Hemp, CBD, and cannabis products have different compositions. Because the CBD industry lacks a level of regulation, companies get away with using CBD and hemp interchangeably. But, there are differences between them.
Here, we will look at hemp gummies vs. CBD gummies, their differences, and their uses. Also, you’ll learn about their ingredients, possible side effects, and how to buy quality gummies.
What is the Difference between Hemp Gummies and CBD Gummies?
Both CBD gummies and hemp gummies are from the same plant – hemp. But there are differences between them. CBD gummies contain CBD as an active ingredient.
Depending on the type of CBD, they can also contain other beneficial hemp compounds like THC. However, according to the FDA regulations, the THC content must be less than 0.3 percent.
The manufacturer infuses the CBD extract into a gummy base. CBD gummies come in different CBD strengths, flavors, and shapes.
On the other hand, hemp gummies do not contain CBD. These products come from hemp seed oil. They may have vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids from hemp.
CBD Gummies
- The active ingredient is CBD and can contain other cannabinoids like THC
- Manufacturers create them from the mature flowers of hemp plants
- Producers use extraction methods like carbon dioxide extraction to extract the CBD
- People typically use them for therapeutic purposes
What are CBD Gummies Good for?
As mentioned above, people use CBD gummies for various therapeutic purposes. Here’s what research says about the effects of CBD.
CBD Gummies for Pain: Studies show that CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS consists of cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymes. Endocannabinoids are the body’s cannabinoids.
The primary role of the ECS is to regulate various bodily processes, such as sleep, appetite, mood, pain perception, and more. Studies show that CBD’s interaction with the ECS may block the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Blocking these cytokines reduces inflammation, which in turn, reduces pain. Research also shows that CBD interacts with other pain receptors, such as the TRPV1 vanilloid receptor.
CBD Gummies for Sleep: When checking out hemp vs. CBD gummies for sleep, you notice most people use CBD for sleep.
The relationship between CBD and sleep is still unclear. However, studies show that CBD can influence the circadian rhythm. Also, CBD interacts with the ECS, a system known to regulate sleep.
CBD Gummies for Anxiety: Scientists discovered that CBD interacts with other receptors asides from its interaction with ECS. An example is the serotonin receptor. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that’s responsible for regulating emotions and mood.
Other example pathways that are targets for CBD include GABA receptors and anandamide. Studies show that high levels of anandamide elevate mood. GABA is known to play a major role in controlling anxiety and stress.
Hemp Gummies
- These gummies contain neither CBD nor THC
- Manufacturers create them using hempseed oil
- Producers use extraction methods like the cold-press mechanical extraction
- They can contain essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals from the hemp plant
- People typically use them to balance nutritional deficiencies in their diet
What are Hemp Gummies Good for?
Hemp gummies serve one purpose: to provide beneficial nutrients from hemp plants in an enjoyable form. When comparing hemp gummies vs. CBD gummies, hemp gummies are less versatile.
Hemp seed oil, a major ingredient in hemp gummies, is rich in vitamins, trace minerals, and essential fatty acids. Also, hemp seeds are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Hemp gummies are excellent for the following:
- Easier Digestion
- Better Skin Health
- Reduce Pain and Inflammation
Is Hemp Better than CBD?
The hemp plant has three parts that people use for creating different products. These parts include its leaves, seeds, and flowers. Whether hemp is better than CBD depends on your goal of using them.
Hemp leaves and flowers are for extracting rich CBD, so this makes them the best option for supplements. On the other hand, hemp seeds are excellent sources of healthy nutrients. That makes them perfect for hempseed oils, flours, protein powders, and so on.
Side Effects of CBD and Hemp Gummies
At this time, CBD and hemp-derived products are generally considered safe. However, there are possible side effects. Some of these include:
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite and weight
- Fatigue
Research shows that CBD can interact with medications you may be taking and lead to adverse effects. Therefore, always consult your doctor before adding CBD to your routine, especially if you’re taking medications.
Are CBD Gummies and Hemp Gummies Legal?
The legality of CBD vs. hemp gummies depends on where you live. In the United States, CBD gummies are legal when hemp-derived and contain no more than 0.3 percent THC.
Laws are different in the European Union, where CBD products like gummies are legal if they contain less than 0.2 percent THC.
Moreover, hemp gummies are legal in most places. And that’s because they contain neither CBD nor THC. If you’re unsure about the CBD legalities in your state, hemp gummies might be a better option. However, you can always check your state laws when uncertain if you want to use CBD gummies.
Where to Buy Hemp Gummies and CBD Gummies
You can buy hemp gummies vs. CBD gummies from online and offline stores. However, note that the CBD gummies you see in a retail store like Amazon are most likely hemp gummies. Amazon prohibits the sale of CBD on its site.
Should you buy hemp gummies from Amazon? That is probably not a good decision. Companies falsely market their hemp gummies as containing CBD. If you want gummies with CBD, you’re better off choosing CBD gummies.
Furthermore, if you want to take hemp and not CBD, your best bet is to choose hempseed oil instead of gummies. Different brands produce high-quality hempseed oil that you can buy online or in some stores.
When buying CBD gummies, it’s best to purchase directly from the company’s website.
How Should You Shop for Hemp Gummies vs CBD Gummies?
When choosing hemp gummies vs. CBD gummies, here are a few things you should look out for:
The CBD Source
When buying a CBD product, you want to consider the type of CBD the product contains. There are different types of CBD, namely: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate.
CBD isolate refers to pure CBD. This type has no other cannabinoid in it except CBD. During production, they remove all the compounds and cannabinoids in the plant and leave only CBD.
CBD isolate is an excellent option for anyone who wants to avoid THC. If you undergo drug testing, it’s probably a suitable choice. However, it may not be as beneficial as other types because it doesn’t have other beneficial compounds.
On the other hand, full-spectrum CBD contains CBD, trace amounts of THC, other cannabinoids, and beneficial compounds. Broad-spectrum CBD is similar to full-spectrum. But, it usually doesn’t have THC.
In addition, hempseed oil products don’t contain CBD. You want to avoid brands that claim their products have CBD but only include hempseed oil.
Product Ingredients
Consider the ingredients list when checking CBD gummies vs. hemp gummies. If you want to avoid artificial ingredients, always check the components of the product before buying. Also, different brands create vegan-friendly CBD gummies for vegans.
In addition, CBD gummies can contain extra ingredients, such as melatonin, depending on their intended purpose. There are limited studies on the interaction between CBD and vitamins or supplements. It’s always best to speak with a health practitioner before taking products with such ingredients.
Independent Lab Tests
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate CBD like other supplements. Therefore, you must choose products that are third-party tested. The company should provide a certificate of analysis (COA) from an independent and reputable laboratory.
The COA should provide information on the product’s potency and cannabinoid profile. You want to ensure that the concentration of CBD on the label matches with the COA.
Also, these lab tests check for the presence of contaminants. You want to ensure the product passes the test for molds, heavy metals, pesticides, and other toxins.
Closing Thoughts
The choice between hemp gummies vs. CBD boils down to your wellness needs. They are both valuable products you can incorporate into your daily regimen. Also, they are a perfect option for people who dislike the bitter taste of CBD and hemp oils.
Before buying any of these products, it’s essential to take some time and research. Reading customer reviews, third-party lab reports, brand reviews from trusted sites, and product labels will help you choose wisely.
Also, remember to avoid companies that market hemp gummies as CBD gummies. Overall, the choice is yours to make between CBD and hemp gummies. You can always try them both and see what works for you.
