CBD — in its many forms — is rapidly gaining popularity in the UK. One of the most common forms available on the high street is a variety of cannabis edibles.
However, not all edibles are created equal. In fact, a group of Highgate teenagers fell ill after consuming CBD gummies laced with THC. If you're thinking about trying edibles, don't let this scare you off.
At The Extract, we're here to help. In this article, we'll unpack everything you need to know about cannabis edibles. You'll also learn how to select and consume only the best offerings on the market.
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Everything You Wanted To Know About Cannabis Edibles
There is a multitude of ways to ingest CBD. Whether you're a CBD connoisseur who's dabbled in a multitude of methods, or you're just beginning your CBD journey, we're sure that you have questions.
To help you on your way, we've put together a list of the most frequently asked questions about cannabis edibles.
Here's everything you've wanted to know about CBD edibles.
What Are Cannabis Edibles?
Simply put, edibles are another way to ingest CBD. They come in a veritable smorgasbord — cookies, gummies, and chocolate — that you can eat. However, we'll get into that a little later.
You can also make your own edibles with a food-grade CBD tincture.
There are two types of cannabis edibles:
- Balanced THC/CBD edibles, which contain almost equal amounts of THC and CBD
- CBD-dominant edibles, which contain high doses of CBD, and only trace amounts of THC
Most cannabis edibles in the UK are CBD-dominant edibles. This is because THC is illegal in the UK.
In fact, edibles containing over 1mg of THC can be seized and destroyed by the authorities. Furthermore, authorities can issue hefty fines to the manufacturers of these products.
Are They Legal In The UK?
The good news is that yes, cannabis edibles are completely legal in the UK. This is because food that contains CBD comes under the Novel Foods Act.
The bad news is that the vast majority of food that comes under the Novel Foods Act isn't regulated. Not all CBD edibles are tested to ensure consistency and purity. Therefore, we would advise that you shop with caution — and we'll teach you how to do it.
In addition to that, there's the issue of THC content. THC is completely illegal in the UK. While cannabis edibles are allowed up to 1mg of THC per product, anything more than that can be confiscated and destroyed by the authorities.
Where Can I Buy Cannabis Edibles In The UK?
If you're looking to purchase cannabis edibles in any form, we would recommend getting your edibles from a reputable retailer. While there are a number of brick-and-mortar shops all around the UK, it can be difficult to establish the quality of their products in-store.
Do your research before purchasing CBD edibles. Look up the brand, the ingredients they use, and read any reviews that you come across. In addition to this, we'd recommend purchasing your edibles from a reputable online store — like CBD Village.
Stores like CBD Village often utilise third-party lab testing to ensure that they only stock and sell the best CBD products. Browing these stores will grant you access to the independent lab results, so you know what you're purchasing.
Plus, you'll be able to click through a number of cannabis edibles, without an overly-helpful salesperson trying to a CBD product that you aren't interested in trying.
Are There Any Negative Side Effects of Cannabis Edibles?
As with any other form of medication, there are several possible side-effects of adding cannabis edibles to your diet. However, some of these side-effects have only occurred with certain CBD products, such as CBD flower and tinctures.
That being said, it's always important to know the possible outcomes of adding something new to your wellness routine.
Confused Glands
Regular CBD consumption can stimulate your CB1 and CB2 receptors. As these receptors are directly connected to your salivary glands, stimulating them can reduce the production of saliva.
More often than not, this can result in your mouth feeling dry and dehydrated. Thankfully, this can be remedied by drinking more water, or reducing the amount of CBD that you consume.
Acne & Pimples
We'll be honest — this isn't exactly a negative side-effect. We're pleased to say that CBD can actually improve your skin. CBD's anti-inflammatory properties extend to your skin.
While this is mostly true for CBD topicals, there has been little to no research surrounding cannabis edibles and acne-reduction. You never know — CBD edibles could finally help you deal with your acne problem!
Mild Hallucinations
We all know someone who's claimed to have mild hallucinations after consuming CBD. However, this is highly unlikely. Research shows that CBD cannot cause hallucinations on its own.
That being said, large doses of THC could very well cause hallucinations and paranoia. This is why it's important to screen your cannabis edibles, before consumption.
Loss Of Breath
Cannabis edibles do not cause shortness of breath in any form. However, if an individual with an underlying condition, such as asthma, smokes cannabis regularly, this could affect their breathing.
Anxiety Or Paranoia
Studies show that CBD can actually help with anxiety and paranoia. While the majority of research hasn't been regulated, the results are generally positive.
If you're interested in reading more about how CBD can help with anxiety, we've discussed it before on The Extract.
Cannabis-Induced Psychosis
Over the past few years, there have been mentions of cannabis-induced psychosis among teenagers. However, this has been attributed to increased levels of THC.
There is a very low chance of this happening when consuming cannabis edibles.
What Types Of Cannabis Edibles Are There?
There's a huge selection of cannabis edibles available in the UK. This list includes, but isn't limited to:
- Brownies
- Cookies
- Chocolate
- All Gummies
- Cannabutter
- Marshmallows
At The Extract, we've done our research. Therefore, we're more than qualified to walk you through this list of edibles.
Brownies
CBD brownies are by far one of the most common forms of cannabis edibles. While they're usually made with CBD-infused butter, they can also be made with CBD tinctures.
Cookies
Like CBD brownies, cookies are also made with CBD-infused butter. However, CBD manufacturers are getting more and more creative, adding ingredients like CBD chocolate chips to their cookies.
Gummies
CBD gummies are rapidly gaining popularity among CBD connoisseurs. They're available in different strengths and flavours. Their compact form can also help you establish just how much CBD you're consuming.
Cannabutter
Cannabutter — also known as CBD-infused butter — is a great way to add a dose of CBD to your cooking. While it generally isn't consumed on its own, it can be added to baked goods, pasta dishes, and salads.
Drinks
From CBD-infused cocktails and beer, to CBD tea and coffee, CBD drinks are everywhere! Gym buffs can also treat themselves to CBD protein shakes.
While it seems like CBD drinks started out as a fad, the CBD drink fanbase suggests that it isn't going anywhere.
Tinctures
CBD tinctures are one of the most efficient ways to consume CBD. They're available in a variety of strengths and flavours. Furthermore, their high rate of bioavailability makes them an extremely popular addition to the range of cannabis edibles.
The Dosage Do's & Don'ts
Sure, CBD might have a lengthy list of benefits. However — like everything else — it's important to consume it in moderation.
We've put together a little list of things you should know before consuming cannabis edibles.
How Many Milligrams Should I Eat?
When it comes to cannabis edibles, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Doses can vary, based on your height, weight, and general activity level.
When in doubt, start out slow — with a low dose of CBD, and slowly work your way up to a dose that works for you. Alternatively, you can consult with a doctor or a medical professional. They can provide you with detailed information about just how much CBD you should take.
What's The Best Time To Eat?
Unlike pure CBD tinctures and e-liquids, cannabis edibles are fairly low in bioavailability. This means you're unlikely to feel the effects until much, much later.
Don't let this put you off — they can be just as effective. However, it can take a little more planning. If you want the CBD to kick in at the start of your workday, consider taking your edibles as soon as you wake up.
On the other hand, if you want them to kick in right before you go to bed, take your edibles just before dinner.
What Do Cannabis Edibles Feel Like?
Cannabis edibles won't get you high, as the vast majority of them contain little to no THC.
After consuming a CBD edible, you should feel relaxed. Furthermore, you could experience a dip in your anxiety. CBD can help with chronic pain, so you might also experience a lower level of pain.
Should I Try Cannabis Edibles?
Cannabis edibles are a great way to consume CBD. Not only are they discreet and tasty, but with a little planning, they could be a welcome addition to your wellness routine.
With the selection of cannabis edibles readily available on the market, we'd advise you to do your research before you buy. If you're ready to purchase some CBD edibles, make sure that you do so from a reputable store, like CBD Village.
