CBD-infused Food: A Simple Guide

Do you know your CBD’s? Putting drops of CBD tinctures under your tongue is so last year. CBD-infused food has been on everyone’s lips recently. These treats are said to be packed with health benefits and taste amazing. 

Let us help you get with the times and whip up delectable CBD snacks. Read on as we detail the CBD laws, benefits, concerns, and some of our favorite easy recipes. Let’s dig in! 

Can you put CBD in food?

The simple answer is yes. You can put CBD in food, and it’s surprisingly easy to accomplish. CBD goes well in any meal, from pizzas to salads, and even drinks like coffee and smoothies. 

Using CBD oil in food is the most common method to create dishes. CBD oil is derived from the cannabis plant using a method to extract only Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound. 

CBD has a unique chemical composition causing it to break down easiest in fat-based substances. Since it’s a fat-soluble substance, it goes well in products like butter, oils, and other tinctures. 

With CBD-infused food, you get long-lasting effects. If you’re looking for a fun, healthier way to enjoy weed without smoking or getting high, CBD consumables are what you need. 

What is CBD-infused food?

CBD-infused foods are those that have a certain dose of the cannabinoid. Weed brownies, gummies, and cookies are all the rage for their potent effects and lack of risks compared to smoking. 

While edibles are infamous for making people extremely stoned, CBD food products don’t get you high. THC is the psychoactive compound in weed, but CBD has more calming non-psychoactive effects.

Is CBD-infused food legal?

No. Food with CBD originating from marijuana, including oils and capsules, is illegal because the FDA hasn’t added CBD to the list of generally safe products. There are countless items that are technically illegal but still available, though. 

Companies are taking risks by selling CBD food products, but many go through loopholes by saying it’s hemp-derived or only comes from the roots and seeds. The DEA considers cannabis a schedule 1 drug, and extracts from the flowers, leaves, and resin fall into this category. However, CBD oil from hemp containing no more than 0.3% THC is considered federally legal.

There’s only one CBD oil food product that’s been FDA approved. This product comes in the form of capsules called Epidiolex or tinctures. It’s only available for registered patients with a rare form of epilepsy. 

Even with the potential legal risks, CBD-infused food is still widely available, and industry experts say it’s here to stay.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of food with CBD?

CBD food products come in different forms, so the benefits and drawbacks are product dependent. Adding CBD oil to a salad is unlikely to have serious negative effects, but CBD-infused junk food or alcohol poses long-term health risks.

Benefits

Using CBD in food may improve symptoms of depression and anxiety in some people. Many CBD fans report it calms them down and focuses their minds. There’s some evidence showing CBD helps relieve stress and uplift the mood. 

Smoking weed is a popular method of consumption, but it can irritate the lungs, especially in people with COPD or asthma. CBD-infused food is a healthier option and makes your buds go a long way compared to smoking. 

Wave goodbye to chronic pain because adding CBD oil to food may relieve back issues, joint spasms, and muscle tension. CBD has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, allowing it to get to the root cause of pain—inflammation. 

Aside from being delicious, most CBD snacks create long-lasting effects. The relaxation lasts anywhere from 2–6 hours. It’s lipophilic, meaning it’s stored in your body and dissolves over time, leading to a possible long-lasting reduction in inflammation.  

Users of CBD generally report feeling happier, more focussed, and healthier. CBD foods typically fly off the shelves and have great reviews. 

Drawbacks

Like anything in life, there are also drawbacks to using CBD in food. Similar to the benefits, some of these cons need further studies to prove their truth. 

One of the major problems with CBD-infused food is there are no standards for dosage and transparency on where the CBD comes from. Usually, the worst that can happen is getting a product with too little CBD or no effect. In some cases, dangerous chemicals could be present. 

Remember, reputable brands are always willing to answer questions about the origins of the ingredients. A safer option is growing your own CBD cannabis seeds and making extracts to know what goes into your CBD snacks. 

CBD food products may interact negatively with chronic medication or other treatments like painkillers or antihistamines. It can increase the sedative effect of certain medications, causing extreme drowsiness. However, no extreme side effects have been reported from CBD so far. 

Does CBD make food taste better?

Have you ever eaten a pizza while high? The cheese feels extra gooey, and tomato sauce is super rich—it’s as if the Gods handmade it just for you. People wonder if CBD pizza has the same effect. 

No, CBD doesn’t make food taste better because it can’t trigger the hormone Ghrelin the way THC does. Ghrelin is responsible for stimulating hunger and is related to receptors that regulate our sense of smell and taste. 

CBD-infused food doesn’t have the same effect. It won’t increase pleasure senses making everything taste more delicious. CBD simply helps return the digestive system to normal functioning, so people who struggle to eat due to digestive issues find having a meal easier.  

As for the taste itself, CBD extracts tend to have a slightly bitter flavor with earthy tones. It’s reminiscent of dark chocolate or freshly ground coffee, adding a deep warmth to dishes. The quality and extraction methods of the CBD snacks significantly alter the aromatic profile. 

8 CBD-infused foods for you to try

Tie your apron and sharpen your knives—it’s cooking time! There are oodles of recipes for CBD-infused food, and we’re showing you our eight favorites. You’ll also get a few fun facts about these delectable goodies.

When using CBD in food, you should start with smaller doses. Work your way up from 10 mg to 40 mg daily. Beginners should take it at night in case of drowsiness, but over time you can take it at any time of day. 

CBD snacks 

Next time you have a hunger attack, why not reach for a CBD snack? Typical nibbles don’t boast many health benefits but adding CBD may increase the nutritional value. Our ultimate CBD snacks are: 

No-bake peanut butter protein balls

Who doesn’t love peanut butter? These high-protein bite-sized CBD-infused foods keep you satiated till dinner time. 

*Serving size: 2–3 balls

Ingredients: 

• ½ cup of peanut butter 
• ½ cup of oat/almond flour 
• ¼ cup chopped peanut or cacao nibs for choc-chip flavor 
• A few drops of vanilla essence 
• 2 cups protein powder
• 1 tablespoon (around 120 mg) of CBD oil for food

Method: 

1. Blend all ingredients in a bowl. 
2. Roll into balls and leave to set in the refrigerator.

Why do we love it? These protein balls are throw-and-go titbits and surprisingly filling. It’s also customizable—add or remove ingredients to your taste but stick to the CBD oil amount. 

If you don’t have a sweet tooth, here’s a savory snack for you: 

CBD butter popcorn 

This popcorn recipe is so easy you can do it with your eyes closed. Popcorn is a healthy high-fiber CBD snack and satisfies those crunch cravings like nothing else. 

Ingredients: 

• A handful of popcorn kernels
• 1 tablespoon of salted butter 
• 1 teaspoon of CBD oil or CBD butter for extra buttery goodness
• Butter flavored seasoning 

Method 

1. Melt the butter until you achieve a light sizzle. 
2. Add the CBD oil and popcorn. 
3. Cover and keep on medium heat. 
4. Once it stops popping, remove it from the heat and eat. 

CBD chips

Chips are an excellent on-the-go snack—crispy, easy to eat, and satisfyingly salty. CBD chips are a common product, but store-bought variations contain high calories and preservatives. 

Home-made CBD chips 

Let’s make these ‘better-for-you chips:

*Serving size: 1 cup = 1 serving

Ingredients: 

• Two potatoes 
• Seasoning 
• ½ cup of CBD oil

Method:

1. Wash and dry the potatoes. 
2. Thinly slice them into rounds. 
3. Drizzle with CBD oil, making sure each chip is well coated. 
4. Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes or till potatoes are cooked.
5. Remove from the oven, season, and toss.
6. Allow to cool and store in an airtight bag or consume immediately. 

Why do we love it? You can make these chips and feel confident no harmful ingredients go in them. 

CBD dip

Chips without dip are like Cheech without Chong. If you want to take your CBD chips a step further, you can make some dip for your chips. Simply combine a tub of sour cream with 1 packet of French onion seasoning and 1 teaspoon of CBD oil for a divine onion dip.

CBD pizza

Pizza is all about the toppings—pepperoni, olives, and CBD. That’s right; you can put CBD on pizza! There are two main ways:  

• Drizzle CBD oil onto your favorite store-bought pizza.
• Simmer the CBD in the sauce. 

Simple CBD pizza

*Serving size: It’s CBD pizza—eat to your heart’s content! 

Ingredients:

• Pizza base 
• 1 cup of marinara sauce
• 1 cup of fresh basil  
• 20–30 ml of CBD butter or CBD oil (Stick to an amount you’re comfortable with) 
• Any extra seasonings you like (dried oregano, black pepper, old bay, etc.)
• Toppings of choice (bacon, chicken, or extra cheese works great) 

Method:

1. Bring marinara sauce to a low simmer. 
2. Add the basil, extra seasonings, and CBD tincture. 
3. Cook on low heat for 3 minutes to allow flavors to infuse. 
4. Put sauce and toppings on the pizza base and bake at 400°F till the crust is fully cooked. 

CBD cereal 

Having a bowl of crunchy cereal with cold milk helps start your day on a good note. There’s no need for a recipe; simply put 3–5 drops of CBD tincture or oil into your milk, creating the base for a CBD cereal. Pour your favorite cereal on and munch away. 

Pro tip: CBD-infused food for breakfast isn’t the best option for beginners as CBD may cause drowsiness.

CBD coffee

Let’s be honest; we don’t always have time for a bowl of CBD cereal in the morning. Most of us are in such a rush that a cup of coffee equals a balanced breakfast. That’s okay, coffee is high in antioxidants, and it gives you an energy boost. Why not add CBD to create a more potent cup of joe? 

Make your coffee as per normal, add in a few drops of CBD oil, and stir. If you’ve got extra time on your hands, then simmer the milk with the CBD oil for around 3–5 minutes for a perfectly-infused brew. Add some pumpkin spice, and even Starbucks ain’t got nothing on you! 

Bonus recipe

Most recipes require a CBD extract like oils, butter, or other tinctures. We have a basic CBD oil recipe so you can make your CBD-infused food from scratch.  

Pro tip: To ensure your CBD oil is of the highest quality, grow your own CBD weed seeds. Using top-quality buds creates more potent CBD oil. 

Basic CBD-infused oil

You need: 

• 0.18oz./5 grams of CBD flower
• ¾ cup coconut MCT oil or carrier oil of choice 
• ¼ teaspoon mint extract or a flavored extract of your choice (optional) 

Method: 

1. Decarboxylate the buds by baking them for about an hour at 280°F. Ensure you don’t burn the weed—it should be aromatic but not blackened. 
2. Transfer the decarbed flower to a saucepan with the oil. 
3. Simmer on the lowest heat for at least 2 hours. 
4. Add flavor extract at the end. 

CBD-infused snacks for the win

Now you know your CBD’s and you’re ready to whip up some delicious CBD-infused food. We need more research, but CBD could prove to be a natural remedy for multiple medical conditions. Ensure you purchase from a reputable brand or make CBD oil from scratch to reap the wellness benefits.

If cannabis is legal in your state and you’re a registered medicinal user, growing CBD seeds helps you create powerful CBD snacks. Shop our range of top high-CBD seeds and join our family of happy growers with flourishing weed plants. 

About the author: Derek LaRose

Also known as Kronic from The Cannabis Kronicles, Derek LaRose is a young ambitious cultivator and a staple educator for indoor cultivation.