A few years ago, it was extremely difficult to purchase cannabidiol products in any form. Then, CBD oil gained mainstream attention. A quite remarkable list of options quickly followed it. Today, CBD users are spoiled for choice. They can eat the cannabinoid, drink it, smoke it, vape it, or rub it into their skin.
Although oil remains the most popular product, edible CBD is closing the gap. It is heralded as a convenient way to consume the cannabinoid. It also possesses several advantages over its oily counterpart. Let’s check them out.
What Are CBD Edibles?
As the name implies, edible CBD relates to cannabidiol products you can eat. This ingestible form of CBD is available via a vast array of choices. There are CBD gummies, cookies, candies, chocolates, and much more.
One disadvantage of CBD edibles is the relatively low bioavailability rate. This is the percentage of the cannabinoid that makes it to your bloodstream. For example, if you injected CBD intravenously (into the veins), the bioavailability would be 100%.
Most research suggests that vaporized cannabidiol offers the highest absorption rate at up to 56%. CBD oil is administered sublingually, which means you hold it beneath the tongue before swallowing. This form of consumption has a bioavailability of up to 35%.
However, the rate is much lower for CBD products that are ingested. According to a study published in Chemistry & Biodiversity in 2009, the absorption rate is between 4% and 20%. Even in the best-case scenario, only 20mg of every 100mg of CBD edibles you consume makes it to the bloodstream.
With this in mind, why would consumers opt for edible CBD? Actually, there are quite a few reasons.
CBD Edibles Offer Longer-Lasting Effects
Vaporization offers the best absorption rate outside of injecting CBD into your veins! While its effects take hold almost immediately, they only last a few minutes. Generally, you need to continually take a few puffs to derive maximum benefits.
CBD edibles can take anywhere from 30 to 120 minutes to affect. However, you can still feel the benefits for several hours after first feeling them. With edible CBD products, the cannabinoid is combined with other products. As the food is digested, the CBD gets released slowly.
The duration of the benefits, and the time taken for them to manifest, depends on several factors. These include the strength of the edible, your metabolism, and the last time you ate. If you want faster effects, consume edible CBD on an empty stomach.
CBD Edibles Don’t Damage the Lungs
Not many people smoke CBD flower, but a growing number of individuals use a vaporizer. In general, purchasing CBD vape oil from a reputable brand shouldn’t pose a problem. However, less trustworthy companies may include harmful ingredients in their thinning agents.
Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is one of the worst. One study published in the Journal of Alternative Complementary Medicine in 2017 investigated the compounds produced by vaporizing cannabis oil thinning agents.
They heated four thinning agents: PG, VG, PEG 400, and MCT to a temperature of 446 degrees Fahrenheit (230 degrees Celsius). Then they tested the vapors for acrolein, acetaldehyde, and formaldehyde. The researchers tested each agent three times.
They found that PEG 400 produced high levels of acetaldehyde and formaldehyde when heated to the temperature mentioned above. This is extremely concerning as both substances are known carcinogens.
There are no such concerns associated with edible CBD products.
CBD Edibles Are Convenient & Tasty
You can bring a container of CBD edibles anywhere you go. It is possible to enjoy a CBD gummy or piece of chocolate without drawing any attention to yourself. Pop the edible in your mouth and enjoy!
Also, not every user likes the bitter taste of hemp. Yes, there are flavored CBD oils, but their texture can also cause an issue. If you don’t want to consume a CBD tincture, an edible is a fine substitute. This is especially the case because they taste amazing.
Edible CBD products are also easy to dose, as long as the label is accurate. Make sure the product has the results of independent third-party lab testing. You know that there is 10mg, 25mg, or 50mg in a gummy in this scenario, for example. As a result, you are aware of how much cannabidiol you use each day.
Final Thoughts on the Advantages of Using CBD Edibles
If you don’t like the taste or texture of a tincture, try edible CBD instead. A CBD gummy or piece of chocolate is discreet, easy to use, and tastes fantastic. Best of all, it is easy to find CBD edibles online if there are no shops near you. Check out the PureKana collection of edibles. It includes CBD gummies, honey sticks, beverage enhancers, and much more.