Gummies are chewable candies that come in different shapes and fruity flavors. But what are CBD gummies? They are both sweet treats and health supplements. All kinds of CBD products started flooding the market in recent years. CBD gummies unavoidably joined the list of CBD products and have become increasingly popular.
In this guide, we tell you what you need to know about CBD gummies. We also answer the most frequently asked questions. Read on to learn how manufacturers create CBD gummies, the best way to use them, possible side effects, and many more.
What are CBD gummies?
You may be wondering, what are CBD gummies exactly? CBD gummies are chewy edibles that contain CBD or cannabidiol. They are available in many flavors, shapes, colors, and concentrations of CBD. CBD is a non-intoxicating, naturally occurring compound in hemp plants. Manufacturers create various CBD-infused products, including gummies, capsules, creams, and tinctures.
CBD gummies offer consumers a fun and discreet way to take their daily CBD dose. It’s also a convenient way to ingest CBD, making it popular among users. CBD gummies come pre-dosed, so they are easy to take. Furthermore, CBD gummies are non-intoxicating, so they do not make you high.
Studies show that CBD has potential health benefits. Because of that, you’ll see companies make specific products for specific purposes. For instance, there are CBD gummies for pain, CBD gummies for anxiety, and so on.
Are CBD Gummies and Hemp Gummies the Same?
The answer to this question depends on the brand, but they are probably the same. Due to CBD’s complicated legal status, brands use various languages when labeling their products.
The 2018 Farm Bill made CBD products legal federally as long as they are from hemp, not marijuana. However, the Food and Drug Administration disapproves of mixing drugs with food.
So long as gray areas exist with CBD, some retailers prefer not to use the word CBD explicitly on their products. Therefore, calling CBD gummies ‘hemp gummies’ is still right since CBD comes from hemp. In addition, retail venues that might shy away from the CBD term will be open to the hemp label.
How are CBD Gummies Made?
How to make CBD gummies differs for each company. Generally, the manufacturer will extract CBD from the hemp plant. There are different methods to extract CBD from hemp, but the industry-leading process is CO2 extraction. After the extraction, the CBD is ready to infuse into gummies. While some companies infuse CBD into their gummies, others prefer to coat them with CBD.
Different ingredients go into the production of CBD gummies, including oils, flavoring, and sweeteners. Pectin and gelatin are gelling substances that give the gummy its texture. The difference between these two agents is that pectin has a plant origin, while gelatin comes from animals. Companies use pectin to make vegan-friendly gummies.
After mixing the ingredients for the CBD gummies, the manufacturer pours them into molds. When the mixture cools, it becomes chewy gummies and are ready for packaging.
Full Spectrum vs Broad Spectrum vs Isolate CBD Gummies
There are three different spectrums of CBD products: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate CBD. These spectrums are the different types of extracts manufacturers use when making CBD products.
Full-spectrum CBD gummies contain all the cannabinoids present in the hemp plant, including CBD, THC, flavonoids, and terpenes. Full-spectrum CBD products have only trace amounts of THC – less than 0.3 percent, and it’s not enough to make you high.
Broad-spectrum CBD gummies are similar to full-spectrum in that they contain all the cannabinoids in hemp except THC. The THC content in broad-spectrum products will be at 0.0 percent or close to that.
On the other hand, there is the third type of extract called CBD isolate, which contains nothing else except pure CBD. CBD isolate products lack the additional cannabinoids and hemp compounds that full-spectrum CBD and broad-spectrum have.
What Benefits Do You Get from CBD Gummies?
Let’s look at different CBD gummies benefits. If you’re interested in CBD gummies, you might want to know their benefits over other CBD products. First, CBD gummies are convenient and easy to consume. There are different ways of including CBD in your routine. However, if you have a hard time measuring drops of oil or swallowing capsules, you can try CBD gummies. They are easy to take as you don’t have to carry out any prior preparation. You only need to take the gummy, chew, and swallow it.
In addition to being one of the easiest ways to consume CBD, CBD gummies are also easy to dose. Some beginners may have issues with dosing their CBD oils or tinctures. However, CBD gummies come premeasured. All you need to do is follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the label on how many to take.
Furthermore, CBD gummies have great taste and are available in different pleasant flavors. They are a perfect choice for people who can’t stand the earthy taste of hemp in CBD oils. Also, gummies are a discrete way to consume CBD. They look like any regular gummy candy. So you can take them without anyone knowing you’re using CBD-infused gummies.
What’s the Best Way to Use CBD Gummies?
The best way to use CBD gummies is whatever works for you. Find a method that you are comfortable with and be consistent with it. Thankfully, CBD gummies have a predetermined amount of CBD. So, you don’t have to worry about measuring the doses or dealing with oil droppers.
The rule of thumb when using any CBD product for the first time is to start small and work your way up. Eating too many CBD gummies at the same time may make you nauseous. Furthermore, the best CBD gummies always come with instructions on how to use them. Always read the label to find out how many gummies to take.
One important thing to keep in mind when using CBD gummies is how long it can take before you feel any effects. So how long do CBD gummies take to start working?
CBD gummies go through your digestive tract, so it will take a long time for the CBD to kick in. Some people feel its effects within 30 minutes to an hour after consumption. Others may have to wait longer than that. However, the good part is that its effects will also last longer. When using CBD gummies, allow your body about an hour to fully digest and absorb the substance.
Furthermore, CBD gummies offer a great way to use CBD in addition to other CBD products. For instance, if you take CBD oil twice daily, CBD gummies may be the perfect supplement to your routine. You can always find a way to combine CBD oil and gummies in a way that will work for you and your needs.
How Many CBD Gummies Should I Take?
You may be wondering, how many CBD gummies should I eat? The answer depends on the effect you hope to achieve and how you plan to use the product. Keep in mind that CBD affects each person differently, and everyone has their tolerance level.
Therefore, you have to find the ideal amount for yourself.
Always start with the lowest possible dose when using CBD products. For instance, if you are using CBD gummies for sleep, you can start with half of a gummy, then gradually increase as you go.
Always remember that how much CBD you need depends on your body. So, you have to do what works best for you. However, do not exceed the recommendation on the product packaging.
CBD gummies are tasty, so it can be tempting to take more than required. But we don’t take CBD for its taste – we use it because of the benefits we get.
Do CBD Gummies Have Side Effects?
What are the negative side effects of CBD gummies, if any? CBD is generally well-tolerated among users. However, side effects are possible. Some common side effects include the following:
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness
- Changes in appetite
- Diarrhea
- Weight changes
In addition, CBD can interact with other supplements or medications you take. It’s essential to speak with your healthcare provider about whether CBD might interfere with your prescriptions.
You may be wondering about addiction. Are CBD gummies addictive?
CBD is not an addictive substance. No existing research suggests that CBD is addictive, and this is because it’s not intoxicating in nature.
What’s the Legal Status of CBD Gummies?
Are CBD gummies legal? Yes, CBD gummies are legal federally in the United States as long as they are hemp-derived. As we mentioned earlier, the 2018 Farm Bill made CBD legal so long as it comes from the hemp plant. Also, the product must contain no more than 0.3 percent THC.
Other CBD products that are from marijuana are controlled substances. They are illegal on a federal level, so you cannot easily buy them. Most CBD products you see online or in a store are likely hemp-based.
Furthermore, although CBD is legal federally, different states have different regulations. So, it’s best to read your state’s laws before buying CBD products.
Guidelines to Follow When You’re Buying CBD Gummies
With so many CBD products popping up, you can easily pick any product you see first. However, the FDA doesn’t regulate these products. So the quality between the brands and their products can vary radically. Not all CBD products are equal.
If you want to buy CBD gummies, some factors can help you vet different brands and choose the best one. You don’t want to waste money on a brand you cannot trust. Here’s what you need to know before choosing CBD gummies.
Hemp Source: Knowing the source of CBD can give you insight into different components. You can know if the farmers used sustainable practices, whether the hemp is organic, and if it contains pesticides or other fertilizers. Fertilizer chemicals can end up in the final CBD product and cause serious health conditions. So you have to choose companies that use organic hemp, free of chemicals such as pesticides and herbicides.
Third-party Testing: Any reputable CBD brand will have third-party test reports or a Certificate of Analysis (COA). Also, you should easily find these test reports on the company’s website. If not, the brand should send you a copy upon request.
Third-party testing features different panels. These tests check the concentration of cannabinoids, such as CBD and THC. So you can verify if the concentration on the test result matches what’s on the product label. Also, third-party testing is essential because it indicates whether the product is free of pesticides and heavy metals.
Read the Ingredients List: Different ingredients go into making CBD gummies. Always read the ingredients in a product before you purchase. You want to avoid companies that use many artificial ingredients. Although these may not be harmful, they don’t add anything to your health. Also, if you are a vegan, choose companies that use vegan-friendly ingredients, such as pectin.
Check the Reviews: Checking customer reviews on CBD gummies is essential when looking for where to buy CBD gummies. A quick search will tell you what customers and industry experts think about the product. You will also find out if it worked for other users and if they noticed unwanted side effects. The goal is to get enough information to help you make a decision.
Final Thoughts
CBD gummies have become a popular way to consume CBD. They are easy to use, fun, and a discreet way to get your daily CBD doses. These gummies are not only fun, but they also come in a wide variety of delicious flavors. If you are new on the CBD journey, CBD gummies are one of the best ways to get started. They come pre-dosed, so you don’t have to worry about finding and measuring the best dose of CBD oil.
Because CBD is increasingly popular, many brands and products are flooding the market. If you want to choose high-quality products, you should take some time and research. Always choose products that are third-party tested and have the cleanest ingredients possible.
Remember that we are all different, so our experiences with CBD will also differ. The best way to use CBD products is to start small and go slow. As always, try to be consistent with your routine and patient. After taking CBD gummies, give your body some time to absorb the CBD before expecting any effects.
Finally, CBD is a generally safe substance and also well-tolerated among users. However, CBD can interact with prescription medications and lead to side effects. If you have a medical condition or are taking any medications, always consult your doctor before using CBD.
