Learn to make the best CBD edibles at home.
What is CBD? CBD seems to be everywhere these days, from infused beverages (before the crackdown) to chocolates at the corner grocery store’s checkout and tinctures at the pharmacy. But when a small square of chocolate sets you back $4, that can be pretty costly. As with a lot of things, it’s more affordable to make it yourself at home. Here’s how to make the best vegan CBD edibles.
Short for cannabidiol, CBD is a compound found in the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant. Every member of the cannabis family—including hemp—contains cannabinoids. CBD is one of more than 80 cannabinoids that can be extracted from hemp.
Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol, the primary compound in recreational and medicinal cannabis, CBD won’t get you high. But, there are benefits thanks to the human body’s complex endocannabinoid system.
According to Live Science, our brains have specific receptors designed to accept cannabinoids known as CB1 and CB2. The former receptors, present throughout the nervous system, are responsible for a healthy brain as well as the psychoactive properties when THC binds to them. The latter receptors are found in the cells of the immune system.
CBD doesn’t bind to receptors like THC does, but it modifies the ability to bind cannabinoids. Many proponents of CBD say that it has a long list of benefits, including pain and anxiety relief. According to Healthline, further studies are needed, but it may also alleviate cancer-related symptoms and have neuroprotective properties.
Thanks to its plant-based origin, CBD oils and tinctures are vegan. These are typically made with hemp seed or coconut oils. Additionally, many brands work with organic hemp farms that are free from pesticides and herbicides. While CBD tinctures are vegan, other products—lotions, salves, and edibles—aren’t always free from animal ingredients. As with cannabis, you can also buy CBD flower, which can be smoked.
Edibles are consumable forms of cannabis that require no combustion—lighting the flower to activate the cannabinoids—in order for the user to feel the effects. Edibles can come in the form of brownies, cookies, mints, gummies, and savory food, too. There are cannabis dinner clubs across the country that serve gourmet infused dinners. THC-infused edibles are the most common, but you can make CBD edibles, too.
Unlike THC edibles, you don’t need to infuse oil to make CBD edibles. A bottle of high-quality oil is all you need.
According to Leafly, there are three types of CBD to consider for making edibles: full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate. Full-spectrum CBD derived from cannabis contains cannabinoids, terpenes, and molecular compounds from the plant, which includes small traces of THC. Broad-spectrum CBD contains all of the cannabinoids but has had the THC removed. And CBD isolate, which is derived from industrial hemp, is purely CBD. Full-spectrum CBD will provide a more complete experience.
When you’re ready to start making edibles, consider how strong you want the end result to be. To do that, calculate the total milligrams in your tincture by the number of servings in the recipe. A standard dosage is one to six milligrams per 10 pounds of body weight. If you’re new to CBD, it’s best to start there, but experienced users may want to up the dosage.
Ready to get started? Here are seven vegan CBD edible recipes that are easy to make at home.
A lot of gummies aren’t vegan due to the inclusion of gelatin, which is used as a thickener in candies. But, agar-agar, which is derived from algae, makes vegan gummy candy is possible. These vegan CBD gummy bears are made from fruit juice, agar-agar, and a CBD oil of your choice. You’ll need a silicone mold to make these.
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It’s easy to make these vegan CBD brownies. And they’re made from pantry ingredients, like all-purpose flour, sugar, and applesauce. The end result is magical. These can be stored in the freezer to make them last longer.
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According to the author, you can replace the THC-infused coconut oil in these vegan peanut butter cups with regular coconut oil and add drops of CBD oil. You’ll need silicone baking cups to make this recipe. After making, store in the refrigerator or freezer.
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A candy thermometer is the key to getting these vegan CBD lollipops just right. Remember not to stir the mixture while the candy cooks—that can cause the sugars to crystalize, resulting in ruined lollipops.
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These three-layer, CBD-infused chocolate bites feature a chocolatey coconut-oat base, a layer of coconut cream, and a layer of chocolate. The hardest part is waiting for them to chill before eating, but it’s well worth it.
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Aside from taking your sublingually, adding a dose to your beverage is one of the quickest ways to consume CBD. Use plant-based milk created for baristas for an exceptionally frothy foam. Regular oat or soy milk will also provide a decent froth. These options are higher in protein than other types of plant-based milk, resulting in a froth that’s similar to dairy.
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These CBD-infused vegan chocolate chip cookies are easy to make and best paired with a glass of dairy-free milk. Remember to let these cool before enjoying.
Get the recipe here.
This post was last modified on December 15, 2020 7:33 am