What Are CBD Gummies? - April 2024

What Are CBD Gummies?

CBD gummies are edible candies containing cannabidiol (CBD) oil. These products typically come in various colors, flavors, shapes, and CBD concentrations.

CBD is among the most prevalent components of the cannabis plant and is also an essential ingredient in medical marijuana. Various studies suggest CBD may help provide chronic pain relief and manage epilepsy, anxiety, and addiction⁽⁴⁾.

How CBD Gummies Work

When an individual ingests the gummies, the CBD content in them interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system performs a regulatory role in various critical body functions, including pain control, temperature regulation, immune and inflammatory responses, and emotional processing⁽⁵⁾.

The ECS contains the CB1 and CB2 receptors, which help modulate the body’s inflammatory bowel conditions, immune functioning, regulate alertness, temperature, and hunger⁽⁶⁾.

However, researchers have only tested the effects of CBD oil, not CBD gummies⁽⁷⁾. Only a few well performed studies support CBD oil’s purported health benefits.

Thus, no conclusive clinical data backs the consumers’ and manufacturers’ claims that CBD gummies are effective.

Benefits of CBD Gummies

CBD brands selling gummy products such as CBD gummy bears claim that these products may help manage inflammation, pain, depression, anxiety, and sleep⁽⁸⁾. 

Individuals may consider these health benefits of CBD when purchasing CBD gummies.

Thus, individuals planning to purchase the best CBD gummies for their wellness needs may consider this product type’s therapeutic benefits as part of the buyers’ purchasing decisions.

Safety and Side Effects of CBD Gummies

One study suggested that, for long-term use and higher doses of CBD, humans may tolerate up to 1,500mg of CBD per day⁽⁹⁾.

CBD also appears to have a good safety profile and does not produce effects associated with drug abuse⁽¹⁰⁾.

Researchers suggested that individuals with epileptic conditions or other psychotic disorders may consider using CBD to help manage these health conditions⁽¹¹⁾. However, CBD may cause side effects, including diarrhea, tiredness, and body weight changes.

Individuals taking CBD may also experience other side effects such as dry mouth, appetite loss, fatigue, and drowsiness⁽¹²⁾.

In addition, CBD typically has a bitter or earthy flavor, which some individuals may not find appealing. Thus, manufacturers often add a large amount of sugar, such as cane sugar or other sweeteners, to the gummies to offset CBD’s natural flavor⁽¹³⁾.

Dosage and Usage of CBD Gummies

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not set a standard dosage recommendation for CBD gummies to help with any health condition.

However, researchers have used oral capsules with varying doses when conducting various clinical trials.

In one study, a 600 milligram (mg) CBD capsule administered in a single dose may help manage anxiety in individuals with a social anxiety disorder (SAD)⁽¹⁴⁾.

SAD or social phobia is an anxiety disorder that causes individuals to be anxious or fearful of interacting with other individuals. This disorder can lead to self-consciousness or embarrassment.

Another study used capsules that contained 400 mg of CBD each and administered to healthy volunteers⁽¹⁵⁾. Results showed that the drug may help lower anxiety while increasing mental sedation.

Sedation is the use of methods or drugs to help an individual sleep or calm down⁽¹⁶⁾.

Furthermore, researchers in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the effects of oral CBD capsules on chronic schizophrenia patients⁽¹⁷⁾.

Results showed that capsules containing 600 mg of CBD administered over a six-week period may help improve psychotic symptoms.

However, researchers found no significant difference in improvement between the CBD and placebo groups. Furthermore, the researchers observed that sedation was a more prevalent side effect in the CBD group.

To give individuals an idea of the CBD content in CBD gummies, manufacturers often sell these products in 300mg bottles, each containing 30 gummies. 

Thus, the amount of CBD per gummy may be about 10mg (300mg ÷ 30 gummies = 10mg).

The studies mentioned above are inconclusive, and individuals should take precaution before deciding on a dosing regimen.

Consumers uncertain of the dosage or number of gummies to take must ask a doctor who is well versed in cannabis for a recommendation.

Why Do CBD Gummies Work So Well?

Researchers have not discovered conclusive evidence suggesting that CBD gummies work effectively.

However, many CBD brands have conducted extensive marketing to the point that these businesses have gone ahead of what science and law can do regarding CBD products⁽¹⁸⁾.

Thus, consumers are likely to purchase CBD products based on these brands’ claims before sound research can conclusively establish CBD’s effectiveness.

Tips for Using CBD Gummies

Oral ingestion, such as through the use of tablets or chewy candies, is among the safest ways to take CBD⁽¹⁹⁾. Thus, CBD gummies may be among the most preferred methods to administer CBD.

Additionally, individuals should refrain from purchasing illegally sold synthetic CBD products, often called “bath salts” or “spice.” These products are likely to cause health risks and induce psychotic reactions⁽²⁰⁾.

Individuals interested in products aside from gummies or other CBD edibles may also opt for other types of CBD products, such as sublinguals (CBD oil tinctures or oromucosal sprays), topicals (lotions, creams, or ointments), or vapes.

However, consumers must exercise caution when using vapes as these products may be linked to lung disease⁽²¹⁾. Individuals must be mindful of this risk before vaping CBD.

How CBD Gummies Are Made

To produce CBD gummies of the highest quality, manufacturers consider various factors, such as the extraction method, product category, and consistency of the product’s contents.

Extraction Methods

Depending on the type of CBD product manufacturers plan to create, they can use various extraction techniques, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrocarbon, or ethanol methods, to derive various compounds from the cannabis plant.

• Carbon dioxide extraction: This method uses highly pressurized carbon dioxide to obtain cannabinoids and other substances from hemp.

CO2 is an odorless and non-combustible gas that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes as generally safe for food use⁽²²⁾.

• Hydrocarbon extraction: The hydrocarbon method uses propane or butane for CBD extraction. These solvents are relatively affordable compared to those used in other methods⁽²³⁾.

However, hydrocarbons are neurotoxic and flammable. These chemicals can cause a health risk if not purged from the CBD or hemp extract.

Manufacturers that use this extraction method should follow proper safety procedures in handling hydrocarbons to lower the risks of accidents or contamination of the cannabis extract.

• Ethanol extraction: In ethanol extraction, manufacturers utilize ethyl alcohol or ethanol as a solvent for CBD extraction.

Ethanol is considered safer than butane and more efficient than CO2⁽²⁴⁾. Thus, ethanol is increasingly becoming a popular solvent for extracting CBD oil.

Product Category

Depending on the extraction process, the CBD extract may be categorized as full-spectrum, isolate, or broad-spectrum CBD products.

Full-spectrum CBD oil products typically contain most of the important cannabis plant cannabinoids and compounds, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), flavonoids, and terpenes.

THC is a psychoactive cannabis substance that produces a “high” usually associated with marijuana use⁽²⁵⁾.

Terpenes are plant compounds that give a distinct aroma to cannabis plants⁽²⁶⁾. On the other hand, flavonoids are substances that serve as antimicrobials and antioxidants⁽²⁷⁾.

Combining these plant compounds’ benefits may produce an “entourage effect,” a phenomenon where cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds work synergistically to increase a product’s beneficial effects⁽²⁸⁾.

CBD isolates are pure-CBD products and have no THC or other compounds and cannabinoids.

Meanwhile, broad-spectrum CBD oil contains similar compounds as full-spectrum CBD oil. However, products containing broad-spectrum CBD oil are THC-free.

Individuals who prefer taking THC-free CBD gummies may consider using isolates or broad-spectrum CBD gummies. However, consumers who want to take advantage of the entourage effect may choose full-spectrum CBD gummies.

Regardless of product type or category, individuals planning to purchase high-quality CBD gummies to help manage existing medical conditions must consult a doctor before taking such products.

Lab Testing

To ensure that CBD products contain accurate cannabinoid content specified on their labels, CBD brands have their CBD oil product samples tested by third-party labs.

These laboratories post their findings on a lab report called a certificate of analysis (COA).

Third-party labs also analyze the product for pesticides, heavy metals, solvents, or other contaminants that can cause a health hazard to users.

Transparent and reputable CBD brands typically post their updated COAs on their website to allow the public to access these COAs anytime as needed.

How Did CBD Gummies Gain Popularity?

Gummies are an easy and discreet method to ingest CBD. Many manufacturers have conducted effective marketing campaigns to sell these products, causing the popularity of gummies to soar among long-time CBD users and nonusers⁽²⁹⁾.

Many CBD gummies are mixed with artificial flavors, such as strawberry, green apple, or lemon, that help the product appeal to various taste preferences.

Furthermore, a CBD company may market its products as U.S.-made, organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, or made by natural ingredients to appeal to consumers who prefer those features.

Companies may also offer subscriptions, product discounts, or refunds such as 30-day money-back guarantees if the consumer is not satisfied with the product.

Are CBD Gummies the Same As Hemp Gummies?

CBD gummies and hemp gummies are usually made from hemp, a variety of the cannabis plant.

Hemp-derived gummies contain less than 0.3% THC⁽³⁰⁾. This property suggests that hemp and CBD gummies do not have the same psychoactive effects as THC.

Furthermore, one primary ingredient of CBD and hemp gummies is gelatin, which may not appeal to vegans. However, some brands claim to offer vegan CBD gummies containing vegetable-based ingredients.

The difference between CBD and hemp gummies is that CBD gummies use CBD oil extracted from the hemp plant’s flowers and leaves, while hemp gummies are made from hempseed extract, usually derived from hemp seeds.

Products extracted from hemp seeds contain little to no CBD⁽³¹⁾. Thus, hemp gummies are likely to contain no CBD.

However, CBD companies do not follow a product labeling standard. For example, some brands market their CBD oil products as hemp oil, further confusing consumers. Therefore, differentiating CBD and hemp products may be challenging.

To minimize the confusion, consumers should review a product’s COA to determine if the product they are purchasing contains CBD. The COA helps consumers know if the information on the product’s label is accurate.

Legality

The FDA advises suppliers that are labeling or marketing CBD products as food additives or dietary supplements is illegal⁽³²⁾.

United States federal law states that CBD oil products with a THC content higher than 0.3% are illegal⁽³³⁾.

The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp products, defined as cannabis products with a THC content below 0.3%, from the definition of “marijuana” under the Controlled Substances Act⁽³⁴⁾. The law also established a regulatory framework for U.S. hemp production⁽³⁵⁾.

Furthermore, regulation and implementation of CBD and medical marijuana laws vary in all U.S. states.

As of February 2022, U.S. states such as California, Colorado, Arizona, and New York have regulated cannabis programs⁽³⁶⁾.

Thus, individuals planning to buy cannabis products, such as hemp or CBD gummies, should review their state laws to know the legality of such products in their area.

Can CBD Gummies Make an Individual High?

One reason consumers prefer buying CBD gummies is that these products have little to no THC and are nonpsychoactive⁽³⁷⁾.

Thus, CBD gummies may provide consumers with health benefits, such as feeling relief from pain, anxiety, and depression and improving sleep without causing a euphoric “high”⁽³⁸⁾.

Additionally, ingesting CBD products should not cause an individual to fail a drug test, provided the product contains less than 0.3% THC.

Still, frequent and extended CBD use may result in the THC concentration in the body rising to detectable levels⁽³⁹⁾. This outcome can lead to a drug test failure.

---

1. What Are CBD Gummies? Are There Any Health Benefits?
   https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/cbd-gummies-health-benefits-3515165/
2. CBD Products Are Everywhere. But Do They Work?
   https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/cbd-products-are-everywhere-but-do-they-work
3. What Are CBD Gummies? Are There Any Health Benefits?
   https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/cbd-gummies-health-benefits-3515165/
4. Cannabidiol (CBD)-What We Know and What We Don’t
   https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
5. The endocannabinoid system: Essential and mysterious
   https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-endocannabinoid-system-essential-and-mysterious-202108112569
6. Ibid.
7. What Are CBD Gummies? Are There Any Health Benefits?
   https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/cbd-gummies-health-benefits-3515165/
8. Ibid.
9. Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa Constituent
   https://doi.org/10.2174/157488611798280924
10. WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence: Fortieth Report
    https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/279948/9789241210225-eng.pdf
11. An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies
    https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/can.2016.0034
12. What Are the Benefits of CBD — And Is It Safe to Use?
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-cbd-safe-and-effective/faq-20446700
13. What Are CBD Gummies? Are There Any Health Benefits?
    https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/cbd-gummies-health-benefits-3515165/
14. Cannabidiol Reduces the Anxiety Induced by Simulated Public Speaking in Treatment-Naïve Social Phobia Patients
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC3079847/
15. Effects of Cannabidiol (CBD) on Regional Cerebral Blood Flow
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14583744/
16. Sedation
    https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/sedation
17. The Effects of Cannabidiol (CBD) on Cognition and Symptoms in Outpatients With Chronic Schizophrenia a Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29619533/
18. CBD Products Are Everywhere. But Do They Work?
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/cbd-products-are-everywhere-but-do-they-work
19. Ibid.
20. CBD Products Are Everywhere. But Do They Work?
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/cbd-products-are-everywhere-but-do-they-work
21. Can Vaping Damage Your Lungs? What We Do (and Don’t) Know
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-vaping-damage-your-lungs-what-we-do-and-dont-know-2019090417734
22. CFR – Code of Federal Regulations Title 21
    https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=184.1240
23. Page 244 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
24. Page 243 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
25. Tetrahydrocannabinol
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/tetrahydrocannabinol
26. The Cannabis Terpenes
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7763918/
27. Flavonoids as antioxidants
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10924197/
28. The “Entourage Effect”: Terpenes Coupled with Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Mood Disorders and Anxiety Disorders
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC7324885/
29. What Are CBD Gummies? Are There Any Health Benefits?
    https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/cbd-gummies-health-benefits-3515165/
30. Ibid.
31. FDA Responds to Three GRAS Notices for Hemp Seed-Derived Ingredients for Use in Human Food
    https://www.fda.gov/food/cfsan-constituent-updates/fda-responds-three-gras-notices-hemp-seed-derived-ingredients-use-human-food
32. What You Need to Know (And What We’re Working to Find Out) About Products Containing Cannabis or Cannabis-derived Compounds, Including CBD
    https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/what-you-need-know-and-what-were-working-find-out-about-products-containing-cannabis-or-cannabis
33. CBD & THC: Myths and Misconceptions
    https://www.projectcbd.org/guidance/cbd-thc-myths-and-misconceptions
34. Hemp Production and the 2018 Farm Bill
    https://www.fda.gov/news-events/congressional-testimony/hemp-production-and-2018-farm-bill-07252019
35. Hemp Production
    https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/hemp
36. State Medical Cannabis Laws
    https://www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-medical-marijuana-laws.aspx
37. What Are CBD Gummies? Are There Any Health Benefits?
    https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/cbd-gummies-health-benefits-3515165/
38. Ibid.
39. Can You Take CBD and Pass a Drug Test?
    https://www.consumerreports.org/cbd/can-you-take-cbd-and-pass-a-drug-test/

CBD Clinicals is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more