Gummies and edibles are a fast becoming one of the most popular ways to consume CBD, here’s everything you need to know before you try them.
There are almost as many ways to consume CBD as there are reasons to take it, from oils and tinctures to balms and creams.
How you choose to take it depends largely on personal preference and what you’re hoping to get from using CBD, but there are some rules of thumb users should be aware of.
All methods of use will provide the same overall benefits of CBD for a range of ailments, from anxiety and stress to aches and pains, so it can be hard to choose where to start.
CBD gummies are a discreet and easy way to consume the compound, so could they be the right option for you?
Extract v whole plant
CBD oil comes in different forms and is often made from the whole plant. Known as full-spectrum oils, these products contain other cannabinoids and terpenes, which many believe make them more effective.
Gummies, on the other hand, are usually made by extracting the CBD (isolate or broad-spectrum) from the hemp plant and using that as an ingredient, alongside all the things that give it thee sweet taste. This is not always the case though, and some brands use a cold-pressed extraction method to ensure their gummies still contain the benefits of the whole-plant.
Better taste
CBD oil can have a very bitter taste – it is derived from a plant after all – so some people find this off-putting if they want to take it orally.
CBD gummies taste much like any other gummy sweet, although this does come at a price; they can be full of sugar, which may be an issue for people of restrictive diets, such as diabetics, or those who are simply trying to ease their sweet tooth.
Longer-lasting
Compared to other methods, CBD gummies take longer to take effect, as they need to be digested, although some users may prefer this.
This also means that the gummies stay in the system for longer, making them a great option for people who don’t have time to think about the effects wearing off.
Discreet
While CBD use is becoming widely accepted and no longer has the negative associations it once did, taking a bottle of oil out to place a few drops on the tongue is still not something everyone wants to be doing in public.
With CBD gummies, however, nobody watching will know what you’re taking.
And with no glass bottles or droppers, they’re a mess-free and transportable option too – easy to pop in a bag and add to your daily routine.
Dosage
On the same token, this method makes it easier for consumers to monitor their dose more carefully. Knowing how much CBD is in one sweet is more accurate than measuring it yourself using oil and a dropper.
Are they safe?
In short, yes. CBD gummies have no psychoactive properties, so they will not give you a high. And, while some people report side effects, they are typically mild and fleeting, such as drowsiness, nausea, and diarrhoea.
Are they effective?
While more research is needed, anecdotally, CBD gummies work in the same way as any other CBD product.
However, it is worth noting that research into the effectiveness of CBD has only tested pure oil, not gummies.
So, while there may be no concrete scientific evidence that gummies work, plenty of people do report a benefit.
CBD consumption is very much a matter of personal preference, and, while gummies have plenty to recommend them, they may not be to everyone’s taste.