CBD: 9 Surprising Benefits of CBD Edibles

CBD is growing in popularity but is it snake oil or a legitimate cure-all? CBD does not actually cure diseases like cancer or epilepsy, but it can improve some of the worst symptoms.  Cannabidiol (CBD) sales are expected to jump from one-half billion dollars in 2018 to 1.8 billion by 2022 in the United States. 

Why is CBD so popular? Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another cannabis-derived product, it does not make people high.

There are no psychoactive effects with CBD, so it is able to be sold as a dietary supplement. Without psychoactive effects, there isn’t a risk of dependency. This makes CBD both safe and effective in the treatment of many medical conditions.  It’s also very easy to take in edible form (no swallowing pills!), which prolongs the positive effects of CBD. Keep reading to learn about the benefits of CBD edibles, as well as the types of edibles that are available.

What are CBD Edibles?

The most common way to ingest or use CBD is in oil or tincture form, which allows quick absorption of CBD into the bloodstream.  More cannabis companies are now creating edibles that allow for slower absorption and longer-lasting effects.

When buying CBD edibles, however, check with your retailer or budtender to ensure that you’re getting 100-percent CBD. Many edibles are sold with both CBD and THC. This gives the medical benefits of cannabidiol along with the psychoactive (head high) effects of THC.

The good news about a CBD-THC combination, however, is that CBD can sometimes mellow the effects of THC, which may make it less potent than taking a recreational THC edible.

Types of CBD Edibles

CBD edibles can take many forms but often are packaged as candy and other sweets. If you want to stretch out the effects of the cannabidiol and get a flavorful mouthful while taking it, look for these types of CBD edibles:

Gummies

Remember the vitamin gummies that you took as a kid? This is basically that but infused with cannabidiol. Some CBD gummies can contain other beneficial ingredients, like these full-spectrum CBD edibles that also have turmeric and spirulina.

Chocolate

High-quality, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate laced with feel-good cannabidiol? You bet! From dark to milk chocolate varieties, decadent flavors and everything in between, sweet tooths and nerves are soothed with this CBD edible.

Gum and Mints

CBD-infused gum and mints are very portable, convenient, and often low-dose. This is a great option for those who want to get a touch of medicinal relief throughout the day

Baked Goods.

Yup, classic pot brownies but with a CBD twist. Cannabidiol can be baked into nearly any yummy dessert you can think of so if cookies are more your thing you can find those, too.

Powder

While not an “edible” on its own, CBD powder can be mixed with many different types of liquids and then ingested. This is especially convenient if you like to make smoothies or want a little dose of medication in your morning coffee.

Benefits of CBD Edibles

As CBD goes mainstream, more pharmaceutical companies are jumping on board to create new drugs containing cannabidiol. In 2018, the FDA approved Epidiolex, the first prescription medication with cannabidiol.

Epidiolex is used to treat seizures, but you can benefit from the advantages of CBD edibles to also treat other conditions.

Here are nine surprising benefits of CBD edibles:

Eases Pain

Non-habit-forming CBD can be taken to relieve both temporary and chronic pain. It does so by dulling the pain signals sent by your body’s nervous system.

Calms Anxiety and Stress

Both animal and human studies have shown that CBD significantly decreases symptoms of a social anxiety disorder (SAD)–and other anxiety disorders–by improving regional blood flow in the brain.

Reduces Inflammation

CBD is a natural antioxidant. It can help prevent oxidative stress in the body by reducing the production of free radicals that damage cells.

Gets Rid of Headaches

CBD patients have reported relief from headache pain, including migraines. In some cases, headaches were eliminated entirely.

Takes Away Nausea

CBD has been shown to reduce chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting.

Helps Recovering Drug Addicts

While marijuana has been called a “gateway drug,” the truth is that hemp-derived cannabidiol can be taken to reduce opioid dependency.

Clears up Acne

Sebum production can be reduced by CBD, which may mean less annoying zits.

Lowers Blood Pressure

One in every three adults in the United States has high blood pressure. A CBD-based study showed reduced resting blood pressure for those who consumed cannabidiol.

Calms Side Effects of Epilepsy

CBD has worked in treating some of the worst epilepsy syndromes–Dravnet and  Lennox-Gastaut–when other medications could not.

Choosing the Best CBD Edibles for You

Now that you know the many benefits of CBD edibles, you’ll want to consider your reasons for taking CBD. In some cases, edibles will work wonders for what ails you–as they tend to last longer in your system.

However, in some cases, you may want to try a combination of CBD edibles and topicals (sprays, lotions, oils) if, for example, you’re working on localized pain management.

CBD edibles can make you feel amazing without many of the harmful side effects of pharmaceutical drugs. While it does not cause intoxication, taking too much CBD at a time may have adverse reactions. As with any new product, make sure that you consult with your doctor before beginning treatment.

Need more information to help decide if CBD is right for you? Perhaps you’re also considering THC to help treat your medical condition?

Check out our blog to learn more about the differences between CBD and THC and the symptoms that they treat!