As more states legalize cannabis, it’s safe to say that hemp and CBD products are having a moment. You can find CBD-infused beauty products, lotions, and creams to help with athletic recovery, tinctures, coffee, and of course edibles CBD.
Edibles come in many forms from cookies and brownies, to sour gummies, and even savory treats like BBQ sauce and popcorn.
What is the purpose of consuming CBD? Will it get you high? Why are so many people hopping on the CBD bandwagon? How could introducing CBD to your routine help improve your life?
If you are curious about CBD edibles but don’t know where to start, this guide can help you understand everything you need to know by answering a few common questions.
Will You Get High From CBD Edibles?
Cannabis is often associated with stoner movies like Pineapple Express.
You may be afraid that ingesting hemp products, like CBD candies or snacks will have you flying high. Don’t worry, CBD on its own will not get you high. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the chemical responsible for marijuana’s psychotropic effects.
When you shop for edibles, the dose of CBD will be listed on the front of the packaging.
Here, it will also list any trace amounts of THC. Industrial hemp has undetectable amounts of THC, less than .3%. If you are concerned about the potential psychotropic effects of cannabis edibles, look for brands that use industrial hemp in their products.
CBD can help you feel more at ease and relaxed, but it will not make you feel “high.”
How Can CBD Improve My Life?
CBD is proven to help fight inflammation responses in the body, support immune system health, and relieve symptoms of pain. People who may benefit from CBD supplements include those who:
- Suffer from chronic migraines
- Struggle with anti-inflammatory diseases
- Have difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Find themselves anxious
- Have muscle or body aches
- Feel pain in their joints from inflammation, like arthritis
- There have also been studies in which children who struggle with seizures have found relief through CBD.
Please note that although CBD can help with these symptoms most CBD products, including edibles, are not yet FDA-approved treatments. Scientists have only been studying the effects of cannabis on the human body for a few decades, and while the science may be new, it is very promising.
What Is the Science Behind CBD?
In the 1990s, scientists further researched the impact cannabis had on the body and discovered the endocannabinoid system. The system is compromised of receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids.
- Endocannabinoids are naturally occurring molecules in the human body that help the body maintain homeostasis or balance.
- Enzymes break down these molecules to ensure they can bind to the receptors.
- CB1 Receptors are primarily found in the central nervous system and help control coordination, appetite, and mood.
- CB2 Receptors function in the peripheral nervous system and impact the body’s response to pain and inflammation.
Cannabis products can help bring the body back into homeostasis by binding to these receptors as the naturally occurring endocannabinoids do. More research is being done on how CBD and THC can bind to these receptors and help treat conditions of chronic pain and inflammation.
Is CBD Legal?
The Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 legalized industrial hemp at the federal level, which made it an agricultural commodity and removed it from the list of controlled substances. Hemp products are now available nationwide.
By choosing industrial-grade hemp manufactured in the US with no detectable THC, it should be legal no matter where you live. THC, however, is not legal in every state. It is important to check your state’s jurisdiction before shopping for cannabis products.
How Do I Choose the Right Dose?
Finding the right CBD edible dosage can be tricky and will involve a bit of trial and error. Luckily, you cannot overdose on CBD. Most CBD edibles come at a very low dose of 25 mg, while most clinical studies use doses of 100-500mg.
That doesn’t mean you should jump right in and take five gummies at once to feel the positive effects of CBD.
Instead, start with a single gummy or chocolate and see how the dose feels after about an hour or two. Once your system has had time to digest you can titrate up if you wish to feel further relief.
You can improve the absorption of CBD into your bloodstream by enjoying your edible with a meal. Healthy fats like avocado or butter can increase absorption by up to 30%.
The science may still be new, but that doesn’t mean, you shouldn’t give CBD edibles a try. A daytime gummy with breakfast could help you fight off anxiety and improve focus. Or a nighttime gummy with your evening snack could improve your quality of sleep.