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There are a lot of options for CBD consumption on the market these days: between smokable flower, oils, vapes, and edibles, you can find something suited to your needs. But let’s be honest, the tastiest has to be the CBD gummy. But before diving in on gummies with CBD, it’s important to understand the different consumption methods and the differences between them.
In this article we’ll explore what CBD gummies really are, how to choose the right one for you, and what benefits they offer, beyond being the tastiest cannabis consumption method!
CBD: THE BASICS
Before jumping into CBD gummies, let’s briefly break down what cannabidiol (also known as CBD) is. Natural CBD is one of the 113 identified cannabinoids found within the cannabis plant, and with none of the psychoactive properties of THC, has quickly become a favorite amongst consumers. Each cannabinoid has its own unique therapeutic benefit, and they operate on the endocannabinoid system. More on that later!
The natural compound, CBD, is extracted from the flowers of the cannabis plant. CBD is currently undergoing a lot of scientific research for its abilities to provide users with relaxing, pain relieving, anti-inflammatory, and anti-anxiety benefits (and so much more). The legal restrictions on cannabis meant that for a long time, it was restricted from research. However, science is catching up to demonstrate evidence for the benefits that people have anecdotally known for a long time.
CBD is a safer option for those who don’t enjoy the intoxicated feeling that comes from the THC in marijuana. It’s a great choice for those seeking more natural alternatives to traditional medicine, as it comes without the unwanted side effects that often accompany prescriptive medications. There are a number of different varieties of CBD available over-the-counter and are popular with users suffering from a wide array of ailments.
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system which has control over some of our body’s most vital processes like sleep, reproduction, pain control, and mood. Understanding the endocannabinoid system is key to understanding how CBD and CBD gummies work in the body. For more information on how the endocannabinoid system (or ECS) works, check out our blog post on the topic.
CBD EDIBLES
CBD gummies are a form of edible cannabinoids. In the past edibles were often thought of as baked goods containing marijuana, such as ‘pot brownies’, but nowadays the term is more broad. CBD has no psychoactive effects, and edibles come in a variety of different forms. Edibles like CBD gummies are simply an ingestible form of cannabis that requires no combustion — or fire — to activate its chemical compounds. Many cannabis fans prefer edibles for health reasons, as there is no smoke to inhale or to fill up the environment around them. If you’re a person who hates the smell of smoke or vape, edibles like CBD gummies are an easy alternative to make sure your body and home stay smoke-free.
CBD gummies are not psycho-active, so the user does not experience a ‘high’ feeling, leaving only the therapeutic benefits after ingestion. As CBD gains worldwide popularity, in part because of its ability to provide relief without intoxication, manufacturers are working hard to create edible cannabis products that contain only CBD. This means even more opportunities and products available where users can get necessary therapeutic benefits without risk of intoxication.
BENEFITS OF CBD GUMMIES
There are many benefits to CBD gummies, but the most powerful is the complete lack of smoke entering the lungs or the air. This is especially important for those who suffer from chronic lung conditions and would benefit from the use of CBD products, and perhaps even to treat that same condition. The smallest amount of smoke or vape can irritate sensitive lungs, even if it’s just second-hand, but CBD gummies avoid that issue completely while still providing a balanced and effective dose to help those suffering from chronic lung conditions.
Some also choose CBD gummies as a more discreet option of cannabis consumption. Even though cannabis products are quickly becoming mainstream and more accepted in all varieties of social circles, there is still a long way to go and often people will feel judged if they are the first to explore cannabis products out of their peers or colleagues. CBD gummies are unobtrusive and easy to take for those looking for a more subtle option, or those looking for a simple way to become familiar with the world of cannabis and the therapeutic benefits it provides.
Another benefit of CBD gummies is the simple fact that their effects last longer than other methods. With CBD edibles, your digestive system completely absorbs all of the CBD, so you know you are getting the full effect of the product. Because a single dose of a CBD gummy can last much longer than a similar dose of a smoked CBD product, the user can ultimately eliminate the need for frequent dosing throughout the day. It also makes CBD gummies especially effective for those using them for conditions that require lasting effect over many hours, like for pain, anxiety, or sleep disorders. CBD gummies also tend to provide a more sedative effect, which is especially useful for those suffering from issues related to sleep or relaxation.
Additionally, with CBD gummies you can more easily control the dosage. With smokable flower, for instance, it is difficult to know exactly how much CBD you are consuming and how much of it is (literally) blowing away in the wind. CBD gummies will indicate the exact dose on the package, so you know exactly what you are ingesting. Just make sure you are buying your products from a reputable brand, because some poor-quality products do not contain the CBD dose indicated on the package. Plus, they’re easy to blend with other active ingredients, unlike some other CBD delivery methods.
CBD gummies are also easy to transport, so you can easily pop them in your bag when you’re on the go. They’re perfect for traveling (just ensure your destination doesn’t have any legal restrictions against CBD use). You don’t have to worry about finding a discreet place to smoke or a CBD oil or tincture leaking in your bag. They’re easy to share with others in a hygienic, safe manner. Plus, they’re delicious! There’s no reason your health supplements can’t be tasty.
Lastly, most people will find edibles like CBD gummies to be a more affordable option when compared to CBD flower or oil. Most often CBD gummies will cost less per item than other CBD options, making them the best option for those looking for the best bang for their buck.
CBD GUMMIES STATISTICS AND STUDIES
CBD gummies are a booming industry, representing 1.6 billion dollars of the market globally in 2020. It shows no sign of slowing down, with an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30.7% from 2021 to 2028.
Some of this growing interest in CBD gummies is surely related to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a sharp increase in anxiety and depression seen around the globe. Accordingly, online CBD stores saw an increase in sales of their gummies over the past year versus brick and mortar stores. CBD is often used for anxiety and depression, and with 40 million adults aged 18 and older affected by these conditions in the US alone, the demand is only set to increase. Check out this blog post for more information on the mental effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how CBD can support your mental health.
CBD gummies have a low risk of toxicity, as demonstrated in this report by the World Health Organization. It is also not shown to have any effect on embryonic development. Few to no adverse effects were observed, and the report noted, “Across a number of controlled and open label trials CBD of the potential therapeutic effects of CBD it is generally well tolerated, with a good safety profile.” Plus, unlike THC (marijuana), no tolerance was observed.
Notably, CBD was reported to lack potential for abuse, unlike THC and other drugs. In fact, a “high dose (10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg) CBD resulted in an elevation of the threshold suggestive of diminished reward activity. This effect is opposite to that of drugs of abuse such as cocaine, methamphetamine and opioids which lower the threshold…While THC has been shown to increase the firing rate of these cells, cannabidiol had no effect.” This is comforting news to those skeptical about CBD gummies and the potential for abuse. The report concluded that “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential…. To date, there is no evidence of public health related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”
TYPES OF CBD GUMMIES
You’ll usually see CBD gummies available in three different styles and it’s very important to know the difference between each, especially if you’re sensitive to THC or live in a state where marijuana is still illegal.
The first variant is known as full spectrum CBD. This type of product will contain all cannabinoids, terpenes and molecular compounds found within the plant, including THC, which could make it illegal in certain states.
Broad spectrum CBD is identical to full spectrum CBD with one exception: there’s no THC. It still contains all other terpenes and molecular compounds.
Isolate CBD takes it a step further, removing virtually everything but the CBD. For maximum purity, MojaveRx uses CBD isolate in all our products.
One thing to watch out for when comparing different types of CBD gummies is the infusion process. Some low-quality CBD brands will buy cheap gummies already produced and then simply drop CBD oil onto them. This makes the CBD dosing inconsistent, which negates one of the key benefits of CBD gummies which is reliable dosing.
Brands that properly infuse gummies will blend the CBD and gelatin or pectin together and homogenize it prior to the gummies being cured. This results in consistent dosing between each individual gummy, so you can trust that the gummies actually contain what the label says.
CBD GUMMIES FOR SLEEP
Difficulty sleeping is a huge problem nowadays, with between 10% and 30% of adults struggling with chronic insomnia. Poor sleep can cause numerous health issues, not to mention cognitive decline and reduced performance. Many people turn to prescription medications to help them get a restful sleep, but these medications often come with desirable side effects.
There are a number of natural sleep aids you can use as an alternative, and CBD as a sleep aid is gaining popularity. This is supported by studies demonstrating that CBD can help with anxiety, which can in turn lead to poor sleep. To learn more about how CBD gummies can help support a healthy sleep routine, check out our blog post with more information.
MojaveRx has a range of CBD products for sleep. Our CBD gummies for sleep contain a potent 25mg of Activated CBD plus 5mg of melatonin, a hormone primarily released by the pineal gland that regulates the sleep–wake cycle. In addition, this gummy contains a blend of herbs and roots used therapeutically to promote rest and relaxation, such as Valerian, Chamomile, and St. John’s Wart.
WHICH TYPE OF CBD GUMMIES ARE BEST?
The choice of which of those is best will rely solely on which you personally prefer or what works better with your lifestyle. In regards to which CBD type will work best for you, take the time to determine what you do and do not want from the experience.
If you’re not worried about drug testing or ingesting trace amounts of THC, and are looking for a full range of cannabinoids as derived from the plant, then finding a full spectrum CBD gummy might be fine for you.
Alternatively, you can look for a broad spectrum CBD gummy which will have all of the same cannabinoids as the full spectrum, only without the THC. True broad spectrum products should have ‘ND’, non-detectable THC levels. However be sure to look at the certificates of analysis associated with the batch you’re buying to confirm. Sometimes other minor cannabinoids may have effects that are unwanted for your targeted benefit.
If you’re interested in focusing on the therapeutic properties of CBD and not other cannabinoids or terpenes, or maybe you’re overly sensitive to them, then gummies made with CBD isolate are the right product for you.
Gummies made with CBD isolate are the best option for athletes who are required to take regular drug tests. Because there’s no risk of THC showing up in the test results, they are a good option for competitive athletes. Isolate gummies are also the safest option if you have concerns with any potential psycho-active side effects.
American soccer star and Olympic gold medalist Megan Rapinoe is a proponent of CBD. She uses it as a healthier alternative to pain relief medication, as well as sleep aid and relaxation tool. Megan has said, ‘There’s a lot of stigma around the use of CBD in soccer. There needs to be greater education so athletes can make an informed decision.”
ARE CBD GUMMIES FOR ME?
The first thing you’ll need to know is whether or not all types of CBD products are legal in your state. Full spectrum products are not federally legal if they contain more than 0.3% THC, the federal limit for hemp products.
If you are interested in dipping your toe into the CBD world and seeing if it can support you in your athletic and overall health goals, CBD gummies are a great way to start. CBD gummies can be an easy and effective way to try out the wonderful world of cannabis and specifically CBD products. While many other forms of CBD may be a little intimidating for someone new to the industry, there are few things more straightforward (and tasty!) than eating a gummy.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT CBD GUMMY
If you think you would benefit from CBD in any way, take a trip to almost any store or online CBD manufacturer and pick out a CBD gummy that sounds enticing. It’s important to understand that CBD gummies are not all created equal: there are great products out there, but there are also some poor quality products you need to watch out for. Ensure you do your homework and buy your CBD gummies from a reputable provider.
MojaveRx has some of the highest quality products available on the market. Our Sleep Gummy and Recovery Gummy are great places to start for those trying it out. The Sleep Gummy is specially formulated to give you a restful night of sleep, and is great for insomnia sufferers. The Recovery Gummy is perfect for athletes seeking help with muscle recovery. If you’re unsure of which products to try first, get in touch with MojaveRx, and we will be happy to steer you in the right direction.
HOW TO DOSE CBD GUMMIES
Everyone’s body is different, so there’s not one right way to consume CBD or dosage amount that will work for everyone. Many factors will impact the right amount for you including your weight, activity levels, hydration, and metabolism. CBD may be metabolized within a couple of hours in one person, while it may last up to six hours in another person.
Edibles like CBD gummies are much easier to start slowly on than other CBD products, so ease yourself into it by only eating a small amount at first, waiting for at least an hour, and then increasing the amount a little bit after that. Soon you’ll discover what the best dose is for your needs. Beyond that, CBD gummies are so easy to adjust, if you find yourself needing more or less on any given day, simply eating more or less of your edible product is a simple way to make those adjustments on the fly. The easy dosage adjustability of CBD in gummy form is one of its perks!
CONCLUSION
CBD gummies are the perfect way to try CBD for yourself due to their relative safety and reliable dosing. Tasty and discreet, CBD gummies benefit people interested in the health benefits of CBD but looking to avoid smoke inhalation or messy liquids.
The most important thing to keep in mind when choosing your CBD gummy is the dose and the quality of the product. Ensure you choose a high quality isolate product which is infused during the gummy production, not after. You can trust that all of MojaveRx’s products are produced with the highest quality production methods on the market.
With so many potential benefits, few side effects, and exciting emerging research on your side, there’s never been a better time to try for yourself. If you’re curious about CBD gummies, MojaveRx is happy to give you the information you need and support you in your athletic and health goals. Check out our shop to try out one of MojaveRx’s CBD gummies today!
Disclaimer
The statements expressed on this website are purely opinion of the author and not factual. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any products referenced on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It’s highly suggested to consult with your medical professional prior to any use of the products referenced on this website. This website and author specifically disclaim any liability in connection with the products contained on the website.