As cannabidiol (CBD) becomes more and more popular, there is one particular CBD product that seems to come to the forefront of CBD’s popularity. That would be edibles. But how do people decide on what CBD edible for them? Well, here is a guide to help you with your shopping.
A quick overview of CBD
It is best to know what CBD is when you are looking at any CBD product. After all, you are going to want to see what you are buying. So, here is a brief definition of this compound.
CBD is one of over 113 different kinds of chemical compounds found in cannabis plants. These compounds are classified as cannabinoids. As mentioned, there are many of them out there, but it is unlikely that CBD is the only one you have heard of. The most famous cannabinoid is called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
THC’s fame is a result of how it affects those you use it. THC is what is known as psychoactive. That means that it creates the inebriation that is more commonly referred to as a high. It is a fairly common mistake to believe that all cannabinoids, including CBD, are psychoactive. However, they are not. THC is one of only a few of psychoactive cannabinoids. CBD is not a member of that group. It does not create any inebriation or high.
You may be wondering about CBD’s legal status. After all, it is found in cannabis plants, which are often illegal. However, this should not be a concern. CBD is usually extracted from hemp rather than marijuana. As of 2018 CBD obtained from industrial hemp became federally legal in the United States. This is because of that year’s Farm Bill which legalized hemp for growth and sale across the country (with restrictions in individual states). Hemp’s legalization is based mainly on the fact that hemp has very low levels of THC (less than 0.3%). So low that it cannot get its users high. This is different from marijuana because marijuana has very high THC levels, which is why it is still federally illegal but has been legalized on some level in a handful of states.
What kinds of CBD edibles are there?
If you are interested in CBD edibles but are new to them, it is understandable to want to have an idea of what you are looking for before you go buying. So, let’s talk about what some of the options that you have are when it comes to purchasing CBD.
The main thing to know is how you feel about the flavor of hemp. There is a chance you already know how you feel about it, as it is a very distinctive flavor. Some enjoy the earthy flavor of CBD, some do not mind one way or another, and others despise it. While most of the food that CBD edibles are made into has flavors strong enough to cover the taste of hemp, there are still some that allow the flavor to come through. This is also affected by what kind of CBD extract the edible is made out of. CBD edibles made with full or broad-spectrum CBD extracts are more likely to have the hemp flavor. This is because these extracts still have cannabinoids known as terpenes, they are what give hemp its flavor. CBD isolate is going to lack the flavor, as this extract is only CBD, which lacks a natural flavor.
Once you figure that aspect out, then you need to decide what food you want your edible to come in. You can find CBD edibles in just about any form. There are CBD bread, drinks, cookies, and gummies. So, pick your favorite food, and you will likely be able to get a dose of CBD in it.
How much CBD is enough for me?
This is an excellent question to ask about any new dietary supplement you may be taking. However, there is no solid answer for this. Everyone has slightly different reactions to CBD, and as of yet, there is no set formula for people to follow to find the right amount of cannabinoid for them. So, it takes some testing of your own to find out how much CBD you need. But before we can talk about the right way to do that, we need to talk about what may happen if you take too much.
CBD is generally considered safe for most people. However, that does not mean that it is without harmful side effects. These usually include things like gastrointestinal upset and mild nausea, among other things. These side effects are more often associated with taking too much of the cannabinoid. As a result, they tend to be pretty easy to avoid for most people as long as they know how much they need. So, how do you go about finding that out?
The best way to find out the right amount of CBD for you is by doing it slowly and carefully. Start the smallest amount possible with edibles that maybe just half of a serving. Then wait a little while to see how the CBD sits with you. Remember that edibles do take a little while to start working, as the food needs to digest before the CBD can enter your system. If an hour or so passes with no adverse side effects, but no positive ones either, you can try taking a little more. Once you find the lowest amount that gives you the impact you are looking for without any adverse side effects, you know you have found the right amount of CBD for you.
It is vital to know that CBD and certain medications do not work well together. There are some medications that either do not work as well or stop working entirely when mixed with CBD. If you are interested in starting to use CBD but are taking medications, be sure first to discuss it with a healthcare professional.
Hopefully, this blog has given you a better idea of what to look for when shopping for a CBD edible. Of course, it could help experiment, try a few different kinds of edibles, and see which one you like best. There are many options out there; there are bound to be more than a few that could be perfect for you.
