Beyond the humble CBD gummy lies a whole world of delectable, discreet, and even somewhat surprising CBD edible treats. Gone are the days when CBD was just an oil or nothing, and we are now living in nothing short of a CBD edible revolution. If you’re new to the world of CBD edibles, it’s normal to have some questions – and if so, you’ve landed in the right spot.
We get asked so many questions on CBD each and every day, and CBD edibles in particular. So here are the answers you’re looking for…
Key Takeaways
- CBD edibles provide long-lasting effects – Unlike vaping or tinctures, edibles take longer to kick in but offer steady relief for hours, making them ideal for stress, sleep, and pain management.
- CBD does not cause a high – Unlike THC, CBD is non-intoxicating, though it can subtly influence mood, relaxation, and overall well-being.
- CBD edibles are legal in the UK with restrictions – They must contain less than 1mg of THC per product and comply with Novel Food regulations.
- Dosing varies by individual – Start with a low dose (10-25mg) and adjust gradually. Metabolism, body weight, and individual tolerance all play a role in effectiveness.
- Homemade CBD edibles are legal under certain conditions – You can make your own as long as the CBD is purchased from a licensed, approved source and meets UK regulations.
What are CBD edibles?
CBD edibles are any food item that is infused with CBD. You can find CBD gummies (the most popular by a country mile), but there are also CBD-infused honey sticks, protein bars, lollipops, baked goods, and dried fruit – the list is crazy these days, but they all share one key ingredient, CBD.
How do CBD edibles work in the body?
Patients may be a much-needed virtue, but it’s a necessity when it comes to CBD edibles. Unlike vaping, which sends CBD straight to your bloodstream, edibles take the scenic route. Once the CBD hits the stomach, digestion begins, which sends the good stuff to the liver. From there, CBD enters the bloodstream and travels literally everywhere the blood ends up, and starts to interact with different receptor systems, including:
- The endocannabinoid system – CBD works by modulating the ECS, which is responsible for maintaining balance in our body’s functions.
- Serotonin receptors – CBD indirectly stimulates serotonin receptors, which play a significant role in mood regulation and anxiety.
- GABA receptors – CBD can increase GABA signalling, which helps to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
- Dopamine receptors – CBD can affect dopamine levels, which plays a role in motivation and reward.
What is the difference between CBD and THC edibles?
Simply put, THC has the ability to get you ‘high’ (while also offering a huge range of therapeutic benefits), while CBD is just about wellness and health. Both are produced by plants in the Cannabis sativa L. genus (which include hemp and cannabis), and both are cannabinoids, but they interact with the body in different ways.
Are CBD edibles legal in the UK?
Yes, CBD edibles are a fully legal, well regulated product in the UK. The CBD must be extracted from approved industrial hemp plants, which legally must contain less than 0.2% THC, so there are no psychoactive effects.
In the UK, all products that contain more than 0.2% THC (or 1 mg of THC per package) can only be prescribed by a specialist doctor to medical cannabis patients, not sold ‘over the counter’.
Can CBD edibles make you feel high?
No, CBD does not cause fits of giggles or any other perception-altering effects. While it is non-intoxicating, it is still somewhat psychoactive, as it can affect mood and behaviour.
What are the benefits of CBD edibles?
For starters, they’re delicious.
But beyond that, they offer long-lasting relief for stress and anxiety, sleep issues, inflammation, and pain. Unlike vaping CBD or taking CBD oil sublingually, which delivers a rapid hit, edibles release CBD slowly, keeping things steady for hours. Plus, they’re discreet – no need to worry about pulling out a dropper of oil or vape pen in public.
How much CBD should I take in an edible for the best results?
Start small – 10-25mg is a great starting point for beginners. The golden rule is to ‘Start Low, Go Slow’.
How to make CBD edibles at home?
While we can’t legally buy CBD flower in the UK to make our own edibles at home, there are other ways to DIY your own CBD-infused treats. Now we aren’t recommending this, but you can buy legally made CBD oil, CBD infused honey, even CBD sugar and add it to our favourite recipes.
We won’t be giving out any recipes or anything like that, but a quick google search and you’ll find plenty of options. No one is looking, we promise.
Can I legally make CBD edibles at home in the UK?
It is a bit of a legal gray area – but as long as you buy your CBD products from reputable sources, and the CBD is derived from approved industrial hemp strains with less than 0.2% THC, then yes, you can legally make your own CBD edibles at home.
How long do CBD edibles take to kick in after consumption?
It depends. On an empty stomach? 30 minutes to an hour. Just had a big meal? It could take up to two hours. Since edibles rely on digestion, metabolism plays a role too.
How long do CBD edibles stay in your system?
CBD can hang about in your body for 2 to 5 days, but it varies based on metabolism, dosage, and how often you eat CBD edibles. If you take CBD regularly, it may stick around a bit longer – up to a few months. That said, CBD itself won’t flag you on a drug test, but be aware that some CBD products do contain trace levels of THC, which is tested for.
How long do the effects of CBD edibles last?
A single CBD edible dose can last 4 to 8 hours, making them a great option for sustained relief. Unlike vaping or oils, which wear off more quickly, edibles keep the effects rolling gradually. This makes them ideal for managing stress, pain, or sleep issues over an extended period.
What is the best time of day to take CBD edibles?
That, again, really depends on why you are taking them. For people looking to control stress and anxiety, a quick CBD hit in the morning or early afternoon might be ideal. For those looking for better sleep, an edible before an hour before bed is a good idea. Chronic pain sufferers may want to keep their dose consistent throughout the day.
Do CBD edibles help with anxiety and stress relief?
Absolutely. CBD is a calming, grounding, and stress relieving compound that helps to take the edge off anxiety without making you feel sluggish. Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t have the ability to cause any extra anxiety (or even slight paranoia) at larger doses.
Do CBD edibles help with sleep and insomnia?
Yes, but for sleep issues, it seems that a slightly higher than beginner dose is needed. Research shows that between 25 mg to 400 mg (which is a pretty large range, but everyone is different) seems to be the sweet spot for sleep.
If you are using CBD edibles to help with your sleep, start at the lower end and work your way up until you find what works for you.
Are CBD edibles safe to use daily for long-term benefits?
Yes – CBD is well tolerated, even with long-term, high dosage use of up to 1500 mg per day.
How do CBD edibles compare to CBD oil in terms of effectiveness?
It’s almost like comparing dogs and cats in some ways, as the two methods of consumption can be so different. With CBD edibles, the effects tend to last longer and can be more gradual and subtle compared to the quicker, more punchy effects of taking CBD under the tongue.
But if you mix your CBD oil into a drink or with your dinner, the CBD is going to pass through the digestive system just as it would with an edible.
Do CBD edibles show up on drug tests?
They shouldn’t, as even if there is THC in the edible, by law it must be under 0.2%, which should not trigger a positive result on most drug tests. That said, if you are worried about passing a drug test, then it’s best to go with an option that uses a CBD isolate – these have zero THC.
Can you overdose on CBD edibles, and what happens if you take too much?
No, you don’t have to worry about overdosing on too much CBD, as the body has a naturally occurring endocannabinoid system that helps to regulate the effects of CBD. If you do take too much, you may experience some drowsiness, dry mouth, or mild nausea, but that’s about all you have to worry about.
Where can you find the best CBD edibles in the UK?
The first stop is to check out our recent blog – The UK’s Most Popular CBD Products: What’s Trending in 2025. There we cover all the very best in UK CBD excellence, from CBD oil to CBD biscuits, infusions to creams. All the best UK brands and products are there.
And while you’re here, why not have a browse of all the real, verified user reviews of CBD oils, edibles and other products – even better, leave one for the community!
