Cannabis-infused gummies, better known as edible gummies, might very well be the most flavorsome and mouth-friendly option of weed consumables out there.
Available in all kinds of flavors and colors, these edible gummies come in various strengths and concentrations.
For e.g., THC-dominant gummies, that have high THC levels, or CBD-only gummies that contain CBD in isolated forms.
Depending on the concentration of different cannabinoids, different types of gummies may also offer a variety of effects.
For instance, THC gummies can give you a head high; whereas, CBD gummies can provide you the therapeutic effects of weed without causing the high.
Similarly, other types of edible gummies with a wider or broader range of cannabinoids may offer mixed and often enhanced effects.
On the other hand, there are cannabinoids-free gummies too such as hemp gummies that are obtained from hemp seed oil. With no cannabinoids whatsoever including any THC or CBD, hemp gummies are only used for nutritional value due to the presence of essential vitamins and omega fatty acids.
However, since the term hemp is often used interchangeably with CBD for some reasons, the same can be seen in the case of edible gummies especially when it comes to hemp and CBD gummies.
To avoid making the same mistake as many others do when purchasing these gummies, let us clarify the same.
Hemp gummies and CBD gummies are two of the most popular forms of cannabis gummies, especially among medicinal users.
While hemp gummies are made from hemp seed oil or the seeds of the hemp plant; CBD gummies are made by extracting CBD from different parts of a hemp plant including its flowers, leaves, and stalks.
Hemp refers to any cannabis plant that contains less than 0.3% THC. As the only legalized source of cannabis products, most authentic products that you can find in the market are based on hemp and not marijuana (cannabis plants with more than 0.3% THC).
Now, while CBD gummies may still contain some traces of THC in them, hemp gummies have no CBD or THC in them as there are no cannabinoids found in the seeds of a hemp plant in the first place.
Instead, hemp seeds are known for their high nutritional value due to the presence of essential vitamins and fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6.
As such, hemp gummies are usually consumed for nutritional purposes and not for medicinal or recreational use.
Likewise, there are plenty of other differences between CBD and hemp gummies in terms of their composition, use, and effects.
Differences Between Hemp Gummies and CBD Gummies
Hemp gummies are made from the seeds or seed oil of a hemp plant. Whereas, CBD gummies are made by extracting CBD from different parts of a hemp plant.
Seeds have neither CBD nor THC or any other cannabinoids.
As such, hemp gummies do not have any cannabinoids or their supposed effects either. What they have though, is rich amounts of essential nutrients and vitamins such as omega fatty acids including omega-3 and omega-6 which is why they are used in the first place.
CBD gummies, on the other hand, may have either CBD alone or some traces of THC and other minor cannabinoids depending on the type of the product.
For example, broad-spectrum products have CBD and other minor cannabinoids without any THC in them. Whereas, full-spectrum products contain a full range of cannabinoids including THC.
Similarly, products based on CBD isolates tend to have only CBD with no concentrations of other cannabis compounds.
To cut it short, depending on the type of cannabinoids, weed products including edible gummies may vary in effects as well as the experience.
Benefits of Hemp Gummies
• With no cannabinoids and heavy amounts of essential nutrients, hemp gummies are only used for their nutritional value and can be taken as a daily health supplement.
• Derived from hemp seed oil, they contain many essential vitamins and fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6.
• Hemp gummies have no THC and CBD in them or the risks of intoxication.
Benefits of CBD Gummies
• CBD gummies are rich in CBD (Cannabidiol), which is the main medicinal compound found in cannabis.
• Known for its therapeutic potential, CBD offers tons of health benefits such as relief from pain, anxiety, and inflammation.
• By suppressing these sensations and interacting with our endocannabinoid system (ECS), CBD happens to regulate many of our bodily functions including mood, appetite, sleep, and relaxation.
• CBD gummies with a broader range of cannabinoids can further offer enhanced effects of weed in a phenomenon called “The Entourage Effect.” A little bit of high & energy with a smuch-needed calm.
Legality and Availability
Both hemp and CBD are derived from plants that fall under the hemp class.
As the only legalized form of cannabis plants, at least for legal products, hemp is any cannabis plant that maintains less than 0.3% THC (as per the law).
Any plant with more than that is termed as ‘marijuana’ which cannot be legally used to derive or extract cannabis products.
So federally speaking, both hemp gummies and CBD gummies are legal in the United States as long as they are derived from a hemp plant.
As a result, both are widely available in states and regions where hemp products are legally sold.
How to Choose the Right Gummies for Your Needs
As evident enough, choosing the right type of gummies from hemp and CBD gummies should not be that hard.
It all boils down to your preferences and requirements in the end.
Those needing the therapeutic effects of weed such as pain relief and relaxation can go for CBD gummies. Whereas, those intending to use it for general wellness might want to go for hemp gummies.
Before you get going with your purchase though, make sure to consider the following factors:
1. Your individual goals whether you need any specific effects such as pain relief, relaxation, sleep, or stress alleviation.
2. Content or ingredients including active cannabinoids such as THC and CBD, and extra additives and preservatives such as sugars and artificial colors.
3. Dosage levels may vary from gummy to gummy depending on their cannabinoid concentration. E.g. 5-10 mg of CBD and 2.5-5 mg of THC per gummy.
4. Cannabinoid concentration of CBD, THC, and other minor cannabinoids.
5. Quality and third-party testing to ensure that your gummies are as authentic and healthy as they come.
6. Flavors may range from fruity to herbal so take your time when picking your poison.
7. Pricing is yet another factor that you should consider when buying edible gummies or any other cannabis product for that matter.
Conclusion
While CBD and hemp gummies are both derived from the same type of cannabis plant called ‘hemp’, both are entirely distinct in composition and effects.
That is, CBD is extracted from raw plant material such as flowers, leaves, and stalks of a hemp plant. Whereas, hemp gummies are made using seed oil that is made from the seeds of a hemp plant.
CBD gummies maintain higher amounts of CBD and certain ratios of THC and other minor cannabinoids.
Hemp gummies, on the other hand, have no cannabinoids whatsoever and only contain essential nutrients such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and vitamins.
As a multivitamin supplement, hemp gummies can be taken daily for the general well-being of your health.
CBD gummies, with rich concentrations of CBD and other cannabinoids, are usually taken for specific conditions such as pain, stress, anxiety, insomnia, and so on.
Frequently Asked Questions
No! Hemp gummies are derived from hemp seed oil; whereas, CBD gummies are made using CBD that is extracted from the raw plant matter of a hemp plant.
As such, hemp gummies contain no cannabinoids be it THC or CBD; while CBD gummies may contain heavy amounts of CBD along with other cannabinoids depending on the type of the product.
While it is not possible to get high from consuming hemp gummies as they do not contain any traces of essential cannabinoids; some CBD gummies, especially those falling under the categories of broad-spectrum and full-spectrum products may cause some intoxication, especially if they have THC in them.
CBD gummies are known for their sleep-inducing properties as CBD tends to provide a lot of calm and relaxation to the physical aspect of our bodies. This makes them a better option for sleep at any given time.
Although CBD gummies can be easily bought from an authorized weed dealer or dispensary, for certain medical conditions, especially if you are undergoing treatment or on prescription drugs, you might want to have a word with your doctor or physician.
