CBD Gummy Bears: A Quick Introduction
CBD gummy bears are a great jumping-off point for folks new to cannabidiol; they taste good, they’re colorful, and unlike CBD oil, gummies are usually THC-free.
Are CBD gummy bears right for you? In this post, we’ll talk about
- What CBD is
- What CBD gummy bears are
- Some edible CBD nuances to be aware of
- And, where to buy your own
What Is CBD?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring phytocannabinoid found in cannabis plants. Unlike delta-9 THC, the psychoactive cannabinoid found in marijuana plants, CBD does not get the user “high.”
While not backed by any FDA-approved research, many users claim that CBD provides them with a great number of benefits, including:
- Better sleep management
- Greater sociability
- Improved mood
- Sore joints and muscles
- Reduced stress
- And more…
CBD Gummy Bears Are Edible CBD
For some readers that may seem like a “duh” statement, but let’s unpack it. CBD can be consumed in a number of ways.
Smoking/Inhalation
Inhaling vaporized CBD has the fastest onset time, but usually has the fastest come-down too. Inhalation can also present some unique challenges like smell both during and after your session.
Sublingual
Sublingual refers to specific glands under your tongue. To apply CBD sublingually (usually with CBD oil) you would place CBD under your tongue and allow it to cross the thin membrane under your tongue to enter your bloodstream.
Topically
You can also apply CBD topically for targeted relief of a certain area. Some users report success treating inflamed skin or aching joints using balms or rubs infused with CBD.
Edible
Edible CBD is slower to take effect as it needs to reach your small intestine to take effect, but it’s considerably more potent and longer-lasting than any of the above ingestion methods.
What’s The Difference Between CBD Gummy Bears Vs. Hemp Gummy Bears?
Buyer beware!
“Hemp” and “CBD” are not interchangeable terms. CBD gummy bears advertised as containing CBD should contain cannabidiol. Products advertised as containing “mg’s of hemp” more broadly may in fact just contain hemp seed oil and nothing else. You may be paying a premium for a product containing absolutely no CBD.
Because the FDA and USDA are still writing rules for cannabis-infused products, some vendors are taking advantage of new CBD buyers and passing their hemp-seed oil products off as CBD products with creative packaging and industry-specific terminology.
Isolate, Broad-Spectrum, Or Full-Spectrum?
CBD gummy bears are a great first product for many new CBD users because many of them are manufactured with CBD isolate meaning that they contain no THC whatsoever.
There are some CBD-infused gummy products that you should be aware of. Products advertised as “full-spectrum” or “broad-spectrum” will contain other cannabinoids, the former of which will contain THC.
Sunset Lake CBD’s Sour Gummy Bears are made with CBD isolate that we derive from hemp plants that we grow up on our farm in Vermont. Sunset Lake CBD also carries a broad-spectrum Sleep Gummy containing both CBD and CBN, and a Full Spectrum CBD Vibe Gummy made with full-spectrum distillate.
CBD Gummy Bears: Frequently Asked Questions
Are These Legal?
CBD is legal as far as the federal government is concerned. In the 2018 Farm Bill, “Hemp” is technically defined as “cannabis that contains no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC” by dry weight.
Hemp that tests under that THC limit is considered to be an agricultural commodity, legal throughout the U.S. provided that the vendor has the correct paperwork, and can be bought and shipped anywhere in the country via the United States Postal Service. Pretty neat, huh?
“How Many Should I Take?”
One of the most common questions new CBD users always have is: “How much should I take?” Because CBD gummy bears are pre-dosed, users can easily control how much CBD they’re taking compared to a hemp-flower smoker.
At Sunset Lake CBD, we always recommend new users start with 25mg of CBD, which is also conveniently reflected in our serving size; one of our sour CBD gummy bears contains 25mg.
“When Should I Take My CBD Gummy Bears?”
While more research is needed, some studies have concluded that eating CBD with a meal, especially one with high-fat content— like a salad dressing made with avocado oil— will help your body absorb the CBD more effectively.
“Do CBD Gummy Bears Show Up On A Drug Test?”
It depends on what kind of edibles you’re buying. If you are worried about an upcoming drug screening, we would recommend staying away from full-spectrum and broad-spectrum products. You’re in luck though because our gummy bears contain no THC whatsoever.
“Where Can I Buy CBD Gummy Bears?”
There are countless sites that offer CBD gummy bears and other edibles— all the options can be dizzying. Before you go ahead and shell out cash, you’ll want to do a little bit of research and ensure two things:
- The quality and dosage of the CBD gummy bears
- The reputability of the farmers/vendor/drop shipping service
Every vendor of CBD gummy bears should be very upfront with compliance documentation and certificates of analysis. A certificate of analysis is a document from a third party that certifies the dosage and purity of the CBD product in question.
Your CBD vendor should also be transparent. Before you buy your, make sure you do a quick internet search on the company, read reviews, look at their social media presence, and don’t be afraid to reach out with any questions!