If you’ve looked into CBD at all, you’ve probably seen CBD edibles at some point–whether they’re gummies, baked goods, or even honey sticks!
And while CBD gummies tend to be all the rage, there’s something about CBD hard candy that’s been really getting us excited.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a compound derived from the Cannabis sativa L., in other words, industrial hemp.
As the name might suggest, hemp is closely related to marijuana, but while these two plants share a similar smell and appearance, they do share one key difference: THC.
THC is short for tetrahydrocannabinol, a compound known for its psychoactive properties, which get the user high.
While cannabis contains high levels of THC, hemp’s amount stays relatively low, which means it’s highly unlikely to get the user high.
Hemp does, however, contain plenty of the aforementioned CBD.
CBD can affect individuals in different ways, so if you are unsure whether it is right for you, speak to your GP before trying it.
Why Make Homemade CBD Hard Candy?
As we already know now, there are plenty of ways to enjoy CBD in its edible form. Find out how to make CBD gummies at home, or shop our CBD gummies.
So why enjoy CBD hard candy?
Hard candy might make a great option particularly for those who seem to go through their gummies fast.
It’s no secret that CBD isn’t cheap, and when we enjoy it every day, we want it to last!
On top of that, a hard candy is sucked on slowly rather than chewed and swallowed straight away, which some people simply prefer.
Plus, CBD edibles are easy to make, so if you don’t want to invest your time and money in finding a good solid CBD edible, you can easily create your own with a CBD isolate powder or tincture.
Finally, CBD hard candies make for an easy way to gauge an exact amount of CBD any time of day.
And with our simple CBD hard candy recipe, you can enjoy CBD in a way that’s fun, easy to adjust, and super tasty.
Basic Ingredients for CBD Hard Candy
While there’s room to add your own spin on tasty ingredients and vibrant colour, you really only need 4 ingredients: CBD, sugar, corn syrup and water.
For beginners, they might have an easier time focusing on their basic mixture before incorporating their own flavors and hues, but this is definitely where your creativity will come to play, and where you’re encouraged to do whatever feels right.
Tips for Making CBD Hard Candy
When it comes to making CBD hard candies, temperature is everything! Even with a simple recipe like this, which really only takes 4 ingredients, it’s not something you can just leave on the backburner–literally!
And the tricky part with making CBD hard candy is that you have to wait until your candy mixture cools down to 250°F (about 120°C) so the heat doesn’t degrade your CBD by mistake!
Also keep in mind that the FSA advises healthy adults to limit CBD from food to 10mg per day, so work out how much CBD ends up in each candy.
And be advised that once CBD hard candy reaches this temperature, the mixture only starts to get stickier and tackier, so you don’t want to waste time adding in your CBD!
CBD Hard Candy & CBD Sweets Recipe
Ingredients:
- CBD tincture (amount as desired; check the CBD content on the label)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 tsp extract of raspberry, orange, lime or vanilla extract (optional)
- food colouring (optional)
Equipment Needed:
- candy thermometer
- 9×12 in aluminium baking tray or silicone candy moulds
Directions:
- In a small bowl, combine sugar, syrup and water before transferring to medium saucepan.
- On medium heat, keep stirring until the mixture reaches 250°F (about 120°C). Stop stirring as the mixture continues to heat, until it reaches 300°F (about 150°C).
- Remove from heat and let it cool to about 250°F, then add CBD and optional flavour & colour, stirring until combined.
- Pour mixture onto baking sheet or candy mould, allowing the candies to cool
- If using baking sheet, wait until the candy mixture becomes a bit more solid, but still malleable, and break into pieces with a rubber spatula. If using silicone moulds, keep them in until mixture is fully solidified.
- Once candies are fully hardened, they’re ready to enjoy!
Please note
This article was first published on the JustCBD UK blog and has been updated. CBD products are sold as food or cosmetics in the UK and are not medicines. The Food Standards Agency advises healthy adults to limit CBD from food to 10mg per day and does not recommend CBD for people under 18, people who take medication, or people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Read the FSA CBD advice.
