Edibles Vs Oils - what’s the real difference?

Cherry flavoured spray. Glistening jelly domes. Dark and decadent chocolate drops. When it comes to CBD products, there is certainly no shortage of choices. So it’s natural that customers will have a lot of questions when it comes to choosing between edibles and oils.

CBD is a pretty new product, and the market is still relatively young, so we don’t expect you to be an expert on how these products work yet. So, if you have questions about which CBD products are right for you, we’re here to help clear those up for you.

What is the difference between edibles and oils?

There are two main ways to enjoy CBD. You can put a few drops of CBD oil under your tongue, or you can eat a CBD edible. The main difference between CBD oil and edibles is how the CBD is absorbed.

When you place CBD under your tongue, the beneficial compounds start to absorb into the bloodstream through the small blood vessels. CBD is placed under the tongue because the blood vessels are close to the surface of the skin.

When you enjoy an edible, a small amount of CBD is absorbed through these tiny blood vessels in your mouth as you chew it. The rest of the CBD is absorbed through the digestive tract.

While CBD oil is typically a broad-spectrum or full-spectrum product, CBD edibles are often made using CBD isolate. Isolate means that the other compounds from the plant are removed, leaving only the CBD.  This means a cleaner taste profile and CBD purity.

With a full-spectrum or broad-spectrum product, you’ll also enjoy the added benefits of the other plant compounds. This is commonly referred to as the “entourage effect”.

What are the benefits of CBD edibles?

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CBD edibles are easy, accessible and discreet. Since they are pre-portioned with a specific amount of CBD in each edible, it’s also far easier to keep track of your dosage and you'll get a guaranteed accurate dose every time.  For example, taking one Love Hemp jelly dome is 20mg CBD, so to double up to 40mg, simply take two. If you’re unsure about taking CBD, the edibles can make it easier to explore it for the first time.

Edibles are also easier to take with you on the go. However, you might want to think twice about keeping CBD chocolate in your bag, particularly in the warmer months. But if you choose a gummy CBD edible, you’ll have no trouble enjoying these on the move. Taking CBD via an edible means it is broken down via the digestive system, which takes a lot longer to take effect than taking CBD via vaping, for example.  but taking CBD this way can also mean longer lasting effects, which is of course a bonus.

CBD edibles are also simply delicious. Who wouldn’t want to satisfy their sweet cravings with a chocolate drop or a gummy sweet and get a CBD dose at the same time? 

What are the benefits of CBD oils?

CBD oil offers a higher bioavailability than CBD edibles. What does this mean exactly? Bioavailability refers to how much of the CBD is actually absorbed and used and how much is filtered out by the liver.

With CBD edibles, the bioavailability can be much lower based on how you consume them. If you suck on the edible or chew it and then hold it in your mouth, you’ll enjoy a bioavailability around the same as CBD oil. However, if you are quick to swallow your CBD edible, the bioavailability could be much lower, although perhaps less is absorbed by the body, the effects can be longer lasting.

Which is best for you?

The choice between CBD oils and CBD edibles used to come down to your taste preference. CBD edibles were once considered the ideal choice for those who don’t enjoy the earthy taste of CBD oil. But CBD oil is now available in a wide range of delicious flavours, so you no longer have to skip the oils if you aren’t a fan of the flavour, and if you struggle with getting your dose correct, CBD edibles would be the easiest way to monitor this.  If you like to enjoy your CBD on the go, then edibles could offer a more attractive option. CBD gummies would make the perfect pre-workout snack to give you a boost of energy and focus. But if you like a little bit of flexibility with your CBD products, then a CBD oil might be better. You can take it under your tongue when you need a moment of clarity, or you could add it to drinks and smoothies.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. As long as your daily dose is right, it doesn't really matter how you choose to take CBD.