Hemp gummies and cannabidiol (CBD) gummies are edible CBD products that may promote sleep, calm, and pain relief. While hemp seed oil and CBD come from the same plant, they have different chemical properties.
- Best CBD gummies with THC: Joy Organics Full-Spectrum CBD Gummies, Raspberry Lemonade | Skip to review
This article discusses hemp and CBD gummies, including the types, potential health benefits and risks, and where to buy them.
Is CBD legal? Hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC are legal federally but still illegal under some state laws. On the other hand, cannabis-derived CBD products are illegal federally but legal under some state laws. Check local legislation, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved nonprescription CBD products, which may be inaccurately labeled.
Hemp gummies and CBD gummies may sound similar, but they often include different ingredients and provide different benefits.
Hemp is a type of Cannabis sativa plant, similar to cannabis. However, hemp typically has a higher CBD level and a lower
Manufacturers make CBD gummies using the flowers, stalks, and leaves of the hemp plant, which are rich in cannabinoids and terpenes. They do not use hemp seeds when making CBD gummies.
Hemp gummies contain hemp seed oil. They typically do not contain any cannabinoids, such as CBD or THC. This means hemp gummies may not have the same benefits as CBD gummies.
Read more about CBD terminology and other important information.
Differences at a glance
CBD gummies:
- have CBD as their active ingredient
- may contain THC
- come from the flowers, stalks, or leaves of mature hemp plants
- are usually manufactured using carbon dioxide extraction
- may help with relaxation, pain relief, anxiety, sleep, and more
- are subject to some legal restrictions
- pose a risk of
side effectsTrusted Source - may affect the results of a drug test, though this is not common
Hemp gummies:
- come from hemp seed oil
- typically do not contain any CBD or THC
- may contain essential fatty acids, vitamins, and trace minerals from the hemp plant
- are usually manufactured using cold-press mechanical extraction or solvent extraction
- may not provide the same possible benefits as CBD gummies
- are subject to fewer legal restrictions
- are safe for most people
The table below compares each brand of gummies in this article on price, dose, and more.
| Price | Type of CBD | CBD dose | Main ingredients | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Cornbread Hemp | $49.99 to $99.99 | full-spectrum | 20 or 50 mg | • organic hemp flower extract • CBD • organic blue agave • organic tapioca syrup • natural flavors • natural colors |
Joy Organics | $49.95 | full-spectrum | 25 mg | • CBD • organic cane sugar • organic tapioca syrup • natural flavors • natural colors • organic coconut oil |
Sunmed | $42 | broad-spectrum | 25 mg | • CBD • live resin • cane sugar • tapioca syrup • natural flavors • natural colors • coconut oil |
Medterra | $34.99 | full-spectrum | 25 mg | • CBD • cane sugar • tapioca syrup • natural flavors • natural colors • coconut oil • sunflower |
Medical News Today’s methodology
We selected these CBD gummies based on criteria we think are good indicators of safety, quality, and transparency.
As a part of our vetting process, we consider:
- the product’s composition, ingredients, and overall quality
- any third-party certifications
- the company’s reputation and business practices
- any lab test results
- marketing claims
Read more about how we vet products and brands and how we test CBD products.
CBD is available in various forms. A person might find eating gummies a tastier, easier, and more convenient way to take CBD than swallowing a tincture or capsule. This form might be preferable while traveling, for instance.
Anyone interested in trying CBD needs to consult a qualified healthcare professional first.
Keeping hemp or CBD gummies separate from other candies and supplements is crucial, especially if children are in the house.
Before making a purchase, a person may wish to consider the following:
- CBD content: There is
no standard dosageTrusted Source of CBD. People should start with a low dose and work up to get their desired effect. If they experience side effects, they should stop taking CBD and speak with a doctor. - COA: A certificate from a third party can verify that gummies contain what the company advertises and do not contain pesticides or harmful contaminants. COAs should be publicly available.
- The type of CBD: There are several types of CBD products, which vary according to their ingredients:
- isolate products only contain CBD
- broad-spectrum products also contain other hemp compounds but no THC
- full-spectrum products contain the compounds in broad-spectrum products, plus some THC
- Organic: Organic gummies are free from potentially harmful pesticides.
- Sweeteners and other ingredients: Some gummies contain organic sugar cane, tapioca, or fresh fruit flavorings, while others have artificial ingredients.
It is important to purchase any supplement from a reputable company. In addition to COAs, a person might consider a company’s rating on the Better Business Bureau’s website. It is also worth considering refund and return policies.
Many gummies available online contain hemp-derived CBD. According to the 2018 Farm Bill, products from plants that meet the legal definition of hemp are legal in most states.
Learn more about how to shop for CBD.
CBD may help promote relaxation and sleep while reducing anxiety and pain. A
Research from 2020 also links CBD to positive effects on pain, nausea, and some chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes. However, most research focuses on doses higher than those available over the counter or online.
An additional
- anti-inflammatory
- antipsychotic
- anticonvulsive
- effective at the following:
- relieving pain
- reducing anxiety
- promoting sleep and rest
However, the
While CBD is generally safe, it may cause some side effects, including:
- tiredness
- diarrhea
- changes in eating habits
- nausea
- weakness
- mood or behavior changes
- dizziness
- a “high” sensation
- hallucinations
- suicidal thoughts
People need to speak with a healthcare professional before taking CBD if they:
- are taking any other medications
- are pregnant or nursing
- have an underlying health condition
A person needs to speak with a doctor before trying CBD to improve the symptoms of a health condition. Other treatments may have more established scientific research into their safety and benefits.
If individuals experience side effects from CBD, they need to stop taking it and contact a qualified healthcare professional.
No. Hemp gummies typically contain hemp seed oil, which does not contain CBD or THC. They may not help with pain, sleep, or anxiety. On the other hand, some products contain hemp-derived CBD oil and therefore do contain CBD.
Manufacturers extract CBD from the flowers and stalk of the hemp plant. CBD may have various health benefits. These gummies are more likely to contain THC.
People need to read product labels thoroughly before making a purchase.
Hemp gummies containing only hemp seed oil will not produce a “high” that people associate with cannabis use. In contrast, hemp seed oil does not contain THC.
Most companies recommend people eat 1 to 2 gummies daily. However, a person should always follow the dosage instructions on the product packaging.
Those new to CBD should start with a low dosage and build up until they get their desired effect. People should not exceed the recommended dosage.
It is unclear whether hemp gummies featuring hemp seed oil may help with anxiety. CBD gummies may be a better option for those looking to manage symptoms of anxiety. Some evidence supports the use of CBD for anxiety, but more research is needed.
Hemp may be best for nutritional purposes and may be best suited for people who wish to avoid CBD and THC. However, CBD products may be more effective for issues such as sleep and anxiety.
Cannabidiol (CBD) gummies could help with anxiety, stress, and pain. Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved them for therapeutic use, some evidence points to these health benefits.
CBD gummies can contain small amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), while hemp gummies contain none.
People need to speak with a healthcare professional before trying any CBD product if they are pregnant or nursing, take medication, or have an underlying health condition.
