• CBD gummies are palatable. These CBD edibles do not have an earthy, grass-like taste compared to CBD oil.
  • The carbon dioxide extraction method does not use a toxic and flammable solvent(1). Hence, it is one of the preferred ways to create safe CBD products, like CBD oil and CBD gummies(2).  
  • The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has tested a few unregulated CBD products and found that the labeling of some commercially available CBD-branded items is often inaccurate(3).
  • Cannabis users who want to try making homemade CBD gummies should know their state laws regarding cannabis and its derivatives. This way, these individuals can avoid possible legal repercussions.

How to Make CBD Gummies at Home

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are cannabinoids found in the resin of the cannabis plant. CBD, unlike THC, has no psychoactive properties. Hence, consumers can ingest cannabidiol without experiencing any mind-altering effects.

A popular type of CBD edibles is CBD gummies. The good thing about CBD gummies is that they do not have an earthy grass-like taste, unlike CBD oil. 

CBD gummies are not only palatable; they are also portable. Hence, these products are an excellent choice for individuals looking for a discreet way to take CBD. 

As with many things consumers can purchase nowadays, these individuals can save more money if they make CBD edibles, like CBD gummies. 

Here is a step-by-step process on how individuals can make their own CBD gummies at home. The prep time for this recipe is four to six minutes, and the total time for production is 1 hour and 55 minutes.  

Homemade CBD Gummies’ Ingredients

  • 1 cup of cold water
  • ½ cup dried rosehips 
  • 4 tablespoons of strawberry powder
  • 1 ½ tablespoon of refined white sugar or 2 tablespoons of agave or honey 
  • 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or any fruit juice 
  • 5 tablespoons of unflavored gelatin
  • 20 dose servings of CBD oil or CBD tincture 

Tools in Making Homemade CBD Gummies 

  • Silicone molds or gummy molds (gummy bear molds)  
  • Small saucepan
  • Baking sheet
  • Small pipette or spoon 
  • Airtight container 

Methods and Directions for Making Homemade CBD Gummies 

The first step in this CBD gummies recipe is to make rosehip tea. If dried rosehip is unavailable, rosehip bags can be an alternative. 

To make rosehip tea:

  1. Pour a single cup of water into a saucepan and bring the liquid to a boil.
  2. Put the dried rosehip or tea bags into the pan.
  3. Let the mixture steep for at least 5 minutes before straining out the tea bags or dried rosehip.

To simmer the gummy mixture: 

  1. Measure out a cup of rosehip tea and discard the remaining liquid. 
  2. Pour the cup of rosehip tea into a bowl with the strawberry powder, lemon juice, and sugar. 
  3. Stir all the ingredients using a whisk until well combined. 
  4. Transfer the mixture into a small saucepan and let it simmer over medium-low heat or medium heat. 
  5. Slowly sprinkle the unsweetened gelatin into the pan when the mixture is hot. Whisk the mixture constantly so the gelatin dissolves.  
  6. Continue to cook the sticky mixture over low heat until it becomes smooth and glossy. 
  7. Remove the gummy mixture from the heat, then add CBD oil. Stir well until the oil is well-dispersed. 

To pour the gummy mixture into a silicone mold:

  1. Put the silicone mold on a rimmed baking sheet. Use a spoon or small pipette to fill the mold with the mixture.
    Tip: cornstarch can be used to dust the molds before pouring the gelatin mixture onto the mold.
  2. Make sure to work fast because the liquid mixture will start to solidify once removed from heat.
  3. Tap the silicone mold against the countertop gently to remove any large bubbles from the mixture. 
  4. Put the CBD oil gummies in the refrigerator and wait for 2 hours or until the edibles are firm. 
  5. Remove the CBD gummies from the silicone mold by popping them out from the bottom. 
  6. Let the gummies air-dry on a wire rack at room temperature for 24 hours to make them chewier. 
  7. Place the CBD gummies in a bowl, sprinkle them with sugar, and let them air-dry on a wire rack for another hour before storing them. 

Storing: How Long Do CBD Gummies Last?

The DIY (do it yourself) CBD gummies shared in this article used unflavored gelatin instead of a package of Jello mix. Gelatin is a natural product. Hence, it does not contain additives like artificial colors and artificial sweeteners, unlike flavored Jello. 

Since the gummy bear recipe does not have preservatives, like high fructose corn syrup, it is best to consume the CBD gummies within two weeks. Consumers can also freeze them in a freezer bag for the edibles to last longer. 

Tips: CBD Gummy Dosage and Size 

Most CBD gummies sold in the market have a predetermined amount of CBD in each piece. Since gummies are flavorful, some individuals may ingest a higher dose of CBD than necessary. 

Hence, consumers should discuss their specific situation with a healthcare professional versed in cannabis use. 

These experts can give an accurate CBD dosage and provide medical advice regarding the risks involved in making homemade CBD gummies. 

Meanwhile, CBD’s potency is often in the range of 10 to 20mg/ml. However, the dose can be as high as 50mg/ml(4). Therefore, consumers should always read the product label to calculate the dosage accordingly. 

Since CBD is a highly lipophilic (fat-loving) molecule, it is easily infused into oil. CBD oil can be made with infused coconut oil, olive oil, and other edible oils(5).  

Furthermore, CBD may easily dissolve in the fat content of food, increasing its solubility and absorption(6). 

For oil infusions, 20 drops of CBD are equivalent to 1ml. However, if individuals aim to infuse a specific number of milligrams of CBD per gummy, they have to follow an equation.

One way to find out how much mg of CBD or THC individuals are taking is to multiply the volume (ml) by the potency (mg/ml)(7). 

Volume (ml) x potency (mg/ml) = dose (mg) 

When it comes to the size of the gummies, although it is possible to make CBD gummies without a mold, the process becomes easier when using one. 

The size of CBD gummies depends on the type of mold used. A silicone mold, in particular, allows individuals to create uniformly sized CBD gummy bears. 

E-commerce sites, like Amazon, sell nonstick, food-grade silicone gummy bear molds. Some molds are available in four-packs, while others come with free droppers.

What Are CBD Gummies?

CBD gummies are sweet chewy candies that contain cannabidiol. These CBD edibles come in various shapes, colors, flavors, and concentrations. 

CBD gummies offer an effortless and discreet way to ingest CBD. 

However, it is worth noting that aside from Epidiolex, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has not approved the use of other CBD products like CBD oil, cannabutter, and cannabis-infused gummies for therapy or to treat diseases(8). 

Epidiolex, a CBD-derived oral solution, is utilized to treat rare and severe epilepsy and seizures associated with tuberous sclerosis complex in patients one year and older(9).

Extraction Process

Manufacturing CBD-infused gummies starts with extracting cannabidiol. 

Carbon dioxide, ethanol, or solvent extraction is preferred to create a safe CBD product(10). 

In California, cannabis extraction using chemical solvents is illegal. Hence, extraction technicians from the state make CBD oil using subcritical or supercritical carbon dioxide-based methods. They use compressed carbon dioxide as the extraction solvent in place of toxic and flammable solvents(11). 

Once CBD has been extracted in the form of oil or resin, some extraction technicians may refine CBD further to remove its impurities and isolate it, leaving behind CBD in its purest form. 

CBD isolates come from pure cannabidiol. The other CBD extracts are full-spectrum CBD oil and broad-spectrum CBD oil.

Both CBD variants contain all compounds of the cannabis plant, including terpenes, responsible for the aroma of cannabis. 

The only difference between full-spectrum CBD oil and broad-spectrum CBD oil is that the former contains less than 0.3% THC concentration, while the latter is THC-free.

Meanwhile, some CBD brands make gummies using vegan fruit pectin instead of animal-derived gelatin. Hence, their products are suitable for individuals who practice veganism and observe gluten-free diets. 

Benefits of CBD Gummies

There is no scientific data that could provide insight into the potential benefits of CBD gummies, specifically in humans. 

However, cannabidiol has shown promise as a pharmaceutical and therapeutic drug target due to its purported health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, neuroprotective, anti-anxiety, antipsychotic, and antiepileptic properties(12). 

Aside from CBD’s therapeutic potential, its activity in the ECS (endocannabinoid system) also seems promising. 

The ECS is found in almost every part of the body and functions by maintaining the body’s balance. This neuromodulatory system is composed of enzymes, endocannabinoids, and cannabinoid receptors, namely CB1 and CB2.

CB1 receptors play a crucial role in pain sensation, while CB2 receptors stimulate an anti-inflammatory action(13). 

Cannabinoids like CBD and THC may interact with these receptors to elicit a physiological response(14). 

Although CBD may have a low affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors, the compound may behave as an antagonist in the presence of THC(15). 

An antagonist binds to receptors without activating them. Instead, it decreases the ability of an agonist to activate receptors. 

Experts believe that CBD may reduce the potency and efficacy of THC and modulate pain perception(16). 

CBD’s Safety

  Cannabidiol has a favorable safety profile(17). Nevertheless, CBD is not a biologically inert substance, so it may still interact with other drugs or medications(18). 

In addition, the loosening of legal restrictions on cannabis and its derivatives has led to the rapid proliferation and widespread availability of products with CBD(19). 

Although most CBD companies strive to offer the best CBD products like weed gummies, THC gummies, and CBD oil, most CBD products in the market are unregulated.  

Hence, the FDA has issued warning letters to several companies that market unapproved CBD-related products. The agency has also tested those CBD items and found that most of them contained less CBD than claimed(20). 

Furthermore, a 2022 study from Epilepsy and Behavior demonstrated that commercial CBD products may show inconsistent labeling, varying greatly in purity and formulation(21). 

Frequently Asked Cannabis Gummy Questions

1. Is citric acid a good preservative? Can it be used for homemade CBD gummies? 

Citric acid is a natural preservative(22). A 2020 study from the journal Antioxidant suggested that citric acid may effectively control the microbial load over the shelf life period and preserve phenolic compounds like flavonoids(23). 

Flavonoids are active compounds in cannabis with purported antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties(24). They are also present in full-spectrum CBD oil.  

Since citric acid is an excellent natural preservative, cannabis users may use it to preserve their homemade CBD gummies. 

Generally, the legality of CBD varies from state to state. Hence, individuals planning to make their own CBD gummies should know their state laws.

Although some states have passed laws allowing the use of medical and recreational cannabis, these legislations do not change that, under federal law, cannabis (sometimes called marijuana) is still included in the Schedule I drug category(25). 

Substances listed as Schedule I drugs have a high abuse potential with no accepted medical use(26). 

3. How much CBD oil should be used in gummies?

 The amount of CBD oil in gummies may vary depending on the CBD concentration and the total number of gummies made. 

When estimating a CBD gummy dose, individuals should first determine the concentration of CBD oil and the number of gummies they can make. 

For instance, 1ml of 500mg CBD oil provides 16.6mg of CBD. Users should then divide the concentration by the total number of gummies they make. 

If their mold yielded 50 gummies, they would get:

16.6mg of CBD oil ÷ 50 gummies = 0.33mg CBD per gummy 

4. What are some flavor selections to avoid when making CBD gummies? 

Cannabis users can customize their homemade CBD gummies. However, some foods have enzymes that break down gelatin. 

For example, bromelain is a plant enzyme that causes gelatin to lose its setting properties. Bromelain is present in ginger-root, kiwi, papaya, guava, and figs(27). Hence, individuals who want to make their own CBD gummies may need to avoid these flavors. 


  1. Understanding Dabs: Contamination Concerns of Cannabis Concentrates and Cannabinoid Transfer During the Act of Dabbing
    https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jts/40/6/40_797/_pdf/-char/en
  2. Cannabidiol Primer for Healthcare Professionals
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7340472/
  3. Warning Letters and Test Results for Cannabidiol-Related Products
    https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/warning-letters-and-test-results-cannabidiol-related-products
  4. CBD: A Patient’s Guide to Medicinal Cannabis, page 100.
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MILU_6ZjYkII-XMUPHLFPiPQbrz__5Sh/view
  5. CBD: A Patient’s Guide to Medicinal Cannabis, page 101.
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MILU_6ZjYkII-XMUPHLFPiPQbrz__5Sh/view
  6. A Systematic Review on the Pharmacokinetics of Cannabidiol in Humans
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6275223/
  7. CBD: A Patient’s Guide to Medicinal Cannabis, page 102.
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MILU_6ZjYkII-XMUPHLFPiPQbrz__5Sh/view
  8. FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products, Including Cannabidiol (CBD)
    https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd
  9. FDA Approves New Indication for Drug Containing an Active Ingredient Derived from Cannabis to Treat Seizures in Rare Genetic Disease
    https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-indication-drug-containing-active-ingredient-derived-cannabis-treat-seizures-rare
  10. Cannabidiol Primer for Healthcare Professionals
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7340472/
  11. Understanding Dabs: Contamination Concerns of Cannabis Concentrates and Cannabinoid Transfer During the Act of Dabbing
    https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jts/40/6/40_797/_pdf/-char/en
  12. Cannabidiol
    https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Cannabidiol
  13. Cannabinoids and Pain: New Insights From Old Molecules
    https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.01259/full
  14. Cannabidiol
    https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Cannabidiol
  15. Cannabinoids and Pain: New Insights From Old Molecules
    https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.01259/full
  16. Ibid.
  17. An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5569602/
  18. Potential Adverse Drug Events and Drug-Drug Interactions with Medical and Consumer Cannabidiol (CBD) Use
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6678684/
  19. Cannabidiol: Science, Marketing, and Legal Perspectives
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK565434/
  20. Warning Letters and Test Results for Cannabidiol-Related Products
    https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/warning-letters-and-test-results-cannabidiol-related-products
  21. Analysis of Cannabidiol (CBD) and THC in Nonprescription Consumer Products: Implications for Patients and Practitioners
    https://www.epilepsybehavior.com/article/S1525-5050(21)00775-7/fulltext
  22. Effect of Natural Preservatives on the Nutritional Profile, Chemical Composition, Bioactivity and Stability of a Nutraceutical Preparation of Aloe arborescens
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7222173/
  23. Ibid.
  24. Flavonoids in Cannabis sativa: Biosynthesis, Bioactivities, and Biotechnology
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7931196/
  25. The Federal Controlled Substances Act: Schedules and Pharmacy Registration
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3839489/
  26. Ibid.
  27. Jell-o or Gel-no: Which Fruits Contain a Protein-Digesting Enzyme that Prevents Gelatin from Solidifying?
    https://csef.usc.edu/History/2003/Projects/J0411.pdf
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