The Ultimate CBD Gummies Guide

What is better than sweet, sugary, delicious candy? I can think of something - how about candy with CBD in it? CBD gummies are a popular CBD product for people of all ages. They are a fun way to take your CBD (and satisfy your sweet tooth at the same time).  

In this blog, we will explore all there is to know about CBD gummies. Sit back, relax, and learn a thing or two in the ultimate CBD gummies guide.

What is in a CBD Gummy?

Gummies are a specific type of sweet, fruity-flavored candy. One of the most characteristic aspects of this candy gives it its name - being gummy! Unlike many other types of candies that are brittle and hard (like a lollipop or candy cane), a gummy is soft, chewy, and has a gel-like texture. The first question we should dig into is what exactly is in gummies that makes them, well, gummy!

What Makes a Gummy, Gummy?

The gumminess of gummies is achieved by the addition of specific ingredients. In many cases, the ingredient gelatin is used. Gelatin is a food additive that comes from the bones, skins, and cartilage of animals like pigs and cows. These parts of the animal are high in the protein structure, collagen, which is what gives skin, bones, tendons, and cartilage its structure and its resilience to stretching forces. 

These parts of the animal are boiled to extract collagen in the form of gelatin. When added to food products, such as gummies, gelatin has the same effect as it does in the body’s tissues. Now, what you probably noticed is that gelatin is derived from animals, so, if you are vegan or vegetarian, gelatin-based gummies would not be a fit in your diet. Pectin is an alternative to gelatin and has a similar effect, however, it is derived from plants. 

Tip: When searching for a CBD gummy to add to your regime, it is important to look at the ingredients to see whether pectin or gelatin is used if you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet.

Gelatin or pectin is just one part that makes up the gummy. Let’s dive into the other ingredients.

Make ‘Em Sweet, Please!

When it comes to candy, the first thing that comes to mind for most people is - sweet. This is true for CBD gummies as well. The majority of CBD gummies you will find list some sort of sugar or syrup as the first ingredient. Corn syrup, tapioca syrup, and cane sugar are common sweeteners you will see in gummies. 

In addition to sweeteners, CBD gummies will usually also contain flavoring ingredients. In some cases, the flavoring agents are all-natural and derived from fruit juice, and in other cases, they are artificial flavors. These give the gummies a fruity taste in addition to the sweet taste achieved by the addition of sugar and syrups.

Tip:  If you are following an all-natural diet, check the label to assess whether artificial or natural flavoring agents are used.

Red, Blue, Green - Oh, My!

You have probably noticed that CBD gummies come in an array of bright, fun colors. Although this doesn’t necessarily change the taste, many people associate a strawberry taste with the color red, and blue raspberry with the color blue. Pairing the taste to a coordinating color can actually enhance the flavor by playing into these associations you already have. To color gummies, either artificial food colorings or all-natural food coloring from things like beets and turmeric can be used.

Tip: If you have any concerns with artificial coloring agents, be sure to read the label first!

The last ingredient in CBD gummies, and star of the show, is of course CBD! The amount of CBD in gummies varies from product to product. The next important aspect to touch on is CBD dosing, absorption, and bioavailability. 

CBD Gummies: Dosing, Absorption, and Bioavailability

When you purchase a bottle of CBD gummies, you may be wondering how many to eat. The answer to that question depends on a handful of factors, some of which we can clarify here. However, it is important to keep in mind that every person is different, and dosing is highly individual. The next question on your mind might be, “how long does it take for these to kick in?” This is another important question which we will also dive into.

Let's start with CBD dosing.

CBD Gummy Dosing

It is common to see CBD gummies with anywhere between 5-50mg of CBD per gummy. The rule of thumb is, start low. It is always best to start with 5-10mg of CBD to see how your body responds, before increasing your dose. This might mean starting with half a gummy, depending on how many mg of CBD is in the gummy you have.

After you have a sense of how your body responds to a low dose of CBD, you can play around with increasing your dosage until you find the dosage most suitable to you. One thing to keep in mind is, CBD does not enter your bloodstream immediately after eating a gummy, so try not to get too excited and eat several at a time without knowing your ideal dose yet!

This brings us to our next topic - how long CBD gummies take to kick in.

How Long Do CBD Gummies Take to Work?

CBD Gummies are unique in that they are a food product with CBD inside. This means that the CBD is released in your digestive tract as you digest the gummy. So, the CBD inside gummies does take some time to digest, absorb, and enter your bloodstream.

So how long exactly? Some sources report that it can take edible forms of CBD, such as CBD gummies 2-4 hours to fully enter the bloodstream. Keep in mind, if you have a full stomach from a previous meal, this can prolong how long CBD gummies take to digest.

The other factor, aside from how long CBD gummies take to digest, is how much CBD actually gets absorbed. This is known as “bioavailability.” You may be thinking that 100% of the CBD that is in a CBD gummy gets absorbed, but in reality, the amount appears to be quite a bit less, according to research. Studies have shown that between 6-33% of CBD is absorbed from CBD edibles. However, one way to increase bioavailability to get closer to the 33% mark is to eat your CBD gummies along with a snack that contains fat.

In summary, if you eat a CBD gummy, remember that for it to fully take effect, you are looking at a few hours. This is important to keep in mind when deciding when timing your CBD gummy dose. Next, let’s look into when the best time to take a CBD gummy is.

When is the Best Time to Take a CBD Gummy?

There are a few considerations when deciding when to take a CBD gummy. The first is the effect CBD has. At low doses, CBD is more stimulating, and at higher doses, it can be more sedating. This means, if you are taking CBD gummies during the day, you will want to avoid taking a high dose (over 25mg on average). In contrast, if you are headed to get some such eye, taking a small dose of CBD (5mg) may leave you feeling alert and energized. 

Depending on what you are using CBD gummies for, the time of day that is best to take them vaires. Keep in mind it can take a few hours for CBD gummies to kick in, so plan accordingly! You may want to take a CBD gummy a few hours before you go to bed, or right at bedtime if you want the CBD to release during your sleep.

Plus, discovering what dosage of CBD works best for you is something to play around with when taking CBD during the day, or at night.

This brings us to our next topic, which is types of CBD gummies. As we mentioned, some are geared toward daytime use, while others are intended for night time use. Let’s look at what differentiates these types.

Types of CBD Gummies

Sugar, CBD, flavoring, and coloring agents make up the bulk of a CBD gummy, however, you will find different types of CBD gummies on the market that have additional ingredients such as L-theanine, melatonin, turmeric, and more. These additional ingredients may be helpful for certain situations or times of day. For example, melatonin is a hormone that our brain produces at night time when we sleep. Therefore, CBD gummies that have melatonin added are typically most suitable to nighttime dosing. 

In contrast, CBD gummies with caffeine would not be suitable for nighttime use as caffeine is a stimulant. The gummies that contain L-theanine, passionflower or other amino acids/herbs of this nature may be more versatile as they can typically be used during the day or night.

In addition to these types of CBD gummies, there are numerous more available on the market that have specialized added ingredients. If you are looking for a genre of CBD gummies in particular, chances are, you will be able to find it!

Now that you have learned a lot about CBD gummies and how to use them, you may be wondering if CBD gummies are safe for you to use. Let’s break it down.

Do CBD Gummies Have Any Side Effects?

Overall, CBD is a very safe product which does not cause severe side effects. Some of the most common side effects of CBD are:

• Decreased appetite
• Lack or loss of strength
• Rash
• Trouble sleeping
• Change in walking and balance
• Clumsiness or unsteadiness
• Decreased weight
• Drooling
• Increased saliva

In most cases, if a person experiences any of these side effects, they tend to be mild.

Is There Anyone Who Should Not Use Gummies?

It is always best to consult with your licensed health care provider before beginning adding anything to your health and wellness routine. Although CBD has very few side effects, it can interact with some medications by affecting the rate at which they are broken down. Therefore, seeking guidance from your doctor is important.

Another point to consider is that CBD gummies contain sugar. For people with diabetes, blood sugar balance issues, or people following a sugar-free or keto diet, CBD gummies may not be the most appropriate choice. Other CBD options, such as capsules or oils, could be a better option. 

The last question on your mind may be, are CBD gummies the best option for you? There are few pieces to consider here. Let’s break it down.

Are Gummies a Better Option than Other Types of CBD Products?

There are so many choices of CBD products out there, and you may be wondering what option is best for you. CBD oils, topicals, and CBD capsules are the other main types of CBD products on the market. Each has their benefits and setbacks.

When it comes to CBD gummies, one of the main advantages is the taste and enjoyability of this product. A sweet, chewy piece of candy is always a plus when it comes to taking your health and wellness products. One of the potential setbacks is they contain sugar. If you are on a keto diet, diabetic, or watching your sugar intake, this is a factor to consider. Another consideration is the length of time it takes for the CBD gummies to release the CBD through digestion. This could be a pro or a con, depending on what your needs are.

CBD oils are a liquid form of CBD that is absorbed under the tongue. This means CBD in the form of an oil enters your bloodstream quicker - in about 20 minutes. The amount of CBD absorbed from both CBD gummies and CBD oil is comparable.  CBD oils can be flavored, or unflavored, however, they do not typically contain sugar. This is a plus if you are watching your sugar intake. 

CBD capsules are comparable to gummies in the amount of CBD that is absorbed and the time it takes. The main difference is there is no taste, smell, or sugar in CBD capsules. This can be a plus if you are not seeking to get a sweet fix through your CBD supplements!

The last option is CBD topicals. CBD topicals are applied directly to the skin and therefore taste and sugar content is not a factor. Topical CBD options are targeted to the area they are applied, so you will not get as much entering your bloodstream.

As you can see, there is no “going-wrong” with CBD options. It all comes down to personal preference!