CBD edibles are already a wellness favorite, but vegan CBD edibles take it a step further. These cruelty-free treats are perfect for anyone looking to embrace plant-based living without sacrificing the calming, balancing effects of CBD. Whether you’re a vegan veteran or just testing the waters, this guide dives deep into the benefits, science, and must-try brands of vegan CBD edibles.
What Exactly Are Vegan CBD Edibles?
Vegan CBD edibles are cannabidiol-infused products made without any animal-derived ingredients like gelatin, dairy, or honey. Instead, they rely on plant-based alternatives to deliver the same delicious flavors and calming effects.
Common Ingredients in Vegan CBD Edibles
- Pectin: A plant-based alternative to gelatin derived from fruits.
- Natural Sweeteners: Ingredients like agave, stevia, or monk fruit replace refined sugar or honey.
- Plant-Based Oils: Coconut oil or avocado oil enhances CBD absorption while providing healthy fats.
- Superfoods: Ingredients like spirulina, turmeric, or chia seeds add a nutritional boost.
Why Are Vegan CBD Edibles So Popular?
1. They’re Cruelty-Free
- No animals are harmed in the making of vegan CBD edibles, making them a guilt-free choice for anyone passionate about animal welfare.
2. Packed with Nutritional Benefits
- Many vegan edibles incorporate superfoods and fiber-rich ingredients, supporting gut health, energy levels, and overall wellness.
3. They’re Inclusive
- Vegan edibles cater to a wide range of dietary needs, including those who are lactose-intolerant, gluten-sensitive, or following keto and paleo diets.
4. Environmentally Friendly
- Vegan production methods generally have a smaller carbon footprint compared to animal-based products, making them better for the planet.
5. They’re Just as Delicious
- With natural flavors and creative recipes, vegan edibles taste every bit as indulgent as their non-vegan counterparts.
How Do Vegan CBD Edibles Work?
CBD edibles work by interacting with your endocannabinoid system (ECS)—a network of receptors in your body that helps regulate mood, sleep, pain, and more.
The Process
- Digestion: Vegan edibles, like all CBD edibles, are digested in the stomach.
- Absorption: The CBD is absorbed into the bloodstream through the intestines.
- Liver Metabolism: The liver processes the CBD before it enters circulation, a step known as the “first-pass effect.”
- Onset: You’ll typically feel effects within 30 minutes to 2 hours, with the effects lasting 4 to 8 hours.
How Are Vegan CBD Edibles Made?
1. CBD Extraction
- CBD is extracted from hemp plants using CO2 or ethanol extraction methods to ensure purity.
2. Mixing the Ingredients
- The CBD oil is blended with plant-based ingredients like fruit juices, natural sweeteners, and superfoods.
3. Shaping and Packaging
- For gummies, molds are filled with the CBD mixture and left to set. For chocolates or energy bites, the CBD is infused into melted cacao or nut butter before forming.
Top Brands Offering Vegan CBD Edibles
1. Joy Organics
A pioneer in premium CBD, Joy Organics stands out for its commitment to quality and sustainability. Founded by Joy Smith, the brand focuses on creating products that combine wellness with clean, organic ingredients.
- Best Vegan Product: Vegan CBD Gummies.
- Why It’s Great: USDA Certified Organic, broad-spectrum CBD, and available in delicious flavors like Strawberry Lemonade and Green Apple.
- Sustainability: The company is carbon-neutral and uses recyclable packaging.
- Website: joyorganics.com
2. CBDistillery
Founded in 2016, CBDistillery has become one of the most trusted names in the CBD industry. The brand offers a wide range of high-quality CBD products at affordable prices.
- Best Vegan Product: Vegan CBD Gummies (25mg per gummy).
- Why It’s Great: Certified by the U.S. Hemp Authority, these gummies are non-GMO and made with natural flavors.
- Standout Feature: Exceptional transparency with QR codes on all products linking to third-party lab test results.
- Website: thecbdistillery.com
3. Charlotte’s Web
Known for its iconic CBD oils, Charlotte’s Web is a leader in the hemp industry. The brand was founded to support a young girl named Charlotte, inspiring its mission to improve lives naturally.
- Best Vegan Product: CBD Gummies (available in Sleep, Calm, and Recovery formulas).
- Why It’s Great: Full-spectrum hemp extract with additional botanicals like lemon balm and turmeric for enhanced effects.
- Sustainability: Grown using organic and regenerative farming practices.
- Website: charlottesweb.com
4. PlusCBD
Known for its iconic CBD oils, Charlotte’s Web is a leader in the hemp industry. The brand was founded to support a young girl named Charlotte, inspiring its mission to improve lives naturally.
- Best Vegan Product: PlusCBD Vegan Gummies.
- Why It’s Great: Made with full-spectrum hemp extract, gluten-free, non-GMO, and available in fruity flavors like Cherry Mango and Citrus Punch.
- Research-Driven: Known for investing in clinical research to validate the efficacy of their products.
- Website: pluscbdoil.com
5. Medterra
Medterra is a well-known name in the CBD industry, recognized for its pharmaceutical-grade hemp products. The brand emphasizes purity and consistency in all its offerings.
- Best Vegan Product: Vegan CBD Gummies (CBD Isolate).
- Why It’s Great: THC-free and available in wellness-focused formulations like Sleep Tight and Stay Alert.
- Certifications: U.S.-grown hemp and third-party lab tested for safety and potency.
- Website: medterracbd.com
6. Green Roads
Pharmacist-founded Green Roads has a reputation for high-quality, effective CBD products. The brand’s emphasis on transparency and custom formulations sets it apart.
- Best Vegan Product: Green Roads CBD Relax Bears.
- Why It’s Great: Made with broad-spectrum CBD and natural flavors, these gummies are designed for relaxation and focus.
- Transparency: QR codes on each package lead to detailed lab reports.
- Website: greenroads.com
7. Fab CBD
A newer but rapidly growing CBD brand, Fab CBD has gained a loyal following for its customer-first approach and innovative products.
- Best Vegan Product: Fab CBD Chews (25mg per gummy).
- Why It’s Great: Non-GMO, fruit-flavored, and made with organically grown hemp.
- Customer Service: Known for exceptional customer support and user-friendly policies.
- Website: fabcbd.com
8. Soul CBD
Co-founded by a former professional athlete, Soul CBD focuses on creating high-quality products for pain management, stress relief, and overall wellness.
- Best Vegan Product: Soul CBD Gummies.
- Why It’s Great: THC-free, organically farmed, and available in soothing flavors like Raspberry and Orange Cream.
- Wellness-Oriented: It offers tailored products for athletes and those with active lifestyles.
- Website: mysoulcbd.com
9. Aspen Green
Aspen Green is committed to producing USDA Certified Organic CBD products with a focus on clean ingredients and transparency.
- Best Vegan Product: Aspen Green Organic Gummies.
- Why It’s Great: Full-spectrum CBD gummies crafted without artificial ingredients.
- Clean Ingredients: Free from parabens, phthalates, and synthetic dyes.
- Website: aspengreen.com
10. Cornbread Hemp
Cornbread Hemp is known for its Kentucky-grown, flower-only hemp extracts. The brand specializes in USDA Organic-certified products.
- Best Vegan Product: Cornbread Hemp Full-Spectrum CBD Gummies.
- Why It’s Great: It’s Vegan, gluten-free, and made with organic berries for a natural flavor.
- Unique Selling Point: Uses only flower extract (no stems or leaves) for a purer CBD experience.
- Website: cornbreadhemp.com
The Science of Vegan CBD Edibles
Bioavailability:
- CBD in edibles has a lower bioavailability (10–20%) compared to tinctures or vapes. This means a portion of the CBD is lost during digestion.
- Pairing edibles with healthy fats can enhance absorption.
Why Vegan Ingredients Matter:
- Many animal-derived ingredients, like gelatin, can cause inflammation or allergies. Vegan alternatives are cleaner and better for digestion.
What to Look for in Vegan CBD Edibles:
- Certified Vegan
- Look for certifications or clear labeling that confirms no animal products were used.
- Third-Party Lab Testing
- Ensure the product has been tested for potency, purity, and contaminants.
- Natural Ingredients
- Avoid artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives for a cleaner product.
- CBD Type
- Choose broad-spectrum or full-spectrum CBD for maximum benefits.
Benefits of Vegan CBD Edibles
- Sustained Effects
- Perfect for managing stress, discomfort, or sleeplessness over several hours.
- Portion Control
- Pre-dosed servings make it easy to monitor your intake.
- Enhanced Wellness
- Combines the calming effects of CBD with the nutritional benefits of plant-based ingredients.
ChillCrest Recommends
Check out our vegan-friendly CBD products:
- Vegan CBD Gummies: Organic, delicious, and cruelty-free.
- Vegan CBD Chocolates: A decadent way to relax while staying plant-based.
