The recent uptick in states legalizing cannabis for not only medical use but also for adult recreational use has caused a boom in the cannabis industry, with countless startups and artisans producing a mind-boggling array of products. Not only are there a nearly endless variety of cannabis growers, but there are also infused cannabis edibles of any type you could ever want.
Join our WhatsApp groupSubscribe to our Daily Roundup Email
One of the most popular, particularly for people new to the cannabis space, is hemp and CBD gummies. But even when you limit the category to just gummies, those unfamiliar with the differences in the products might wonder why someone would choose hemp gummies vs cbd gummies, or vice versa. A large portion of the decision lies with the person who will be taking them, what they are taking them for, and what they want out of them.
Since it can become confusing even for gummy aficionados, we’ve done most of the legwork and simplified it here for you. We’re going to talk about what hemp and CBD gummies are, what the differences are, what you can expect from them, and ultimately which ones may be right for you.
What Are Hemp Gummies And CBD Gummies?
Hemp and CBD gummies are a type of cannabis edible that uses extract from industrial hemp or legal CBD flower to impart health and wellness benefits. They are available in a wide variety of flavors and dosages and are similar to gummy bears in texture and size.
Why Gummies?
Gummies are not only a super-convenient form of cannabis, but they are also very easily and reliably dosed, and they don’t require any extra fancy smoking equipment like for flower or concentrates. Even with professionally grown flower, consumption amounts and methods can significantly affect dosage reliability, and gummies can eliminate that issue.
What Are Hemp And CBD Gummies Used For?
While there is a long list of benefits that people use hemp and CBD gummies for, we’re only going to touch on the “Big 3” for now. They are the most common reasons and are what most products are designed and dosed for.
Anxiety & Panic
Since hemp and CBD gummies can impart such gentle relaxing and calming effects, they are often used by those with panic or anxiety. They can be an easy way to maintain a small dose of CBD all day long, without having to worry about smoking.
Pain Management
Those living with daily or chronic pain, such as fibromyalgia, frequently use hemp and CBD gummies to help keep symptoms and flare-ups at bay. The pain reduction and anti-inflammatory effects of hemp and CBD gummies can help a wide range of symptoms.
Sleep Help
Aiding in restful sleep is one of the greatest benefits of hemp and CBD gummies. They can help the user get to sleep without pharmaceutical agents that can induce sleep but prevent restorative rest.
Forms Of Hemp And CBD Extracts
CBD is the main cannabinoid in industrial hemp extracts. If the hemp is simply extracted in its natural state, it is referred to as a full-spectrum extract. This means that in addition to any cannabinoids that are present, including THC, there will be a host of other organic compounds that give the extract its smell and taste. To be federally legal, the overall amount of THC in the product must be 0.3% or less.
In some cases, the manufacturer will remove all THC content, leaving the CBD and remaining cannabinoids, along with the terpenes. When this form of CBD is used in gummies, they are referred to as being broad-spectrum CBD gummies.
The final form is pure CBD, called CBD isolate, and it is often used for super-high-dose CBD products. Gummies that are designed to help control significant amounts of pain or anxiety may use CBD isolate to protect the taste and predictability of effects.
How Do I Know Which Is Right For Me?
Which gummies are going to be right for you will be a highly personal decision, and it will depend greatly on what effects you hope to get from them and whether some forms of CBD gummies are even going to be legal in your area.
If you are looking to manage relatively minor to moderate pain, you may be able to use a CBD isolate to start, or possibly a stronger broad-spectrum CBD gummy.
However, if you have more persistent pain or anxiety, you may need to consider a full-spectrum hemp gummy or CBD gummy, to ensure you have the most complete cannabinoid profile and the widest set of potential benefits.