Buying guide for best CBD gummies
Today, cannabidiol (CBD) is a popular treatment for a wide array of health issues. Research suggests that CBD can help relieve chronic pain, reduce depression and anxiety, soothe symptoms related to cancer, treat insomnia, and provide other health benefits, and one of the easiest ways to take CBD is in CBD gummies.
CBD is a compound that’s extracted from the cannabis or hemp plant. However, unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another compound found in cannabis, CBD doesn’t have any psychoactive effects. That means it can offer the pain relief and other benefits that marijuana does but without the high, mind-altering effect that many people don’t want. CBD is available in several forms, such as oils and tinctures, but CBD gummies are the easiest to use because you don’t have to measure out a dose. They also offer a tasty flavor and can be taken discreetly.
With so many CBD gummies to choose from, it can be tough to select the right formula for your needs. If you’re new to the world of CBD gummies, our buying guide can help you find the best formula to address your health concerns. We also offer some specific product recommendations to make shopping even easier.
Key considerations
COA
When looking for high-quality gummies, it’s essential to check whether the formula has a certificate of analysis (COA), which verifies that the gummies contain the amount of CBD that the manufacturer claims they do. A COA typically determines how much CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids the gummies contain to give you an idea of the gummies’ potency. It should also provide information about any pesticides, microbes, heavy metals, or chemicals found in the product. For quality assurance purposes, a COA should be issued by a third party, not the manufacturer.
Source
For the highest quality CBD gummies, it helps to choose a product that uses hemp grown in the United States. Hemp is a cannabis plant that contains 0.3% or less of THC, which limits its psychoactive effects. Some manufacturers use European-grown hemp, which is usually high in quality, too. However, soil conditions in the U.S. are generally considered better for hemp growth.
You also want to choose CBD gummies made from organically grown hemp. That means no chemicals are used during the growing process, so you don’t have to worry about toxins finding their way into your gummies.
THC
To ensure that you don’t experience any mind-altering effects from the CBD gummies, check the product’s THC concentration. The gummies should be made from hemp oil that contains 0.3% THC or less because that amount isn’t enough to make you feel high. In fact, any cannabis plant that contains 0.4% THC or more is considered a marijuana plant, not a hemp plant, and it shouldn’t be used to make CBD oil.
CBD type
CBD gummies can contain a few different types of CBD.
CBD isolate products have only CBD, with no THC present. These are usually a good option for people who are new to using CBD products because they allow you to see if the CBD is effective without any other cannabinoids present.
Broad-spectrum CBD products have CBD and other cannabinoids, such as CBC and CBN. They generally don’t contain THC, though some products may have trace amounts.
Full-spectrum CBD products have all the same ingredients as broad-spectrum CBD products, but they also contain small amounts of THC. Keep in mind that these amounts are below the 0.3% mandate established by federal law. You won’t get high on gummies with full-spectrum CBD, but some people feel that they have a stronger effect.
Did you know?
In both human and animal studies, CBD is linked to a reduction in depression and anxiety.
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Coated vs. infused
CBD gummies can contain the CBD in one of two ways: they can be coated with the CBD or the CBD can be infused into the gummies. Coating the gummies doesn’t provide the most effective results, so you should opt for infused gummies. These typically stay fresh longer, offer a more accurate measurement of their CBD concentration, and produce more noticeable results.
Other ingredients
CBD is obviously the most essential ingredient in CBD gummies, but you want to choose a formula that contains other high-quality ingredients. Some ingredients to look for include the following:
Organic tapioca: Tapioca is used as a natural sweetener in premium CBD gummies. It’s a healthier alternative to sugar and offers more nutritional value.
Organic cane sugar: Organic cane sugar is an unrefined sugar that doesn’t contain any pesticides or other chemicals. It also contains antioxidants and other nutrients found in sugarcane.
Natural fruits and vegetables: High-quality CBD gummies use organic fruit and vegetable juices to flavor the product. They’re much better for you than artificial flavorings and can even help the CBD work more effectively.
Potency
To determine the effectiveness of CBD gummies in treating health issues, it’s crucial to know how many milligrams of CBD they provide. If you’re new to taking CBD, it’s best to start with a low dosage and gradually increase it until you can determine the minimum effective dose for your needs. In general, the maximum amount of CBD you should get from your gummies per day is 30 to 40 milligrams.
The wording on the CBD gummy packaging can be a little misleading, however. Some brands provide the total number of milligrams per package rather than per gummy. A label on a package of 100 gummies that reads 1,000 milligrams means that it contains 100 gummies with 10 milligrams of CBD each. Most brands provide between 4 and 10 milligrams per gummy.
Dosage
In most cases, a single CBD gummy isn’t enough for a full dose. Since the gummies typically contain 4 to 10 milligrams per gummy, you’ll likely need to take three or more a day for an effective dose. That’s why it’s important to consider the number of gummies in a container. If the container only holds 36 gummies and you need to take three gummies a day to see results, you’ll go through a container every 12 days. For that reason, larger containers are often a better value even though they cost more upfront because you’re paying less per dose.
Flavors
Part of the appeal of taking CBD gummies rather than CBD oil or another CBD product is their tasty flavors. Like most gummy vitamins and supplements, CBD gummies are usually fruit flavored. That means you can find flavors like watermelon, strawberry, orange, and raspberry. You can also find some gummies in packages that include multiple flavors if you prefer some variety.
"If you want to keep your CBD use private, gummies are an ideal option since they look like candy. "
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CBD oil: Diamond CBD Unflavored CBD Oil
Some people find that CBD oil works more quickly than CBD gummies. This oil from Diamond CDB is a favorite because it’s made with organic, full-spectrum CBD and is unflavored so you can add it to your food without altering the flavor.
CBD tincture: Just CBD Full Spectrum Tincture
A CBD tincture is another way to incorporate CBD into your diet, but it usually has a better flavor than oil. We like this option from Just CBD because it’s effective for treating anxiety and pain and is available in several different strengths depending on your needs.
CBD balm: Avida CBD Balm
If you prefer to use CBD topically, a CBD balm can work well for skincare or topical pain relief. We love this one from Avida because it has a creamy consistency that’s soothing and moisturizing and provides anti-inflammatory properties as well.
Did you know?
Some studies have shown that CBD can benefit individuals with neurological disorders like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease.
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CBD gummy prices
CBD gummies vary in price based on quality, CBD type, potency, and quantity. Most gummies cost between $10 and $150.
Inexpensive: The most affordable CBD gummies are either CBD-coated options or smaller containers of CBD-infused gummies. Most gummies in this price range offer 100 milligrams or less of broad-spectrum CBD per container. They may also have trace amounts of THC. You’ll typically spend between $10 and $35 for these gummies.
Mid-range: These are midsize containers of CBD-infused gummies containing approximately 1,000 to 1,500 milligrams of full-spectrum CBD and no THC. You’ll typically pay between $36 and $85 for these gummies.
Expensive: The most expensive are large containers of CBD-infused gummies. Containers in this price range can contain as much as 3,500 milligrams of full-spectrum CBD and are THC-free. You’ll generally pay between $86 and $150 for these gummies.
Tips
- Check with your doctor. Always consult your doctor before incorporating any CBD product into your diet.
- Store the gummies properly. Keep your CBD gummies fresher longer in a cool, dark location out of direct sunlight.
- Give the gummies time to work. It can take a few hours to feel the effects of CBD gummies, so wait at least two hours to determine whether the dosage you’re using is effective for your needs. If you aren’t feeling the effects, you can then take an additional gummy.
- Take a lower dose. If an individual CBD gummy contains more CBD than you want to take at one time, you can cut it in half to lower the dosage.
FAQ
Q. Are CBD gummies legal in the United States?
A. According to federal law, CBD gummies and other products made from hemp that contains less than 0.3% THC are legal. However, states have their own laws regarding the legality of hemp-derived CBD gummies, which means they are illegal in some jurisdictions. Verify your state’s laws regarding CBD gummies before purchasing them.
Q. Do CBD gummies have any side effects?
A. You don’t have to worry about CBD gummies getting you high, but there are some other possible side effects. Some people experience diarrhea, changes in appetite, and fatigue. If you’re taking other medications, always check your doctor first to see if there are any possible interactions with the CBD.
Q. What dose is right for me with CBD gummies?
A. An individual CBD gummy can contain anywhere from 1 to 100 milligrams of CBD, but the majority have between 10 and 20 milligrams. The proper dose depends on your weight, whether you’ve ever used CBD before, and why you’re taking it. It can take some trial and error to figure out the best dosage for your needs. Here are some general guidelines based on body weight:
- 130 pounds or less: A dose of 10 to 11 milligrams of CBD offers a subtle effect. A dose of 15 to 17 milligrams provides a strong effect.
- 130 to 230 pounds: A dose of 15 to 17 milligrams offers a light effect. A dose of 20 to 30 milligrams can provide a strong effect.
- Over 230 pounds: You may need as much as 30 to 40 milligrams to feel a strong effect.
