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What Are CBD Edibles? A Guide to the Tastiest Way to Relax

What Are CBD Edibles? A Guide to the Tastiest Way to Relax

CBD Edibles Explained

The CBD industry’s success has been astronomical. This is true in most parts of the world, but CBD has especially exploded in the United States. In November of 2018, the federal government removed industrial hemp from the Schedule I Substances list. As a result, CBD is everywhere and you can’t get away from hearing about it! 

The CBD edibles space is also seeing monumental growth. Ingestible CBD has hit the market in many forms including CBD chocolate, oils, gummies,, drinks, and more! According to Data Bridge Market Research, the CBD edibles industry alone is predicted to be worth $51.60 million in 2027.

What’s the draw to CBD edibles specifically? 


First, what is CBD?

Before we talk about CBD intake, let’s first talk about CBD itself. CBD is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, but it doesn’t create the psychoactive effect that marijuana does. THC is the cannabinoid responsible for making people high, and hemp-derived CBD products don’t have enough THC to do that. Like medical marijuana, CBD shows promising therapeutic value. So, why do the two cannabinoids work differently then? Because of the way they interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. 

The endocannabinoid system is a bodily system all mammals have, including people. This system has two different kinds of receptors, CB1 and CB2, and these receptors interact with cannabinoids. That’s how the cannabis plant works with our bodies! THC tends to target the CB1 receptors, and CBD doesn’t target a specific receptor - but works with our body in other awesome ways. 

Once manufacturers extract CBD from the hemp plant, it’s then made into a product consumers can purchase. CBD gummies, oil, vape products, and skincare products are just a few of the things that can be made with CBD. The CBD market has grown so quickly, in part, because of its versatility. 


    What are CBD edibles?

    CBD edibles are consumable goods with CBD in them. The best edibles will always infuse their product with CBD, and not just spray it on top. 

    To be perfectly clear, Toast edible products are currently hemp-derived CBD edibles. Some CBD edibles might have a 1:1 or other ratio of CBD combined with THC, but we’re not talking about those. Hemp-derived CBD edibles are able to be purchased across the United States, and don’t require a medical card or access to marijuana.  

    Guide: Why Take CBD Ingestibles

    The CBD edibles business is a convenient one. Here’s why consumers can’t get enough of them: 

    1. They come pre-measured; no dosing involved! 
    2. You don’t need to smoke them.
    3. CBD edibles are portable. 
    4. You won’t get high consuming them. 
    5. You can be discrete consuming CBD edibles.
    6. CBD edibles are federally legal across the U.S. and in other parts of the world.
    7. The effects from CBD edibles are longer-lasting than smoking and vaping. 
    8. Most importantly, they’re delicious!


    Which CBD edible is best for me? 

    The most important part of choosing a CBD edible is ensuring you get what you’re paying for. CBD isn’t cheap for many different reasons. If you’re spending your hard earned money, make absolutely sure you’re getting your money’s worth. 

    It’s easy to determine how much CBD is in your edible when a third-party Certification of Analysis (COA) is available. COAs are important because they tell you what’s really underneath the label. 

    Third-party COAs are vital because they aren’t biased. Many CBD companies will test their products in-house, which is great! But in the interest of the consumer, there needs to be an independent party verifying the company’s claims, too. 

    It’s not uncommon for the cannabinoid content to be off by roughly 10% from what the company’s label says. There are plenty of understandable reasons why this would be the case, such as different equipment reading slightly cannabinoid content levels differently. Here’s a few things to look for in a COA:

    • Make sure full-spectrum CBD products have a diverse cannabinoid profile, and contain some THC!
    • It’s best that the lab-to-label result isn't off by more than 10%.
    • Confirm there’s no pesticide residue (purchasing a USDA Certified Organic CBD oil can prevent that!)

    Pick a CBD edible with high-quality ingredients

    Of course, like other consumables, the ingredients matter. CBD is about wellness, through and through. 

    Processed sugar, cheap filler ingredients from low quality sources doesn’t contribute to your wellness journey. Look for a CBD edible with high-quality ingredients, and even alternative sugars like Toast Chocolate Supplements. Processed sugar has been associated with obesity, diabetes, and other conditions, but it's easy for companies to just throw some sugar on top and call it a day. 

    A resource from Harvard University says, “In a study published in 2014 in JAMA Internal Medicine, Dr. Hu and his colleagues found an association between a high-sugar diet and a greater risk of dying from heart disease. Over the course of the 15-year study, people who got 17% to 21% of their calories from added sugar had a 38% higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease compared with those who consumed 8% of their calories as added sugar.”

    There’s plenty of vegan CBD edibles options, too, so don’t let your lifestyle stop you from getting a great product!

    Choosing a CBD edible extract

    You’ll need to choose the kind of formula you want for your CBD edible, like you would with other CBD products. There are traditionally three different kinds of extracts to choose from, and which one you choose depends on what affects you’re seeking. 

    • CBD Isolate
      CBD isolate is a form of CBD, but it does not contain any THC at all. Most other CBD products, like full spectrum products, contain at least a small percentage of THC. It is used in many forms of treatment, and can be used by people that may not want to consume THC. However as research emerges, we are learning more and more that our bodies truly respond best to the whole plant - just as it is!

      The Entourage Effect is a fairly new concept that has been getting a lot of attention recently, and for good reason. The Entourage Effect is the idea that cannabinoids work better together, instead of isolated and taken alone.

    • Broad Spectrum CBD
      Broad-spectrum extracts contain more of a cannabinoid profile than CBD isolates, but they still don’t contain THC. They also may not contain a potent terpene and flavonoid profile, which is crucial to the full CBD experience.

    • Full-Spectrum CBD
      Which brings us to full-spectrum CBD products! Full-spectrum CBD contains trace amounts of THC, less than 0.3%. For context: marijuana strains typically test out at 23-27% THC, going up to even 30%. Less than 1% of THC won’t make you high, but it will contribute to your health and endocannabinoid system.

      Additionally, it’s thought we might lose some of the CBD edible’s cannabinoids through the digestive process. A full-spectrum formula might give you a better chance of retaining more cannabinoids, since there are more in the product. 

    If quality is your top priority, you need Toast. The CBD edibles are formulated with our USDA Certified Organic CBD oil, one of the few on the market certified as organic. Find the CBD-infused chocolate crafted with premium ingredients like organic agave, organic cacao butter, and organic coconut oil, or infuse your own treats like this recipe for homemade Almond Butter Cups or in delicious cocktails.  

    CBD edibles work differently for everyone, and we always encourage conversations with a cannabis-educated physician that knows your medical history before proceeding. It’s also important to determine which method of consumption is right for you before you spend money on CBD.

     

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