CBD became one of the top-selling supplements in 2020 that many consumers chose as a more natural way to address health issues like anxiety, so it makes sense that food manufacturers would be jumping at opportunities to offer CBD-fortified foods and beverages. Greenwave Advisors, a marijuana research firm, predicts that CBD foods could make up a $3.5 billion industry by 2023.

What Is CBD?

With the legalization of cannabis, especially medical marijuana, in numerous states, interest around CBD is at an all-time high (no pun intended). CBD pills, tinctures, creams, oils, and food and beverages served up in pretty packaging are backed by tons of glowing reviews on social media with users swearing off anxiety meds in favor of a daily dose of CBD.

There are two main compounds found in the cannabis plant. Cannabidiol, also called CBD, is a non-intoxicating chemical compound found in the cannabis or hemp plant. CBD will not make you “high.” The more commonly known compound is called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for the “high” feeling associated with marijuana use.

There’s no question that CBD is the buzzy wellness product of the moment – there is currently a holistic health trend taking place. If you live in a state where it’s currently legal, you might feel like CBD has gone from being sort of around to absolutely everywhere all at once. Coffee shops sell CBD lattes, spas offer CBD facials, beauty companies are rushing to release lotions with CBD or hemp oils in their formulas. And everyone from your anxious coworker to your arthritis-suffering dad wants to get their hands on some CBD gummies.

Every variety of the cannabis family produces cannabinoids, including hemp. While CBD and THC are the most well-known cannabinoids, there are many different types, and only recently have significant resources been poured into their study. Our brains have specific receptors designed to accept cannabinoids, known as CB1 and CB2. These receptors are responsible for the assimilation of cannabinoid molecules into your system, resulting in the psychoactive and immune responses correlated with cannabis consumption.

CBD in Food and Drinks

While a few companies are already doing that, others are approaching it more tentatively. This is because FDA regulations for food are much more stringent (compared to dietary supplements). But with demand high, we predict 2020 will be the Year of CBD Foods. And at the same time, we also predict it will be the year where retail sales of CBD will get a bit more complicated as a result of ongoing state, federal, and FDA legislation.

The extraction of CBD from the cannabis plant is very critical. In fact, it’s non-negotiable if you want the health benefits of cannabidiol. Adding raw cannabis to the food will not only cause an unpleasant taste but also have very little effect on the body compared to concentrated extracts. Furthermore, the cannabinoids in the cannabis plant can only be absorbed in the body if they are decarboxylated. In order to successfully decarboxylate them, heat is needed.

Thus, extracting CBD is not only done for the sake of convenience but to separate important cannabinoid components that are beneficial, absorbable and safe for the human body. Raw herbal cannabis often hosts numerous microbes that can be harmful to health if not properly extracted and purified.

CBD has been persistent in its penetration into the food and drinks industry. Today, consumers are spoiled with a variety of CBD edibles to choose from. From gummies to candies and even modified versions of brownies, the list of CBD edibles is endless.

CBD taken sublingually or through vaping quickly goes into the bloodstream and produces results faster, but they are short-lived. On the other hand, when CBD is taken in the form of food or drinks, it has to go through the digestive system where it is likely to be held longer. This way, it will gradually produce the needed effect over a more extended time period.

Over the past few years, opinions towards cannabis have been softening in most parts of the world. People have found that CBD offers many health benefits, including improvements in skin health, as noted at gloriousfab.com. As a result, more and more brands have begun to experiment in new ways by which they can use the plant. More and more people are becoming conscious of the health benefits of CBD, and its demand is higher than ever — which also translates into high-profit margins. Every manufacturer wants to get their own bigger chunk of this new lucrative market.

Beginners are advised to initiate their CBD intake by taking low doses. For regular use, taking 1 milligram of the compound for every 10 pounds of body weight is a good starting point. You should allow the body to determine how much it can handle gradually; each individual is prone to a different encounter with foreign substances.

Under normal circumstances, it takes CBD approximately 30 to 40 minutes to start taking effect. Note that in some cases, your body might have to acclimatize to the CBD first. Following your first dose, if you don’t feel anything, wait at least 24 hours before you can take another dose.

Here we list several of the most popular CBD-infused foods and drinks.

Cold Brews

Cold brews are great for most people, however, some can experience anxiety, nervousness or “jittery” sensations. This is where CBD saves the day. It allows cold brew drinkers to feel the energy of the caffeine, without the jitters! CBD eliminates the negative effects of over-caffeination.

CBD Chocolate

There is nothing on earth quite as delicious as chocolate. This age-old indulgence has been used for centuries as an aphrodisiac, a way to relax a nervous mind, and as a sweet treat that invigorates the senses and releases endorphins. Chocolate was first discovered by ancient Mayans and was used in rituals and spiritual ceremonies. CBD chocolate combines terpenes, cannabidiol, and amino acids, with the remarkable power of chocolate. This beautiful marriage of botanicals provides the user with the opportunity to enjoy a delicious piece of chocolate and high-grade hemp extract at the same time.

CBD Gummies

Not only does Not Pot guarantee its gummies are THC-free in its name, but they also disclose that their proprietary technology preserves all the phytocannabinoids while eliminating the THC in its full-spectrum, hemp-derived CBD. Like Sunday Scaries vegan line, Not Pot is 100 percent vegan. The brand dubs their product as a daily, strawberry-flavored hug for your endocannabinoid system, so you’ll get a hint of fruity sweetness with your daily dose of chill.

CBD Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds are a classic snack that have been enjoyed worldwide for decades. Now this widely appreciated goodies have undergone another phase of evolution, and many brands are offering sunflower seeds that are spiced with high-grade CBD extract.

Whether you are on your way to the ball game, looking for a quick snack at the office, or want a portable way to enjoy your daily helping of CBD, these savory, perfectly salted treats might be just the answer you’ve been looking for. CBD sunflower seeds are honey roasted, and gently salted, to provide users the perfect balance of sweet and salty while they enjoy their daily CBD.

CBD Cocktails

CBD infused cocktails vary greatly, and there are currently no set restrictions on these. Both CBD oil and tinctures have found their way into CBD cocktails. The CBD extracts can be mixed with spirits such as vodka and cognac, as well as beer and wine. For each combination, the effects of the CBD are different. For example, beer and wine are water-based; therefore, they will not react the same way as the spirits when mixed with CBD oil. For others, this way of taking CBD is effective, but some people say the effects of CBD are a bit minimized when taken with alcohol.