CBD Edibles Q & A

What are CBD edibles?
CBD foods, also known as 'edibles', are becoming an increasingly popular way of consuming CBD. CBD edibles are pre-made CBD-infused food products. They are aimed at those who would like to reap the benefits that CBD can bring but who are not keen on taking up vaping or using CBD oils / tinctures.

What types of CBD food are available?
CBD food products range from gummies to chocolates, chewing gum to powder mixes, coffee to water, and more. As demand grows, and new suppliers emerge, the range of foods and drinks continues to grow and expand. At present, the most popular CBD foods are bulk CBD gummies / bulk gummy bears, CBD chocolates, as well as CBD-infused drinks such as coffee or water.

What are the pros and cons of CBD edibles?
Whilst the scientific evidence is continuing to build, millions of people are already convinced by the therapeutic benefits of CBD in treating a wide variety of conditions. But what are the specific benefits and drawbacks of opting for CBD foods ahead of other methods?

Taking CBD via an edible is much more subtle than vaping or taking via a spray or tincture. No-one is going to pay any attention to someone simply eating a gummy bear in public. The same applies to CBD-infused drinks; no one is going to question someone for drinking a bottle of water or a coffee.

CBD bulk gummies are designed to taste far better than oils. The earthy taste of CBD oil is very off-putting for many but edibles are available in all sorts of different flavours. This makes them far more palatable for most people. CBD chocolate products are particularly popular because who doesn’t love the taste of chocolate, right?

Another advantage is convenience. There is no need for any equipment or vape pens as these products come prepacked and ready to consume.

Perhaps the main potential downside with CBD food products is that it is much easier to eat a whole bag of gummies or a bar of CBD-infused chocolate without realising it than it is to consume an entire bottle of CBD oil. This could potentially mean that monitoring intake and dosage is harder.

How are CBD edibles made, and what ingredients are used?
CBD edibles are made from one of three distinct types of CBD. Full-spectrum CBD products contain all of the compounds (such as terpenes) found within the cannabis plant, including trace amounts of THC. Broad-spectrum CBD products contain all compounds but have had the THC removed. CBD isolate products consist of nothing except CBD (so no terpenes or cannabinoids).

Apart from CBD, many edibles also contain pectin / gelatine, sweeteners, oils, and artificial flavourings.

Are CBD edibles legal to sell in the UK?
CBD edibles are fully legal to sell in the UK, but they are modestly regulated. In the UK, CBD products, including edibles, must be derived from an industrial hemp strain that has been EU-approved or come from outside the EU. These strains contain not more than 0.2% THC (the psychoactive component in cannabis), which means they don't have the "high" effect.

Moreover, they are classified as a 'novel food' by the Food Standards Agency (FSA). This means that they require a pre-market safety assessment and authorisation before they can be legally marketed. Companies have to comply with these regulations, so any CBD edibles on the market should have undergone this process.

Marketing CBD edibles in the UK is permissible, but it is highly regulated and you must follow specific guidelines. Primarily, it is not allowed to make any health or medicinal claims about CBD products unless the product has a valid marketing authorisation from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). This means you cannot state or imply that the product can prevent, treat or cure human disease.

Furthermore, advertising CBD products must comply with the UK Code of Non-broadcast Advertising and Direct & Promotional Marketing (the CAP Code) and the UK Code of Broadcast Advertising (the BCAP Code), which are overseen by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). The ASA is known to enforce these codes strictly and has upheld a number of complaints about CBD advertising.

Can CBD edibles interact with any medications?
Yes, CBD edibles can interact with certain medications. CBD is metabolised by the body using the same enzyme system (the cytochrome P450 system) that many common medications use. Because of this, CBD can either inhibit or enhance the way these other drugs are metabolised, which can lead to them being less effective or potentially toxic.

Notably, medications with a 'grapefruit warning' are of particular concern. Both CBD and grapefruit inhibit the same group of liver enzymes, so if your medication comes with advice to avoid grapefruit, you should consult a healthcare professional before consuming CBD.

If you're taking any medication, it's always best to consult with a healthcare provider before beginning a regimen of CBD.

Are CBD foods regulated in the UK?
Yes, CBD foods are regulated in the UK. They are classified as a 'novel food' by the Food Standards Agency (FSA). Novel foods are foods or ingredients that were not widely consumed in the EU before May 15, 1997. Because of this, they require a pre-market safety assessment and authorisation before they can be legally marketed.

The FSA has given the CBD industry a deadline of March 31, 2021, to submit valid novel food authorisation applications. After this date, only products for which the FSA has a valid application will be allowed to remain on the market. The authorisation process ensures that novel foods are safe, that they do not mislead consumers, and that their consumption does not harm consumers.

Can CBD edibles be sold to minors/under-18s?
The UK does not have explicit age restrictions on the sale of CBD products, but many CBD companies and retailers choose to implement their own policies, restricting the sale of CBD to those 18 and over. This is because the effects of CBD on a developing brain are not well understood and out of an abundance of caution.

Are CBD edibles legal to sell in the UK?
The best way to store CBD edibles depends on the type of product, but there are a few general rules to follow. CBD is sensitive to light and heat, so storing your CBD edibles in a cool, dark, dry place is ideal. Many people choose to store their CBD products in a pantry or a refrigerator.

Avoid storing CBD products in areas with fluctuating temperatures and high humidity, such as a bathroom, as it can encourage mould growth on certain edibles. Also, ensure your edibles are always sealed in airtight containers or packaging to maintain their freshness and potency.

What is the best method for storing CBD edibles?
The best way to store CBD edibles depends on the type of product, but there are a few general rules to follow. CBD is sensitive to light and heat, so storing your CBD edibles in a cool, dark, dry place is ideal. Many people choose to store their CBD products in a pantry or a refrigerator.

Avoid storing CBD products in areas with fluctuating temperatures and high humidity, such as a bathroom, as it can encourage mould growth on certain edibles. Also, ensure your edibles are always sealed in airtight containers or packaging to maintain their freshness and potency.

Are there specific packaging requirements for CBD foods?
In the UK, there are specific requirements for the packaging of CBD foods. Packaging must not make any direct or indirect claims about the health benefits of the product. It also should not encourage excessive consumption, minimise the risks associated with consuming CBD, or make misleading claims.

In addition, all CBD food products must be labelled with:

• A clear statement that the product contains CBD
• The quantity of CBD in the product (in milligrams)
• A warning to consult a healthcare provider before using the product if the consumer has a medical condition or is taking any medication
• A statement that the product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease
• The ingredients, nutritional information, and allergens

Always ensure that your packaging is in line with the latest guidelines from the FSA and Trading Standards.

Not only are they safe, but CBD edibles are also a great way to introduce beginners to the benefits of CBD. They are simple to consume which means they can even be an excellent starting point for older people as well as younger adults.