Decoding Indulgence: CBD vs. Traditional Chocolate

CBD Chocolate vs. Traditional Chocolate: A Healthier Indulgence?

November 18, 2023By Jenifer den

Indulging in chocolate is a universal pleasure, but with the rise of CBD-infused varieties, a new dimension of this sweet treat has emerged. In exploring CBD vs. Traditional Chocolate, we explore what sets these two apart. While traditional chocolate has long been a beloved indulgence, adding CBD (Cannabidiol) introduces potential health benefits, offering a unique twist to the classic confection.

As we compare these two, we will uncover the aspects that make CBD chocolate a potentially healthier alternative without compromising the joy of savoring a piece of chocolate.

What Is CBD Chocolate? Does It Work?

Mixing CBD with chocolate transforms the experience of taking your dose into a pleasant one. Healthy chocolate choices now include a range of CBD CBD-infused treats, offering diverse forms and flavor combinations. These treats blend sweet flavors with plain CBD oils to neutralize the bitter hemp taste.

Popular chocolate pairings like mint and orange are now infused with CBD, providing a delightful solution for those hesitant about the taste of hemp. In addition to chocolate-flavored oils, CBD-infused chocolate bars have become a favorite for those who prefer edible options.

While ingesting CBD might have lower absorption (bioavailability) compared to traditional tincture or oil formulas, these chocolate treats offer a convenient and discreet alternative, easy to store and consume on the go.

CBD Vs. Traditional Chocolate

When considering CBD vs. Traditional Chocolate, it's essential to understand the unique benefits that CBD chocolate brings to the table. While standard chocolate is undoubtedly a treat for the taste buds, CBD chocolate goes a step further, offering a range of health advantages.

Everyone knows chocolate is a delightful indulgence, and it's hard to find someone who disagrees. It's not about replacing all your chocolate with CBD-infused varieties but instead appreciating the specific health perks CBD chocolate offers that regular chocolate lacks.

Dark chocolate combined with CBD tastes great and has revitalizing qualities. In contrast, traditional chocolate, often high in sugar, can leave you feeling sluggish. Dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants, known for lowering blood pressure and improving blood flow.

As for mental well-being, CBD is recognized for easing anxiety symptoms, while cocoa beans in chocolate are famous for triggering the release of endorphins, the body's natural 'happy hormones.'

Health benefits of CBD chocolates include:

Stress Relief: CBD is known for its calming properties, which can help alleviate stress.
Improved Mood: The combination of CBD and chocolate can enhance mood, thanks to the release of endorphins.
Antioxidant Properties: Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, contributing to overall health and wellness.
Heart Health: Dark chocolate has been linked to improved heart health, including lower blood pressure and better circulation.
Reduced Anxiety: CBD's ability to help with anxiety makes it a beneficial component in these chocolates.
Better Sleep: Some people find CBD helps them achieve a more restful night's sleep.

The Pros And Cons Of CBD Chocolate

CBD chocolate offers a delightful way to consume CBD without experiencing the natural hemp taste. However, advantages and drawbacks might help you decide whether to try them.

Pros:

The pleasant chocolate taste provides a more enjoyable alternative to hemp's earthy, bitter flavor.
It simplifies the process of consuming your CBD dose.
Comes in various flavors like mint chocolate and chocolate orange, catering to different preferences.
They make great gifts for introducing friends and family to CBD.

Cons:

Some CBD chocolate products may contain artificial flavors.
The quality of CBD used in these chocolates varies across brands.
They often contain sweeteners or added sugars.
The bioavailability of ingested CBD is lower compared to other forms.
Pre-made CBD chocolates tend to be pricier than CBD oils.

How Much CBD Chocolate Is Too Much Chocolate?

Regarding healthy chocolate choices like CBD chocolate, moderation is key. But what does overindulgence look like in this case?

According to a 2011 study in Current Drug Safety, the "toxic" level of CBD is roughly around 20,000mg consumed in a single instance. Given that each bar of our CBD chocolate contains 70 mg of CBD, it would take an overwhelming 285 bars consumed simultaneously to reach this threshold.

While such an amount is far beyond typical consumption, it's interesting to note that even at these high levels, the overdose of CBD is not fatal.

If someone manages to consume this much, they might experience discomfort like stomach upset, nausea, and drowsiness, but it doesn't pose a lethal risk. However, enjoying 285 bars in one sitting is an extreme scenario and far from recommended, even with the deliciousness of CBD chocolate.

How Long Does CBD Chocolate Take To Work?

The impact of CBD-infused treats, particularly chocolate, can vary significantly depending on the THC content and its proportion in the mix. For instance, consuming a high-CBD chocolate bar containing just 0.5% THC would result in minimal THC effects, leading to a less intense experience compared to a high-THC chocolate bar with 10% THCa or more.

Conversely, if you opt for a chocolate bar with low CBD concentration but 10% THCa, the experience might lean more towards relaxation rather than euphoria, which is more likely with a low-THC variant containing only 0.5% THC.

The popularity of CBD as a supplement stems not just from its effects on the brain but also from its potential to alleviate anxiety, enhance mood, and provide pain relief. Among the various infused chocolates available, those made with cannabidiol (CBD) are increasingly sought-after for their unique benefits.

Final Thoughts

It's rare to find someone who doesn't enjoy chocolate, so CBD chocolate is an appealing option for taking your dose. For those who find the taste of hemp unpalatable, opting for flavored CBD chocolate oil can be an excellent substitute.

However, it's crucial to research and understand the regulations surrounding CBD oil in your area before purchasing any CBD products.

While chocolate often contains high amounts of sugar, it's essential to be mindful of the ingredients listed. Keeping an eye on what you consume is vital, especially since CBD is intended to enhance overall well-being.