We’re living in the age of cannabidiol (CBD), and that means you can buy CBD-infused anything: CBD epsom salts, lotions, and balms; CBD gum and toothpicks; CBD candy, and, yes, CBD lollipops. But while many of these seem like, um, poor applications of CBD (toothpicks, really?), CBD lollipops actually make sense.
They allow the CBD to be absorbed by the mucus membranes under the tongue, which is more efficient than other orally-consumed forms of CBD, like beverages, like beverages. They’re also tasty, portable, and fun. What more could you ask for in a CBD goodie?
This article is the comprehensive CBD lollipop guide that you didn’t know you needed. Learn everything there is to know about CBD lollipops:
- How they measure up to other forms of consumption
- How to avoid low-quality lollipops
- Which brands to buy
CBD Lollipops: a More Efficient Form of Edible CBD?
CBD edibles are some of the most popular ways to consume CBD, whether it’s fancy-schmancy CBD-infused drinks like Vybes and Mary Joe Coffee, or CBD gummies and candy. Among CBD edibles, gummies and candy tend to be the most popular and widely-consumed, but if you want to absorb the most possible CBD, lollipops are actually the way to go.
Why? Because orally-consumed CBD is actually very poorly absorbed: it must pass through the liver, where most of it is broken down by liver enzymes. One study estimated that only 13-19% of orally-consumed CBD enters the bloodstream.
CBD lollipops work differently: the CBD is absorbed in the mucus membranes under the tongue (this is called sublingual ingestion), bypassing the liver, so it’s absorbed at a much higher rate (though still much lower than smoking or vaping CBD).
3 Other Advantages of CBD Lollipops
Superior bioavailability isn’t the only reason to give CBD lollipops a try, though. Here are some other benefits of getting your CBD this way.
1. Accurate Dosage
Measuring a precise dosage of CBD with an oil or tincture can be tricky: you’re supposed to measure it out by “drops” (e.g. 10 drops is 20mg of CBD), but that can be easier said than done. CBD lollipops, on the other hand, should have a clearly labelled amount of CBD in them, so you know exactly what you’re getting and are less likely to get negative side effects.
2. Better Taste
Another disadvantage of CBD oil or tincture is that they tend to have a bit of a weed-y aftertaste that many find unpleasant. Consuming CBD via a lollipop is a simple fix: they’re sweet and delicious!
3. Portability
You may not want to lug around a CBD oil/tincture dropper everywhere you go: they’re breakable and not exactly conspicuous. A lollipop is as portable and discreet as it gets (though admittedly you might get a funny look or two as an adult sucking on a lollipop).
Look Out for Low Quality CBD Lollipops
CBD lollipops are a type of CBD product known for their accessibility, often found in convenient locations like smoke shops, corner stores, or gas stations. However, you need to be VERY careful when buying CBD from places like this.
The FDA still formally prohibits the inclusion of CBD in food and drink, so the CBD lollipop market is not regulated. One study found that nearly 70% of CBD products are inaccurately labelled, and the less specialized the venue, the more likely the product is poor quality. Instead, you should either purchase CBD lollipops online or go to a reputable vendor, like a CBD-specific shop or a niche health and wellness store.
How to Choose a Good CBD Lollipop
The most important factor when choosing a CBD lollipop is that the brand is independently lab-tested by a third party. This is the only way that you can be confident that the lollipop contains the amount of CBD advertised. Also: if you’re using CBD to treat a serious medical condition and want to the most benefits of CBD, try to find a brand that uses full-spectrum CBD rather than CBD isolate: full-spectrum contains the other terpenes and cannabinoids present in the hemp plant, and may be more therapeutic (get a doctor’s advice as well!).
The best way to ensure quality is to buy from a respected, reputable CBD vendor with a track record of transparency and integrity. We’ve chosen a selection of the highest-quality lab-tested CBD lollipops below.
5 Best CBD Lollipop Brands
1. CBD Market
CBD Market has taken a unique approach to their CBD lollipops by combining CBD with its precursor, CBDA, to enhance the highly coveted Entourage Effect. This effect amplifies the benefits of both compounds through multiple activation pathways within the body.
These lollipops are relatively mild, containing 3mg of CBD + CBDA per piece.
Enjoy CBD Market pops in these flavors:
- Watermelon
- Cherry
A 12-pack is available for $34.99.
Via Facebook
2. Black Dahlia
Black Dahlia CBD lollipops are a delightful choice for any CBD enthusiast. Each lollipop contains 20mg of CBD and is sugar-free, which is fairly rare among CBD lollipops. Their CBD-rich hemp oil combined with a wide range of flavors sets them apart from other brands.
Some of their mouth-watering flavors include:
- Black Cherry
- Bergamot
- Honey
- Coconut Cream
- Passionfruit
- Kiwi Strawberry
- And many more
You can purchase a 7-pack for $35.00 or a 10-pack for $50.00.
Via Facebook
3. Eddy Edibles
Eddy Edibles CBD lollipops are potent, delivering 50mg of CBD per lollipop, which may promote relaxation, enhance mood, and provide a calming experience. Their flavors are simple yet satisfying, available in:
- Fruity
- Sour
You can choose between a 10-pack for $64.50 or a 30-pack for $146.50.
4. Donkey Pops
Donkey Pops are a premium CBD treat. The Pittsburgh-based edibles producer blends 100% organic hemp oil with a variety of rich flavors, making these lollipops an excellent choice. With 50mg of CBD per lollipop, they are designed to offer positive therapeutic effects.
Enjoy their delicious flavors, including:
- Blackberry Jam Funnel
- Green Apple
- Orange Cream
- Strawberry
- Watermelon
- Blackberry
A 5-pack is available for $45.00.
Via Facebook
5. Mountain High Suckers
We love Mountain High because they’re a lollipop-only brand: CBD lollipops are all they make, so they should have a good deal of expertise in the area. Founded by popular comedian Josh Blue (and yep, the packages are adorned with his face), these lollipops also contain THC, so they’re currently only available in Colorado dispensaries (you can’t buy them online).
With a 3:1 THC:CBD ratio, these suckers are more for cannabis-lovers than CBD-lovers, but if you get a chance to try them don’t miss out: they’ve got a pretty amazing selection of flavors (probably the best of any brand).
Conclusion
CBD lollipops are perfect for CBD newcomers, or folks who want a fun and tasty way to take their CBD on the road and get a precise, reliable dosage. Just remember to scrutinize every brand closely before buying; otherwise who knows what you’re getting.
FAQ on CBD Lollipops
How long do CBD lollipops take to kick in?
Ingesting CBD sublingually, as you do with CBD lollipops, typically takes about 20-30 minutes to kick in.
Are CBD lollipops legal?
Yes, as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC, they’re legal.
How to use CBD lollipops?
CBD lollipops are an excellent entryway into the world of CBD: they’re tasty, well-absorbed, and allow you to get an exact dosage without taking too much. More experienced users may want to look into smoking or vaping CBD (since it is the best-absorbed method).
How to choose the right dosage in a CBD lollipop?
The ideal CBD dosage varies based on its purpose, with lower amounts for relaxation (20mg or less), moderate levels for pain relief (20-40mg), and higher doses for sleep or more severe symptoms (30-50mg).
What is the difference between CBD lollipops and Delta 9?
CBD edibles provide relaxation, pain relief, and anxiety reduction without a psychoactive high, whereas Delta-9 THC edibles produce euphoria, altered perception, and stronger effects that last longer. CBD is federally legal and non-intoxicating. Delta-9, on the other hand, is psychoactive, regulated, and can cause temporary impairment.