Just when you think you've seen CBD infused in everything, CBD candles have hit the market — and they're surprisingly popular.
No, they won't get you high, but they claim to take your chill sesh to the next level.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at CBD-infused candles, how to use CBD candles, their potential benefits, and the limitations of this CBD product.
Key Takeaways Of How To Use CBD Candles:
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CBD candles combine CBD oil or CBD extract with a candle wax formula and other ingredients such as essential oils or fragrances.
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CBD candles are marketed to deliver the benefits of CBD candles into the atmosphere—but there may not be any direct CBD benefits to the endocannabinoid system in this method.
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There are benefits to using candles, such as reducing stress as part of self-care regimens, but if you're looking to leverage the best of CBD, you should look to CBD products for internal use (oil, capsules, gummies) or topical use as you can deliver concentrated CBD to interact with the endocannabinoid system.
What Are CBD Candles?
CBD candles are a style of candle infused with cannabidiol (CBD), which is the main non-psychoactive cannabinoid derived from the cannabis plant.
These candles are made by adding full spectrum CBD extract or pure CBD isolate powder into the candle wax. The idea is that the CBD, other cannabinoids, and terpenes will be released into the atmosphere of the room as the candle wick burns.
When CBD is inhaled, it's known to have a calming effect on the mind and body.
But when it comes to how CBD candles work, it might not have the same effects as taking internal CBD supplements like CBD oil, capsules, or gummies or smoking CBD flower and CBD vapes.
What Are The Benefits of CBD Candles?
We'll be straightforward with this—CBD candles are a bit of a gimmick.
But they've become very trendy based on the fact they have CBD in them.
The benefits of CBD candles mostly come from the relaxing scents and the stress-reducing atmosphere candles create in a space.
Simply put, it's hard to get the benefits of the CBD cannabinoid into your system by diffusing it into the air.
Nevertheless, let's take a look at the possible potential benefits of scented candles:
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Aromatherapy: Essential oils can have a positive effect on mood and emotions. For example, lavender essential oil is used for its calming effects, while citrus scents promote an uplifting effect.
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Stress relief: The soft glow and warmth of a candle, along with soothing essential oils, can help to reduce feelings of stress and can be incorporated into many people's self-care regimens, like curling up to a good book, baths, or meditation practices.
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Improved sleep: We don't recommend leaving a candle burning while you sleep, but the soft light of a candle can help to reduce the use of harsh overhead lighting, helping you prepare your body for rest.
So, how do you use CBD candles to leverage the most benefits?
How To Use CBD Candles
CBD candles may not provide the potential benefits of CBD efficiently, but it doesn't mean they couldn't be a welcome addition to your self-care routine or make a thoughtful gift.
1. Find A High-Quality Candle
The most important thing when shopping for an aromatherapy candle is wax.
Overall, natural waxes like soy wax and beeswax are the best options for candles as they're sustainable and don't release toxins into the air when burned.
Stay away from paraffin wax—a by-product of petroleum that can emit toxic fumes when burned—gel wax and other wax blends that contain unknown ingredients that may contain harmful chemicals or additives.
2. Choosing The Right Location
The right location for your candle can help you leverage its benefits and ensure it's used safely.
You want to make sure the CBD candle is out of reach for children and pets to avoid accidents.
Place your CBD candle on a stable, flat surface, away from flammable materials like curtains, paper, and other household decors, and avoid drafty areas to keep the wick burning evenly and prevent it from blowing out.
3. How To Light The Candle
Lighting a candle seems pretty straightforward, but of course, we have some tips to make sure you're doing it safely while making the most of your CBD candle.
Trim your candle wick before lighting the candle. It should be about 1/4 inch in length to prevent the wick from producing too much smoke.
Use a long lighter or a long match to light the wick. Hold the flame to the base of the wick until it catches fire.
When you light the candle for the first time, let the first layer of wax completely melt to form a pool all the way to the edges of the container. This is to prevent the candle from tunneling, where the wax only melts in the center and wastes the wax on the sides.
4. Precautions To Take While Using The Candle
Use your candle responsibly. A burning wick and melted wax can cause accidents and injuries.
Find a safe place to burn your candle, and always keep an eye on your candle—never leave it burning unattended, like leaving a room or going to sleep.
Taking these precautions allows you to safely enjoy CBD candles' benefits in creating a cozy atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions ABout CBD-Infused Candles
1. How to use CBD candles made with cannabis essential oil?
CBD candles won't deliver the therapeutic benefits of supporting the endocannabinoid system, but they can be a great addition to self-care through aromatherapy.
Trim your candle wick to 1/4 inch, find a safe location, and allow the first time you light your candle to melt the wax till it reaches the ends of the container for an even burn and to make sure your candle doesn't get wasted.
2. What's the difference between hemp candles and CBD candles?
While hemp and CBD candles are sometimes used interchangeably, it's important to note that they are not the same. Hemp candles may be made with hemp oil or hemp wax, which comes from the seeds or stalks of the hemp plant and do not necessarily contain CBD or other cannabinoids.
On the other hand, CBD candles are specifically infused with CBD oil extracted from the flowers, leaves, and stems of through the air, which remains a bit of a controversial topic as it doesn't really deliver CBD into the endocannabinoid system to provide any direct health benefits.
3. Do CBD candles help with chronic pain?
Lighting a candle may help promote relaxation and reduce stress, but there's no scientific evidence to suggest CBD candles can help with chronic pain management.
Some people may find that using CBD candles as part of a holistic approach to pain management by promoting a sense of relaxation, which may help to improve pain perception.
4. Can CBD candles help with better sleep?
The fragrance of some essential oils and the warm glow of a candle can provide a relaxing environment to ease stress and tension and prepare the mind and body for sleep. But you should not leave the candles unattended while you sleep.
5. What can I do with the remaining CBD candle wax mixture?
If you have a leftover CBD candle wax mixture, you can collect your wax and melt it into a candle with a new wick.
For candles made from soy wax or beeswax, you can use them to make other products like lip balms, lotion bars, and homemade soaps. Just ensure there aren't any added ingredients in your candle that could irritate your skin.
6. Do CBD candles smell like weed?
CBD candles don't necessarily smell like weed.
Cannabinoids like CBD, on their own, do not have a scent. However, cannabis essential oils and cannabis terpenes can give off a cannabis-like aroma.
You can also find CBD candles mixed in with other essential oils that mask the scent of cannabis terpenes, so you don't have to worry about the cannabis smell if that's a concern to you.
The Takeaway: How To Use CBD Candles
While it's true that CBD candles—even the "very best CBD candles" on the market— may not provide the same level of CBD absorption as other products like oils or edibles since the cannabinoids are released into the air and not directly into the body, they could provide other benefits through aromatherapy.
Burning candles can positively affect mood and relaxation, and some people find that using CBD candles as part of their regular self-care routine can help them feel more centered and balanced overall.
It's important to remember that CBD candles shouldn't be relied on as your sole method of CBD consumption if you're looking for the potential beneficial effects of supporting the endocannabinoid system.
Check out our product finder quiz for personalized recommendations based on your lifestyle and desired CBD experience.
