Edibles have an important place in cannabis culture, but did you know food infused with cannabidiol is also becoming a growing niche? We're talking about more than CBD gummies or chews (though those are great, too!)
There is an increasingly massive array of foods infused with the calming cannabinoid that is CBD, from full meals served at specialty restaurants to tasty chocolates you can try when you're craving something sweet.
How Potent Are CBD Edibles?
CBD is actually not very bioavailable when consumed, so foods infused with it aren't going to have significant physiological effects. This makes CBD edibles a nice option for those who are new to CBD and want to try it in a small amount and in a method that won't feel too unusual or "medicinal."
If your goal is to experience a noticeable effect at good value for your money, we actually wouldn't recommend eating your CBD. Taking it sublingually or using a CBD patch will offer more relief, whether you take it for anxiety, pain, or just general relaxation.
However, if you want a fun way to boost your CBD intake, or just want to try something new, you can add CBD edibles to your existing routine!
Where Can You Find CBD-Infused Food?
Quite a few restaurants serving CBD-infused food and beverages have opened up in the last few years. According to the National Restaurant Association, CBD-infused food was one of the hottest trends of 2019.
Monarch & The Milkweed is a famous restaurant in Burlington, Vermont. Normally, they serve classic American and brunch fare infused with CBD, like chicken & waffles, melts, bagel sandwiches, and more. At the moment, they've transitioned to selling delicious CBD-infused confections online.
There's also the Grön Café & Tasting Room in Portland, Oregon. Normally, the cafe serves a variety of CBD-infused beverages and sweets, although it's closed at the moment due to COVID-19.
In Colorado Springs, Studio A64 is a Cannabis Club that holds a variety of events, and also has a snack and drink menu that includes CBD-infused smoothies and milkshakes.
Still, many cafes and restaurants are closed at the moment, and in states like New York and California, regulatory bodies have issued ordinances against serving CBD in food or beverages.
Thankfully, there are ways for you to enjoy CBD-infused food at home!
The Coolest CBD-Infused Snacks & Condiments
A few enterprising companies have crafted their own CBD-infused items that you can order online and add to your meal! Here are our favorites.
CBD Honey from Unoia
Credit: Unoia
There is something very wholesome about honey. It's one of the healthiest ways to indulge a sweet tooth, since it's loaded with beneficial antioxidants. The combination of organic honey and CBD makes for a lovely treat. You can eat it as is if you have a craving for sugar, or use it to enhance a cup of tea.
Unoia's honey is infused with CBD isolate, so it's a great choice for those who worry about full-spectrum products that can include trace amounts of THC. It comes in pre-portioned sachets with 30 ml of honey and 15 mg of CBD. For vegans, Unoia also has CBD-infused agave available!
Hot Sauce from Satan's Breath
Credit: Satan's Breath
We discovered this exciting hot sauce brand while profiling POC-owned CBD businesses. There is something wildly contradictory about experiencing the fiery kick of Pineapple Habanero Hot Sauce followed by mild relaxation from the CBD. There are a few other hot sauces to choose from, and you can even buy them in a set to try all flavors.
Each 150 ml bottle of hot sauce contains 50 mg of CBD, which is a small, mild amount. You don't need to worry about overdoing it with this kind of condiment, even if you're a major hot sauce-head. Feel free to drizzle it on top of every meal or snack throughout the day.
CBD Dark Chocolate from Grön
Credit: Grön
Eating dark chocolate always feels decadent, although when you do it in moderation, it's actually quite good for you! The cocoa in Grön chocolates is fair-trade, and the sweet also includes GABA and anandamide, which are adaptogens said to be stress-reducing.
One box comes with 15 individually-wrapped pieces of tasty chocolate. Each piece contains 30 mg of CBD, which is enough to triggera noticeable effect. The CBD is broad-spectrum, so you can benefit from the entourage effect—although you may want to resist eating the whole pack in one sitting! In fact, the brand recommends having just one piece a day.
