With the accelerating rate of cannabis legalization in the United States, the breadth of CBD offerings has increased dramatically. In the last few years, CBD edibles have quickly become one of the most popular products on dispensary and smoke shop shelves. With the sheer number of CBD edible products on the market, it’s important to understand just what they are, how they’re made, and what to look for when buying them. We’ll dive into their production process, the benefits of CBD edibles, what to look for when purchasing them, dosages, and other considerations.

What is a CBD edible?

Like all hemp and cannabis based baked goods, CBD edibles are defined as any food product that is infused with CBD. They serve as a convenient and delicious alternative to traditional consumption methods, such as smoking or CBD oil tinctures. Additionally, they serve as an excellent way for discrete medication.These products can include the ever popular baked goods, increasingly popular CBD gummies, and CBD drinks. CBD edibles can contain a wide range of chemical profiles, such as full-spectrum or isolate

How are edibles made?

Like most types of CBD products, they come from three types of CBD/hemp extract: broad spectrum, full spectrum, and isolate. CBD Isolate consists of nothing but CBD; no additional minor cannabinoids, terpenes, or chemicals. Broad spectrum extracts include CBD, minor cannabinoids and terpenes, but with zero THC. Full-spectrum contains everything the hemp plant has to offer; CBD, terpenes, cannabinoids, and trace amounts of THC (>0.3% as per the 2018 Farm Bill). Recently, full spectrum products have become increasingly popular due to the synergistic effects of the full spectrum of cannabinoids.

Edibles are produced by introducing the chosen extract from the hemp plant into the food during its production process. This allows the CBD and the rest of the chemical profile to disperse evenly into edibles, providing a balanced and consistent dosage. This process can vary for different forms of edibles, such as baked goods or gummies.

What are the differences compared to other forms of consumption? (edibles vs smoking)

The most obvious difference between CBD edibles and other forms of consumption is the way they’re consumed. CBD edibles often provide a convenient, delicious alternative to the sometimes off putting texture of oils and doesn’t require combustion the way smoking does. CBD edibles provide a more discrete medication alternative, making it much easier to use in a crowded environment or in public. 

Additionally, the duration of CBD edibles compared to tinctures or smoking is significantly longer. It can often take an hour for the CBD to take effect. Though slower for the body to process, CBD edibles tend to provide effects for 6 or more hours. As such, they provide an extremely efficient way of medicating for an extended period of time. However, there are a number of factors that can affect onset time and duration, chief among them being weight, metabolism, and tolerance.

Finally, the effects of CBD edibles can be markedly different from other forms. Due to the unique way the body processes chemicals through the digestive system, CBD edibles may provide different levels of relief and general health benefits compared to tinctures or smoking. As such, the mantra of start slow, be patient is just as important.

What should you look for when buying CBD edibles?

The most important thing to keep in mind is: always read the label. Recently, the proliferation of more affordable forms of CBD and CBD edibles have allowed for unscrupulous products to reach the market. Look for products that clearly list the cannabinoid profile on the label, the amount of CBD per serving, and the total amount of CBD per product. 

Additionally, look for a company that values transparency. They should be clear about where the hemp used in their CBD edibles is derived from and their production processes. All reputable manufacturers are transparent about their products and answer your questions without pushing you for a purchase.

Finally, look for verified third party lab reports. An unbiased third party analysis of the products helps ensure that it is devoid of fillers, questionable substance, and contains exactly what it advertised. Lab results are typically sorted by date. If that’s the case, always look for the most recent set of results. Here at Primary Jane, we are proud to report detailed lab results with 100% transparency.

Dosage details for edibles

There are a few key factors to keep in mind when considering dosage for CBD edibles. First, many people can react many different ways to the same dosage. Just because you and someone else both weigh 185 lbs doesn’t necessarily mean that you should both be consuming the same amount of CBD. Most importantly, start slow and be patient. Especially when it comes to CBD edibles, it may take longer to feel the effect as they are both slower acting and longer lasting. More isn’t always better, and it’s best to slowly increase dosage until you find the desired effect. If you have consumed a CBD edible or any form of CBD, it is best that you wait at least 24 hours before taking more. As you grow accustomed to the way CBD affects you, it becomes possible to test dosages and find what works best for you. 

Understand that, to date, the FDA has not approved any sort of dosage regulations or recommendations for CBD. Common practices recommend starting with 20-25mg daily, and increase as only after waiting at least 24 hours.. Frequently, those who experience chronic conditions will use more.

The Bottom Line about CBD Edibles

For many Americans, CBD edibles are becoming an increasingly popular way to use CBD. The enjoyable experience, ease of use, and discretion has become an increasingly attractive proposition. Coupled with the extended length of effects reported, CBD edibles are an excellent way of getting your CBD with convenience. When shopping for CBD edibles, always search for reputable products and manufacturers as well as third party lab results you can trust.