When industrial hemp was federally declassified in 2018, hemp companies have been feverishly making new CBD products to cater to different users and their needs.
Now the CBD space is a booming market with a ton of different products, so if you’ve never tried it before, you need to get a better understanding of your options to make the most out of your supplementation.
In today’s guide, we cover the topic of CBD gummies from the user’s perspective — top to bottom.
For beginners, CBD gummies are cannabis edibles infused with cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive molecule found in hemp.
But wait for a second, what is CBD in the first place?
Pardon us for being hot-headed; let’s start with the basics.
What Is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol – one of over 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. These cannabinoids resemble our endogenous compounds known as endocannabinoids. Unlike THC, CBD is non-intoxicating, so it won’t get you high.
CBD and the Endocannabinoid System
Every human on Earth has an endocannabinoid system — it’s the ECS for short, and we’ll use that abbreviation throughout our CBD gummies user’s guide to making things read smoother.
The ECS is a complex neurochemical network that the body uses to regulate homeostasis in other systems and organs. The endocannabinoid receptors — CB1 and CB2 — are spread throughout the body, mostly in the brain, central nervous system, and peripheral nervous system. They are also present in immune cells and the skin.
The ECS regulates homeostasis through the release of its endogenous cannabinoids.
These compounds influence some of the major biological functions in the body, including mood, memory, appetite, body temperature, fertility, immune response, neuroprotection, energy metabolism, circadian rhythm, sensory perception, and more.
CBD interacts with the ECS by indirectly engaging with the cannabinoid receptors. This mechanism helps it maintain a sufficient concentration of the body’s endocannabinoids, preventing imbalances between other systems and protecting us against physical and mental ailments.
CBD works to level these imbalances and bring the body back to equilibrium when the ECS goes out of whack.
On top of that, CBD has over 65 molecular targets, hence the long list of potential health benefits.
We’ll get to them in a while, but first, let’s shed some light on CBD gummies.
What Are CBD Gummies?
CBD gummies fall into the category of cannabis edibles. They resemble regular store-bought gummies, except for the main ingredient — cannabidiol.
CBD gummies contain a hemp extract — full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate — infused into a delicious gummy base. The base usually features gelatin or fruit pectin (for vegan gummies) and natural flavorings and colorings, such as those from fruit juices and herbal extracts.
Additionally, CBD gummies may contain some complementary ingredients depending on their formula. For example, there are CBD gummies for recovery, immune boost, and stress relief — each infused with different ingredients to enhance the benefits of CBD in these areas.
Some hemp companies cut corners on ingredients’ quality — using synthetic flavorings, colorings, and preservatives. These are the CBD gummies you should avoid.
At Gold Bee, we make all-natural, organic CBD gummies that offer a decent boost of your ECS at 25 mg in each serving.
What Are the Benefits of CBD Gummies?
CBD is the modulator of the endocannabinoid system. In simple words, it helps maintain a healthy state of balance between the neurotransmitters in your body. And since it acts on so many receptor-based and receptor-independent pathways, it offers a wide range of health benefits.
CBD can support wellness by:
- Improving mood
- Enhancing focus
- Reducing stress
- Easing physical discomfort
- Speeding up regeneration processes
- Regulating appetite
- Providing a general sense of calm
Here you’ll find more about the most popular health benefits of CBD gummies.
CBD for Stress
CBD is known for its relaxing properties. It can improve one’s stress response by activating the GABA receptor, which serves as a handbrake for the nervous system. Higher doses of CBD can also temporarily lower blood pressure, allowing for easier and slower breathing. CBD also acts on serotonin receptors; serotonin is a neurotransmitter responsible for our emotional well-being, mood stability, and feelings of happiness.
CBD for Regeneration
Considering the anti-stress properties of CBD, it’s no wonder many people are using it to support healthy sleep cycles and speed up regeneration. CBD also offers benefits in terms of neuroprotection. Its antioxidative properties protect the brain cells against damage, optimizing your cognitive functioning.
CBD for Physical Discomfort
The scientific literature is full of mentions about the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of CBD. Cannabidiol can ease physical discomfort in two ways. First, it acts on the cells of your immune system to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory compounds (cytokines); second, it interacts with the vanilloid receptors in the nervous system, mitigating the strength of pain signals that are sent to the brain.
CBD for Overall Wellness Support
As mentioned earlier, CBD supports the optimal functioning of the ECS, which is essential for staying healthy. In recent years, medical researchers have come up with the term “clinical endocannabinoid deficiency,” which describes it as a state where the body can’t produce enough of its endocannabinoids to maintain homeostasis.
Clinical endocannabinoid deficiencies have been linked to many chronic conditions whose underlying cause has been unknown to doctors and scientists. Consistent use of CBD gummies can regulate the production of the body’s endocannabinoids, helping the endocannabinoid system get back on the right track.
What Type of CBD Do CBD Gummies Contain?
Similar to CBD oils and vapes, gummies can offer different types of CBD extracts.
The most popular options for CBD gummies are broad-spectrum CBD and isolate.
Some gummies are also made with full-spectrum CBD, but they’re in the clear minority.
Here’s a brief overview of these three types of CBD.
Full-spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD, or whole-plant CBD, is the least processed version of hemp extracts. It contains other beneficial cannabinoids (including trace amounts of THC), terpenes, flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals from hemp on top of the CBD. These compounds enter a synergy that helps your body process CBD more efficiently, creating a phenomenon known as the entourage effect.
That being said, full-spectrum CBD has a strong earthy taste, so it might not appeal to you if you have sensitive taste buds.
Broad-spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD is similar to full-spectrum extracts, but it doesn’t contain any THC. The intoxicating compound is removed after initial extraction. Broad-spectrum CBD gummies are better for people who want to benefit from some of the entourage effects but are tested for THC at work. They’re also a good alternative for parents concerned about any THC in products for kids.
They may still leave a weird aftertaste on the tongue, just like their full-spectrum counterparts.
CBD Isolate
True to its name, CBD isolate contains just pure CBD. It doesn’t have any other cannabinoids and terpenes because the CBD has been separated from them during processes known as distillation and winterization. Isolate takes the form of white crystals, usually powdered and infused into a wide range of products, including CBD gummies.
Besides the highest concentration of CBD per serving, CBD isolate doesn’t have any odor or flavor, so such CBD gummies taste better than their full-spectrum and broad-spectrum counterparts.
The obvious advantage of isolate-based CBD gummies is that they don’t evoke the entourage effect and thus may not be a good fit for people looking to benefit from the whole-plant synergy.
How Much CBD Gummies Should You Eat?
There is no easy answer to this question. Much as we’d love to provide you with a short message — take 1 or 2 gummies per day — we can’t.
That’s because CBD gummies vary in concentration, and every person is different, so factors like metabolism, age, gender, tolerance, and your goals with CBD will determine your optimal dosage as well.
CBD gummies contain between 10 mg and 50 mg per piece. If you’re just getting started with CBD gummies, you can buy some low-potency treats and start with 1-2 gummies as a single serving. This is actually the amount recommended by most companies.
CBD gummies can take some time to kick in because they need to travel through the liver and gut first. Therefore, you may notice the first effects after 40–90 minutes. On the other hand, they last longer than the effects of CBD oils, so gummies are a better pick if you want to go slow and steady with your supplementation.
If you don’t feel anything after taking your dose, increase it by another 10 mg and reassess the effects.
Once you’ve found your sweet spot, you can stick with this dosage. And if the strength of your gummies makes them cost-prohibitive, look around for a more potent option.
When to Take CBD Gummies
Since CBD gummies have a delayed onset, your routine should involve some planning.
For example, if you take CBD gummies in the morning to ease some stress before work, you can take them after breakfast shortly before leaving your house.
A similar pattern applies to taking CBD gummies to support healthy sleep. Take your dose around 2 hours before going to bed and enjoy their sweet relaxing effects.
Long story short, the best time to take CBD gummies is the one you deem the best.
Just keep the aforementioned delay in mind, and you’ll be all good with scheduling.
Will CBD Gummies Get You High?
No, even the strongest CBD gummies out there won’t get you high. That’s because CBD is non-intoxicating, and hemp-derived CBD gummies don’t contain enough THC to induce a high.
Just make sure that your CBD gummies are tested for THC content in a third-party laboratory. CBD products can be contaminated with significant amounts of THC due to improper extraction; a Certificate of Analysis from the third-party lab will leave no stone unturned when it comes to the product’s purity.
Are CBD Gummies Safe?
At this point, you’re probably wondering if CBD gummies are really all about sunshine and rainbows — do they really have no side effects?
That’s not necessarily the case.
CBD is generally considered safe and well-tolerated by humans. Even doses as high as 1,500 mg administered daily didn’t lead to any dangerous adverse reactions in studies on the safety and efficacy of cannabidiol.
That being said, there are some mild side effects that you may experience after eating too many CBD gummies at a time.
Possible Side Effects of CBD Gummies
Common side effects of CBD include:
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Changes in appetite
- Diarrhea
CBD can also interact with a lot of pharmaceutical substances. If you take any medication, consult your doctor before buying CBD gummies. A medical professional, preferably one experienced in CBD use, should help you establish the right dosage and find a way to avoid negative interactions.
How to Ensure a High-Quality Product
On the one hand, the CBD market has matured over the last three years and come up with an unofficial framework for the quality standards of CBD products. But on the other hand, the space is still unregulated, making it easy for shady companies to sell poor-quality extracts to unaware customers.
At Gold Bee, we strive to create a community of health-conscious CBD users who can spot scammers and distinguish them from reputable vendors. Use this guide to make a well-informed decision. Here are some important things to tick off on your checklist.
Hemp Source
The best CBD gummies are sourced from organically grown hemp. That’s because hemp plants are dynamic bio accumulators. In plain English, they absorb every substance from the environment they grow in — including the bad and the good substances. The goal is only to get the good ones and minimize the risk of contamination. Organic hemp is the best CBD source because it’s free of pesticides, heavy metals, and microbial impurities.
Potency
As mentioned, CBD gummies are sold in different concentrations. The best strength is delivering the desired daily dose of CBD while making your supplementation cost-effective in the long run. You can find gummies containing 5, 10, 25, 40, and 50 mg of CBD per piece. A regular serving size is 1-2 gummies, so if your daily dose is 20 mg, opt for 10-mg gummies for an easy match — or get yourself some high-potency treats and cut them in halves or quarters.
Quality of Ingredients
Many hemp companies advertise their CBD gummies as organic, while the only organic ingredient in the formula is CBD. The quality of other ingredients is important because if you use low-quality products, it will negatively impact the quality of your gummies.
The best CBD gummies contain an all-natural gummy base and natural colorings and flavorings (from fruits and extracts). They should also be free of preservatives and other synthetic additives that you wouldn’t use in your kitchen.
Lab Reports
Companies offering CBD gummies can send samples of their product to a third-party laboratory for analysis. A third-party laboratory has no affiliation with the producer, providing an unbiased report of the product’s chemical content.
These labs check for the potency of CBD, the entire cannabinoid profile (including the THC content), and terpenes; they also look for potential contaminants, such as pesticides, heavy metals, mycotoxins, and residual solvents. If there’s anything wrong with the product’s quality, the lab analysis will spit it out.
Reputable manufacturers post their lab reports on their websites or send them to customers on request.
User Reviews
There was a time when hemp companies could post fake user reviews on their websites over the bottle of scotch on a free afternoon — but these times are long gone.
Today, CBD brands must use certified third-party user reviews services to ensure the feedback comes from real customers. As such, they can’t manipulate the reviews any longer, so what you can read online reflects how the brand treats its products and customers.
Conclusion: Should You Try CBD Gummies?
CBD gummies are definitely a fun way to replace oils and capsules in your routine. They’re tasty, easy to carry around, convenient, and discrete. But most of all, they make dosing easier because each gummy contains a fixed amount of CBD.
While you need to sacrifice some bioavailability in favor of the above perks, the effects of CBD gummies last longer, which is great if you want to schedule your dosages ahead.
CBD gummies are available in plenty of different flavors, so you should easily choose something that matches your taste; you can choose from mono-flavors or assortments of flavors to add more pizzazz to your routine.
Whichever option you choose, always remember that taking anything at face value in this market can be deceptive. Do your homework on your potential vendors; check what kind of hemp they use, what extraction methods they employ, and what kind of laboratory testing they run.
What’s your experience with CBD gummies? Share your thoughts in the comment section!
