What Is CBD Chocolate? [We Answer All Your Questions]

CBD and chocolate; it sounds like a match made in heaven. But what is it that makes the two ingredients blend together so well?

In recent years, CBD has become famous for its many potential health benefits. However, it is also known for not tasting great. Users tend to endure rather than enjoy CBD oil’s robust hemp flavor.

Chocolate, on the other hand, is a food that most people find delicious. Furthermore, it may have some impressive benefits of its own.

Therefore, it makes perfect sense to combine the two. You get the great taste of chocolate, plus all the potential benefits of CBD in just one bite.

In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about CBD chocolate. We also share three great CBD chocolate recipes for you to try at home.

What Is CBD Chocolate?

CBD chocolate is pretty self-explanatory. It is a combination of CBD (cannabidiol) and chocolate. CBD is a compound which the Cannabis sativa L. plant produces. Unlike its cousin, THC (delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD does not cause intoxicating effects.

It does, however, offer a whole range of potential health benefits.

Humans have used cannabis therapeutically for thousands of years. Chinese medicine texts from the second century listed it as a medicinal herb. Cannabis use also features prominently in the Ayurvedic traditions of India.

However, throughout the 20th century, cannabis was demonized and subsequently became illegal in most parts of the world. Only in the last few decades has research shed light on its many potential uses, making it popular once again.

Unlike cannabis, chocolate has remained popular and legal since its discovery.

Nowadays, the CBD market is growing at an exponential rate. Hundreds of companies sell the cannabinoid in many forms. One of the most common ways of taking CBD is as an edible, such as CBD chocolate.

Unlike cannabis, chocolate has remained popular and legal since its discovery. It is made from the fatty seeds of a tree called Theobroma cacao. The indigenous people of Central America have consumed it since at least 460 CE.

Explorers brought chocolate to Europe in the 15th century, and people have loved it ever since. The chocolate that we recognize today is made by fermenting, shelling, grinding, and roasting cacao seeds to make a paste.

This paste is called cocoa liquor, and it contains a mixture of cocoa solids and cocoa butter. The percentage figure you see on some chocolate bars refers to how much cocoa liquor the product contains.

CBD Chocolate Benefits

CBD and chocolate both have a variety of positive effects on the human body. However, you must consume them in a healthy way, or they could do more harm than good.

The most popular type of chocolate in the USA is milk chocolate, which contains just 10-12% cocoa liquor. It also includes a lot of fat and sugar, meaning that it is not a healthy choice. To maximize the benefits of chocolate, choose high-percentage dark chocolate; 70% or above is ideal.

You should also ensure that you buy your CBD from a reputable source. Sadly, the market is currently unregulated, meaning that a lot of companies offer substandard products. At best, this could mean that you are getting less of the cannabinoid than you expect. At worst, your product could be contaminated with harmful pesticides and other chemicals.

CBD Benefits

Research into the benefits of CBD has shown that it has potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. Additionally, it may help to address the symptoms of the following conditions:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Chronic pain, such as arthritis
• Multiple sclerosis
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Diabetes
• Epilepsy

CBD also has an excellent safety profile and rarely causes side effects. However, it can interact with numerous prescription and over-the-counter medications. Therefore, anyone wishing to use CBD for a specific medical condition should consult with their physician first.

Chocolate Benefits

Like CBD, chocolate has powerful antioxidant properties. In fact, it contains more antioxidants than the majority of foods. It also contains a variety of essential minerals, including magnesium, copper, potassium, and iron.

When you consume a good quality, high-percentage dark chocolate in moderation, it may offer the following benefits:

• Anti-inflammatory effects
• Protects against cardiovascular disease
• Reduces diabetes risk
• Stimulates the central nervous system

Of course, eating too much chocolate could have adverse effects, such as weight gain. Studies have found that a daily dose of 25g of chocolate may result in weight gain. However, lower doses of 6g did not lead to any changes in body weight.

What Does CBD Chocolate Do For You?

You might be wondering, “what does CBD chocolate do for you? ” Well, the mood-enhancing effects of chocolate are well-known. Both dark chocolate and cacao contain the amino acid tryptophan. The brain uses tryptophan to synthesize the neurotransmitter serotonin, which plays a key role in regulating mood.

In an article published in 2009 in the International Journal of Tryptophan Research, the authors point out L-tryptophan’s importance in serotonin synthesis:

“As the sole precursor of serotonin, experimental research has shown that L-tryptophan’s role in brain serotonin synthesis is an important factor involved in mood, behavior, and cognition.”

Furthermore, research shows that CBD “exerts a number of beneficial pharmacological effects, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.” On the other hand, as noted in this article by Di Mattia et al., published in the journal, Frontiers in Immunology, chocolate contains “polyphenols, such as flavanols, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.”

Therefore, by consuming one or two pieces of a CBD chocolate bar  daily, you may experience the antioxidant benefits of both CBD and chocolate at the same time.

Will CBD Chocolate Make You High?

As mentioned above, THC is the phytocannabinoid in the marijuana plant that causes users to become “high.” However, CBD is non-intoxicating, so eating CBD chocolate  will not make you high.

While CBD does not cause intoxication, anecdotally, some users note that they experience a perceptible change in their mood after consuming CBD chocolate , with reduced anxiety levels being the main reported benefit.

CBD chocolate  bars can be infused with either a broad, full-spectrum CBD oil or a CBD isolate. For clarity, a full-spectrum CBD oil contains trace amounts of THC, i.e., 0.3% or less. However, this THC level will not cause consumers to become intoxicated. Neither a broad-spectrum CBD oil nor a CBD isolate contains THC.

How Much CBD Chocolate Should I Eat?

Let’s face it, savoring the deliciously sweet flavor of a CBD chocolate bar is much more appealing than the earthy and bitter taste of CBD oil. So, if you love chocolate, then eating one or two pieces of a CBD chocolate bar is a fantastic way to meet your daily CBD needs. However, if you are taking any prescription medications, it is essential that you speak with a physician before consuming CBD chocolate (or any other CBD oil or edible) to ensure that it is safe to do so.

By taking the mg of CBD figures into account, you can gauge how much you need to consume to meet your requirements.

It might be easy to get carried away, but it is important not to go overboard when consuming CBD chocolate. When asking yourself, “How much CBD chocolate should I eat? ” take note of how many milligrams of cannabidiol is in the entire CBD chocolate bar and how much is in each piece. By taking the mg of CBD figures into account, you can gauge how much you need to consume to meet your requirements.

Take a CBD chocolate bar like the one by the market-leading CBD brand, Green Roads  for example. Green Roads CBD chocolate bar consists of 12 pieces, each containing 15mg of CBD, so that’s 180mg of CBD per bar. It is a delicious gourmet dark chocolate bar that contains 62% cacao and is infused with a CBD isolate, so it is 100% THC-free.

Alternatively, if you would like to make CBD chocolate at home, check out our next section, where we share some delicious CBD chocolate recipes.

CBD Chocolate Recipes

Many different companies offer CBD chocolate for sale. However, these products can often be expensive and of varying quality. Fortunately, it is easy to make your own CBD chocolate recipes at home. Here are three of our favorites:

Simple CBD Chocolate Recipe

• Preparation Time – 0 h 10 min
• Cooking Time – 0 h 15 min
• Ready In – 2 h 25 min
• Best Strains – N/A
• Each Bite – N/A
• Servings – 24

For this basic CBD chocolate recipe, you will need the following ingredients and equipment:

• 10oz high-quality dark chocolate or chocolate chips (70% or above is best)
• ½ cup organic, extra virgin coconut oil
• 1 dropper-full of CBD oil
• Small saucepan
• Glass bowl
• Silicone chocolate molds

Method

1. Chop your chocolate up into small pieces (skip this step if using chocolate chips).
2. Fill your saucepan halfway with water and bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Place the glass bowl on top of the saucepan. It should fit comfortably on top of the pan without touching the water below.
4. Place the chocolate and coconut oil in the bowl and allow it to melt. Stir occasionally.
5. Remove the bowl from the pan and allow it to cool for 10 minutes before adding the CBD oil.
6. Stir well and pour into the chocolate molds.
7. Gently tap the molds on the counter to remove air bubbles.
8. Refrigerate for around 2 hours or until set.
9. Keep refrigerated.

Enjoy 1–2 of these chocolates daily. The exact dose will depend on the potency of CBD you use and why you are using it.

Tempting CBD Chocolate Truffles Recipe

• Preparation Time – 0 h 10 min
• Cooking Time – 0 h 15 min
• Ready In – 0 h 55 min
• Best Strains – N/A
• Each Bite – N/A
• Servings – 18–20

For a more decadent take on CBD chocolate, why not try these delicious truffles? Here’s what you will need:

• 8 oz high-quality dark chocolate or chocolate chips
• ¼ cup heavy cream or plant-based alternative
• 2 tbsp organic vanilla extract
• 3 ½ tbsp butter or organic coconut oil
• 1–2 droppers of CBD oil
• Small saucepan
• Your choice of toppings (cocoa powder, shredded coconut, ground almonds, etc.)

Method

1. First, chop your chocolate into small pieces and set it aside (skip this step if using chocolate chips).
2. Heat the heavy cream gently in the pan until it reaches just below boiling point. Stir occasionally.
3. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, chocolate, and butter. Mix well until the chocolate melts.
4. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before adding the CBD oil.
5. Place the mixture in a refrigerator for around 30 minutes and occasionally stir as it cools.
6. Once the mixture has set, wash your hands thoroughly and roll into bite-sized balls.
7. Roll the truffles in your choice of toppings and store them in the refrigerator.

Enjoy 1–2 CBD truffles daily. The exact dose will depend on the potency of your CBD and the reason you are using it.

Soothing CBD Hot Chocolate Recipe

• Preparation Time – 0 h 5 min
• Cooking Time – 0 h 10 min
• Ready In – 0 h 15 min
• Best Strains – N/A
• Each Bite – N/A
• Servings – 1

Our final CBD chocolate recipe is one of our favorites. This warming beverage is best enjoyed in the evening to help you relax before bed. Here’s what you will need for each serving:

• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 cup of milk or plant-based alternative (we love using hemp milk)
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• A few drops of CBD oil
• A pinch of salt
• Small saucepan

Method

1. Place the cocoa powder in your favorite mug and mix with a dash of cold milk to make a paste.
2. Warm the remaining milk in the pan until it reaches just below boiling point.
3. Remove from the heat and stir in the maple syrup, CBD oil, and salt.
4. Pour the milk mixture over the cocoa paste and stir well.
5. Enjoy while warm.

Variation

You can give this recipe a tasty twist by infusing your milk with other flavors. Some of our favorite additions include:

• 2 tbsp dried lavender flowers
• 5-6 cardamom pods (crush them lightly with the back of a spoon first)
• 1 medium cinnamon stick

Add your chosen herb or spice to the milk and simmer gently for 10 minutes while stirring occasionally. Strain through a sieve before adding the maple syrup and CBD oil.

Final Thoughts on CBD Chocolate

CBD chocolate is a great-tasting way to get your daily dose of the cannabinoid. However, you should note that CBD edibles may not have as high an absorption rate as other methods of taking CBD. This is because the active compounds pass through your digestive system and liver. As a result, some get lost along the way.

The most effective methods of consuming CBD are sublingually (under the tongue), vaping, or topicals. However, these CBD chocolate recipes are a fun and convenient way to get your daily dose.

Remember to always consult your physician before taking any CBD products for the first time. They will advise you on the most appropriate dosage and consumption method for your needs.

Do you have your own favorite CBD chocolate recipes? Share them with our community below.