CBD edibles are one of the easiest ways to add CBD to your day. Each piece comes pre-measured, they taste good, and they look like any other snack, so there is nothing to measure and nothing to explain.
This guide covers what CBD edibles are, why people choose them over oils and other formats, how long they take to work, how to read a label, how much to take, and the CBD gummies we carry.
The short answer
CBD edibles are foods, most often gummies, made with hemp-derived CBD. Each piece holds a set amount of CBD, so servings are simple and consistent. Edibles take longer to kick in than a tincture held under the tongue, but the effect tends to last longer. Choose a product that lists the CBD in each piece and has a current certificate of analysis, follow the serving size on the label, and talk to your doctor first if you take any medication.
What Are CBD Edibles?
CBD (cannabidiol) is a natural compound from the hemp plant. It does not cause a high. A CBD edible is any food or snack made with CBD: gummies, chocolates, mints, baked goods, and drinks. Gummies are by far the most popular because they are portable, shelf-stable, and easy to portion.
Hemp-derived CBD products are legal under federal law when they contain no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight. State rules vary, so check the rules where you live.
Why People Choose CBD Edibles
The appeal of edibles is practical. Compared with oils, vapes, and topicals, they offer:
- Pre-measured servings. Every gummy holds the same amount of CBD, so there is no dropper to read and no guesswork.
- A longer-lasting effect. CBD you swallow is absorbed slowly through the digestive system, so it tends to stay with you longer than CBD you inhale.
- Easy to take anywhere. A bottle of gummies fits in a bag or a desk drawer and looks like any other snack.
- No hemp taste. Fruit flavors cover the earthy taste some people dislike in oils.
- Nothing to inhale. No smoke and no vapor.
The tradeoff is speed and control. Edibles are slower to kick in, and you cannot fine-tune a serving as easily as you can with drops.
How Long Do CBD Edibles Take to Work?
Edibles pass through your digestive system and liver before CBD reaches your bloodstream, so they are slower than other forms. In published research on CBD taken by mouth, blood levels peaked within about four hours of a serving. Taking CBD with a meal raised the amount absorbed several times over compared with an empty stomach, so having your gummy with food can make a real difference.
For a closer look at timing by product type, see How Long Does CBD Take to Work?
Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum, or Isolate?
Every CBD gummy label should tell you which type of hemp extract is inside:
- Full spectrum keeps the full range of compounds from the hemp plant, including a small amount of THC (no more than 0.3%).
- Broad spectrum keeps most of those compounds but removes THC to non-detectable levels.
- Isolate is CBD on its own.
If you are drug tested, choose broad spectrum or isolate and check the certificate of analysis. Small amounts of THC can add up with daily use.
How to Choose a CBD Gummy
- CBD per gummy. Look for an exact amount per piece, such as 25mg per gummy, not just a total for the whole bottle.
- A current certificate of analysis. Independent lab reports confirm the CBD content and screen for contaminants. See our lab test results.
- Spectrum. Pick full spectrum, broad spectrum, or isolate based on your THC preference.
- Ingredients. Gummies made with pectin are plant-based; gelatin gummies are not. Check the sugar and any added ingredients, such as melatonin, which some gummies include for nighttime use.
- Brand transparency. Clear labels, a real company behind the product, and a support team you can reach are all good signs.
How Much CBD Should You Take?
There is no official serving size for CBD, and no single amount is right for everyone. The simplest approach is the safest: follow the serving size on the product label, start with one serving, and give it a few hours before deciding whether to take more. Because edibles are slow, taking a second gummy too soon is the most common mistake.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using CBD if you take any medication, are pregnant or nursing, or have a health condition. CBD can interact with some medications.
The CBD Gummies We Carry
We keep a short list of gummies from brands we trust:
- CBDfx Gummy Bites, Mixed Berry: 50mg of broad spectrum CBD per gummy bear, vegan.
- CBDfx Mixed Berry Gummies: 25mg of broad spectrum CBD per gummy, vegan, made with organic hemp.
- CBDfx Turmeric & Spirulina Gummies: 25mg of broad spectrum CBD per gummy, with turmeric and spirulina.
For nighttime, CBDfx also makes CBD gummies with melatonin. Browse every option in our CBD gummies collection.
Storing and Using Edibles Safely
- Keep edibles out of reach of children and pets. They look like candy.
- Store them in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Heat can melt gummies and break down CBD.
- Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how CBD affects you.
- You must be 18 or older to buy CBD products from us.
About this information
This guide is for general education only. Timing figures come from published research that measured CBD levels in the blood, which is not the same as how any one person will feel, and research on CBD is still developing. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Talk to a qualified healthcare professional about your own situation before using any hemp or CBD product.
See our Best CBD Oil picks in every category. Questions about a product? Contact our team, we are happy to help.
Source: Millar SA, Stone NL, Yates AS, O’Sullivan SE. A Systematic Review on the Pharmacokinetics of Cannabidiol in Humans. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2018.