If you are starting to explore the world of CBD, it can be intimidating to figure out where to start. With plenty of options available, understanding which products will work best for your needs can be quite challenging. To make this a bit easier on you and help kick-start your journey, let us break down the difference between two popular items: CBD oils and gummies!
How CBD Works
CBD stands for cannabidiol, a compound found in the hemp plant that supports mental and physical wellness. This natural remedy has been used for centuries to support overall health and help people feel their best. CBD contains a wide range of beneficial compounds that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps regulate things like mood, sleep, and pain.
People are rapidly recognizing the power of CBD as an effective alternative to pharmaceutical drugs for symptom relief. Research suggests that it interacts with receptors in the central nervous system, potentially providing a soothing effect and reducing inflammation; some studies even suggest its pain-relieving capabilities may help manage chronic discomfort.
CBD Edibles
CBD edibles are any food or drink product that contains cannabidiol (CBD). These products come in a variety of forms, from gummies to cakes, chocolates and even tinctures. CBD edibles are typically ingested orally and can provide a range of health benefits, such as reducing anxiety, improving sleep quality and helping with pain relief.
Is CBD Safe?
The safety of CBD is still being studied, but it’s generally considered safe for adults to use. It does not produce any psychoactive effects and has minimal side-effects, so many people are turning to it for natural relief from various ailments.
Some specific health benefits of CBD extract include:
• Relief from pain and inflammation
• Improved sleep quality
• Stress relief
• Reduced anxiety levels
• Improved cognitive function
Full spectrum CBD products like oils and gummies are a great way to get your daily dose of cannabidiol. On the other hand, topical CBD is also available in the form of creams, balms, and patches. Other forms include capsules, CBD tinctures, concentrates, and CBD edibles.
Is CBD Legal?
The legality of CBD varies from state to state, so it’s important to check the laws in your area before making any purchases. Generally speaking, hemp-derived CBD products are legal across the United States as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC (the psychoactive compound found in marijuana). THC is the compound responsible for producing a “high" feeling, so this amount is not considered to be enough to cause any psychoactive effects.
When you consume CBD, the CBD interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system — an extensive communication network made up of receptors throughout your brain and body. The interactions cause various physiological effects, such as pain relief and improved mood.
Currently, FDA regulations do not allow CBD products to make specific health claims, but it is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to more traditional treatments. Today, approved nonprescription CBD products are available at many online retailers, and it is gaining acceptance across the country.
CBD Oil vs. Gummies: Which is Best for You?
Both oil and gummies are popular ways to incorporate CBD into your wellness routine. However, there are a few key differences between them that might influence which one you choose.
CBD Oil
CBD oil is the most popular form of CBD and comes in many different concentrations. It can be taken orally, through vaping, or even topically for localized relief.
CBD oils are extracted from hemp plants and then diluted with a carrier oil, like coconut or olive oil, to create the desired potency. This is an easy and convenient way to get your daily dose of CBD and it has become increasingly popular as more research supports its efficacy in treating various ailments.
Oils typically offer more versatility in terms of dosage and how you can use them. You can drop the CBD oil directly under your tongue and hold it there for 1-2 minutes to allow it to be absorbed, or you can mix it into drinks or food. Additionally, you can adjust the CBD dosage easily since most oil bottles come with a dropper that makes measuring out precise amounts simple.
MCT oil , on the other hand, is a good choice if you don’t like the taste of CBD oil or are looking for an easy way to incorporate it into your diet. MCT oil tastes similar to coconut oil, so it can be added to smoothies and shakes or used in cooking. Strawberry lemonade, tapioca syrup and guava paste are some popular options where MCT oil can be used.
CBD Gummies
CBD gummies, on the other hand, are a great way to get your daily dose of CBD without having to worry about measuring anything out. Both CBD and hemp gummies are pre-dosed, so you don’t have to worry about taking too much or too little. They come in delicious flavors and make taking CBD fun! They also tend to be more discreet since you can take them anywhere without having to worry about any odors or mess.
Which is Better For You?
The answer to this question depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Take full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD oils, for example. They are capable of creating what is known as the "entourage effect"--where compounds and terpenes mutually enhance each other's positive effects while suppressing any drawbacks. This means that full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD oils can provide a more intense effect than isolated, single-molecule products.
Another key distinction between CBD oil and CBD gummy is the rate of absorption. Consuming a gummy means that it will always be absorbed through your digestive system, which can take longer than other methods; you likely won't feel its effects for at least an hour. That's why it pays to remain patient before taking more: allow time for your body to process and respond accordingly.
On the contrary, if speed is your priority, consuming oil might be the way to go. Even though you still absorb it through digestion, one of the fastest methods for getting its benefits is to take it sublingually by dropping some under your tongue and holding it there for about a minute before swallowing.
If you're looking to experience all the perks of cannabis, then full-spectrum or broad-spectrum oils and gummies are your best bet. But if regular drug tests for employment purposes is a concern, go with either Broad Spectrum or CBD Isolate oil/gummy instead. Keep in mind that although full spectrum products contain 0.3% THC content or less, it may still cause a false positive on certain sensitive drug tests.
When considering which CBD product to try first, it’s important to think about your lifestyle and how you want to integrate it into your routine. Oils are generally easier to absorb than CBD gummies, so they are a great choice if you’re looking for fast-acting relief. Gummies may take longer to kick in, but they can be a convenient way to get your daily dose of CBD while on the go.
Finally, it is essential to carefully select and purchase products from trustworthy brands that not only have lab-tested their items but can also provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA). This will guarantee the potency and quality of your CBD. Additionally, it's important to keep in mind that everyone has different reactions when taking CBD; therefore, you may benefit immensely one day while having very little effect on another.
