What Are CBD-Infused Edibles?

 CBD edibles are a convenient way of consuming cannabis. They include capsules, gummies, and other products designed for oral ingestion. This article discusses CBD-infused edibles, their benefits, their side effects, and how to purchase them. 

Cannabidiol has gained massive popularity in recent years. Although research is still ongoing regarding their effectiveness, they are widely used for various health and therapeutic benefits. The cannabis derivative has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties for pain relief. It can be infused in various products, including tinctures, vapes, topicals, and edibles. The edibles take time to digest and absorb in the bloodstream; they must be gut-processed. CBD edibles are not regulated by the Medicines and Health Research Institute (MHRI), making it important to purchase high-quality edibles to minimize risks.

Understanding CBD: What is it?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is an organic chemical compound obtained from hemp. It is among a group of hundreds of other chemical compounds known as cannabinoids, which include CBC (cannabichromene), CBN (cannabinol), and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Furthermore, CBD is non-psychoactive and thus would not cause any psychoactive effects. 

CBD also contains other vital chemical compounds that enhance its efficacy. Terpenes are naturally occurring chemical compounds responsible for a plant’s unique scent. Some scientists suggest it has anti-inflammatory properties that alleviate arthritis pains, muscle aches, and inflammation. 

What are CBD-infused edibles?

 CBD-infused edibles are ingestibles substances infused with Cannabidiol oil. They include capsules, gummies, and any other snack or food infused with CBD. 

The gummies are chewy edibles infused with an exact amount of cannabis oil. Therefore, you will not need to calculate your preferred dosage, although switching your dose might prove to be an uphill task. They are preferred for their flavors which mask the earthy taste of cannabis. 

Cannabidiol-infused capsules are pill-like substances with a gelatin outer casing. They contain precise amounts of cannabis-derived oil and disguise the earthy taste of CBD. However, the capsules have no distinct taste. 

Cannabis-infused edibles come in three spectrums; broad, full and isolate spectrum. The Broad-spectrum edibles contain cannabinoids, except THC. On the other hand, full-spectrum CBD edibles contain low amounts of THC (below 0.2% in the UK), which are insufficient to cause any psychoactive effects. They also contain other cannabinoids, such as CBG and CBC, which enhance CBD’s therapeutic properties. In contrast, isolate CBD edibles only contain Cannabidiol as the primary chemical compound; all other chemical compounds are extracted from the spectrum to make it pure.

Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum edibles exhibit the entourage effect since the chemical compounds in hemp work in synergy to enhance their therapeutic effects. 

How Do CBD Edibles Work?

CBD edibles have a lower bioavailability since they are gut processed before being absorbed into the bloodstream. However, they remain in the system for 3-6 hours, making them effective in the long run. 

CBD edibles interact with the endocannabinoid system, a complex system that ensures physiological processes such as breathing and digestion occur in a homeostatic state. The ECS comprises receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymes that interact with CBD differently. For example, it binds indirectly with CB2 receptors abundant in the peripheral nervous system, leading to the transmission of impulses that alleviate inflammation and pain. The cannabis derivative also blocks the effects of CB1 receptors, which cause a euphoric effect when activated directly.

In addition, cannabis edibles alleviate stress and anxiety; they facilitate the action of serotonin, a hormone that alleviates high stress and anxiety levels. The cannabis derivative also reduces insomnia and improves sleep quality.

How Long Before CBD Edibles Start Working?

 CBD edibles may take about an hour to kick in, although this duration often varies from person to person. The edibles go through digestion which delays their manifestation in the brain. The edibles have a c lower bioavailability; the cannabis edibles lose several nutrients when they go through digestion. The following factors affect the duration they take to manifest. 

Dosage Consumed

A higher CBD dosage requires more time to break down. However, it is important to consult your doctor. The dosage will depend on your age, weight, and frequency of use. 

Metabolism

Consuming CBD edibles on an empty stomach may increase their absorption; an empty gut is not preoccupied with digesting other food substances. Furthermore, edibles are absorbed faster if you have a higher metabolism.

Medical Benefits of CBD Edibles

According to di Giacomo et al. (2020), CBD edibles have anti-oxidant properties that prevent oxidative stress in the muscles and tissues. Wang et al. (2020) stated that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that alleviate muscle aches, inflammation, and joint pains. On their part, Elanne et al. (2020) observed that edibles have anti-emetic properties that improve stomach health.

Spinella et al. (2021) stated that CBD edibles improve heart health and reduce high blood pressure. However, more research is needed to determine this claim.

Khalsa et al. (2021) stated that CBD edibles have anti-anxiety properties that relieve stress and anxiety. 

Possible Side Effects of CBD Edibles

Although CBD edibles are tolerable, they may cause diarrhea, fatigue, and changes in weight and appetite. However, these side effects are often caused by CBD edibles infused with harmful inorganic substances, such as molds, pesticides, and heavy metals. 

Difference between CBD Edibles and CBD Oil

Cannabis-infused edibles and oil are oral, although they vary in multiple ways; the oil is administered under the tongue using a dropper, making it have a higher bioavailability; it kicks in quickly since it is not gut-processed. In contrast, edibles take longer to kick in because they must be swallowed and processed by the gut.

How to Purchase the Right CBD Edibles

Confirm the extraction method. Butane Hash Oil extraction is less preferred since it interferes with the purity and potency of the hemp extract. Therefore, purchase CD edibles obtained through CO₂extraction since it maintains the product’s potency and purity. Users should also ensure the following;

• The product has undergone thorough third-party testing.
• Read the customer reviews to get more insight into the product ratings
• The product is obtained from locally grown hemp, which is grown under strictly organic farming techniques.

Summary

CBD-infused edibles are substances that can be ingested orally. They include capsules, gummies, snacks, and other ingestible substances infused with a precise amount of CBD oil. CBD gummies are popular because of their delicious taste. Also, the edibles have anti-inflammatory properties that alleviate inflammation and anti-anxiety properties that reduce stress and anxiety. While purchasing the edibles, consider the customer reviews, extraction method, and hemp source. Users should seek medical advice on the right CBD dosage to avoid overdosing. 

References

di Giacomo, V., Chiavaroli, A., Recinella, L., Orlando, G., Cataldi, A., Rapino, M., ... & Ferrante, C. (2020). Antioxidant and neuroprotective effects induced by cannabidiol and cannabigerol in rat CTX-TNA2 astrocytes and isolated cortexes. International journal of molecular sciences, 21(10), 3575.

Elanne, C. G., Adriana, I. T. D. O., Juliana, F. M. D. S., & Raphael, S. P. (2020). Biological properties and therapeutic applications of cannabidiol. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 14(6), 283-291.

Khalsa, J. H., Bunt, G., Maggirwar, S. B., & Kottilil, S. (2021). COVID-19 and cannabidiol (CBD). Journal of Addiction Medicine, 15(5), 355.

Spinella, T. C., Stewart, S. H., Naugler, J., Yakovenko, I., & Barrett, S. P. (2021). Evaluating cannabidiol (CBD) expectancy effects on acute stress and anxiety in healthy adults: a randomized crossover study. Psychopharmacology, 238(7), 1965-1977.

Wang, B., Kovalchuk, A., Li, D., Ilnytskyy, Y., Kovalchuk, I., & Kovalchuk, O. (2020). In search of preventative strategies: novel anti-inflammatory high-CBD cannabis sativa extracts modulate ACE2 expression in COVID-19 gateway tissues.