How Are CBD Edibles Made?
Typically, CBD edibles are made from either full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, or CBD isolate.
CBD isolate products contain just that: CBD isolate. In the CBD extract used to create the edible, you shouldn’t find any of hemp’s other compounds, and you can find them in any number of products, including tasty CBD gummies.
Meanwhile, full-spectrum CBD is the opposite, in that it contains all of hemp’s naturally occurring cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.
Still, if you’d rather have no THC at all, but wish to enjoy the rest of hemp’s natural compounds, broad-spectrum CBD edibles are a good option, because they contain everything except for THC.
To make CBD edibles, you usually use CBD as an extract, and the type of edible you’re making will depend on how the extract is incorporated.
For instance, when making baked edibles, like CBD cookies or brownies, it’s common to use CBD-infused butter or cooking oil, since CBD mixes well with fats.
On the other hand, something like CBD gummies are made with pure extracts and isolates, typically combined with gelatin or, with vegan CBD gummies, pectin. Want to try it yourself? Read how to make CBD gummies.
Do CBD Edibles Have THC?
Even with the growing availability of CBD edibles, many people still worry that they contain THC. Full-spectrum CBD edibles can contain traces of THC, while broad-spectrum and isolate edibles are made without it.
Drug tests usually look for THC, so with full-spectrum products a positive result cannot be fully ruled out. If you’d rather avoid THC altogether, stick with the isolate and broad-spectrum CBD edibles for peace of mind.
How Are CBD Edibles Taken?
If you typically get your CBD by vaping a CBD cart, it’s important to note that CBD edibles are eaten and digested like any other food, so your body processes them more slowly.
CBD products are not medicines, and experiences differ from person to person.
When trying CBD edibles for the first time, stick to the serving size on the label and resist the temptation to take more while you wait. If you’d prefer a different format, CBD oil is usually taken by holding a few drops under the tongue for around 30 seconds before swallowing, as described on the product label.
Why Buy CBD Edibles?
There are several reasons people choose CBD edibles, and the most obvious is that, unlike CBD vapes, they don’t involve inhaling anything.
But on top of that, CBD edibles are perfect for those who want something that’s easy, enjoyable, and discreet. When taking CBD edibles, you’re not going to get strange looks–as far as anyone else is concerned, you’re merely having a tasty snack!
Finally, CBD edibles are great because they’re affordable. While concentrates like CBD oils often fetch a high price, CBD edibles are typically much cheaper, and very beginner friendly.
Are CBD Edibles Legal?
In the UK, CBD foods are novel foods regulated by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), and a product must not contain more than 1mg of controlled cannabinoids such as THC per container. Because of this, it’s important to always shop from a legitimate vendor. Read more in Are CBD edibles legal in the UK?
How Many CBD Edibles Should I Take?
So how many edibles should you take?
Before we answer this question, let’s talk about how CBD edibles are digested.
Cannabinoids aren’t actually good at absorbing into the gut, and this has a major effect on the edible’s bioavailability.
The bioavailability of CBD refers to how much is actually absorbed into the bloodstream after digestion. And during the digestion process, some of the CBD is broken down and excreted, which means that the bioavailability in CBD edibles is going to be less than how much it actually contains.
When it comes to how many edibles to take, always follow the serving size on the label. The FSA advises healthy adults to limit CBD from food to 10mg per day, so check the CBD content per serving before you start.
Where to Get CBD Edibles Near Me?
In the UK, you can find CBD edibles in some high-street shops and specialist CBD stores, which are good places to compare a number of different options in CBD edibles.
But when there are no such shops in your area, shopping online is the next-best option.
Make sure that you’re shopping from a reputable brand when looking for CBD edibles, and always double check to make sure that they practice third-party testing, and that they offer certificates of analysis to back up their results.
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.


