How Do CBD Edibles Affect You?

CBD edibles have multiple health and therapeutic effects, including but not limited to pain relief, anxiety treatment, and sleeplessness suppression. This article explains how CBD gummies affect the user and highlights how to get the best quality. 

CBD edibles are one of the most marketed cannabis products. They come in different forms and concentrations. However, in every person, cannabis products work in the same way. This article explains how CBD edibles work in the body and what they make one feel. It also lists the side effects edibles can have and the benefits. 

What You Need To Know About CBD Edibles

CBD edibles are food, drinks, or snacks infused with Cannabidiol. Cannabidiol refers to one of the chemicals found in the cannabis sativa plant. Other cannabis compounds include terpenes, tetrahydrocannabinol, THC, and flavonoids. Both hemp and marijuana plants contain CBD. The cannabis derivative has been accepted in medicine for pain management and neurodegenerative conditions. It has anti-inflammatory, antiemetic, anxiolytic, and laxative properties used to treat pain, inflammation, and other conditions. Cannabidiol also helps users with sleep, anxiety, and related issues. There is a rise in CBD products such as skincare and edibles.

How CBD Edibles Work in the Body 

Martinu et al. (2018) explained that cannabis products interact with the endocannabinoid system, ECS, a complex network of nerves comprised of receptors, neurotransmitters, and enzymes. The ECS is responsible for maintaining normal functioning and communication between body organs. The cannabis derivative supports the ECS to maintain equilibrium. The system affects other systems through receptors called CB1 and CB2. Hryhorowicz et al. (2021) mentioned that Cannabidiol interacts indirectly with the ECS's endocannabinoids to produce more cannabinoids that generate the desired effects. Lowe et al. (2021) explained that a deficit in endocannabinoids is linked to imbalances in various organs, which can result in various health issues. Homeostasis can be restored when more cannabinoids are moving around in the body. The user may, as a result, enjoy a variety of favorable outcomes, including mental clarity, improved regeneration, improved stress management, less sensitivity to physical discomfort, and many more. The edibles must go through the digestive system and the liver for metabolism before entering the bloodstream. Factors such as metabolism rate, frequency of use, and amount of use affect how much and fast CBD enters the bloodstream. 

Hemp or Marijuana CBD Edibles

CBD can be extracted from both hemp and marijuana plants. In the UK, hemp-derived products are legal as long as they contain 1mg of THC per unit. Cannabidiol derived from hemp does not make one high since they have less THC. In contrast, marijuana-infused CBD contains THC. Depending on the amount of THC in marijuana in a product, the users may develop psychoactive behavior. Hemp is the only source of CBD legal in the UK and allowed into products like edibles. 

CBD Edibles Concentration 

CBD products are available as full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate. These concentrations work differently and affect how the body processes Cannabidiol. The effects include: 

Full-spectrum CBD Edibles

Full-spectrum Cannabidiol-infused products contain all the compounds in the hemp plant, including terpenes and traces of THC. The cannabinoids have an extra effect by working in synergy with CBD to dispense more benefits. Full-spectrum edibles have the strongest effects compared to other concentrations. 

Broad-spectrum CBD Edibles

Edibles labeled 'broad-spectrum' contains similar compounds to the full spectrum products, albeit without the psychoactive THC. The broad-spectrum edibles offer an ideal choice for someone who wants to benefit from other cannabinoids but does not want THC. 

Isolate CBD Edibles

Isolate CBD edibles are also THC free. On top of that, it has all the other compounds removed, leaving pure CBD. Isolate products are mostly used by people who want the mild effects of cannabis without other cannabinoids. 

Side Effects of CBD Edibles

Many people tolerate CBD well, although it may have some side effects. Holden et al. (2022) opined that large doses of CBD could have a few side effects. A dry mouth after using CBD is common, which can cause discomfort. Keeping oneself dehydrated can help. People also experience different reactions when taking low doses or high doses. These include; dizziness and drowsiness, which might not be the desired effect when one wants to be active during the day. Cannabidiol affects people differently; therefore, one needs to give it time to understand its effects. 

Frequently Asked Questions about CBD Edibles

Can I Take CBD Edibles While on Other Medications

Balachandran, Elsohly& Hill (2021) explained that CBD had been known to interfere with how other medications work in the body. It is important to seek your doctor's advice before using CBD while on other medications. 

How Long for CBD Edibles To Kick in?

Edibles take 30 to 90 minutes to have effects. The duration is a function of multiple factors, including but not limited to the processes involved in digestion. Before entering the bloodstream, the cannabis derivative is gut-processed and metabolized through the liver. Other methods, such as vaping and sublingual, have faster effects. 

How Many CBD Gummies Should I Take?

There is no universal dosage for cannabis-infused edibles; users react differently. It is, however, advised to start with a small amount and give it time to take effect before taking more. The concentration of the cannabis-infused edible also determines its effects on the body. 

Conclusion

CBD edibles affect individuals differently depending on the type, amount, and frequency. The effects occur through its interactions with the endocannabinoid system, which helps maintain balance. The cannabis derivative enhances the production of cannabinoids to improve the effectiveness of ECS. While the cannabis derivative provides multiple health and therapeutic benefits, it could have some side effects if used excessively; low-quality products may also result in adverse effects. Users should buy high-quality products to get the desired effects.

References

Balachandran, P., Elsohly, M., & Hill, K. P. (2021). Cannabidiol interactions with medications, illicit substances, and alcohol: a comprehensive review. Journal of general internal medicine, 36(7), 2074-2084.

Holden, S. K., Domen, C. H., Sillau, S., Liu, Y., &Leehey, M. A. (2022). Higher Risk, Higher Reward? Self‐Reported Effects of Real‐World Cannabis Use in Parkinson's Disease. Movement disorders clinical practice, 9(3), 340-350.

Hryhorowicz, S., Kaczmarek-Ryś, M., Zielińska, A., Scott, R. J., Słomski, R., &Pławski, A. (2021). Endocannabinoid System as a Promising Therapeutic Target in Inflammatory Bowel Disease–A Systematic Review. Frontiers in Immunology, 12.

Lowe, H., Toyang, N., Steele, B., Bryant, J., &Ngwa, W. (2021). The endocannabinoid system: A potential target for the treatment of various diseases. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(17), 9472.

Mastinu, A., Premoli, M., Ferrari-Toninelli, G., Tambaro, S., Maccarinelli, G., Memo, M., &Bonini, S. A. (2018). Cannabinoids in health and disease: Pharmacological potential in metabolic syndrome and neuroinflammation. Hormone molecular biology and clinical investigation, 36(2).