Category: CBD Gummies

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How to Make CBD Hard Candy & CBD Sweets

How to Make CBD Hard Candy & CBD Sweets

If you’ve looked into CBD at all, you’ve probably seen CBD edibles at some point–whether they’re gummies, baked goods, or even honey sticks!

CBD lovers enjoy edibles for their convenience and ease of use, not to mention the fact that they make a sweet, tasty treat for your everyday humdrum.

And while CBD gummies tend to be all the rage, there’s something about CBD hard candy that’s been really getting us excited.

Today, we want to talk about how CBD hard candies make for such a special treat, as well as how to make your own at home.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a compound derived from the Cannabis sativa L., in other words, industrial hemp.

As the name might suggest, hemp is closely related to marijuana, but while these two plants share a similar smell and appearance, they do share one key difference: THC.

THC is short for tetrahydracannabinol, is a compound known for its psychoactive properties, which get the user high.

While cannabis contains high levels of THC, hemp’s amount stays relatively low, which means it’s highly unlikely to get the user high.

However, hemp contains loads of the aforementioned CBD, which has been suggested to pose a number of benefits. And while these benefits have still yet to be confirmed by the European Medicines Agency or MHRA UK , there’s quite a bit of anecdotal evidence, particularly stress relief.

Currently, the only form of CBD that’s been approved by the FSA is Epidiolex, which is used as a treatment for certain types of epilepsy, although CBD has become quite popular among those with chronic pain, especially those with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

With that in mind, CBD can potentially affect individuals in different ways, and may not work for everyone. However, it may be worth consulting over with a physician, and trying it for yourself.

Why Make Homemade CBD Hard Candy?

As we already know now, there are plenty of ways to enjoy CBD in its edible form.

So why enjoy CBD hard candy?

Hard candy might make a great option particularly for those who seem to go through their gummies fast.

It’s no secret that CBD isn’t cheap, and when we use it as a daily remedy, we want it to last!

When used in the form of a long-lasting hard candy, you can enjoy the benefits of CBD over a greater length of time without having to take more. This is also great for those who’ve known to take some CBD and become restless when effects take longer to kick in.

On top of that, the CBD in hard candy may even absorb faster than the CBD in your typical edible. This is because when a CBD-infused hard candy is sucked on, the CBD is absorbed sublingually or below the tongue. When this absorption occurs, the CBD doesn’t have to undergo digestion, which may interfere with how much of your CBD is fully absorb; aka, the bioavailability.

Moreover, CBD may provide longer-lasting relief, as sublingually absorbed CBD is released more gradually, which allows you to experience the effects longer.

Plus, CBD edibles are easy to make, so if you don’t want to invest your time and money in finding a good solid CBD edible, you can easily create your own with a CBD isolate powder or tincture.

Finally, CBD hard candies make for an easy way to gauge an exact amount of CBD any time of day.

And with our simple CBD hard candy recipe, you can enjoy CBD in a way that’s fun, easy to adjust, and super tasty.

Basic Ingredients for CBD Hard Candy

While there’s room to add your own spin on tasty ingredients and vibrant color, you really only need 4 ingredients: CBD, sugar, corn syrup and water.

For beginners, they might have an easier time focusing on their basic mixture before incorporating their own flavors and hues, but this is definitely where your creativity will come to play, and where you’re encouraged to do whatever feels right.

Tips for Making CBD Hard Candy

When it comes to making CBD hard candies, temperature is everything! Even with a simple recipe like this, which really only takes 4 ingredients, it’s not something you can just leave on the backburner–literally!

And the tricky part with making CBD hard candy is that you have to wait until your candy mixture cools down to 250 degrees so you don’t kill all of the beneficial compounds by mistake!

And be advised that once CBD hard candy reaches this temperature, the mixture only starts to get stickier and tackier, so you don’t want to waste time adding in your CBD!

CBD Hard Candy & CBD Sweets Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 25-50 mg CBD tincture (or as desired)
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2/3 cup corn syrup
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 tsp extract of raspberry, orange, lime or vanilla extract (optional)
  • food coloring (optional)

Equipment Needed:

candy thermometer

9×12 in aluminum baking tray or silicone candy molds

Directions:

  1. In a small bowl, combine sugar, syrup and water before transferring to medium saucepan.
  2. On medium heat, keep stirring until the mixture reaches 250 F. Stop stirring as the mixture continues to heat, until it reaches 300 F
  3. Remove from heat and add CBD and optional flavor & color, stirring until combined.
  4. Pour mixture onto baking sheet or candy mold, allowing the candies to cool
  5. If using baking sheet, wait until the candy mixture becomes a bit more solid, but still malleable, and break into pieces with a rubber spatula. If using silicone molds, keep them in until mixture is fully solidified.
  6. Once candies are fully hardened, they’re ready to enjoy!
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CBD Gummies vs CBD Capsules

CBD Gummies vs CBD Capsules

There are all kinds of ways to get your CBD dose these days, and while CBD oil tinctures remain the most commonly used form of CBD, let’s admit it: it’s not the most convenient. On the other hand, CBD gummies and CBD capsules are garnering attention as ways to take your CBD on the go with ease.

Not only do both CBD gummies and CBD capsules take out the need for a dropper, which usually measures inaccurately, anyway, but it also does away with the sharp, grassy smell and flavor associated with hemp.

But between CBD gummies and CBD capsules, what’s the difference?

First, let’s talk about what makes CBD so great in the first place.

Benefits of CBD

While CBD’s research still has a long way to go, there is evidence that it may help with ailments including anxiety, pain, inflammation, and improve sleep.

This is because when CBD’s introduced to the human body, it provokes certain functions in the body leading to a unique synergy that’s still not fully understood, but the research we have so far is enough to give us a strong idea.

From current research, we’ve learned that CBD interacts with the central nervous system, specifically in the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps regulate balance in the body with the help of CB1 and CB2 receptors. Our body naturally stimulates these receptors through cannabinoids, and it’s been found that CBD, which is a plant-based cannabinoid (phytocannabinoid), does a very similar job.
But don’t worry: unlike THC, CBD does not produce the same intoxicating effect.

CBD for Inflammatory Pain

The bulk of CBD’s research is found surrounding its analgesic properties. For instance, a 2010 study published by Future Medicinal Chemistry concluded that CBD has the ability to suppress inflammatory pain, while further research has found that CBD may be a viable treatment for several chronic pain conditions, such as multiple sclerosis (MS).

And this finding is especially exciting because inflammation is not only associated with specific chronic conditions, but plays a role in general everyday discomfort. In other words, CBD may be ideal for a broad range of unpleasant symptoms!

CBD for Better Focus

Additionally, consuming CBD may also help support focus and clarity by interacting with the receptors in the body known for creating the neurotransmitter known as dopamine. Dopamine is key in regulating several facets of our behavior, including memory, motivation, mood, and focus.

CBD for Promoting a Sense of Calm

CBD may also help promote a sense of calm by helping to manage stress. A growing number of studies have indicated that CBD may be effective in combating PTSD, general anxiety, and social anxiety to name a few. And in a recent literature review, Neurotherapeutics compared 32 different animal-based studies, and 31 of the 32 found CBD to have a potentially positive effect on stress.

CBD for Sleep

CBD may also help with managing sleep. According to the American Sleep Association, CBD may help restore and rebalance your sleep schedule not only by alleviating stress and anxiety, but also by manipulating parts of the ECS responsible for managing sleep and melatonin production.

But what’s the difference between gummies and capsules? Which is the better way to get your CBD?

CBD Gummies: Pros and Cons

CBD gummies have garnered attention as the fun way to get your CBD.

CBD gummies combine CBD with a tasty, chewy, sweet experience that you can enjoy anywhere with discretion and delight. And when CBD gummy jars are labeled with their clear dosage per gummy, it’s easy to get the CBD strength you want without a dropper. Plus, you don’t have to down it with a glass of water!

CBD gummies are also great for those who don’t enjoy the sharp, bitter taste that often comes with hemp, and they’ll get the added bonus of novelty, as many CBD brands are introducing their CBD treats in a wide variety of flavors and shapes. And if you don’t want to spike your blood sugar, sugar-free options are available.

That being said, it should be noted that current research surrounding CBD is focused on CBD oil, not CBD gummies. On top of that, the FSA has yet to set forth proper regulations, so the strength and purity of CBD gummies on the market are inconsistent.

Because of this, it’s always strongly advised that you only purchase from reputable brands that clearly label their CBD gummies for sale, and that they come with a certificate of analysis from a third-party lab.

Pros:

  • Taste great
  • Easy to measure
  • Convenient & discrete

Cons:

  • Not a lot of research
  • Some brands make them inconsistently

CBD Capsules: Pros and Cons

CBD capsules are easily among the most popular forms of CBD, and this probably has to do with its vast convenience.

CBD capsules come in a variety of forms with a few variations.

One of these variations has to do with their CBD and THC range. And like CBD gummies, you can find CBD capsules containing pure, THC-free CBD isolate, or capsules containing broad to full-spectrum cannabinoids for the entourage effect. Whatever you pick, you can rest assured that your CBD capsules won’t contain enough THC to get you high or groggy.

Another main variation is that generally, CBD capsules are available as either hard-shelled capsules or soft gels. The chief difference is between their coating. Both are safe to orally ingest, but gelatinous soft gels tend to absorb faster.

Of all the ways to take CBD, swallowing a simple pill might be the most convenient, and you can easily incorporate it into your vitamin regimen. Plus, you’re avoiding the extra calories and sugar that come with CBD gummies, and because CBD capsules are essentially pills containing slowly-released CBD oil, their bioavailability may be a bit more consistent and reliable, whereas, with CBD gummies, a good portion of of the CBD may be digested before it even reaches your bloodstream.

And of course, CBD capsules are completely tasteless and odorless, so if you’re someone who’s especially sensitive to the taste of CBD, capsules may be the better choice.

Another added benefit you get with CBD capsules is the more precise dosage. Again, you don’t’ need a dropper here, but with CBD capsules, you know exactly how much CBD you’re consuming: if you use CBD capsules containing 50 mg of CBD each, you know you’re getting 50 mg with each capsule. With gummies, on the other hand, you might not have as consistent a strength with the varying shapes and sizes. And knowing your exact current CBD dosage is crucial to determining the best strength you need.

Like most pills and capsules, however, you’ll probably have better results when you take your CBD with a meal, and then wash it down with water, so there is a bit more prep time with CBD capsules than with CBD gummies, and admittedly not as much fun.

Pros:

  • Exact dosage
  • Completely flavorless
  • May have better bioavailability

Cons:

  • Best when taken with food & water
  • Less novelty compared to gummies