What Exactly Are CBD Gummies and Do They Work?
The keyword/term ‘CBD gummies’ was one of the most Googled food items in the US in 2018. That alone goes to show the number of people interested in knowing what this candy-shaped food is all about. Their curiosity is justified. After all, CBD is getting all the rage lately.
CBD is the part of marijuana that is supposed to chill you out (not the part that makes you want to eat like a maniac). That’s the other compound called THC that renders you high. CBD or cannabidiol doesn’t have that psychoactive effect.
If you’re reading this article, chances are you heard some rave reviews about CBD/CBD gummies from a friend or colleague, and you decided to equip yourself with more information. Good! Because we have the answers to FAQs around CBD gummies. Here they are –
First things first, what exactly is CBD anyway?
Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is a chemical compound belonging to the marijuana/hemp plant. It’s mostly available in the form of elixirs, body oils, balms, tinctures, edibles (to name a few). Companies extract it from the hemp plant (more specifically, the flower).
Ever since the passing of Farm Bill 2018, which legality hemp farming, this market is soon predicted to hit the billion-dollar mark by 2020.
Cannabidiol is the second most active cannabinoid in the marijuana plant family right after THC. Since the CBD available in the markets comes from hemp, it carries almost negligible traces of THC (legal limit is 0.3%).
Lately, science has started showing more curiosity in studying the effects of this cannabinoids, mostly because of the potential it carries in terms of managing myriad physical/mental issues like chronic pains, discomforts, stress, anxiety, etc. The icing on the cake is the absence of THC (the psychoactive effects). Translation? You receive all the therapeutic benefits without the unwanted ‘high’ effects.
What are CBD Gummies?
It’s exactly what it sounds like. Think of a regular gummy bear (only with an infusion of CBD oil in it). In terms of appearance and texture, both look identical, and you can’t even tell the difference between regular gummies and CBD ones. They come in a variety of flavors, shapes, and sizes for more artistic appeal. For those who are big on using CBD discreetly and don’t want to be frowned upon, gummies are probably the best option. The concentration of CBD can vary based on different brands and manufacturers.
Know that most CBD products, including gummies, are not regulated or approved by the FDA. That means you have no way to establish/testify the purity and/or strength of different brands. One can never really be 100% sure about what it is they’re ingesting while buying CBD gummies. That makes it imperative to do your due diligence before trying out a CBD product, including gummy bears.
Can these gummies make you high?
One word – NO! CBD gummies do not carry any psychoactive properties since it’s almost devoid of any THC content. The law states for all CBD products to carry no more than 0.3% THC. Failure to abide by these rules can lead to prosecution. In the absence of THC, there’s no way for anyone to experience the ‘high; or any mind-altering effects.
Are There any Health Benefits of CBD Gummies?
CBD, in itself, is used in the treatment of epilepsy. The FDA recently approved Epidiolex, the first-ever medicine containing CBD.
There’s some research available (check out this research paper) on the effectiveness of CBD for the management of myriad health and wellness related issues such as –
- Aches
- Pains
- Anxiety
- Stress
- inflammation
- insomnia
- Etc.
However, the research only took into consideration pure CBD oil (not gummies). Even for the pure stuff, there are only limited trials conducted to back those claims. Most of those were conducted on animals like rodents.
As of now, there’s no scientific data available to tell you what it is that CBD gummies can help you with, although you might stumble upon some anecdotal evidence where people talk about their experience with these gummies. Know that it could very well be a placebo effect too.
The only way to establish whether or not CBD gummies can help you is to test it out yourself.
Where to buy CBD Gummies?
You shouldn’t have a hard time getting hands-on CBD gummies, especially if you live in a place where the devil’s lettuce is legal. You may even find CBD gummies near your gas station. For everyone else, you can scour the internet to find some promising brands. You can also check out the IHF LLC Hemp Flower website. Make sure to check your state guidelines for CBD usage to avoid getting in trouble.
How Many CBD Gummies Should You Eat?
CBD gummies do not come with dosage guidelines. So, there’s no way to establish how many to consume before you begin to notice any physiological differences. Your best bet is to start with 1-2 gummies a day and see how your body responds. Slowly up the dose until you hit that sweet spot or begin to see some results. It could be a while before you stumble upon your ‘ideal dosage.’
Final Thoughts
When all is said and done, CBD gummies do make for an interesting food item. If you are curious to try them, make sure to purchase them from a reputable vendor. Know that it’s almost impossible to experience any side-effects from consuming CBD gummies. However, you are advised to perform your due diligence to know what all ingredients went into their preparation to avoid any allergic reactions.
