The size of the edible CBD market varies depending on the data you read. One thing we know is that it’s enormous. One report suggests it will reach $5.16 billion by 2027. More optimistic research suggests it will reach $34.15 billion by 2031. Among the CBD snack category, it appears as if drinks, bars, and gummies are the most desired products.
Although CBD oils and tinctures remain popular, there is a growing demand for more convenient forms. An increasing number of organizations have heeded the calls of customers.
Despite the money involved, there is still an element of mystery surrounding the market. In this guide, we investigate CBD edibles further and provide information on its different forms.
CBD Edibles: What Are They?
As you can probably guess, CBD-infused edibles are a form of cannabidiol that you can eat. Although people still use CBD oil, they find that edibles are an easier and more enjoyable method of consumption. For some, the bitter taste of hemp isn’t especially palatable. While brands offer flavored oils, there is also the issue of texture. You also have to place the tincture beneath your tongue and hold it for at least 60 seconds.
In contrast, CBD edibles are a fast and easy way to use the cannabinoid. It takes seconds to eat a gummy or piece of chocolate, and it usually tastes delicious. Also, you know precisely how much cannabidiol is in each edible. At least, this is the case if the product is backed up with third-party lab reports.
In general, you will find three distinct types of edibles:
- Full-Spectrum: These products contain a hemp or cannabis plant’s entire range of compounds. Unless you live in a legal state, make sure the product contains less than 0.3% THC.
- Broad-Spectrum: This type of edible is practically the same as its full-spectrum counterpart, but with one crucial difference. It doesn’t contain any THC whatsoever. This is a boon for those concerned about THC-COOH metabolites showing up on a urinalysis. Usually, brands prefer to extract from hemp.
- Isolate: These products often consist of up to 99.9% CBD. There are no terpenes or other cannabinoids involved. It is common for CBD-isolate edibles to come from hemp rather than cannabis.
Later, you will discover that edibles come in an impressive number of forms. However, let’s first look at the perceived benefits of using them.
Are There Benefits of CBD Edibles?
Before we discuss CBD edibles benefits, we must point out something significant. The FDA has not approved cannabidiol, barring the Big Pharma version called Epidiolex. Therefore, brands are not permitted to make any claims regarding CBD’s ability to ‘treat’ or ‘cure’ any medical condition.
Research is ongoing, and numerous studies have linked cannabidiol with several benefits. Even so, it is vital to tread carefully during such discussions.
Nonetheless, the level of anecdotal evidence is overwhelming. The suggestion is that CBD is effective in reducing the number of seizures associated with epilepsy. Other claimed benefits include the relief of symptoms of conditions such as chronic pain, inflammation, and nausea.
Regarding the benefits of CBD edibles, proponents say it is their preferred method of using cannabidiol for the following reasons:
- It is easier to determine how much CBD to take at any given time. When brands package their edibles, they make sure to include the cannabidiol content.
- They reduce the risk of lung irritation as you no longer need to smoke or vaporize CBD.
- Most reports suggest they have minimal side effects. Again, this is based on relatively limited research.
- Edibles are extremely convenient, and you can take them with you on the move.
- They are also a great way of using CBD and ensuring no one knows. This shouldn’t be an issue in most places, but some people like being discreet.
- There are more options than ever before. Consumers can have gummies, chocolate, syrup, honey, and many other forms.
- Edibles often take longer to have an effect than CBD oil or vape products. However, the overall impact appears to last longer.
CBD Edibles for Pain
Though many people use edibles to help improve sleep and reduce anxiety, the search for the best CBD oil for pain continues apace. Estimates vary, but potentially up to 50 million Americans are affected by chronic pain. Patients receive this diagnosis if they have persistent pain that lasts for a minimum of three months. Globally, it is the #1 cause of disability.
Therefore, the question: “Do CBD edibles work for pain work?” is on the lips of millions. Research is limited at present. However, the legalization of hemp cultivation will hopefully change matters soon. That said, there is some research available.
One of the most relevant reports was published by Vuckovic et al. in Frontiers in Pharmacology in November 2018. It was a review of studies into CBD’s impact on chronic pain. The paper covered research from 1975 to March 2018. The team concluded that CBD could help with overall pain management and didn’t appear to cause adverse side effects.
A study by Hammell et al., published in the European Journal of Pain in July 2016, looked at transdermal CBD’s effect on rats with arthritis. The team applied CBD gel to the rodents for four consecutive days. They received one of four doses: 0.6, 3.1, 6.2, and 62.3mg of CBD per day.
Rats that received the two most substantial doses of CBD experienced a reduction in pain and swelling. What’s interesting is that the 62.3mg treatment wasn’t significantly more effective than the 6.2mg dose. The conclusion was that CBD had potential anti-inflammatory effects.
While topical CBD is widespread, there is a growing trend towards CBD gummies for pain. Remember, the effects apparently last longer, which is a necessity for anyone suffering from chronic pain.
What Are the Different Types of CBD Edibles?
For a long time, the leading infused edibles with CBD consisted of gummies. They remain the most popular option, though there is now stiff competition. In the following section, we will cover the top-selling edibles. These include chocolates, gummies, coffee, and tea. Then, our focus will briefly shift to ‘emerging’ options such as syrup, honey sticks, and even beer!
CBD Gummies
You can find these candies on practically every website that sells edibles. Typically, they are a type of jelly available in mixed fruit flavors. While some brands use sugar to enhance the taste of the product, other companies opt for Stevia and other sweeteners. When checking for the best brands, make sure they have third-party lab reports and a reasonable CBD concentration.
Premium Jane’s CBD gummies tick all of these boxes and more. The company provides a full list of ingredients. They include organic glucose syrup, organic cane sugar, and natural flavors. The brand doesn’t use animal products, and its gummies are vegan-friendly. You get 25mg per gummy, which has become the ‘standard’ size. Please note that the brand uses 99% pure CBD isolate.
This form of edible is straightforward to use and normally tastes great. If you want to learn more, check out our article on the best CBD gummies currently available.
CBD Chocolates
CBD-infused chocolate is typically classified as a luxury item. It consists of a chocolate bar with added cannabidiol. There are a handful of brands that specialize in this form of edible. Aside from the usual milk chocolate bar options, there is white chocolate, orange chocolate, and decadent Belgian chocolate.
As is the case with CBD gummies, measuring the amount you consume is simple. However, CBD chocolate is also extremely expensive. You will likely pay at least the equivalent of $150 for 1,000mg of CBD. Gummies are usually less than half the price. Even so, if you have a sweet tooth and love cannabidiol, you could buy it as a treat.
Alternatively, you can try to make it yourself and save money. After buying high-quality CBD oil, all you need is:
- Coconut milk
- Half a cup of honey
- A teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Chocolate morsels
Premium Jane has helpfully provided the full recipe.
CBD Coffee
CBD-infused coffee is going down a treat in cafés around the world. Coffee shops across America have reported a significant increase in the number of people hoping to add CBD to their drinks. However, you can also purchase CBD coffee online as a growing number of brands, such as Green Roads, now sell it.
Typically, these organizations carefully select top-notch beans, usually of the Arabica variety, and infuse it with CBD. The very best CBD coffees are of a quality similar to ‘typical’ coffee. When done correctly, the CBD adds an earthy tone that doesn’t overpower the coffee notes. You could try to add CBD oil to coffee at home, though it is important to point out that the oil will float to the top!
CBD Tea
CBD-infused tea is another beverage taking the industry by storm. Proponents claim it has an array of health benefits. In many ways, it seems natural to add additional herbs to tea. The wide range of flavored teas is a testament to the popularity of the practice. Indeed, many of the brands that sell it tend to include peppermint, ginger, and other herbs to make the concoction taste even more delicious.
Here is a list of the supposed benefits of drinking CBD tea according to its supporters:
- Management of anxiety.
- Reducing the severity of headaches.
- Aiding a healthier sleep cycle.
- Addressing chronic pain.
- Alleviating the effects of inflammation.
- Improving digestive health.
Are There Any Other CBD Edible Products Worth Considering?
Yes! It seems as if there is a new edible added daily! Here is an overview of some of the best options:
- CBD Drinks: If you feel thirsty, there is no shortage of cannabidiol-infused options. It is no surprise to see that water is among the top choices. However, there are also energy drinks, fruit juices, and even powdered mixes. When you drink CBD, the cannabinoid must go through the digestive process. Therefore, the effects take longer to appear but last significantly longer on average.
- CBD Honey Sticks: This is another option for people with a sweet tooth. You have the option of sucking on the stick or adding it to a food or drink.
- CBD Alcoholic Drinks: It is now possible to buy CBD beer, wine, and even various spirits! You can also purchase CBD cocktails such as Margaritas and even Pina Coladas if you look hard enough!
The above only scratches the surface of what’s on offer in the CBD edibles market. There is also CBD syrup, cakes, pies, toothpicks, peanut butter, and much more.
Final Summary on CBD Edibles
If you are unfamiliar with the edible CBD phenomenon, you are missing out! It is a fantastic way to ensure you get the cannabidiol you need each day. There is no doubt that oils, tinctures, topicals, and vape products all have their merits. However, none of them can compare to edibles in terms of convenience and taste. Once you have sampled a fruity gummy or a decadent piece of Belgian chocolate, it is hard to go back! Indeed, your biggest obstacle is stopping at one gummy or a single square of chocolate.
The price of CBD gummies has fallen in recent times due to increased competition. However, you can still expect to pay a premium for newer items such as CBD syrup, wine, and peanut butter. In this case, it is best to add them as a supplement to the CBD oil or capsules you already use.
You can classify them as a treat, and use them sparingly if you feel the expense is too high. However, we are confident that you will find affordable CBD edibles, and begin to consume them more regularly.