Cannabidiol (CBD) gummies are edible snacks that are infused with CBD oil derived from the hemp plant. These small, sweet, and chewy treats appear and taste very much like their CBD-free counterparts and often do an effective job of masking the earthy taste of CBD. Similar to sweets, it is important to make sure that you do not exceed your optimal dosage, though this can be tricky for those with a sweet tooth.
What is CBD?
CBD is a type of compound that can be extracted from the Cannabis sativa plant along with over 100 types of other compounds known as phytocannabinoids, which are primarily responsible for protecting the plant from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays as well as pests. However, as opposed to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is another prominent cannabinoid present in cannabis that can produce the “high” effect, CBD does not have the chemical structure to generate the same characteristic feeling. Thus, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has generally considered CBD to be a safe product.
What are CBD Gummies?
In essence, CBD gummies are edibles filled with CBD as one of the extra ingredients. It possesses no more than 0.3% of THC by dry weight and thereby will not be able to generate the “high” effect that is commonly associated with marijuana consumption. Not to mention, as many CBD brands are beginning to standardise the quantity of CBD that is infused within each gummy, consumers would be able to know how much CBD they will be consuming with any provided serving.
Besides that, CBD gummies are often manufactured with the following:
Full-spectrum CBD
Contains all the other types of cannabinoids and terpenes that can be found within the hemp plant. This also includes THC, which is present in a product concentration of less than 0.3%.
Broad-spectrum CBD
Possess all the terpenes and cannabinoids that are naturally present in the hemp plant besides THC.
CBD isolate
The purest form of CBD as it does not contain any THC, cannabinoids, or terpenes from the hemp plant.
In some cases, certain CBD gummies may also contain cannabinoids like cannabiniol (CBN) and cannabigerol (CBG) or nutritional supplements such as melatonin.
What Is the Difference Between CBD Gummies and CBD Oil?
Although CBD gummies and CBD oil are both consumed orally, the mechanism by which they are absorbed by our bodies varies.
To begin with, CBD gummies are essentially edible treats infused with CBD and thereby get through the first stage of metabolism within our digestive system prior to the CBD being able to enter our bloodstream. On the other hand, CBD oil can be derived straight from the Cannabis sativa plant, mixed with a carrier oil as well as other types of ingredients like natural flavouring, and consumed in its tincture form. The CBD oil can then be consumed in many ways, such as sublingually (i.e., by placing the CBD oil directly underneath your tongue) or by incorporating it into regular foods or beverage items.
How Do CBD Gummies Work?
The moment the CBD has been absorbed into one’s bloodstream, it will interact with our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) via the CB1 receptors in our brain as well as the CB2 receptors that form part of our immune system. Other than that, CBD can also help to upregulate the activity of a chemical messenger in our brain known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This, in turn, helps to promote a feeling of calm, as GABA typically inhibits the relevant signals within our central nervous system. As a result, these CBD molecules would thereby aid in the modulation of activities that take place within both our central nervous system and immune system.
How Long Do CBD Gummies Take to Start Functioning?
In general, CBD gummies need to pass by the first-pass metabolism before the remaining CBD doses can enter the bloodstream. This, along with every individual possessing slightly varying metabolism functions, makes it rather tricky to define a specific duration in which one could expect the effects of the CBD gummies to kick in. Not to mention, the time taken is also likely to differ based on the quantity consumed as well as its potency.
What Should I Look for When Shopping for CBD Gummies?
Even though there are many reputable CBD manufacturers do sell CBD gummies online, there are still several areas that consumers research before finally purchasing their CBD products, including the following:
Certificate of Analysis
To provide some context, the certificate of analysis (COA) is a report generated by an accredited third-party laboratory that documents the chemical composition of the examined substance. All in all, every legitimate CBD product should possess a COA that can be easily accessed as part of verifying its cannabinoid and heavy metal content, potency, and THC presence.
Third-Party Test Results
In particular, all CBD products, including gummies, ought to be tested by a third-party ISO 17025-compliant laboratory to ensure that the CBD gummies do not contain any THC that exceeds 0.3% of the CBD gummy’s dry weight.
Having mentioned that, if you are on the lookout for top-quality CBD gummies, do consider checking out Naturecan CBD gummies. In particular, Naturecan offers fruit-flavoured as well as vegan gummies to ensure anyone will be able to enjoy a mouth-watering treat with zero THC.
Are CBD Gummies Safe to Consume?
In general, the WHO has classified CBD as a safe product to consume as it does not produce any “high” feelings. However, considering that CBD gummies are not assessed for their safety nor is it being regulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is extremely crucial for consumers to review the CBD product’s COA to ensure that they are not accidentally taking any CBD gummies filled with THC or other types of harmful ingredients.
Meanwhile, taking CBD may have certain unwanted side effects, such as a change in one’s appetite or weight, diarrhoea, and constant fatigue. In addition, CBD may occasionally interact with other medications that the consumer is taking, so consumers are always advised to highlight their CBD consumption history to their doctor or a trusted healthcare professional first before introducing any other medication and/or supplements into their day-to-day routine.
The Benefits of Eating CBD Gummies
The findings from various scientific studies have postulated the widespread medical applications of CBD, including its ability to effectively treat certain epilepsy cases, mental health-related conditions such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as inflammatory illnesses like chronic pain and arthritis. This, consequently, made CBD gummies a far more appealing application option for consumers who are not the biggest fans of CBD oil’s earthy taste.
Besides that, there are several other possible applications of CBD that have yet to be properly backed by scientific evidence. For instance, there have been some theories regarding CBD potentially helping to reduce symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), enhance a person’s sexual drive, or alleviate menopause-related symptoms. However, these speculations have yet to be proven, so consumers are strongly advised to take these claims with a large pinch of salt. Meanwhile, should you be experiencing a medical concern and be interested in experimenting with CBD, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional who is familiar with CBD to ensure your safety.
Key Takeaways
Simply put, CBD gummies, as their name suggests, are a type of edible that is infused with cannabidiol. Their small size and sweet flavour allow consumers to have a simple and discreet way to enjoy the beneficial effects of CBD while on the go. Nonetheless, it is important for everyone to be careful about accidentally overconsuming CBD gummies as part of making sure that one’s general health and wellness remain net positive.
