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CBD-Infused Food: Healthy Or Not?

by · August 31, 2021

Foods laced with CBD are increasingly becoming popular, from chewable gummies to tinctures and many other food options in-between.

That’s not hard to understand, considering eating CBD-infused food offers a more convenient way to ingest cannabis. Plus, now that cannabidiol is no longer outlawed in many parts of the world, the market has seen a sharp rise in several cannabis products.

However, there are concerns about adding CBD to food. Is it healthy to consume such foods? Is it even legal? What does science say about CBD? It’s okay if you have these concerns. After all, you shouldn’t do something just because everyone around you is doing it.

This post will answer these questions and highlight some of the advantages of consuming CBD-infused foods.

What’s the Difference Between Cannabis, CBD, THC, Hemp, Marijuana?

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Many people are not clear on what CBD is, especially many newbies. You, however, need a good understanding of CBD alongside the research to decide if it is safe to consume.

First of all, there are two main types of cannabis:  Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica. Hemp is derived from Cannabis Sativa only and has nearly zero THC.

On the other hand, marijuana can come from both Sativa and Indica. Marijuana contains THC – the psychotropic chemical that results in a high.

Hemp-derived CBD should not contain more than 0.3% THC, or else it is considered illegal under federal law. For example, sativa gummieshave less than 0.3% THC, making them legal for consumption.

Can CBD-Infused Food Make You High?

CBD does not have psychoactive properties and does not produce an intoxicating effect that alters behavior, perception, or cognition. Consuming foods laced with CBD won’t make you high.

Tetrahydrocannabinol(THC) is a chemical compound in marijuana that produces euphoria. CBD is synthesized from hemp plants that have only a negligible amount of THC.

In a nutshell, CBD is the main active ingredient in hemp, and it has been anecdotally credited with relieving pain, insomnia, and anxiety, among other benefits.

While CBD won’t make you high, it is crucial to note that people are different and react differently to these foods. Also, you may want to start with baby steps since there is typically no dosing guideline. This is particularly true if you are new to consuming CBD-laced products.

Consider trying out small amounts of CBD-infused food and waiting for about 30 minutes to an hour to see how your body reacts to it. You don’t want surprises, so take it easy.

What Does Science Say About CBD?

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CBD edibles on the counter might be very tempting, but your logic tells you to be sure before reaching for it. For many people out there who desire to know what science says about hemp-derived CBD apart from not containing enough THC, here is the answer.

A 2018 Critical Review Report from the World Health Organization indicates that CBD has a good safety profile and is generally well tolerated. There is no evidence showing any outbreak of health-related issues linked with the use of pure cannabidiol (CBD).

Benefits of CBD-Infused Food

Foods laced with CBD can bring about some positive therapeutic effects. There are still plenty of unknown details, but ongoing research looks promising and suggests that eating CBD-infused food can lead to the following benefits:

  • May curb chronic pain: Receptors in the human body receive chemical signals from stimuli and help the cells to respond accordingly. A 2018 review shows that CBD products interact well with the receptors in the immune system and brain. This can benefit people with chronic pain, as the improved cell response creates anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects to help them manage the pain.
  • Can Reduce Anxiety: Research indicates that CBD can help reduce the stress that leads to generalized anxiety and other forms of anxiety, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD).
  • May Improve Sleep: CBD can help significantly fight the causes of insomnia, which means it can help you sleep better.
  • Can Treat Seizures: CBD has been scientifically proven to treat epilepsy. In fact, Epidiolex is the only prescription CBD product that gets the nod from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
  • May Alleviate Chemotherapy-induced vomiting: Studies show that CBD may also be effective for reducing chemotherapy-induced vomiting and muscle spasms.

Types of CBD and Foods to Try

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Here are essential things to keep in mind if you are considering CBD-infused foods. CBD products come in three forms. These are:

  1. Full-spectrum CBD: Products made with full-spectrum CBD contain a combination of CBD, not more than 0.3% of THC, and all other components of the cannabis plant. If you prefer full-spectrum products, be sure to check that it contains the right amount of THC that is legal in your region.
  2. Broad-spectrum CBD: These types of CBD food options do not contain THC but have many other compounds in addition to CBD. This is recommended for people who want the therapeutic benefits of flavonoids and terpenes in your CBD-laced food.
  3. CBD Isolate: It is only pure CBD without other compounds and cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. It is your best bet if you do not want THC in your food or are concerned about it showing up in a drug test.

Considering the benefits of CBD and the promising research outlook, here are some products you could consume directly or add to your recipe.

CBD Chewables

Gummies and candies are excellent edibles. These provide a more exciting way of getting your CBD dose to supplement your diet.

Indeed, some CBD foods are manufactured with ingredients grown using unethical farm practices. However, CBD gummies, in particular, are manufactured using organic ingredients and do not contain pesticides or Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).

CBD Oils

These are usually a blend of CBD extract and inert oil, such as coconut. In some cases, sweeteners and essential oils are added to mask the bitter taste and provide flavor. You can consume CBD oils orally.

CBD Capsules

CBD has a bitter and earthy taste, especially full-spectrum extracts. But capsules can mask the taste and help you take the compound orally.

CBD Tinctures

These are alcohol-based CBD extract that can be added to your food and beverages. You can also consume it by placing it under the tongue.

Conclusion

While there are tons of anecdotal reports about the benefits of eating and drinking CBD-infused products, studies are still ongoing.

Make sure to discuss with your doctor or healthcare provider if you are concerned about possible interactions with other drugs, especially if you are taking other medications.

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Martin B.

Ex-smoker, passionate vaper who loves to tell the world about the life-changing potential of vaping. Co-creator of Ecigclopedia with a background in Business & Finance. Prefers a dessert flavored vape and loves to innovate.

Martin B.

Ex-smoker, passionate vaper who loves to tell the world about the life-changing potential of vaping. Co-creator of Ecigclopedia with a background in Business & Finance. Prefers a dessert flavored vape and loves to innovate.

1 Response

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