We’ve come a long way from the pot brownies passed out in some dark basement years ago. In fact, edibles are made now in all kinds of ways and they aren’t all about getting high. Today, many edibles are available to us thanks to that basement culture and a whole lot of change to how we view cannabis and hemp derivatives. There are delta 8 edibles, delta 9 edibles, CBD edibles, and so much more!
It started with Isralii professor Raphael Mechoulam, who discovered the compound in marijuana that created that high feeling, but also stumbled upon a whole new world for us – abundant cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds that carry a wide variety of health and wellness perks.
Who knew those pot brownies were onto something big? Today, we’re going to peel back the curtain in that basement and talk about all kinds of edibles…from CBD gummies to THC candies to delta 9 and delta 8 edibles…to yes, baked goods. Because today, edibles have evolved and there are lots of facts and myths to sort out.
Key Topics Today
- What are edibles?
- What types of edibles are available today?
- What are some of the cannabis components used in edibles?
- Why we use delta 9 edibles instead of delta 8 edibles in our wide selection of cannabis edibles
- Applications for edibles
- Warnings about edibles and other things you should know
- And finally, yes, we’ll share some recipes for edibles you can make right at home!
What Are Edibles?
Edibles are typically small treats or baked goods that contain THC or CBD or other cannabinoids in them. Some are baked into the product while others are mixed (not cooked) to create the final product. Edibles are widely available from CBD manufacturers, at gas stations or grocery stores, cannabis dispensaries, or can be made at home using a recipe.
MythBusters – Edibles Edition
Let’s first take a look at some of the widest misconceptions about cannabis edibles. (So you can get the That 70s Show image out of your head…)
Myth 1 – Cannabis edibles are all about marijuana.
Wrong! Today, there are many types of cannabis edibles that offer a variety of cannabinoids for you to enjoy, not just marijuana or weed baked into them. Today’s cannabis edibles have evolved into a health and wellness boom that’s helping a great many people live more comfortably and productively.
There are delta 8 edibles with a lower-potency THC. There are higher-potency delta 9 THC edibles. And there are edibles without THC that are made from CBD and other types of cannabinoids. And, they are used for a wide variety of reasons (not just to get high!):
Some examples:
Your postman takes it for his knee. The pain and soreness aren’t gone completely – but he admits he feels better and enjoys his job more now that CBD edibles have made their way into his morning and afternoon routines.
Your minister takes it because she can’t sleep at night. Her job requires many hours of study, talking on the phone, visiting shut-ins, and carrying things around to set up for various meetings or projects. She takes broad spectrum CBD gummies both for calm during the day and for sleep at night. (She’s also got a sweet tooth so getting a little taste of sweetness along with gentle calm feels to her like a win win!)
Your cousin takes CBD edibles and a has a regular CBD routine. He bakes protein bars (with CBD and some delta 9 THC in them) and hits the gym regularly. He’s on his way to meeting all his athletic goals and boasts CBD as part of his winning routine.
In all these scenarios (which, mind you, are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any particular condition), CBD plays a role in a more comfortable day-to-day and a more restful night. Cannabis edibles are one way to help achieve these health and wellness goals. And today, there are lots of different types of cannabis edibles available.
Types of Edibles
Food
- Candy
- Baked goods
- Gummies
- Frozen treats
Drink (Not really edibles, per se, but you can make a variety of recipes at home, as well.)
- Beverages or mixed drinks
- Smoothies or shakes
People take cannabis or CBD edibles for lots of reasons. Here are the top three applications that people seem to use CBD products for, including CBD baked treats or gummies:
Improved calm – Edibles can be that on-the-go source of your favorite cannabinoids if you often feel unsettled, uneasy, or have heightened stress when you are out and about. Take a few of your edibles with you in your lunch bag for the perfect midafternoon pick-me-up. (And keep them with you. You don’t want sticky-fingers Joe from the office to swipe them for his own snack!)
A greater sense of well-being – Some people simply feel more well when they have certain cannabinoids in their system. Because this varies from person to person, edibles are a great way to tailor your CBD routine to best suit your own needs. Plus, edibles make it more fun!
Improved sleep – Though we aren’t 100% sure the relationship between cannabinoids and sleep, many people report that they sleep much better when they use CBD products. Cannabis edibles can be a great after-dinner treat that helps your body unwind and prepare for a more relaxed night of sleep. It’s good there are so many ways to make edibles so you can make them with the CBD components that best help you get your beauty sleep. (Some edibles even contain melatonin!)
Myth 2 – All cannabis edibles get you high.
Wrong! All cannabis edibles do not get you high. This is because today, most cannabis edibles are made with cannabinoids that do not produce a psychoactive effect.
- A broad spectrum hemp blend that contains a variety of cannabinoids: CBD, CBN, CBG, etc. None of these are psychoactive so they absolutely cannot get you high, though they may make you feel more calm.
- A full spectrum extract from hemp plants that often contains all the cannabinoids mentioned above, but also low concentrations of THC. The other cannabinoids help to temper the “high” effect of the THC in what we call the entourage effect, while at the low .3% concentrations of THC, it’s just simply not enough to get you high.
- CBD isolates which are pure CBD and cannot get you high. CBD is non-psychoactive. At this time, cbdMD does not offer a CBD isolate product.
Yes, you can find cannabis edibles that can get you high. These would be high-potency delta 9 THC edibles or edibles made from marijuana, though the two are quite different. Delta 9 THC is quite potent but if it is sourced from hemp and at low (meaning, federally legal) amounts, then it’s not enough to get you high if you use the recommended amount. Our new Delta 9 Gummies, for example, are potentially psychoactive at full dosage.
Marijuana edibles are not legal in most states and yes, they are far more THC-potent and will most likely get you high. In states where they are legal you may find them in dispensaries but most people make their own using marijuana and whatever recipe they prefer.
Note: cbdMD does not produce any cannabis edibles made from marijuana.
Myth 3 – All cannabis edibles are illegal to make, distribute, or use.
Wrong! As long as you are using legal cannabinoids you can make all the cannabis edibles you want! They are largely unregulated, though the amount of THC per dry weight of any CBD product is regulated. Only .3% of THC (whether delta 8 THC or delta 9 THC or some other type) is allowed.
Please note: If you intend to distribute cannabis edibles you’ve made, you are still required to follow your state and federal laws.
You may also make marijuana edibles if you choose, but only in states where marijuana is legal for recreational use. Otherwise, only the people with medical marijuana scripts would be able to use them.
The Type of Cannabinoid in Your Edibles Is Important
Your user experience is directly tied to the ingredients in your cannabis edibles. It’s best to choose the most naturally made edibles that don’t contain a bunch of extra chemicals and preservatives, especially if you intend to use cannabis edibles as a health and wellness catalyst.
Delta 8 THC Edibles
Delta 8 edibles would be less intoxicating because they are made with less potent THC. At this time, cbdMD does not have any delta 8 edibles because we’ve opted to go with delta 9 for our full spectrum edibles selection.
Delta 9 THC Edibles
Because delta 9 THC is more potent, you can get the benefits with a smaller amount. This is one reason cbdMD chooses to focus on delta 9 THC in our products. Delta 9 edibles include recipes you make with our premium full spectrum CBD oils or by using our tasty blue razz flavored delta 9 edibles (gummies) or our cherry flavored delta 9 edibles (also gummy form).
CBD Edibles
CBD edibles provide benefits without THC. They are generally preferred by people who may be sensitive to the effects of THC or by people who prefer their natural energy levels not be tempered by the THC during the day. There are many reasons why a person may want only the benefits of the CBD in their edibles, and we oblige with a wide variety of broad spectrum CBD gummies.
Note: If a CBD edible product is labeled as “full spectrum”, then it does contain some THC in it.
Warnings or Considerations
Know that CBD edibles, delta 8 edibles, or delta 9 edibles (or edibles with cannabinoids of any kind) should not be consumed if:
- You are under the age of 21.
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Your doctor does not approve – Your doctor is familiar with your medical condition and history and should be consulted before you begin any kind of cannabis derivative, psychoactive or not.
Other Important Considerations for Using Delta 8 Edibles, CBD Chewables, etc.
Make sure you know exactly what is in the edibles.
If someone made them and offered them to you, make sure you trust that this person will be honest about what they put in them. Some edibles are made with a high potency of THC in them or are made with marijuana for the purpose of getting the user high. If you do not want this psychoactive effect (or are concerned about drug screening), pass on the goodies.
Order edibles from a reliable source or make them yourself.
cbdMD offers a full line of edibles in the form of CBD gummies and Delta 9 Gummies (which are more potent and potentially psychoactive at full strength). You can take 1-2 of the CBD gummies (read the instructions) or a portion of (up to) one delta 9 gummy.
Be Careful Who You Invite to Partake
This is for several reasons.
- Cannabis edibles of any kind should only be given to consenting adults over the age of 21.
- You should never have someone unknowingly consume a tasty edible you’ve made without letting them know exactly what types of cannabinoids or CBD products are in them. This is because some folks are not allowed to use any form of CBD product, with or without THC, and you don’t want to be responsible for causing them to lose their job or position on a team, etc. They must know what is in the edibles and make that decision for themselves.
- Be wary of how much you consume – just because those CBD gummies are deliciously tasty, does not mean you can eat more than the recommended amount at once.
Related reading: How to Safely Try THC Gummies
Recipes for CBD, Delta 9, or Delta 8 Edibles
Remember, you can use your CBD oil formulation of choice – Broad Spectrum CBD Oil (without THC) or Full Spectrum CBD Oil (with delta 9 THC) in the concentration you prefer per mg in the following delicious recipes:
CBD Gummies – These fruity gummies are really easy to make.
CBD Brownies – Try these brownies with your choice of CBD oil.
CBD Chocolate Chip Cookies – Not a fan of brownies? Try these cookies!
CBD Fun-Fetti Cake – Let them eat cake, indeed!
CBD Hard Candy – Sweet hard candies you can make whatever flavor you want.
To Learn More
To learn more about cannabis edibles, CBD edibles, delta 8 edibles, delta 9 edibles, and more, follow our educational blog and bookmark our CBD recipes page for fun and tasty ways you can incorporate more cannabinoids into your day.