CBD Gummies 101
CBD gummies: the colorful, chewy, delicious-looking treats that seem to hit every wellness blog. For many of us, it’s tempting to dive right in with these trendy little chews–after all, just look at all the flavors! With delicious varieties like peach rings, cherries, and sour worms, you simply just can’t grab one (thank goodness there’s the Party Pack for that). But what exactly are CBD gummies? For starters, let’s get one thing clear: CBD gummies are no trend. In fact, they’ve only grown in popularity since they reached the mainstream 5-ish years ago. This may be because CBD is gaining more recognition as a non-intoxicating, non habit-forming option for people looking to reduce their anxiety, soothe their temporary relief minor aches , and improve the quality of their sleep. On top of that, the 2018 Farm Bill granted federal legality to hemp, which makes CBD federally legal, too. But could CBD be too good to be true? And what are the benefits of CBD gummies? How do you take CBD gummies? Let’s get into the nitty gritty about CBD gummies!
What Are CBD Gummies?
Before we really dive into CBD gummies, it’s helpful to start out with the question: what are CBD gummies?
CBD gummies are a type of edible that’s made with either an isolate, broad-spectrum or full-spectrum form of CBD. CBD gummies can come in a wide variety of options, including sugar-free and vegan, but they’re always chewy, fruity and sweet.
As the CBD industry only continues to expand, CBD gummies tend to make a recurring appearance as one of the most popular products out there, probably because they are both easy to dose and delicious to snack on.
On top of flavor and convenience, CBD gummies are also extremely discrete. While taking CBD capsules and vapes are still fairly low-key, they simply do not compare to the way gummies just blend right in. You can take them anywhere!
How CBD Works
For those new to the world of CBD, a more intense breakdown might be in order.
Okay, I know what CBD gummies are, but what’s CBD, then? Can CBD get me high?
Before we really get into it, CBD will not get you high.
Explaining what CBD is can be fairly straightforward. It’s when we talk about what it does and how it affects the body that things get elaborate.
CBD is the abbreviation for “cannabidiol,” and it can be found in cannabis plants like marijuana and industrial hemp. CBD is a special compound known as a cannabinoid, and it’s actually one of over 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis, along with THC. And similar to THC, CBD can be extracted and orally ingested, inhaled, or applied to the skin.
But unlike THC, CBD is not intoxicating, which means that it won’t get the user high. However, something does happen when we consume CBD, and quite frankly, it’s pretty phenomenal.
It all comes down to something in our bodies known as the endocannabinoid system.
Made up of a series of receptors, the endocannabinoid system is theorized to play a massive role in managing sleep, stress, temporary relief minor aches , mood, and even appetite.
And here’s where it gets interesting: the endocannabinoid system produces cannabinoids in order to signal different receptors. Because these cannabinoids are specially produced by our bodies, they’re usually referred to as endocannabinoids.
However, there appears to be a unique reaction between CBD and the endocannabinoid system—specifically the CB1 and CB2 receptors.
It’s been theorized that when CBD is broken down by the enzymes, they influence these receptors in some way, and this appears to affect a number of factors.
In the case of CBD for anxiety, it’s been theorized that CBD may have an influence on the production of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is often known as “the feel-good chemical” and is known as a natural mood stabilizer that’s associated with feelings of satisfaction and positivity. Plus it may help improve sleep quality.
The use of CBD gummies for temporary relief minor aches have also been a major topic, as some researchers believe that CBD has a possible future in temporary relief minor aches relief.
This is largely due to the fact that CBD is anti-inflammatory. Inflammation is a vital function of the body because it can prevent the onset of pathogens and infection. But in some cases (like certain autoimmune diseases), the inflammatory response will occur for no reason, and it may do so repeatedly, causing chronic temporary relief minor aches .
But when CBD enters the body, it’s been theorized that it may disarm the inflammatory response by influencing cytokines and inhibiting the enzyme COX2.
And while anecdotal evidence continues to grow, it’s important to note that there is still a lack of research to fully support this theory, and prove that CBD gummies for temporary relief minor aches holds any ground.
Where Can I Find CBD Gummies?
When it comes to CBD gummies, the most common questions are about shopping for them.
Where can I find CBD gummies?
Can I find CBD gummies near me?
With the signing of the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD is federally legal. And while you should definitely double-check your state’s laws on CBD edibles, CBD gummies for sale can be found in all kinds of places.
If you’d rather shop for CBD gummies locally, you may find a CBD store in your own town. And for those living in more urbanized areas, there could be plenty of places to find CBD gummies nearby.
That being said, shopping for CBD gummies online may still be the more convenient option.
When shopping for CBD gummies online, make sure that you’re shopping from a reputable brand; one that’s transparent about their hemp sourcing, clearly labels their products, and offers a certificate of analysis from a third-party lab for every batch
How to Dose CBD Gummies
When shopping for CBD gummies, you’ll no doubt notice all of the different dosage choices; there are 250mg jars for beginners, all the way to 3000mg for the advanced enthusiast, plus everything in between!
When learning how to dose CBD gummies, it’s important to understand that there’s no single answer that works for everyone. Everybody has different needs for their own unique body, so you’ll need to dose in a way that works for you.
The most accurate dosage will come from a doctor, but experimenting with CBD on your own accord is an option as well. When determining your CBD gummies dosage, always start as low as possible.
Timing is everything when it comes to CBD, and this is just as true with CBD gummies.
So it begs the question: when do CBD gummies start work?
And just like with dosage, there is no one-size fits all answer.
The time it takes for the CBD in gummies to reach the bloodstream is going to depend on the individual, and factors like weight, dosage, and metabolism will especially come into play.
That being said, there does appear to be a general window of time that most (but not all) will find themselves falling under. Typically, the longest it should take is 3 hours, and the quickest one could expect would be 1 hour, or in some cases as little as 45 minutes.
Also note that the effects of CBD gummies will last far longer than CBD that’s vaped or smoked, around 5-6 hours.
Do CBD Gummies Have Side Effects?
In general, CBD gummies have been well-tolerated by most users. But as is the case with any substance, some individuals may experience side effects like dizziness, dry mouth, change of appetite, nausea, or diarrhea.
However, the evidence of these side effects are quite uncommon, and there is nothing to indicate that CBD is unsafe when taken properly.
When starting out on CBD gummies, consult your doctor if you’re currently on any medications including (but not limited to):
● Blood thinners
● Thyroid medications
● Antidepressants
● Seizure medications