The best CBD edibles in Canada

When cannabis ediblesa category that includes drinks, gummies/soft chews, chocolate, baked goods, tea, dissolvable powder or strips and fizzy drinksstarted hitting Canadian shelves in 2019, most companies put their THC goodies out first. THC is psychoactive (it gets you high, sis!) but CBD, the other cannabinoid youve probably heard a lot about, doesnt. CBD has anti-inflammatory and relaxing properties that make it a popular choice for people who are new to weed, or who just arent interested in getting buzzed.I get a lot of requests for recommendations on CBD edibles, so I made it official with this list. Edibles with absolutely zero THC are hard to find, so some of these technically have a touch of THC in them, but Ive noted which ones do, and I promise its such a tiny amount that its not noticeable.Ive linked to some of the big provincial retailers for easy online shopping, but you can find these products at your local dispensary, too.(Related:CBD Drinks Are Everywhere Will They Help Me Relax?)

Aurora Drift Peach Serene CBD Soft Chews

These popular gummies are hard to get your paws on, so if you see them in stock, jump! They were the first CBD-only gummy I tried and really feel more relaxed when I take them. Theyre fruity, but they do have a little bit of a weedy taste.5 pieces, 10mg of CBD each, $11 at Ontario Cannabis Store.(Related:Can Cannabis Help Kick-Start My Sex Drive?)

Quatreau Sparkling Water

If you like La Croix youll like these chic, not-sugary sparkling bevs which pack 20mg of CBD into each can and come in flavours like Passionfruit and Guava and Cucumber and Mint. These do have a teeny bit of THC in them (under 1 mg) but Ive never felt even a tingle of it. (Their other flavours, Ginger and Lime and Blueberry and Acai, have 2mg of THC in them.)20mg of CBD in a 355mL can for $4 at BC Cannabis Stores(Related:10 Facts You Need to Know About CBD)

Chowie Wowie Dark Chocolate CBD

If youre a dark chocolate fan, this ones for you. Its classified as one piece even though its easily breakable into two, for sharing and caring.1 piece, 20mg CBD, $4 at Ontario Cannabis Store(Related:You May Want to Bring a Little CBD into the Shower with You)

Everie CBD Sparkling Beverages

These are my favourite CBD-forward fizzy drinks because theyre sweeter than most of the Perrier-inspired formulas on the market (what can I say, Im a baby who likes a little bit of sugar! SUE ME!). They come in Mango Passionfruit, Lemon and Lime and Dragon Fruit Watermelon flavours, and have a touch of THC (under 1 mg) in them, but its such a small amount its not noticeable.10-11 mg CBD, $5.90 at Ontario Cannabis Store(Related:Is Sparkling Water Good or Bad For You?)

Fireside CBD Milk Chocolate Salted Caramel

Um, did someone say salted caramel chocolate? Each of these pieces has 20mg of CBD and 1mg of THC. They come in a dark chocolate formulation, too.$9 at Ontario Cannabis Store(Related:What You Need to Know About Cannabis Edibles)

Truss VeryVell Strawberry Hibiscus Sparkling Water

This lightly carbonated sparkling water tastes a bit flowery with a splash of strawberry and has 15 mg CBD and 0.5 mg THC.$4 at Ontario Cannabis Stores(Related:What You Need to Know About CBD and Inflammation)

Everie Mint CBD Tea

While it may feel weird to pay $15 for three cups of tea, if you really like CBD-only beverages this is about the same price as the sparkling drinks. A mix of peppermint and spearmint leaves bring those sweet Grandma vibes.Three bags with 10mg of CBD each, $15 at B.C Cannabis Stores(Related:How CBD Helped One Woman With Anxiety and Sleep Problems)

Dynathrive Pomegranate CBD Soft Chews

While 30 gummies seems like a lot, if you take CBD every night like I do, you go through small packs way too quickly. (If you live in Alberta, you can get a 7-pack as a starter set, daily-vitamin style.) These have zero weedy taste and come in a nicely tart apple cider vinegar flavour, too.30 pieces, 10 mg CBD each, $49 at Ontario Cannabis Store(Related:Why Cannabis is the Beauty Industrys Latest It Ingredient)

Legend CBD Raspberry Milk Chocolate 20:1

I love me a berry and chocolate combo, so this tasty bar (easily split into four pieces) is definitely my jam. Contains 20mg of CBD and a smidge (under 1mg) of THC.$5 at Ontario Cannabis Store(Related:Should You Use Hemp Oil? What Experts Want You to Know)

UBU Blackberry and Juniper Berry Sparkling Water

This tall drink of sparkling berrylicious water contains 20mg of CBD and no sugar or sweeteners. (More flavours are coming soon.)$8 at Ontario Cannabis Store(Related:What is Hemp? Here’s What Experts Need You to Know)

Basecamp CBD Iced Tea

They pack 15mg of CBD into this blend of black tea, lemon and a wee bit of sugar. Theres also a touch of caffeine (1mg) thanks to the tea, so keep that in mind if youre sensitive.$6 at Ontario Cannabis StoreNext,The Dos and Don’ts of Using Cannabis to Improve Your Sex Life.

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Understanding inflammation

Inflammation is not inherently good or bad, notes Martin A. Lee, co-founder and director of Project CBD, a California nonprofit that promotes CBD research, and author of Smoke Signals: A Social History of MarijuanaMedical, Recreational, and Scientific.”You need inflammation to fight an infection or deal with a mosquito bite, whatever it might be,” he explains.Inflammation is part of the body’s natural immune response, but it’s intended for the short term. A cut is infected, the area becomes inflamed while your body is healing itself, and then the inflammation goes away once you’re healed up.Long-term inflammation, on the other hand, is associated with health problems. Chronic inflammation plays a role in autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and lupus.(Related: 8 Myths About CBD and Its Medicinal Benefits)

What’s CBD?

The cannabis plant has more than 500 compounds, says Bonni Goldstein, MD, medical director and owner of Cannacenters and author of Cannabis is Medicine: How Medical Cannabis and CBD Are Healing Everything from Anxiety to Chronic Pain.CBD is just one of cannabis’ compounds, but it’s an important one. Contrary to what you may have heard, CBD does not get you high. That comes from a sister compound called delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC.Though CBD is present in cannabis, it’s also found in the hemp plant. That’s the source of most CBD in the United States and Canada.

The science behind CBD and inflammation

As Boehnke points out, most of the CBD studies out there are pre-clinical, meaning they haven’t been conducted in humans. This type of research always requires additional studiesthose done in humans, and a good number of them.With that caveat, it’s worth pointing out that lab and animal studies have yielded intriguing information about CBD’s potential for treating inflammation. In addition to studies showing a benefit for treating arthritis, other recent mice and rat studies suggest the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD may be much broader, including lowering cancer-related inflammation, inflammation related to prediabetes, and corneal inflammation after an eye injury.Two studies in dogs with arthritis echoed these findings. A 2020 paper in the journal Pain reported that CBD given over four weeks reduced pain and increased function in dogs with osteoarthritis. The other, published in 2018 in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, concluded that 2 mg per kilogram of CBD oil twice a day yielded a similar effect.”Those studies show us that you can give CBD and you see these strong anti-inflammatory effects [but] it hasn’t translated to humans yet,” says Boehnke. Clinical trials are underway but, he cautions, “those results won’t be out for some time.”(Related: What is Hemp? Heres What Experts Need You to Know)

CBD dosage for inflammation

The right dose of CBD for a particular condition is highly individual, and finding it often takes a lot of trial and error. CBD has been studied to treat sleep problems, anxiety, and pain in a wide range of doses, from less than 1 mg per day to 1,000 mg per day or more.Experts generally recommend using CBD at the lowest effective amount, with many studies looking at doses of 25 to 50 mg per day. According to Dr. Goldstein, you may need to go higher than that to get an anti-inflammatory effect.When buying your CBD product, do a little math to find out how many doses are in one container and how much CBD is in one dose. Starting low has the advantage of costing less. If you find relief at 20 mg, great. It’ll end up costing a lot less.

Is CBD safe?

Experts consider CBD to be pretty safe, but not without potential side effects. At higher doses, some people have gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea as well as sedation, says Dr. Goldstein. You can mitigate some of this by splitting the dose between morning and evening, she adds.CBD can also interact with different medications, including some that are commonly used to treat autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, such as corticosteroids, Xeljanz (tofacitinib), and Aleve (naproxen).The National Library of Medicine has a full list of potential interactions, but be sure to check with your healthcare provider before trying CBD.(Related: How CBD Helped One Woman With Anxiety and Sleep Problems)

Is it legal to buy CBD?

CBD (and THC, for that matter) are legal in Canada and regulated under the federal Cannabis Act.You can get CBD and THC products legally through your province, or at one of the licensed dispensaries around the country.

Types of CBD products

It would be impossible to name all of the products that contain CBD these days. To simplify, the products are often classified by how they’re delivered: those you inhale, those you can ingest (CBD capsules and CBD edibles), those you put on your skin (CBD creams), and those you put under your tongue (sublingual CBD tinctures), says Lee. CBD oils may be added to drinks, like smoothies, or taken sublingually.Formats differ in how quickly they act (vaping is the fastest, but it also comes with risks, like potential lung damage), how long they last (those that you ingest can last for up to 12 hours), and which part of the body they affect.Across all formats, products differ depending on how their ingredients. Here there are three basic types:

• Full-spectrum CBD: Contains all of the components of the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa), including CBD and small traces of THC and terpenes, which are plant compounds.
• Broad-spectrum CBD: Contains all of the ingredients found in full-spectrum CBD except for THC.
• CBD isolates: The purest form of CBD, containing only CBD.

Many people choose full- or broad-spectrum CBD products because the interaction of ingredients may promote a broader effect, says Lee. This is often called the “entourage effect.”(Related:What You Need to Know About Cannabis Edibles)

What to look for when buying CBD

There’s no question that finding the best CBD product for you can be a confusing and frustrating process. But, buying the legal stuff is recommended because the labelling is clear and accurate, so you know exactly what you’re getting.Look for both quality and safety when buying CBD. “It’s just like when you’re in the supermarket. You read the label,” says Lee. “You bring the same intelligence to bear.”Make sure any product you buy has been certified by the government, so that you know its been tested. That will better guarantee that the ingredients are what they say they are. And don’t stop taking your existing medications.Now that you know about CBD for inflammation, read about whether cannabis can kick-start your sex life.

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Anxiety is a normal response to certain threats. But “irrational” fear and worry that interferes with daily life may indicate an anxiety disorder.

Eighty-eight percent of respondents to a Statistics Canada survey reported experiencing at least one symptom of anxiety in the two weeks prior to completing the survey, which was conducted during Canada’s first lockdown period. Youth (age 15 – 24) were also more likely to report worsening mental health. And though Canada doesn’t collect race-based data on Covid-19, the CDC found that certain groups were especially hard hit, Black people, Latinx people, essential workers, unpaid caregivers for adults, and people who were already being treated for anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).(Related: 14 Virtual Care Services in Canada You Need to Know About)

Can CBD help with anxiety?

Meanwhile, cannabidiol (or CBD) is being touted as a treatment for a number of health issues, including anxiety. Most of the evidence is from studies in animals and not humans. However, some research suggests CBD could be helpful for certain types of anxiety in healthy people who haven’t been diagnosed with mental illness, and for anxiety in people with certain psychiatric conditions.”There appears to be great interestand increasing useamong people taking CBD to assist in managing mental health issues like anxiety, stress, and insomnia,” says Jerome Sarris, a professor of integrative mental health and head of the Healthy Minds Research Program at Western Sydney University’s NICM Health Research Institute in New South Wales, Australia. “Clinical trials are needed, however, to be able to more firmly conclude about whether the use of CBD in those with generally good mental health is beneficial beyond a placebo-effect,””What hasn’t been studied is anxiety as its own condition versus as a symptom of a disease,” notes Jahan Marcu, PhD, founding partner of cannabis consultancy Marcu & Arora and editor-in-chief of the American Journal of Endocannabinoid Medicine.

What’s the evidence?

“What CBD is probably best studied for is acute stress related to public speaking challenges,” says Marcu.A small studyof healthy men, published in 2019 in Brazil Journal of Psychiatry,found that a 300-mg dose relieved anxiety during a public speaking test. Another study, in people at high risk of psychosis, found that those who were taking 600 milligrams of CBD per day had a lower cortisol response to social stress.The two studies to date of inhaled CBD have found it was effective at much lower doses, notes Marcu, in the 16 mg to 32 mg range. “It does seem like in healthy volunteers that CBD might be helpful,” he says.A small study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that 400 mg of CBD was linked to a decrease in anxiety for people who had generalized socialized anxiety disorder (SAD). In a study published in a 2019 issue ofThe Permanente Journal, participants with anxiety and/or sleep problems took 25 to 175 mg of CBD daily. Although sleep issues didn’t change dramatically over the three-month testing period, anxiety levels decreased, according to the report.”There is some emerging evidence supporting the use of CBD in various psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, while potentially also being of use for social anxiety,” says Sarris, adding that researchers around the world are studying CBD. “There are lots of clinical trials going on at the moment. We will have a better idea in coming years.”(Related: 15 Things About Social Anxiety Disorder Psychologists Wish You Knew)

How CBD may work for anxiety

Researchers aren’t totally clear how CBD affects the brain.”The main brain pathway being modulated by CBD which may affect mood and anxiety involves the ‘endocannabinoid’ system,” Sarris says. “This is involved in regulating mood and pain. And it appears that CBD interacts beneficially with this biological pathway.”The endocannabinoid system (ECS) consists of cannabinoid-like compounds in the body known as endocannabinoids; the cell surface receptors that bind to them; and the enzymes that make endocannabinoids and break them down. Things that are good for yougetting enough sleep, exercisinghelp keep the ECS in shape. You can even get a boost of endocannabinoids from singing in a choir, notes Greg Gerdeman, a cannabis neuroscientist and educator.On the other hand, lack of sleep and unrelieved stress and anxiety can weaken the ECS. So it’s less effective in helping us to manage stress.”People having different levels of activation in their endocannabinoid system may be more or less resilient to stress, and may differ in their abilities to recover from the stress of psychological trauma,” Gerdeman says. “The challenge of this is knowing to what extent it’s actually happening in humans, and what dose of CBD is required to accomplish this.”CBD could also ease anxiety by affecting levels of the “feel good” brain chemical serotonin, Marcu notes. It acts on the same receptor targeted by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozac and Zoloft, which are first-line treatments for anxiety as well as depression.(Related:Can You Use Melatonin for Anxiety?)

Best forms of CBD for anxiety

Inhaling CBD by vaping or smoking CBD-rich hemp is the quickest way to feel its effects, but these consumption methods come with their own health risks. They can cause potential lung damage. There are possible harmful ingredients in vape oil, including legal additives like propylene glycol, that can be dangerous when heated and inhaled.If you’re considering using CBD vape oilor any CBD oil or CBD edible, for that matterexperts agree you should only use products sold at legal dispensaries licensed by your province.CBD oil, CBD tinctures, CBD pills, CBD capsules, and other CBD edibles take longer to workpeople may start feeling the effects from a half hour to two hours after consuming thembut their effects are longer-lasting, says Martin A. Lee, co-founder and director of Project CBD, a California nonprofit that promotes CBD research, and author of Smoke Signals: A Social History of MarijuanaMedical, Recreational, and Scientific.CBD edibles can be more effective for chronic, long-lasting anxiety, Lee notes.You can get CBD into your system faster by holding a CBD tincture or CBD oil under your tongue for at least two minutes, which allows it to be absorbed into the bloodstream more readily, notes Bonni Goldstein, MD, medical director and owner of Cannacenters, a medical practice in Los Angeles, and author of Cannabis is Medicine: How Medical Cannabis and CBD are Healing Everything from Anxiety to Chronic Pain.

Side effects

CBD’s effects vary from person to person and CBD can interact with many commonly used drugs. Otherwise it’s generally considered safe. Potential side effects include sleepiness, fatigue, irritability, changes in appetite, nausea, and diarrhea.

Can it cause anxiety? Or make it worse?

Low doses of CBD can make some people feel more alert, while larger doses can lead to sleepiness, Dr. Goldstein notes. But for the great majority of people, taking CBD doesn’t cause anxiety or worsen it.

(Related: How to Know If Your Worries Are a Deeper Problem)

Consult your health care provider

If you’re interested in trying CBD for anxiety, experts have two key pieces of advice: Tell your health care provider about it. And make sure you are getting a safe product that contains what the label says it does, which is often easier said than done.

Dr. Goldstein and other experts recommend using only CBD products sold in licensed dispensaries, where marijuana is regulated by the government.

How much CBD oil to use for anxiety

Investigators are still figuring out the best CBD doses for various indications, including anxiety, Sarris and other experts say.”We need further research on what the ideal dose of CBD is for the individual,” Sarris says. “Commonly, people are consuming between 10 mg to 70 mg for general mental health usage. However, for other more serious psychiatric disorders, clinical trials are using 400 mg to 800 mg. This can be expensive, and people’s responses to CBD do vary. So it’s important to work in concert with a health professional to work out what dose is appropriate.”

What CBD formulation is best for anxiety?

CBD oil, CBD edibles, and other products come in three forms:

• Full spectrum, meaning they contain all of the other compounds found in the plant, including THC and terpenes
• Broad spectrum, with all of these compounds except THC
• CBD isolate, which contains only CBD

If you’re concerned about failing a drug test for marijuana due to trace levels of THC in a CBD product, your best bet is to stick with broad spectrum products or isolates without THC, which is what drug tests look for. But keep in mind: With regular use, it is possible for even small amounts of THC to build up in the body, raising the possibility of a positive drug test.If this isn’t an issue, it may be worth trying a full-spectrum product, experts say.”Other compounds from full-spectrum cannabis extracts, such as certain terpenes, may also be of benefit,” says Sarris. That’s because of “additionalanxiety-reducing, muscle-relaxing, and sleep-assisting properties.”(Related: What You Need to Know About Cannabis Edibles)

The bottom line

If you’re considering CBD for anxiety, discuss it with your doctor, and from legal dispensaries where products are regulated.Next: How to Know If Your Anxiety Is Normal

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Hemp vs. marijuana

Like marijuana, hemp is a cannabis plant known as Cannabis sativa. The main difference between marijuana and hemp is how much THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) it contains. THC is responsible for marijuana’s mind-altering effects.Marijuana contains much more THC than hemp, while hemp boasts more CBD (and a touch of CBG, too). Put another way: Hemp can’t get you high. “Marijuana has greater than .3 percent of THC, whereas industrial hemp has less than .3 percent,” explains hemp researcher Haleigh Ortmeier-Clarke, graduate research assistant in the department of agronomy, University of Wisconsin-Madison. (Agronomy is the study of soil and crop production.) To put that in context, the average amount of THC is around 12 percent (40 times as strong as hemp); some strains are 20 percent or more THC (67 times stronger than hemp).”Chemically CBD is the kissing cousin of THC,” says Kent Vrana, PhD, chair of the department of pharmacology at Penn State College of Medicine. “They have identical chemical formulas (21 carbon atoms, 30 hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms), but there is one bond broken in the chemical structure that is responsible for why THC is mind-altering and CBD is not.” (Related: Here are some more facts you need to know about CBD before you try it.)

How is hemp used?

Historically industrial hemp has been grown for fibre, not CBD, Ortmeier-Clarke says. Found in the stalk of the plant, hemp’s fibre is considered green and eco-friendly. It falls into two categories. “The outer, longer fibre is called bast fibre and is used in textiles, rope, and paper,” she says. “The inner fibres are called core/hurd fibres and are used in building materials or plastics.” Hemp-based products can be recycled, reused, and are biodegradable, she notes.

Hemp seeds

The plant delivers what some experts consider super seeds. They are an excellent source of protein and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. They also contain phytosterols or plant-based compounds that help lower cholesterol levels, says Dana Greene, a registered dietitian from Brookline, Massachusetts.”You can sprinkle the seeds on cereal, yogurt, or salads and even bake with them for a nutritional boost.”Hemp oil is derived from these seeds by cleaning the seeds and then cold pressing them. “This oil can be used in cooking and cosmetics and shampoo,” she says. “Instead of mixing CBD with olive oil or other carrier oils, you could use oil from hemp grain as well.” The same nutrients that make it healthy to eat can also make it healthy for skin and hair, Greene adds. (Related: Here’s some other powerhouse ingredients to eat for glowing skin and shiny hair.)

The primary source of CBD

Extracted from hemp’s leaves and flower, CBD is now driving the boom in hemp demand, Ortmeier-Clarke says. CBD is touted as a panacea for a long list of conditions and ailments including anxiety, depression, joint pain, skin woes, tummy troubles, sleep, and more. Researchers are investigating CBD for many health conditions. Some of the strongest evidence seems to be for treating some of the symptoms of childhood epilepsy.

Buyer beware

CBD can interfere with heart medications, antibiotics and other drugs, Vrana stresses. This is why you should talk to your doctor before you start taking supplements. It’s also risky to take unproven remedies such as CBD in lieu of treatments that are known to be effective. There’s another concern, too. CBD can’t get you high, but it could cause you to fail a drug test due to trace amounts of THC, he says.Unless the CBD product is regulated by the Government of Canada, it’s user beware.Next: Read up on what you need to know about cannabis edibles.

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When the edible finally kicked in, we were sitting in Vondelpark, the largest city park in Amsterdam, surrounded by hundreds of people. We began to feel paranoid of everyone around us, and our bodies started to feel heavy and numb. We thought it would be smart to head back to our hostel. “We are not okay! This is not okay!” is all we could say as we struggled to hold each other up.After safely returning back to our 15-person hostel room, we spent the rest of our night lying side-by-side in bed, severely dry-mouthed, eyes wide, and unable to move. While my friend was in more of a happy-high state and constantly laughing, I was stuck in a vortex of paranoia, hearing and seeing things that my friend clearly was not. It was a mental state that lasted well into the next day.My first experience with a cannabis edible was scarringbut it doesn’t have to be, and it shouldn’t be, if you’re more educated on cannabis.

The edible experience tends to differ from that of other cannabis products.

According to the Government of Canada, cannabis edibles can take effect anywhere between half an hour to four hours. “People might [think] nothing is happening, end up taking way too much and develop some sort of anxiety/fear-based response or acute psychosis,” says Ruth Ross, a pharmacology and toxicology professor and cannabis researcher at the University of Toronto.Ross isn’t surprised about my experience in Amsterdam as “scarring.” She alludes to what I experienced as acute psychosis. Essentially, a really high dose of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the cannabis plant’s psychoactive compound that gets people high, can cause dissociation from reality. “While the THC is in their system, people lose the ability to decipher whats real and what isnt,” says Ross. This can result in auditory hallucinations, visual hallucinations or delusions, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association. It can be a really frightening experience, but it doesn’t happen to everyone.The problem with acute psychosis is that people can potentially harm themselves. “Its not something to be ignored,” she says. “If people are with a friend who develops anything like that, they should never leave them on their own.” Although these symptoms would normally go away when THC leaves the system, a very small percentage of people with a genetic vulnerability are at risk for developing a psychosis that might be a more long-term illness, she says. That’s why it’s important to start low and go slow when trying any cannabis product to minimize the risk of overconsumption.

Importance of education

While edibles are now legal in Canada, education is still important. “The number one thing people should educate themselves on is the legal channels to buy cannabis,” says Adine Fabiani-Carter, chief marketing officer at High Park Company. By doing so, you can trust that the total amount of THC and CBD (cannabidiol, the cannabis plant’s non-psychoactive compound) thats stated on the package of the product is actually whats inside. “Every product from the Ontario Cannabis Store legally has to state the exact potency of THC and CBD on the front of the package,” says Fabiani-Carter. “There is a 10 milligram THC limit on all edibles that are sold to the consumer in the legal market in Canada. So, if you purchase a product thats over the legal limit, it’s an easy way to know youre not buying from a legal source.But, there isn’t any specific dose that’s considered high and dangerous or low and safe. There isn’t enough data to look into the long-term effects of higher doses of THC, says Ross.Although the health effects of THC are fairly well documented, how an individual’s brain and body react to it depends merely on the frequency of use, dose, age, medical conditions, and genetics. “There are very few things that are beneficial for everything,” says Ross. “You cant have something that’s both a medicine, works for every single health condition, and is always 100 percent safe.”

Gaining popularity in the wellness sector

Hundreds of thousands of millions of people are using cannabisespecially higher doses of CBD with no or very little THCin their everyday wellness routine. “Its kind of frustrating to have blanket statements of these wellness benefits of CBD and THC with no sense that there might be certain safety concerns under certain circumstances that people should be aware of,” says Ross.Primarily for CBD, the health benefits are unknown. “From my perspective as a scientist, theres very little data to strongly support a lot of the health claims that are made,” she says. Now that doesn’t mean CBD doesnt have therapeutic benefits, such as relieving anxiety, pain, or reducing inflammation, it just means that the science hasn’t been done yet to confirm. “People do individually find that they experience benefits from CBD, and that’s important,” she says. “It would just be nice to know scientifically, what CBD is beneficial for, what dose people should be using, and whether there are any long-term concerns we dont know about yet.”

Experience with cannabis edibles

Many Canadians sing the praises of cannabis edibles, including professional women who feel it helps them perform better at work. Andrea Anders, senior vice president at Pomp & Circumstance PR, uses a high-CBD edible as a sleep aid for insomnia. “If I have a big meeting or presentation the next day, I typically will not sleep a wink on those nights,” she says. To counteract that anxiety and get a good night’s rest, Anders likes to have one square of Chowie Wowie‘s CBD chocolate after dinner. “If you suffer from insomnia, it’s important to be mindful of when you want to be sleeping and what your wind-down patterns are before bed,” she says. “Whether its reading a book, having a bath, watching an episode or doing a meditation app, it’s important to base your time around that so as youre going to bed, it’s already been in your system for a bit.” Besides having less-disrupted sleep, Anders has noticed other benefits of cannabis edibles. “Im in a better mood, I make less mistakes at work, Im more positive, I have more energy, and Im more active because Im not tired,” she says. “Its made a big difference in my overall health, and that itself has been really transformative.”Michelle Bilodeau, a Toronto-based freelance journalist, also incorporates cannabis edibles into her wellness routine. Rather than purchasing edibles from the legal market, she grows her own cannabis and makes cannabis-infused cookies. “For me, its about strain,” she says. “The strain that I growa high-THC sativa, which produces an energizing, anxiety-reducing effectI know works for me.”As a wife and mother of her three-year-old daughter, Bilodeau is also working on a book as a co-author, hosting a podcast, and in school part-time studying to become a psychotherapist. “I feel like my brain is all over the place right now,” she says. “What cannabis allows me to do is kind of just have one track in my head instead of five or six.”

Interested in trying cannabis edibles?

Do self-guided research, be knowledgeable on the information you’re getting, and ask lots of questions. And of course, it’s best to speak with your health care provider before consuming cannabis, especially if you’re taking other medication.Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best cannabis edibles available in Canada to check out.

Add a controlled dose to your beverage of choice

Veryvell’s Drops feature a built-in dosing cap to give you a consistent and controlled cannabis experience. Each formula is designed with a precise dose of 1 milligram per two drops to make every use as reliable as possible.Veryvell Tingle Drops, $64.95, ocs.ca

Elevated chocolate

For a fun, safe and tasty edible, Chowie Wowie’s chocolates come in a THC, balance of CBD/THC, as well as a pure CBD formula. Quick tip: If you’re new to edibles, start with one square.Chowie Wowie THC Solid Milk Chocolate, $7.20 per pack, ocs.ca

An easy way to infuse any food or beverage

This brand is all about convenience. Not only is this product odourless, flavourless and calorie-free, but each sachet contains a precise portion of 10 milligrams of THC.The Green Organic Dutchman THC Infusers, $7.80 (per sachet), ocs.ca

A cup of tea to unwind

Everie’s Vanilla Rooibos Tea blend contains 10 milligrams of CBD and a small amount of THC to help you wind down before bed. Just remember to let it brew for a few minutes.Everie Vanilla Rooibos Tea, $18.95 (pack of 3), ocs.ca

A moment of peace

When it comes to cooking with cannabis, Blissed’s high-CBD oil can add a subtle hint of calm to any dish.Visit the Ontario Cannabis Store’s website to learn how to make your own edibles with premade cannabis oil.Blissed Breathe Oil, $75.50, ocs.ca

Facts You Need to Know About CBD

Cannabis Primer for Newbies

Cannabis Beauty Products

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After both a friend and her massage therapist recommended cannabidiol (CBD) for her anxiety, she decided to give it a try. “Now when I go to bed, I’m able to let go of what’s happened during the day and not worry about what’s coming up tomorrow,” says Smith, 56. “I felt relaxed the first time I took it, but it’s not a magic pill. There’s nothing about it that feels like a high. It feels like I just took a deep breath.”

Smith says her anxiety kicked into high gear as an adult after her son was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease and required two liver transplants during his childhood. The intense caregiving combined with the stress of the break-up of her marriage led to an anxiety disorder diagnosis. She was prescribed sertraline (Zoloft)amedication that can help regulate mood. Then she went to counselling.But over the years she began taking a more holistic approach to her mental and physical health. She was able to stop taking Zoloft and her regimen now includes eating mostly vegetarian, daily meditation, exercising at least five days a week, and CBD.Smith is not alone in using CBD for anxiety. A 2018 three-month National Survey by Statistics Canada found thatone in four Canadians use cannabis for medical reasons only.In fact, in Canada retailers can hardly keep up with the sales of CBD. But among medical professionals, there is both optimism and caution when it comes to recommending it for anxiety.There is no FDA or professional allopathic, or traditional, medical organization that formally recommend marijuana or marijuana products for any psychiatric illness.”It’s fair to say that the (consumer) enthusiasm for CBD has outpaced the [available] hard-core scientific evidence of its efficacy,” says Peter Grinspoon, MD, a primary care physician at Massachusetts General Hospital at Chelsea and an instructor at Harvard Medical School, who is also a board member of the advocacy group Doctors for Cannabis Regulation. “We’re still trying to figure out what it actually does work for and what is just hype,” says Dr. Grinspoon.

What is CBD?

CBDis one of many compounds known as cannabinoids that are found in cannabis plants. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another compound found in cannabis, CBD doesn’t make you high. Both THC and CBD affect the brain, but they [do] so differently, says Julia Arnsten, MD, chief of the division of general internal medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Health System in Bronx, New York. “What we know about THC is that in addition to causing people to feel high, it’s pretty effective for neuropathic pain. CBD tends to be more relaxing, but also has a lot of other properties including being anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic,” says Dr. Arnsten.

What does the research say?

One thing that most researchers and medical practitioners agree on is that the lack of rigorous studies and peer-reviewed research makes it difficult to really know the effect CBD has on humans, both positive and negative. More research is needed. “We can’t really answer the question: Is CBD effective for anxiety on a population level?” says Dr. Arnsten. “We just haven’t had any randomized trials that followed people over time to see how they do.”A report published in 2018 by Health Canadalooked 10 clinical studies that actually studied cannabidiol at all and found that CBD does exhibit effects for treating anxiety disorders. It’s also worth noting that, when independent labs look at CBD products, they may contain THCeven though the label doesn’t say so.THC consumption has been linked to higher anxiety, paranoia, psychosis, and difficulty with focus in some people, according to research published in the journalNeurology.In a 2017 study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology, researchers found that CBD lowered the anxiety levels of participants before a public speaking test. And in a small 2019 study published in The Permanente Journal, almost 80 percent of a total of 72 participants who presented with primary concerns of anxiety or poor sleep reported a decrease in their anxiety levels within the first month of treatment in an open-label and unrandomized study.Practitioners recommend that consumers who want to try CBD for anxiety must be rigorous in their research and the choices they make. Without sufficient high-quality evidence in human studies, it’s hard to pinpoint effective doses, says Dr. Grinspoon. “If you decide to try CBD, talk with your doctorif for no other reason than to make sure it won’t affect other medications you are taking,” he advises.

Trying CBD for the first time

Dr. Arnsten says that consumers who want to give CBD a try should be systematic in their approach to learn what works for them. “What we’re trying to do is induce a predictable effect, and the only way we’re really going to be able to assess that is by using it the same way most of the time.”She suggests finding a company that posts a certificate of analysis, which lists the amount of CBD contained in the product plus contaminants. Find out if they test for pesticides and heavy metals. And make sure the certificates come from an outside laboratory and are posted on a regular basis.When Smith was deciding what product to use, she relied on a close friend who also takes CBD and is meticulous about finding the best products. “CBD is everywhere now. You drive down the street and there’s a gas station that sells it. That’s like gas station sushi and it’s not good. It’s really important to do your research.” (Here’swhat you should really know about CBD before you try it.)

How to consume CBD

Conventional CBD products include edibles like gummies or cookies, oils to take internally or vape, as well as tinctures and topicals. Dr. Arnsten cautions patients against smoking or vaping, and notes that edibles may offer inconsistent doses. She says there is little data to support using topicals. Instead, she suggests using a tincture, letting it sit in the mouth and be absorbed through the gums. In a tincture, an extract is suspended in an alcohol mixture. CBD oil, on the other hand, is extracted, and then suspended in a carrier oil like MCT or coconut oil.Each night about half an hour before bed, Smith takes half a dropper full of CBD tincture, which contains about 20 mg per dose. For someone who’s new to CBD, Dr. Arnsten suggests starting with 10 mg for a few nights, doubling the dose if more is needed. “Experiment like that. Keep a diary so that you know exactly what you took and how you felt. Fill in the diary as close to in real-time as possible.”Look for gradual improvement over quick wins, Dr. Arnsten suggests. “CBD is not going to hit people like a benzodiazepine [a medication that has sedating effects] or a THC would. It’s not going to suddenly make you feel at peace. It’s really a matter of introducing it consistently so that it will allow you to have more restful sleep for longer or be able to be more productive during the day without getting stuck in anxiety spirals.”These days, Smith’s son is 22 and in good health. Adjusting to this new normal has been both a blessing and a challenge for her, after spending so many years primed to go into panic mode and never knowing when the next medical emergency would strike. “I’ve spent a lot of my time in fight or flight mode and that is exhausting, so being able to calm down and rest my body and my mind is important. People think self-care is selfish, but it’s not. It’s necessary. And for me, CBD is part of that holistic approach.”Medically reviewed byAshley Matskevich, MD.

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Myths About CBD

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1. Its not the same thing as medical marijuana.

CBD is short for cannabidiol, which is found in cannabis plants. Most of the CBD products for sale nationwide are made from hemp, a type of cannabis that is a botanical cousin to marijuana. “CBD does not produce a high or intoxication,” says Health Canada. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the substance that makes you high, and there is very little if any of it in hemp. Make sure you know these8 myths about CBD and its medicinal benefits.

2. Its taking surprising forms.

CBD is commonly sold as a liquid, or tincture, that you place under your tongue. You can also smoke it via a vape pen with cartridges containing CBD oil, or buy pills and topical creams. Other CBD-infused products include bath bombs, ice cream, cocktails, and coffee. Total sales are estimated to top $1 billion by 2020. New to cannabis? Check out our guide key terms, strains and consumption.

3. It works on the brain and throughout the body.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) describes CBD as neuroprotective, meaning it affects the nervous system, including your brain. It interacts with receptors throughout your body, helping it to relax, fall asleep, and block pain signals.

4. Some people swear by it.

According to Consumer Reports surveys, 26 percent of Americans have tried CBD, and the majority of users say it helped with anxiety, joint pain, sleep, and other issues. This CEO says cannabis actually helps reduce stress.

5. It has been used for centuries.

Ancient tablets mention that CBD was used medicinally in Asia as far back as 1800 BC. American medical journals from the 1700s cite hemp seeds and roots as treatments for incontinence and skin inflammation.

6. However, theres (mostly) no proof that CBD delivers.

Despite the anecdotal evidence, CBD has not been widely studied, which is not surprising considering it was illegal until recently. As Orrin Devinsky, MD, a professor of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry at NYU Langone Health, puts it, Theres a lot of religion out there, but not a lot of data. The few (mostly small) studies conducted found that CBD can relieve symptoms of multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, high blood pressure, and anxiety. Animal studies show it has promise for helping with nerve pain, diabetes, depression, and more. But until larger, well-designed human studies demonstrate clear benefits, any claims for CBD products are just that. NIH invested $15 million in research in 2017, a promising start.

7. You might experience side effects.

While CBD has no known serious risks, Dr. Devinsky points out that it can cause fatigue, weight loss, and diarrhea. It could also interact with some medications. Talk to your doctor before you start taking CBD (or any other new drug or supplement).

8. It might take time to kick in.

Vaping and liquid forms may provide fast relief for acute pain, but most CBD products take days or weeks to show any benefits. You may have to try several products before you find one that helps you.

9. Your pet might benefit.

Ask your vet about CBD tinctures, capsules, and treats for horses, dogs, and cats, marketed to help relieve hip and joint pain, anxiety, and seizures.

10. It offers one big promise.

According to the World Health Organization, CBD is nonaddictive, which means it could be an alternative to habit-forming opioid drugs. In their new book Cannabis and CBD for Health and Wellness, Aliza Sherman and Junella Chin, DO, write, We believe someday cannabis will be in everyones medicine chests like it used to be. Assuming, of course, CBD lives up to its hype.Next, read up on the biological science of cannabis.

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What to know about CBD for pain and anxiety

Long before cannabis became legal for recreational use in Canada, it was prescribed by physicians to treat the symptoms of chronically ill individualsincluding cancer patients who wished to relieve nausea from chemotherapy. Thanks to legalization, more research will be conducted into the many additional medicinal benefits of cannabidiol (a.k.a. CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the two most well-known cannabinoids out of over 100 identified cannabis compounds. For now, medical cannabisparticularly CBD-dominant strainsis commonly used to treat anxiety, pain, appetite loss, nausea and vomiting, sleep disorders and seizures, says Dr. Hance Clarke, Director of Pain Services at Toronto General Hospital and member of the Shoppers Drug Mart Advisory Board on Medical Cannabis. Its also commonly prescribed for inflammatory conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease, fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis, says Ilana Platt, PhD, Vice President of Innovation & Global Regulatory Affairs at CannTrust, and may even affect the progression of ALS (Lou Gehrigs disease).While its possible that medical marijuana could be the right treatment for you and your symptoms, its time to familiarize yourself with eight common misconceptions about CBD before you go running to your doctor.

Myth #1: CBD has therapeutic benefits and THC does not.

Many people assume that CBD has therapeutic benefits and that THC is for getting high, says Platt. But THC has as much medicinal value as CBD, and combined they can help patients with common issues such as chronic pain and insomnia. Many CBD-dominant strains of cannabis also contain some THC.Here’s what happens to your body when you’re stressed.

Myth #2: CBD is non-psychoactive.

While its true that THC produces the euphoric effect generally associated with getting high, CBD has psychoactive effects as well, says Platt. CBD impacts mood and can be effective for treating depression and anxiety, so it does affect the users mental statemeaning it should be considered a psychoactive compound.

Myth #3: CBD is a sedative.

Though CBD can be used to treat insomnia, its not actually a sedative. Instead, CBD helps to regulate the bodys stress responses and alleviate anxiety, which means a user will be better able to sleep at night. In small doses, CBD may even increase alertness and reduce daytime sleepiness.These serious conditions have been linked to lack of sleep.

Myth #4: CBD is safe for anyone over the legal age limit.

Many people could potentially benefit from CBDs medicinal properties, but medical cannabis still may not be appropriate for those with a history of psychosis, psychiatric disorders and adolescent or developing brains, says Dr. Clarke. Other factors to consider include severe cardiovascular disease, liver disease or kidney disease. Its important to work with a healthcare professional to identify if medical cannabis is the right treatment for you.These are the 10 most common types of cancer in Canada.

Myth #5: CBD is for adults only.

Cannabis use is generally not recommended for adolescents, but it is sometimes prescribed by physicians for children suffering seizures due to epilepsy. We have children using half a bottle of high-dose CBD per day, says Platt.

Myth #6: All forms of CBD will affect the user in the same way.

Mode of consumption matters. For immediate relief, inhaling is more effective, says Dr. Clarke. However, for ongoing chronic therapy, oils and capsules provide a more sustained level of symptom of relief, while also preventing the possible negative consequences of smoking. In April, legislation will come through that will allow producers to develop edible cannabis items such as gummies, chocolates and beverages, says Platt, meaning consumers will be able to choose from even more well-regulated forms of cannabis.Thinking about CBD for back pain? Be sure to read up on these 14 medical reasons for lower back pain.

Myth #7: Higher dosing means greater therapeutic benefits.

The dosage of CBD that your body requires can depend on a wide variety of factors, from your age to the condition youre trying to treat. For certain conditions, using more than the necessary dose may even result in the CBD becoming less effective, not more. Listen to your physician and follow the general rule of start low and go slow, says Platt, whether youre using cannabis recreationally or for medicinal purposes, and wait at least 4 hours before taking a second dose, she says. Daily dosage is generally divided into three or four administrations, or one dose before bedtime.

Myth #8: Now that cannabis is legal in Canada, everyone has access to CBD for medicinal use.

All licensed producers must adhere to good production practices as outlined in the Health Canada regulations, says Platt, which means you can be sure that youre purchasing a quality productwhether CBD-dominant or notif you buy from a licensed cannabis producer. That said, medical cannabis is specifically authorized by health-care practitioners to treat a variety of conditions, says Dr. Clarke. To access medical cannabis, patients need a medical document from their healthcare practitioner, similar to a prescription. If you self-medicate with recreational cannabis products, you may not know your correct dose or what factors might influence your reaction to the treatment, which can result in unwanted negative side effects.If you think CBD could provide relief for anxiety, chronic pain, inflammatory diseases or any other condition you may suffer, your next step is to talk to a healthcare practitioner. If you live in Ontario, you may wish to then visit shoppersdrugmart.ca/cannabis or visit your local Shoppers Drug Mart to get referred to a specialized cannabis care advisor who can help you find the cannabis brand, strain and format that will work best for your needs.If you don’t live in Ontario, visit O Cannabis to book an online consultation with atrained nurse practitioner who can guide you through the process of product selection.Next, read up on these health myths that turned out to be true.

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