You’ve probably heard someone joke that chocolate is “basically a drug.” But is that actually true?
Chocolate isn’t a drug in the clinical sense. It doesn’t intoxicate, impair function, or create chemical dependency. What it does do is interact with the brain’s natural reward systems by supporting the release and activity of feel-good neurotransmitters. In other words, chocolate doesn’t override your biology — it works with it.
That interaction is largely why chocolate cravings feel so powerful, and it’s also what makes chocolate and CBD such a complementary pairing.
Is Chocolate a Drug?
Chocolate is often described as addictive, but scientifically speaking, it isn’t classified as a drug. It doesn’t cause dependency in the way substances like nicotine or opioids do, nor does it produce a chemical “high.”
However, chocolate does contain naturally occurring compounds that influence mood and emotional regulation. These compounds support neurotransmitters like dopamine and interact with the endocannabinoid system. It's the same system CBD works with to help maintain balance in the body.
This is why chocolate feels comforting, satisfying, and even mood-lifting. Rather than hijacking the brain, it gently supports pathways already designed to help us experience pleasure and emotional well-being.
There are over 300 known chemical compounds in chocolate. There are over 100 compounds in Receptra full-spectrum pure CBD hemp extract. Yes, there is some compound crossover, and those compounds are responsible for a lot of the good stuff derived from both CBD and chocolate.
What is Anandamide?
Anandamide is a neurotransmitter that is produced in the brain and binds to cannabinoid receptors throughout the body and is considered an endocannabinoid. It is synthesized in areas of the brain that are important for memory, focus, movement control, and more. Anandamide also plays an important role in pain perception, along with appetite and fertility. The endocannabinoid system is a vast network of chemical compounds and receptors that exist naturally in the body and serve the purpose of maintaining homeostasis (balance). Every animal with vertebrae, including you, has an endocannabinoid system. “Endo” means internal. One of the most prominent endocannabinoids is anandamide.
The word anandamide is derived from the Sanskrit term “Ananda” which means bliss. This is why it is commonly referred to as the bliss molecule. Anandamide is also found in chocolate. Surprise!
Why aren’t we always blissful?
Anandamide is synthesized by the body as needed, so there is not actually a bunch of it being produced and stored up for constant happiness. The anandamide that is produced is quickly destroyed by the metabolic enzyme FAAH (Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase). This is why the blissful state is temporary.
Staying Blissful Longer
One of the compounds found in chocolate is called theobromine. It serves the purpose of generating a relaxed feeling and causing the brain to produce more anandamide.
The mood-boosting properties associated with both CBD and chocolate stem from anandamide. CBD has the ability to inhibit the FAAH enzyme, which means that anandamide is not broken down as quickly. Thus it remains in the system longer and so does the happy feeling.
Guilt-Free CBD and Chocolate
The purer (darker) the chocolate, the more health benefits it can provide. Sugar and additives greatly dilute the superfood qualities of cacao. A little is ok, but a Snickers bar is not ideal for maximum health benefits.
When CBD and chocolate are consumed together, the combination of increased anandamide production and increased longevity can maximize the benefits of both substances. Not only do you feel better because of your better mood, you also feel less guilty about eating chocolate. Does it get better than that?
Receptra CBD Quick Fudge Recipe
This recipe should take you less than five minutes to complete and only uses four ingredients.
- 1 bag Chocolate Chips (Dark chocolate has the most anandamide)
- Receptra CBD Oil of choice
- 1 Can Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Vanilla or extract of choice (you can get creative with orange, coffee, almond and other extracts)
- Nuts are optional: Walnuts, macadamias, almonds . . .
Place chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a dry glass bowl and heat in the microwave for one minute on high. Heat for an additional 30 seconds if needed, until completely melted. Stir in extract and CBD to desired taste and concentration. Pour onto a wax paper covered pan and refrigerate until firm.
A More Intentional Way to Enjoy Chocolate
Understanding why certain foods and plant compounds make us feel the way they do empowers us to make better choices, not perfect ones.
Chocolate has been cherished for centuries, not just for its flavor but for the way it makes people feel. When paired thoughtfully with high-quality, full-spectrum CBD, it becomes more than a treat. It becomes a fun way to intentionally support the body.
By choosing pure ingredients, darker chocolate, and trusted hemp extracts, you’re not chasing bliss — you’re supporting your body’s natural ability to find it. And that’s the kind of indulgence we can all feel good about.