There are many contradictions over the true legal status of CBD in the United Kingdom. Still, the industry seems to be flourishing under the UK flag. CBD edibles, especially, seem to be gaining quite a lot of popularity among CBD users, particularly because these edibles come in many forms like gummies, brownies, and even mints.
While we are not here to discuss the fundamentals of its legal status, we advise CBD users to be well informed of the prevailing local laws regarding cannabis consumption. With that said, our main topic of discussion here is whether lecithin is being used in manufacturing cannabis edibles, if so, why is it being used, and how is it affecting the final product?
Well, the short answer to this question is, yes, it is being used in the production of cannabis edibles. Since we have already talked about it being a binding agent that can mix two insoluble ingredients and hold them together a million times in our previous posts, we won’t talk about that here.
A major reason why cannabis edibles manufacturers are drawn to lecithin is its ability to enhance potency of any product it is added to. But enhanced potency isn’t the only reason.
One of the main reasons to add lecithin to a cannabis edible mix is its ability to bind and mix the cannabinoids with the existing fatty molecules. If you’ve ever eaten home-baked brownies leftover from a day or two, you would’ve noticed that they crumble to the touch. While, leftover brownies bought from a bakery or supermarkets don’t.
This happens because home-cooked goodies don’t usually have lecithin but commercially produced ones do. And, lecithin keeps the ingredient bound together, hence they don’t crumble regardless of being scraps.
Next is its capability for enhanced potency. It does so by ensuring that water, oil, and fat remain bound so no mold is created. This, ultimately, enhances the shelf life of the final product, be it cannabis gummies, brownies, mints, and whatnot.
And, the final reason, that probably only the industry veterans know, is that mixing lecithin with cannabis makes it react quickly inside the body, once consumed. The reaction of the CBD is not only quick, it is also stronger than usual. Meaning, a 50 mg content of cannabis, if mixed with lecithin, can hit harder, and feel like a 75 mg dosage more or less. A known reason for this happening is that the presence of lecithin increases the absorption of CBD by the body.
Adding lecithin increases the overall bioavailability of CBD edibles, reducing their degradability. It also helps to soften and smoothen the fatty molecules present in the ingredients making it more easily digestible by the human body.
Lecithin also helps maintain the consistency of the cannabis, distributing it evenly through the mixture. The consistency is so evenly distributed that every bite of the edible has even amounts of CBD.
Advice for the final consumers: if you want to experience gradual and lasting psychotropic effects, don’t consume CBD edibles that contain lecithin.
Since CBD edibles are mostly baked goodies, the relevant and natural source of lecithin for them would be eggs. However, vegans would want to avoid such a product. In which case, lecithin sourced from plants can also be used in the recipes. If you are looking for a plant-based GMO and non-GMO lecithin provider for your manufacturing plant, connect with LECITEIN.
But before you go shopping, you must know that lecithin extracted from different resources can have different effects. Soy lecithin, for example, is widely available and is often from GMO soybeans. While soy lecithin itself carries many allergens, its extraction process includes the use of dangerous solvents, making soy lecithin a health risk in most cases.
Sunflower lecithin, on the other hand, is a much safer and more natural option. Because it is extracted through cold pressing sunflower seeds, no additional chemicals or solvents are added, allowing sunflower lecithin to retain its natural form.
LECITEIN also provides sunflower lecithin in all variants like powder, granules, and liquid.
Lecithin is not just great as an emulsifier but also as a binding agent and a preservative to increase the shelf life of CBD edibles. For industrial use, lecithin can be procured from global suppliers like LECITEIN. It comes in various forms and from various resources.
Which form of lecithin fits your need might depend on your recipe. Nonetheless, the safest and most used lecithin is sunflower lecithin. It is healthy, vegan, and allergen-free.
Unfortunately, it has become nearly impossible to procure sunflower lecithin with the Ukraine-Russia tensions on the rise. Luckily, LECITEIN has ample stock of sunflower lecithin and supplies to the United States, Europe, and Africa. For any questions and queries, reach out to us via email.
Depending on the extraction method used, sunflower lecithin can have varying PC and acid content and yield. Different extraction processes are also preferred for different applications.
Sunflower lecithin can be acquired in food grade, pharmaceutical grade, and industrial grade. Each grade has unique characteristics and applications and is meant for a separate industry.
By reducing clumping and separation, improving bioavailability and absorption, and extending shelf life, sunflower lecithin can improve the stability and efficacy of oil-based supplements.
By controlling oxidation, microbial growth, improving texture and appearance, and enhancing nutritional value, sunflower lecithin can help manufacturers improve the shelf life and stability of their food products.