One of the benefits behind CBD gummies is that they’re easy to dose, thanks to their consistent, even sizing.
In some cases, folks might take a few gummies at a time, while others might divide their dosage throughout the day.
In one 2019 systematic review from The British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, researchers conclude that while further research is needed to gauge the dosing of CBD for different medical contexts, it appears that CBD offers the most efficacy when taken at 1-50 mg/kg/d, with higher doses leading to particularly positive outcomes.
And while there’s no standard dosing for CBD gummies, there are ways to align a dosage with your own potency needs, making your CBD gummies more effective (and more affordable) in the long run:
- Purchase and portion out high-potency gummies. If you purchase gummies with 40-50 mg of CBD, you can divide them into halves or even quarters, and use half of the gummy one day, and the other half the next day.
- Increase the dosage in mild increments. You can get experimental with the potency and size of your gummies, and when you’re trying CBD gummies for the first time, lower potencies in smaller increments can be used to gradually increase your dose and make adjustments as needed.
- For potent effects, try purchasing high-strength CBD gummies. Some CBD gummies can contain 40-50 mg of CBD, so 2 before bed may be enough to put yourself to sleep at night, so you can wake up in the morning feeling extra well-rested.
When to Take CBD Gummies?
Aside from how many gummies you take, the when plays a major role, as well. CBD gummies tend to have a delayed release, which means you’ll want to plan ahead for when you need them. For instance, you may have a couple CBD gummies in the morning to help you focus while staying above the morning grind stress. In this case, try taking your CBD gummies before heading on your commute.
Similarly, you’ll want to time your CBD appropriately if you’re looking to support a better night’s sleep–generally, individuals tend to experience the most success after taking gummies 2 hours before bed.
Essentially, the best time to take CBD gummies will depend on your own needs and preferences. Just remember that there’s a delay with the release in your body, and your scheduling should be straightforward.
And as mentioned before, CBD doesn’t possess psychoactive properties of any kind, so you shouldn’t anticipate any mind-altering effects.
As a substance with strong adaptogenic properties, the ultimate goal of CBD is to create homeostasis. And likewise, we all take CBD gummies for different reasons, and these reasons should feel supported by CBD gummies.
That being said, it’s worth noting that if you purchase full-spectrum CBD gummies, there is a chance of trace THC existing in the formula. If the CBD oil is hemp-based, THC levels should be less than 0.3%.
Side Effects of CBD Gummies?
Since CBD gummies first made their debut in the industry, they’ve been well-tolerated among most consumers.
But as with all products, side effects may occur in some individuals; particularly the following:
- dry mouth
- drowsiness
- suppressed appetite
- diarrhea
CBD is a natural, plant-based compound, and there is no research to indicate that CBD poses any risk to most individuals.
However, it’s still not fully understood how CBD interacts with certain drugs. Experts recommend caution to those on any medication, especially blood thinners, beta-blockers, seizure medications, or pain medications.
CBD is also not recommended for pregnant or nursing women due to potential fetal and infant development defects.
Also, note that in some cases, CBD can cause side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, and change of appetite, but these typically occur when an excessive amount of CBD has been consumed.
If you’re new to CBD gummies, it’s important to start out at a small dose—not only to observe the effects, but to gauge your own tolerance as well. You may find that you only need 1 or 2 gummies to enjoy its benefits!
Can CBD Gummies Get You High?
CBD is a cannabinoid that’s related to THC. And this is often why people ask the question:
“Can CBD gummies get you high?”
In short, no.
Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t possess any of the psychoactive properties. That being said, there are full-spectrum CBD gummies that contain THC, albeit no more than .3%. Theoretically, some people could be affected by this amount, but they would have to be extremely sensitive to THC.
The way CBD makes you feel will come down to a few factors, such as the extraction level and the individual’s needs. CBD gummies create a sense of focus and alertness for some people, while others feel exceptionally calm.
You’ll also feel CBD’s effects differently depending on what you took with it. For instance, CBD taken with caffeine may help you start your day with an extra energy boost, while taking CBD with melatonin might improve your sleep more than if you took only melatonin.
All the same, there are CBD gummies that contain absolutely no THC: CBD isolate and broad-spectrum CBD gummies. For those who worry that even the slightest amount of THC may give them an unwanted reaction, these make great options.
Are CBD Gummies Addictive?
Some individuals worry that CBD gummies and similar products are addictive or habit-forming.
If you’ve had similar concerns, rest assured! CBD is not addictive, and there is even some evidence suggesting that it may help break some habits, particularly those associated with substance abuse.
Are CBD Gummies Vegan?
When folks are looking for a CBD product they can enjoy, of course they deserve one that aligns with their dietary and ethical requirements.
And so, the question is justified: are CBD gummies vegan?
Some, but not all.
Unfortunately, not all CBD companies cater to these needs. Nonetheless, there are companies out there that make specifically vegan gummies, which are typically made with fruit pectin instead of animal gelatin for a gummy, bouncy chew.
What is Better: CBD Oil or CBD Gummies?
When it comes to both CBD gummies and CBD oils, you’re going to experience a different set of pros and cons for each.
For instance, CBD oils tend to kick in more quickly than CBD gummies, which must be digested so that the CBD can enter the bloodstream.
However, CBD gummies are especially beneficial for beginners in CBD–especially those who might find themselves a bit unsure how to use it.
In one 2016 article from Methods Rep RTI Press, experts concede that CBD edibles, including CBD gummies, have become exceptionally popular as a way to consume CBD.
And while CBD oils require measurement with a dropper, measuring CBD gummies is as simple as counting them out. And let’s be honest: they taste way better.
Where to Buy CBD Gummies
CBD gummies are growing in popularity. They are becoming as common as CBD tinctures and topicals. Here are a few of the most popular places to buy CBD gummies.
Health Stores/Pharmacies
With the skyrocketing of CBD gummies and other edibles, the rising demand has led to their availability in places like health food stores, vitamin shops, and pharmacies.
Of course, this can be a beneficial option, especially for those who don’t live near a CBD shop or dispensary, but live relatively close to a pharmacy that carries the basics in CBD.
However, the main downside to these locations is that the personnel won’t be specially trained on the subject of CBD, and may possess limited knowledge of the products themselves.
Dispensaries
If there is a medical or recreational marijuana program in your state, there’s a good chance that you’ll find CBD gummies in your local dispensary.
When accessible, dispensaries are a fantastic place to shop for CBD gummies, as well as any other CBD products you might fancy. And along with all of the benefits you’d expect from shopping for CBD gummies in-person, you can also count on those working behind the counter to be exceptionally trained and knowledgeable, and they can weigh in on the best dosage for your needs.
However, if the state you live in only allows medical marijuana, purchasing anything from a dispensary will require a valid medical marijuana card, and if you can’t obtain one from a doctor, this won’t be a viable option.
CBD Stores
Aside from dispensaries, CBD stores are becoming another option, especially when it comes to shopping for CBD gummies.
And while the personnel at these shops might not possess the same breadth of knowledge as those at a dispensary, there’s still a good chance that you’re going to find the high-quality CBD gummies you deserve.
That being said, it’s recommended that you seek out a reputable company that practices third-party lab testing.
Are CBD Gummies Safe?
As long as you make sure to shop from a reputable source that uses third-party testing, and makes their products with quality hemp, you can rest assured that CBD gummies are safe.
With that in mind, it’s worth noting that overdosing from a lethal dose is impossible, since nothing about the compound inhibits the region of the brain that’s responsible for respiratory functions.
That being said, it’s pointed out in one 2016 article from Methods Rep RTI Press that even with the growing popularity of CBD edibles like CBD gummies, there’s still some confusion surrounding the market for customers.
However, we see much of this issue resolved when it comes to reputable brands. In order to stay reliable, CBD brands must offer consistent quality and clear labeling. But we’ll get more into this later!
First, let’s talk about how CBD gummies work.
How Do CBD Gummies Work?
The human body is an elaborate work of machinery, which is more or less controlled by the brain. And because your brain can’t stay in direct contact with every part of the body at once, it needs a way to communicate and send transmissions–enter the endocannabinoid system.
The endocannabinoid system is an extensive network of receptors that exist throughout the body, while keeping track of all activity throughout the body in order to maintain balance.
When an imbalance occurs in the body, it leads to a signaling of molecules known as endocannabinoids, which are absorbed into the receptors to influence their actions.
There’s a number of different receptors in the endocannabinoid system, and each one receives a different type of molecule in order to serve a specific function. And as we’ve discovered, hemp-derived cannabinoids like CBD can interact with the endocannabinoid system in our bodies.
In one 2018 study from the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, experts examine the ways in which cannabinoids and CB receptors interact with each other, and how these interactions affect the rest of the body.
CB1 receptors, in particular, have gained massive interest over the past few years, largely because of their role in mediating the psychoactive effects of THC. Upon further research, the CB1 receptors have been shown to be incredibly versatile but with obstacles. For instance, CB1 is noted for its potential as a drug target for various diseases, but it’s also strongly associated with some of the more undesirable symptoms.
Through this challenge, researchers have been prompted to focus more on the often-forgotten CB2R, among other cannabinoids–found in both cannabis and the human body. And as a result, researchers have become more invested in the ways in which cannabinoids like CBD interact with the rest of our bodily systems.
The article further points out that studies have emerged in the past decade that have just begun to unpack how complex the endocannabinoid system truly is. That being said, it’s important that research on the endocannabinoid system takes into account the region and condition, as well as any additional neurotransmission systems involved.
In one 2020 Review from the Journal of Clinical Medicine Research, experts evaluated a series of studies from the past decade–mainly studies that used orally-administered CBD, and included a placebo group.
Throughout these studies overall, it’s overly indicated that CBD is a safe substance. On top of that, a few instances of evidence were found supporting CBD’s anxiolytic effects, and there was evidence supporting that CBD may help “improve psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia patients.”
However, it’s also noted in this review that there is some disparity among studies due to factors like population and dosage, and that further studies overall will be needed to prove CBD’s beneficial effects.
And in Frontiers in Psychiatry, one article was published that discussed the roles of the endocannabinoid system for other functions in the body like reward signaling, as well as its relationship with substance abuse disorders. The article posits that CBD may have a future in sustaining abstinence in those trying to break an addiction.
What to Look for When Shopping for CBD Gummies?
When deciding on the CBD gummies you’re going to take home, it’s easy to get caught up in all of the different brands and products available, especially when so many of them exude a sweet, candy-like appearance.
But when choosing the best CBD gummies for you, don’t let the appealing colors and flavors distract you.
Instead, make sure to consider a few different factors when choosing your CBD gummies. Above all, the CBD content should be considered first, but there are a few other matters to take into consideration when you shop:
Hemp Source
In general, the premier products in the CBD industry are made from organically-grown hemp. This is because hemp plants have a reputation for absorbing everything in the soil they grow in–both good and bad. Because of this characteristic, the main goal with growing hemp is to minimize contamination in the soil, which means avoiding pesticides and testing for heavy metals.
Potency
You can find CBD gummies for sale in a wide variety of different strengths, and the best one for your needs will create an effect that you notice, while staying cost-effective long-term.
You may notice CBD gummies for sale containing 5, 10, 25, 40, and 50 mg of CBD per individual gummy. A typical CBD gummy serving size is 1-2 gummies, so if your daily dose is 20 mg, you can match it up by opting for 10-mg gummies and taking 2 at a time.
Quality of Ingredients
There are many different brands out there that boast outright about making their products only with organic ingredients, when in fact many formulas feature organic CBD, and that’s about it.
While high-quality CBD is key in a good CBD gummies, it’s crucial to remember that it’s not the one determining factor. Make sure to shop from brands that put effort into every ingredient, including the coloring, sweeteners, and whether they offer vegan-friendly or sugar-free formulas.
Lab Reports
Due to the legal status of CBD in the United States, CBD products are virtually unregulated by the government, so quality and accountability is each brand’s responsibility. And needless to say, not every brand upholds this responsibility.
To avoid the unreliable brands, stick with companies that practice third-party testing. Third-party lab testing is when CBD companies send a sample of their batches to independent labs, where they’re analyzed for CBD content, terpene profiles, pesticides, heavy metals, and more.
And in the case of the most reputable CBD brands, you can count on them to not only third-party test their products, but to additionally include their lab reports on their site.
User Reviews
When online CBD sellers first came to be, it was once possible for brands to fabricate reviews on their sites. Nowadays though, this is no longer possible, as brands are now required to use third-party reviews services in order to guarantee that the reviews are authentic.
As a result, the reviews you read online should accurately reflect the true quality of the products, but it never hurts to check out reviews from external sources, like forums and Reddit.
Final Thoughts
While research is still in its infancy, evidence suggests that CBD has a unique relationship with our bodies, especially when it comes to the endocannabinoid system.
The endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in maintaining balance in the body, and it does so through the pain response, stress levels, sleep patterns, and more.
This system communicates through cannabinoids, which are the same compound as CBD. It’s been theorized that when we take CBD, it is absorbed into the ECS through the bloodstream and can improve specific responses in the body, such as the following:
If you’re having trouble with sleep, CBD gummies might be the perfect nightcap. Research indicates that CBD may have enough calming effect to help individuals fall asleep more quickly, especially insomnia. It’s also been suggested that CBD is especially effective for better sleep when taken with melatonin.
Many individuals struggle with mental health disorders, especially when it comes to anxiety and depression. And while professional help is generally the best option, CBD gummies may offer some help relaxing.
CBD’s calming properties may help alleviate the stress response in the brain and may even help encourage the release of serotonin instead, which helps signal the body to relax.
I presently work as a GP in London. Using the acquired academic and professional experience, I advise patients with various complaints about mental health – depressed mood, nervousness, lack of energy and interest, sleep disorders, panic attacks, obsessive thoughts and anxieties, difficulty concentrating, and stress. In my free time, I love to paint and go on long walks on the beach. One of my latest obsessions is sudoku – a wonderful activity to calm an unease mind.
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