Chocolate has the power to put smiles on our faces, giving a much-needed energy boost and lifting our spirits. By combining the rich sweetness of a chocolatey treat with cannabidiol, it’s actually possible to enhance the beneficial effects of both! Even better, it’s really easy to make CBD chocolate, so you can give the recipes below a go and enjoy homemade CBD treats whenever you want.
Does CBD Chocolate Work?
Humans have known of the benefits of chocolate for centuries, long before we understood its mechanisms. Nowadays we know its high tryptophan content- the amino acid which helps the brain make serotonin- delivers a feel-good lift in mood. Chocolate also contains the stimulants theobromine and phenylethylamine, which give a surge of energy and mimic feelings of being in love respectively. Add to that its rich sweet flavour profile and you’ve got the perfect treat.
The impressive antioxidant profile of dark chocolate too has multiple long-term benefits. Its array of phytonutrients has been demonstrated to promote heart health, reduce inflammation, and aid in preventing certain cancers and cardiovascular disease. So, a high-quality chocolate certainly has a lot to recommend it in a balanced diet. Combining all those benefits with a premium grade CBD oil and all the health boosts cannabidiol provides makes perfect delicious sense!
As well as its powerful analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anxiolytic properties, one of CBD’s most impressive effects is its ability to regulate mood. Lowering levels of cortisol and reducing stress is one side of the coin, but the other is its ability to raise levels of anandamide in the body. Anandamide, the ‘bliss molecule’, produces feelings of happiness and contentment, though it is a fragile substance broken down quickly. Cannabidiol inhibits this breakdown, while high-cocoa content chocolate also contains quantities of anandamide, complementing CBD’s abilities perfectly.
Unlike other CBD edibles- which must pass slowly through the digestive tract to take effect- CBD chocolates can be melted under the tongue. This means the cannabidiol can enter your bloodstream sub-lingually, so you can enjoy the effects sooner. As a bonus, the smooth, rich flavours of chocolate mask any earthy tastes in CBD oil, which some people find off-putting.
How to Make CBD Chocolate at Home
Making your own CBD chocolate at home allows you to tailor the dosage precisely to your own preferences. Being able to select the finest ingredients also ensures your sweet treats are doing you the maximum amount of good. Sourcing your CBD from a reputable vendor like Goodrays means you can be certain that it has undergone rigorous third-party testing, and you’re getting exactly what you pay for in terms of strength. Aim to use a higher strength CBD oil instead of using more of a weaker tincture, as this can affect texture.
For the simplest approach, high-quality organic dark chocolate can easily be melted down over a bain-marie, and CBD oil stirred in before setting in silicone moulds. Chill in the fridge to solidify, before turning out your chocolates and enjoying. As a general guide, enough CBD oil to deliver 25-30mg per portion is a good amount to start with.
For a more decadent and flavourful recipe, try this version, using honey and vanilla for extra sweetness:
- · 8 fl. oz. coconut oil
- · 8 oz. high-quality dark chocolate nibs
- · 4 fl. oz. honey
- · 1 tsp vanilla extract ·
- · Enough premium CBD oil to achieve the desired dosage per serving – this recipe should make approximately 25 portions.
Gently melt the coconut oil over a bain-marie on a low heat, then add in the chocolate nibs. Continue stirring until all the chocolate is melted and incorporated.
Remove from the heat, and add the honey, vanilla, and CBD oil, and continue stirring until the chocolate is smooth and evenly mixed.
Pour the melted chocolate into silicone moulds or a lined baking tin, and even out the surface so it sits smoothly. Chill in the fridge until solidified, when your CBD chocolates will be ready to turn out, cut into portions, and enjoy!
With so many common and complementary effects, chocolate and CBD make ideal bedfellows. Why not make your own CBD chocolate today and discover for yourself how each can enhance the other’s benefits?
