Cannabidiol (CBD) is available to users in a wide range of delivery methods, but none are tastier than edibles—especially CBD gummies. They’re convenient, easy to find, and available in all sorts of doses and flavors.
The popularity of gummies is no mystery. While consuming conventional CBD oils and vaping CBD provide the same well-known benefits, eating a sweet, fruity gummy is a benefit in itself.
Whether you’re new to CBD products, or an old hand, gummies are as simple to use as it gets. And unlike smoking or vaping high-CBD hemp flower, there's little to no prep work required, and you don’t advertise your CBD use with a plume of smoke or vapor.
What are CBD gummies?
CBD gummies are exactly what they sound like: sweet candy gummies infused with CBD, hemp’s dominant active compound. Taking CBD won’t get you high like THC would, but CBD may deal a powerful blow to inflammation, everyday aches, and stress.
Since its legalization in the U.S. in 2018, CBD has dominated the health and wellness side of the hemp industry. However, its popularity and legal standing vary worldwide.
With all that in mind, remember that research is ongoing, and we don’t know the full extent of CBD’s benefits. Studies also tend to focus on pure CBD extract rather than edibles like gummies and CBD capsules. Don’t plan on replacing prescription medications with over-the-counter hemp products anytime soon.
How do CBD gummies work?
Gummies, and edibles in general, work a bit differently than delivery methods like vaping or smoking hemp bud.
Let’s address CBD itself. As a cannabinoid, it interacts with the human endocannabinoid system (ECS), a cell-signaling network involved in critical bodily functions. The ECS plays a vital role in pain management, sleep, immune and inflammatory responses, and hunger. Endocannabinoid receptors are found throughout the body.
CBD doesn’t bind to the same receptors as THC. And it seems to reduce effective THC binding with CB1 receptors—the ones that get you high. That’s why CBD and THC’s effects are so distinct, despite influencing the same bodily system.
While CBD-rich vapor or smoke is rapidly absorbed and delivered to the bloodstream and brain by lung membranes, gummies rely on the digestive tract. This slows down the process of CBD entering the bloodstream. So, while it takes longer for CBD gummies to work, the effects tend to stick around for a longer time.
How do CBD gummies make you feel?
Now for the big question: why should you even use CBD gummies in the first place?
It can be frustrating, but CBD isn’t guaranteed to make you feel any particular way. The ECS is complex, and not everyone’s body handles cannabinoids the same way. Effects you might experience include:
- Reduced muscle soreness
- Mental clarity or stress relief
- Better sleep
In the best-case scenario, CBD will relieve (or at least reduce) mental and physical tension. You may feel more relaxed, less stressed, or even sleepy after eating a gummy. On the flip side, you could experience adverse effects like stomach pain, nausea, or fatigue.
CBD’s impact could be subtle or significant. You’ll find users vouching that CBD helps manage their chronic pain, while others claim that it doesn’t do anything for them at all. If the latter sounds like your CBD experience, consider tweaking your regime. Try new products and different doses, or even switch to another nonintoxicating cannabinoid. CBG and CBC are two alternatives.
It comes down to trial and error. As you build a tolerance, it’s even possible that CBD will affect you more, less, or differently over time.
Do CBD gummies have any benefits?
For many people, CBD has impressive benefits. Studies are ongoing, but we’re not exactly short on evidence, especially when it comes to inflammation relief. Researchers are working to get a clearer picture of CBD’s potential therapeutic uses.
- Pain and inflammation relief: We don’t have the full “why” yet, but CBD has a clear impact on multiple kinds of inflammation.
- Mental wellness: Many users turn to CBD because it helps them relax and eases their minds. The full extent of CBD’s effect on mental health is unclear, though it appears to help regulate stress.
- Better sleep: While not a sedative, CBD seems to positively affect the sleep-wake cycle, giving users a better night’s rest. Relief from mental or physical tension can also improve sleep quality. CBN may be a superior choice for making you feel tired, though.
So far, CBD is the only natural cannabinoid used in a drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for medical use. This comes in the form of Epidiolex, a medication used to treat drug-resistant seizures. Over-the-counter supplements don’t have this same approval.
Side effects of CBD gummies
CBD is well-tolerated by most who try it, but like any substance, it can have side effects. That usually involves one or more of the following:
- Digestive issues
- Dizziness
- Low appetite
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
For the most part, adverse responses to CBD are mild. Stop consuming it right away if you have a severe reaction.
Gummies could also cause side effects specific to candy and sweet treats, like an upset stomach. Also, when you eat a gummy, check the ingredients for other cannabinoids or plant extracts. Any of those substances could have effects of their own. Even sugar, soy or gelatin sensitivities could put a damper on your experience.
How to take CBD gummies
You shouldn’t binge-eat a whole bag of CBD gummies like you would a non-infused candy. It’s a familiar adage if you already use THC edibles, though the same applies to cannabinoids that don’t get you high. It’s extra true if you’re new to CBD: start slow.
Fortunately, CBD gummies are beginner-friendly and not hard to get the hang of. You’ll just need to be aware of a few considerations:
Research the product
We say “research,” but you really don’t need to go too deep. Just make sure the basics are clear before taking a gummy:
- Were the gummies made by a trusted brand with transparent safety testing?
- How much CBD is in each gummy (or serving)?
- Do you have any allergies or sensitivities to any of the ingredients in the gummy?
- Is the extract full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate?
For that last question, your preferred extract could vary. CBD gummies infused with isolates may not be the most potent. Broad- and full-spectrum extracts retain a wider profile of terpenes and cannabinoids, and those compounds could team up to create positive effects.
Once you know the type of product you prefer, it’s easier to shop around and find the best gummies for your needs.
Take CBD gummies with food
Try consuming CBD gummies after a snack or light meal. Even better if that meal is packed with healthy fats: think salmon, eggs, or walnuts. Complex carbs also come in handy when your body processes CBD or other cannabinoids in food.
CBD has reduced bioavailability when you eat rather than inhale it. Your ideal dose could increase when you’re using gummies versus vaping, and taking CBD on an empty stomach won’t help.
Of course, you aren’t putting yourself in danger by eating CBD gummies alone. Your body could just have a tougher time absorbing it. Stomach acid can destroy cannabinoids of any kind, and that’s not even considering that CBD is fat-soluble. Foods high in fatty acids promote absorption.
Eating CBD alongside fiber-rich foods (like whole grains) can stretch out the time it takes to fully absorb, as well. Gradual absorption could mean longer-lasting relief.
Figure out your CBD dose
Stay on top of your CBD dose, but remember you probably won’t absorb every milligram (edibles have lower bioavailability), and your ideal serving could vary significantly from the next person’s. Finding the perfect amount may require some patient experimentation.
Check the amount of CBD in each gummy, as well as the manufacturer's dosing recommendations. First-time users should start slowly. You don’t need to take a full gummy on your first go, and starting with less can help you recognize adverse effects before they get out of hand.
Gummies often contain between 10 and 50 milligrams of CBD per piece, though it isn’t too hard to find lower or higher potency options. Consider beginning with a dose of around five milligrams and working your way up.
How CBD gummies make you feel: FAQ
Do CBD gummies get you high?
No. CBD alone won’t get you high, and neither will CBD gummies without added THC or other intoxicating extracts.
THC binds to CB1 receptors in the ECS and gets you high. Even CBN and THCV, typically taken for reasons other than getting high, are mildly (or situationally) psychotropic. CBD partly barricades CB1 and CB2, making it harder for intoxicating cannabinoids to latch on.
Large doses of CBD can cause lethargy or lightheadedness, but they won’t trigger a dopamine surge à la THC. You’ll need CB1-receptive cannabinoids like delta 8 or HHC if you want to get high from hemp.
It’s possible to get gummies infused with both CBD and THC. These will get you high, just to a lesser degree than gummies or edibles that contain THC without CBD. CBD partly moderates the effects of THC.
How long do CBD gummies last?
Compared to inhalation, CBD gummies are a long-lasting delivery method.
It all comes down to how a cannabinoid is absorbed and metabolized. Whether you vape CBD or ingest it orally, it must reach the bloodstream before taking effect. Vaping or smoking streamlines this process.
Inhaled cannabinoids are rapidly absorbed by membranes inside your lungs. That’s why you’ll get high quicker by vaping THC than by eating it, and the same rule applies to CBD vapes (without the high). If you’re in a rush but don’t need the effects to last for hours, you’ll do better vaping CBD oil or CBD-rich flower.
Digestion isn’t as efficient. You’ll wait longer for the relief to settle in, but once it does, CBD gummies can last for six to eight hours. Just keep in mind that other variables can impact duration, including health conditions, body weight, and CBD tolerance.
Are CBD gummies legal?
It depends on where you live. CBD gummies are federally legal to buy and sell in the U.S., and we have the 2018 Farm Bill to thank for that. (State laws vary, and CBD is illegal in one state: Idaho.)
CBD isn’t as legally contested as delta 8 THC, HHC, or other intoxicating hemp products. That’s understandable, given how little its effects have in common with marijuana-derived delta 9. Several U.S. states have banned delta 8 products and other intoxicating cannabinoids.
To meet federal law, hemp products need to contain under 0.3% delta 9 THC by dry weight. Any amount higher than that qualifies the product as federally illegal marijuana. As long as your CBD gummies meet that standard, they should be legal everywhere except Idaho.
CBD’s legality varies throughout the world, with some countries having harsher attitudes toward cannabis in general. Depending on where you are, hemp may not be legally distinct from marijuana. You’ll want to review any applicable laws before buying or using CBD, like any other cannabinoid.
Martin Makary has resigned as FDA commissioner following a rocky tenure that included battling with the White House over vape regulation.
The FDA has authorized the sale of four new pods for the Glas G2 device, including the first two legal fruit-flavored vaping products.
The FDA has created a list of e-cigarettes authorized for sale, but the list includes refills, duplicates and non-e-cigarette products.
As of April 1, France has criminalized the sale and possession of nicotine pouches and other tobacco-free oral nicotine products.
The VOOPOO ARGUS G4 and G4 Mini take the series to another level, featuring 3.5 mL multi-ohm pods and 1650 mAh batteries. Read our review to learn more.
The VOOPOO NAVI x Cyph Kit 80K is a refillable pod vape masquerading as a disposable. It includes a 1500 mAh device, an empty pod, and 30 mL of e-liquid.
The Whatabar Linko 40K is a compact, palmable disposable with two power modes and an 18 mL tank. Read our review to find out how it performs.
The ALIBARBAR SWIRL 50K is a 3500 mAh, 18 mL disposable with dual mesh coils, bold flavor, and a smooth, loose MTL draw. See how well it performs.
