the edible food part is broken down to release the CBD. The CBD is mixed with other nutrients inside the edibles and absorbed together into the bloodstream in the small intestines.

Once absorbed, the CBD works in conjunction with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS), which is found in all mammals. Although research indicates that CBD doesn’t bind to either the CB1 or CB2 receptors, it prevents the breakdown of endocannabinoids, which improves the efficiency of the ECS and increases the concentration of cannabinoids in the body.

Another unravelling finding from the years of research is that CBD potentially works with other non-cannabinoid receptors to influence the production of modulating hormones like serotonin and dopamine and also impact the transmission of chemical messages.

More research is required to understand how CBD functions to confer its effects fully. But initial reports are starting to paint an idea of some of the ways CBD edibles work inside the body.

Benefits of CBD Edibles

Each CBD product offers unique benefits to CBD users, and CBD edibles are not any different. They offer many unique benefits, such as:

Long-lasting relief

It may take a while for CBD effects to kick in when you take CBD edibles. But when you start feeling the effects, they last longer because, with edibles, the CBD is released gradually, allowing you to experience sustained effects longer.

Convenient use

You don’t need extra tools or knowledge to take CBD edibles. Most of them come pre-dosed and packaged ready to eat. You can carry them around and ingest them at your convenience, depending on your daily CBD dosage.

Pre-dosed

Calculating the proper dose for most CBD users is a challenging and, at times confusing experience. You can save yourself the trouble of calculating the right dosage by opting for CBD edibles because they come with a set dosage. The edibles have the same amount of CBD in the next bite or sip as the previous one.

Edibles are discreet

Some forms of CBD can be difficult to take in public. They raise curious looks and questions from onlookers. Because CBD edibles look like ordinary snacks, you can comfortably take them in public without the curious stares and questions.

Easy to make DIY edibles

You can easily make your CBD edibles at home. All you need is some CBD isolate or CBD oil and your favourite recipe, and you can start making your own CBD edibles at the comfort of your home.

Disadvantages of CBD Edibles

Some ingredients can be unhealthy

Adding CBD to anything you eat doesn’t make it healthy. If the edible has unhealthy ingredients, they still remain unhealthy even after adding CBD. Some candies and chocolates have fillers, not to mention they contain substantial amounts of sugar and preservatives, which are not healthy for the body.

Low bioavailability

CBD edibles have to go through the digestive process. The CBD is broken, and some of it is not absorbed. Because of the low bioavailability, you might need to take higher doses than usual to meet your daily CBD requirements.

The effects take longer to kick in

It can take up to an hour or more to start feeling the effects of CBD. It’s important to always consider this when taking CBD edibles and plan your intake in anticipation of the time the process of digestion requires.

Variable consumption

CBD edibles usually have low CBD concentrations. That means you need to take many pieces a day, especially if you require a high CBD intake. It’s best to save your CBD edibles as supplementary CBD sources and have a high concentration CBD product like CBD oil as your primary source of CBD.

How to Choose the Right Edibles for You

CBD edibles come in multiple forms. Sometimes, it can be hard to determine which one is perfect for you and will fit right in with your routine. Because experience is vital in CBD products, here are a few tips on picking the perfect CBD edible.

Go for your preference

One of the easiest ways to choose the right CBD edible is to pick something you already like. Many edibles are available, and new ones are regularly coming into the market. Finding something that works for you won’t be hard. For example, if you love gummies, then your preferred CBD edible would be the gummies.

Potency

Once you find an edible you like, the next step is finding it in the right CBD strength. The preference for CBD strength varies from person to person, so it’s critical that you first know how much CBD produces the right effects for you. If it’s your first time taking CBD products, it’s safer to use the lowest concentration you can find to give your body time to get used to the CBD.

If you’re an experienced CBD connoisseur, you’ve most likely already figured out the CBD concentration that works for you. If you can’t find an edible with that exact potency, you can pick one with something lower, but you would have to adjust how much you take to match your intake.

Method of delivery

Edibles come in the form of powders, oils, gummies, cookies and various other options. Some forms like CBD oils are more effective than others and can deliver more CBD in one serving. These are perfect for seasoned consumers with a high CBD appetite. New consumers might find edibles like cooking and gummies more preferable because of the experience they offer and the flavour.

Flavour

With CBD edibles, favour is a significant factor, especially among those that find the natural taste of CBD extracts distasteful. Luckily, with CBD edibles, you have tonnes of flavour to pick from. You have many options to choose from, so finding a flavour you’ll enjoy won’t be hard.

Tips on How to Get the Best Effects from Your CBD Edibles

CBD edibles are effective, although the onset of results might take longer. You can get even more out of the edibles by using a few tips that ensure you get better effects and experience. Here are a few tips and tricks you can use to maximise your CBD edibles effects and experience.

Buy full-spectrum CBD edibles

The quality of the effects you feel after taking CBD depends on the potency of the CBD extract used to make the CBD. There are three types of CBD extracts, and full-spectrum CBD is the most potent. Even with the same CBD concentration for every CBD extract, you’ll still get better and more intense effects from full-spectrum CBD.

Full spectrum CBD has more benefits because of its composition, which includes all the cannabinoids, terpenes, waxes, oil, nutritional supplements and flavonoids found in the hemp plant. It has the most potent entourage effect and is ideal for seasoned consumers.

Always take your CBD after a meal

CBD is not water-soluble, which makes it harder to absorb into the body. Without assistance, most of the CBD wouldn’t make it to the bloodstream. That’s why CBD oil is always mixed with a carrier oil that will make it easier to absorb CBD into the body. You can further increase the absorption rate by taking your CBD after meals. It’s even more helpful if these meals are fatty, like nuts, avocados or fish. Taking your CBD edible after a meal will also help reduce the wait time before you can feel the effects.

Take your CBD edibles at regular intervals

Just like medication, you need to take your CBD edibles at the same time. It creates predictability in your endocannabinoid system and ensures your body is ready to receive and process CBD at specific times. It also makes it easier for you to observe the effects and determine whether you need to increase or decrease your CBD intake.

Potential Side Effects of Consuming CBD Edibles

Most people enjoy various types of CBD edibles without any problems whatsoever. Manufacturers have mastered the art of infusing different kinds of CBD extracts into different edibles while ensuring they are safe and effective.

Nonetheless, there have been a few reported cases where consumers have experienced mild, temporary side effects from taking CBD edibles. These include:

• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Reduced appetite
• Dry mouth
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting

Most of these side effects are reported by new CBD consumers who’ve been a little too eager about their CBD experience and took too much CBD too soon. Not giving your body enough time to adjust to CBD can cause side effects.

Because CBD edibles comprise other ingredients, it is critical always to ensure the edibles you choose don’t have ingredients that you might be sensitive to. For instance, CBD cookies might contain gluten, which can cause various side effects in consumers, including fatigue, alternating constipation, bloating and diarrhoea.

If you’re on a diet, consider your diet limitations when choosing edibles to ensure they don’t set you back and fit within your calorie limits. You can get the nutritional details and calories on the packaging of most edibles.

Who Should Consume CBD Edibles?

There’s no limit to who can consume CBD edibles. The only requirement is that you’re of legal age in the UK to buy and consume CBD. Our range of CBD edibles is perfect for people from all walks of life and all genders.

However, we recommend extra caution among those with terminal illnesses or long-term medical conditions. We also caution those that want to start families or are breastfeeding. You should always consult a doctor before taking CBD edibles or any form of CBD. You should also consult a doctor if you’re on prescription medication to determine if the medication can interact with CBD, which could trigger some effects.

What to Consider When Buying CBD Edibles

Taking time to buy quality CBD edibles could save you a lot of trouble and diminish effects. There are several factors you should consider when purchasing CBD edibles, such as:

• Type of CBD – Not all CBD lovers are comfortable with taking full-spectrum CBD edibles. If you fall in this category, always check the label and ensure you’re buying CBD edibles made using your desired form of CBD.
• Concentration – CBD concentration is a crucial matter to consider for experienced CBD users and novices. You want to buy CBD products that are effective and can deliver the desired CBD quantity into your body. CBD edibles have the concentration indicated on the packaging, so this should be easy.
• Ingredients – Different types of CBD edibles feature various ingredients, some can trigger reactions like dairy products and gluten. Confirm the ingredients if you prefer vegan-friendly products, or you’re allergic to some commonly used ingredients.
• Third-party lab results – Some manufacturers post inaccurate information on their labels. The only way to be sure is to check if the manufacturer has lab reports detailing the products’ composition and contents.

CBD Edibles FAQs

Are CBD edibles safe?

CBD edibles are safe as long as you do your due diligence before making the purchase. You should only buy high-quality CBD products and ensure they don’t have any undesirable ingredients that you might be allergic to.

Do CBD edibles have THC?

Yes, CBD edibles made from full-spectrum CBD will have trace amounts of THC, limited to 0.2%. If you’re worried about testing positive on a drug test, you should try taking products made from broad-spectrum CBD or CBD isolate.

How many CBD edibles should I eat in 24 hours?

There’s no specific amount of CBD edibles to eat in 24 hours. The limit of edibles to eat is determined by your CBD intake requirements and the concentration of CBD in your selected edibles. If you’ve recently started taking CBD, you can start with 10 – 25mg CBD edibles taken twice a day. In the morning and evening.

How long do the edibles last?

The longevity of the edibles depends on how well you store them and also the type of edibles. Some like honey sticks have a long shelf life, while others like CBD milk might have a shorter shelf life. Always store your CBD products in a cool and dry place to help them last as long as possible. If you’re in doubt, check the packaging for the expiry date and storage instructions.

Can CBD edibles help you sleep?

Researchers believe CBD has calming and relaxing effects. It’s also possible that CBD interacts with serotonin receptors and dopamine to help in improving sleep-wake cycles and ensure better quality and deeper sleep.

Are CBD edibles for everyone?

CBD edibles are relatively safe. However, we recommend that you speak to your doctor before taking any CBD products, including CBD edibles.