CBD Honey: What Is It Good For?

CBD-infused honey is just one of a growing number of ways to ingest the cannabinoid. Most people would classify it under the broad category of CBD edibles. However, CBD honey has several advantages compared to more traditional options like gummies or chocolate.

In this article, we explore CBD honey’s benefits and explain how to make this delicious treat at home.

Is CBD Honey a Healthy Choice?

Both CBD and honey are natural products with a variety of positive effects on human health. Therefore, it makes sense to combine the two in one amazing superfood. To fully understand the potential benefits of CBD honey, let’s look at each of its ingredients in more detail.

CBD Benefits and Uses

CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the best-known chemicals that cannabis plants, including hemp, produce. It is a cannabinoid that works by influencing the body’s innate endocannabinoid system. By doing so, it has a vast range of impacts on physical and psychological health. CBD has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. It can, therefore, help to ease a variety of ailments.

CBD has a range of benefits and does not appear to cause adverse reactions, as many pharmaceuticals can.

One of the areas that researchers have studied most thoroughly is how CBD can reduce seizures in epilepsy. A 2019 review for Molecules suggests that the cannabinoid is an effective addition to anti-seizure medication. Furthermore, it does not appear to cause serious adverse reactions as many pharmaceuticals can.

In addition to seizures, people use CBD for a myriad of other complaints. According to a 2018 study for Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, the most common reasons include:

• Chronic pain
• Joint pain
• Arthritis
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Insomnia

Another significant advantage of CBD is, providing it comes from hemp with a low THC content, it will not cause intoxication. Therefore, it is widely available in most places, even those without medical marijuana programs in place.

General Benefits of Honey (Yes.. it CAN be Healthy!)

Like cannabis, humans have used honey for its medicinal properties for millennia. It has featured in many ancient healing systems, including Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Chinese medicine, to name a few.

Many people consider honey a nutraceutical agent, meaning that it has both therapeutic and nutritional benefits. It effectively spans the division between medicine and food.

Furthermore, honey is the oldest sweetener known to humankind. It is far more nutritious and easier to digest than the highly refined sugars that we generally use today.

Although honey is between 95% and 99% sugar, it contains many beneficial compounds. These include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and more. Honey also contains antioxidant compounds like flavonoids and proteins with antibiotic effects.

Thanks to its high nutritional value, honey may provide the following benefits:

• Aids digestion
• Acts as a prebiotic
• Antioxidant
• Anti-inflammatory
• Benefits cardiovascular health
• Improves immune function
• Antiseptic
• Antimicrobial

One of the most popular uses of honey in ancient and modern medicine is enhancing wound healing. At least 20 clinical trials have investigated this particular application. It appears honey could have antibiotic effects against 60 different species of bacteria, as well as some fungi and viruses.

Generally speaking, it is best to choose honey with a rich, dark color as this will contain the most beneficial compounds. One famous example is Manuka honey, which originates from New Zealand.

How to Use CBD Honey

The best way to use CBD honey depends on the desired effects.

For internal complaints or simply to improve general wellbeing, it is best to take it by mouth. Use it in the same way as any other honey. Some of our favorite methods include:

• Using a spoonful to sweeten regular or herbal tea
• Spreading on toast, bread, or crackers
• Using as a sugar substitute in baking
• Blending with vinegar, olive oil, and mustard as a simple salad dressing

When using CBD honey for skin problems, it is necessary to apply it directly to the affected area. A few people have reported stinging after applying honey to the skin, but most say it has soothing effects.

Finally, why not try incorporating CBD honey into your beauty routine? Both compounds have antioxidant properties, which could help to combat the signs of aging. Just use a spoonful as you would any other face mask, and rinse off after 20 minutes.

Does CBD Honey Contain THC?

CBD honey infused with cannabidiol derived from hemp can contain up to 0.3% THC – which is the maximum legal limit under the 2018 Farm Bill. However, you can purchase CBD honey products that are entirely THC-free.

For example, leading brand, CBD American Shaman sells high-quality CBD honey sticks as well as CBD honey in a glass jar. On their respective product pages, there is a drop-down menu where the consumer can choose to purchase either products with up to 0.3% THC, or alternatively, one that is completely THC-free.

Healthy CBD Honey That’s THC-Free

Above, we posed the question, “how healthy is CBD honey?” and looked at the potential benefits of both CBD and honey. CBD American Shaman alludes to the potential health benefits of their own CBD honey when they point out that:

“CBD Hemp Oil Honey serves as a natural source of protein, terpenes, flavonoids, B-complex vitamins, magnesium, essential fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, and E, without additives or preservatives.”

While CBD honey may have health benefits, it’s important to note that cannabidiol can interact with certain medications. Therefore, if you are currently taking any prescription medications, consult with your doctor or a pharmacist before consuming CBD-infused honey or any other product containing cannabidiol.

Will CBD Honey Get You High?

CBD that comes from industrial hemp contains less than 0.3% THC, nowhere near enough to cause intoxication. Therefore, CBD honey will not get you high.

Anyone with legal access to cannabis can infuse honey with the high CBD or high THC strain of their choice.

However, anyone with legal access to cannabis can infuse honey with the strain of their choice. This could be a high CBD strain, such as Charlotte’s Web, or a high THC strain like Godfather OG for more psychoactive effects. For the best of both worlds, choose a strain with a 1:1 ratio of cannabinoids, such as Pennywise.

To learn how to create honey that makes you high, check out our in-depth cannabis honey guide. Alternatively, use the recipe below if you want to make non-intoxicating, CBD-infused honey.

How Do You Infuse Honey with CBD?

All you need for this CBD honey recipe is honey, CBD, and a few basic pieces of equipment.

The type of CBD that you use is up to you. We prefer full-spectrum CBD oil as it contains a full range of cannabinoids and terpenes, which provide additional benefits. However, if you are concerned about even trace levels of THC, you can opt for CBD isolate instead.

You will also need to consider how potent you want your CBD-infused honey to be. For example, if you use 1000mg of CBD to 1 cup of honey, each teaspoonful will contain around 20mg of CBD. You can scale this up or down by choosing a more or less potent CBD oil. However, we don’t recommend adding extra oil to the honey as it will affect the texture.

CBD Honey Recipe

Here’s how to make your own CBD-infused honey  at home:

What You Will Need

• 1 cup of high-quality, all-natural honey
• 1 x 10mL bottle of CBD oil
• Glass jar with lid
• Small pan or heatproof bowl
• Spoon or stirrer

Method

1. Place the honey in the jar (if using the pot that the honey came in, skip this step).
2. Put the jar lid on loosely so that trapped air can escape.
3. Fill the pan or bowl with enough hot (but not boiling) water to reach 3/4 of the way up the jar.
4. Gently lower the jar into the water.
5. Allow it to stand for 3–5 minutes to loosen up the honey.
6. Remove the jar from the water, add the CBD, and stir well before replacing the lid loosely.
7. Allow to cool and tighten the lid.
8. Store in a cool, dark place.

Additional Tips

• Do not overheat your honey, as this will break down the beneficial compounds. Never attempt to make CBD honey using a microwave.
• If the CBD oil separates out or the honey crystallizes, refresh it by standing the jar in hot water for a few minutes. Stir before using.

Final Thoughts on CBD Honey

CBD-infused honey is a fantastic way to enjoy the benefits of honey and CBD at the same time. It is tasty, nutritious, and convenient to use. Plus, it is healthier than many other CBD edibles, which may contain artificial ingredients or excess sugar.

Some companies have started selling ready-made CBD honey, but it is quick and easy to make your own. Doing this saves you money and allows you to control the amount and type of CBD according to your personal needs.

Have you tried this recipe? Let us know how you like to use your CBD honey in the comments below.