A Complete Guide to CBD Gummies 2021
While the CBD industry is experiencing a rapid growth spurt, the actual number of CBD products available is limited. As a result, CBD companies are always on the lookout for something to offer their customers. One of these products, particularly CBD gummies, is gathering great interest from edible producing companies.
First, by looking back on the history of cannabinoid pharmacology, we want to paint you a broad overview of CBD edibles and the correlation between different cannabinoids.
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Where does CBD come from?
Cultivation of the cannabis plant dates back over 5000 years, according to a publication called “Cannabinoid pharmacology: the first 66 years”, written by Roger G. Pertwee in 2006.
The cannabis plant has two primary compounds that are THC and CBD. Cannabidiol, in short, CBD, is one of the 100 identified cannabinoids that have been found in the plant. This is the legal part of the plant in individual states due to its non-mood-altering and non-habit-forming nature.
Out of the plant cannabinoids, the first CBN was isolated at the end of the 19th century. It appeared from a red oil extract of the plant, and its structure was elucidated in the early 1930s by R.S. Cahn. Ten years later, they achieved chemical synthesis. The same year, in 1940, CBD was obtained from the plant for the very first time. In 1946, tests were conducted to figure out the effects of THC by Dr. Walter S. Lo. Since then, it is known that THC has psychoactive effects, while CBD doesn’t.
Around the Flower Power era, mid- 1960s, and early 1970s research into the pharmacology of cannabinoids exploded. Although through these years it happened to have less interest in the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids, in the early 1970s researchers have started to pay more attention to the characterization of pharmacokinetics and metabolism of plant cannabinoids.
And so it became clear that all these components carry different effects within themselves.
What are the most researched cannabinoids?
Cannabidiol, in short, CBD, is easily extracted from cannabis. Researchers at Harvard say that it may help fight the symptoms of anxiety, pain, or epilepsy. Another research by Nature Research says its benefits include anti-inflammatory and seizure suppressant properties. In a rat model, CBD was observed to stimulate hippocampal neurogenesis.
Cannabinol is a mildly psychoactive component that has significant therapeutic properties. CBN is constructed from its well-known cuisine, THC. According to Psychology Today, CBN makes you fall asleep easily due to its high relaxation quality. An MDPI research says that it can activate stem cells which are responsible for bone growth. CBN is often used as a treatment for people with a lot of pain, who struggle with insomnia, or against inflammation.
Cannabigerol, as some say, is the stem cell of cannabis. It can be found in the strains in the early stages of the development of the plant. CBG has similar properties to human cells as they can turn into other cannabinoids. A 2015 Study found that it could potentially help treat Huntington’s disease. InMed Pharmaceuticals research also found potential benefits of CBG in treatments of cancer, or bacteria, and it can also increase the dopamine level naturally.
CBN vs CBD - What is the difference?
CBD is well known for its non-psychoactive nature, whereas CBN - since it is born from THC - is a mildly psychoactive cannabinoid.
Besides the chemical specifications, it is also known that the two compounds interact with the human body in different ways. While CBD interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors that are in our nervous and immune system, CBN on the other hand shows only a weak connection to them according to a publication called Cannabinoid pharmacology: the first 66 years by Roger G. Pertwee written in 2006.
CBD vs CBG - Let’s compare them!
CBG is the mother of all cannabinoids. All compounds start as CBG, and as it is processed and triggered, it becomes a different cannabinoid. CBG is a very versatile and minor cannabinoid that is mainly found in the marijuana plant. While each cannabinoid stores different benefits on its own, CBG covers an even wider amount of effects. Isolating CBG is easier than isolating CBD, so some purposely growing a plant that is high in CBG.
There is a wide variety of options to take these elements from topical applications to gummies and pills. However, while we find all sorts of formats enjoyable, here we will talk mainly about gummies.
CBD Edibles - What are these?
CBD edibles are anything that you can eat and contain CBD in it. The benefits of using consumable products are that they give an additional joy to the users by tasting deliciously. By digesting these products, you lose very little proportion of the CBD in the digestion process. Yet, it is the longest-lasting method of consumption because it stays in our system for about 8 hours. When making a CBD edible, it is usually mixed either with CBD oil or CBD isolate. You can buy CBD ingestibles in lots of different forms:
- Gummies
- Chocolate Bar
- Honey
- Mints
- Oils
- Capsules
- Chewing Gum
- Shots
Does CBD convert to CBN?
The CBD industry has skyrocketed in the last few years, and it constantly revolutionizes everything that was once written on paper. Since the synchronization of the different compounds is gaining special interest in improving the effects, companies are examining whether converting them from each other is possible.
As CBN is a breakdown product of THC, it can be naturally found in cannabis plants. With oxidation, THC can be converted into CBN easily. Converting CBD into CBN is also possible using a chemical element called iodine. However, we know that CBD demotes its psychotropic cousins in acidic climates. Hence, we have to be careful about how we store the commercial formulations of these products.
What are CBD Gummies?
Cannabinoids contain over 100 organic members along with CBD, CBN, or CBG. While all of these compounds are related to each other, some of them may have different effects from their chemical cousins. CBD is one of those cousins.
CBD gummies are an emerging trend in the CBD market. CBD edibles are already one of the most popular types of CBD products among consumers. By producing gummies that are high in CBD, companies can attract consumers.
There are a few varieties between the ways how gummies are produced. You can find isolate, full-spectrum, and broad-spectrum products that indicate the content of different cannabinoids. We also differentiate these products by how the compounds are mixed with a product. You will find coated or infused gummies in the market.
Isolate, Full-Spectrum vs. Broad-Spectrum CBD Gummies
Isolate and Full- or Broad-Spectrum gummies are relatively easy to differentiate. These terms are defined by what type of CBD is being used. Isolate edibles are usually made from biomass and it synthesizes from different hemp products. CBD is processed until it becomes 100% pure CBD in an almost crystallized form. Isolates are an effective way to know how many milligrams you get in these products. These types of gummies are the perfect way to go for those who want to make sure that there is no THC in their products.
What are full-spectrum gummies? Full-spectrum gummies will contain traces of THC up to 0.3% but it is still below the legal limit.. Full-spectrum is taken from the live plant. Whilst isolate edibles contain a great volume of CBD, full-spectrum gummies consist of other elements as well such as CBN, CBG, or CBC. We could say that full-spectrum is multivitamin and isolate is Vitamin C.
Somewhere in between full-spectrum and isolate, you can find broad-spectrum extract. This means that it doesn’t have the full set of compounds, but it still contains a lot of them. So when a company uses more than one compound but excludes THC, you get a broad-spectrum product.
Coated vs. Infused CBD Gummies
When we talk about the mode the actual CBD is mixed with the product, there are two ways to do that. We either coat the gummies or infuse the solution into the sweets. When we use the coating method, we spray the CBD on the gummies and it gets absorbed. The infused gummies are injected with the oil, or it is formulated into the compound of manufacturing the gelatin, or the building block of the gummy.
Coated gummies are usually more budget-friendly, but the amount of CBD on them is not that consistent, so some gummies may have fewer effects than others in the same jar.
Injected gummies however have the same amount in every piece of gum, so it is a more consistent option.
CBD’s Role in Gummies
CBD is a natural stimulator of our body’s natural endocannabinoid system. What that means is that CBD, in contrast with THC directly allows our body to produce more of the endocannabinoids. This can be helpful for users who want to avoid THC completely.
CBD is a molecule component that occurs in both marijuana and hemp plants.
Because CBD occurs naturally in hemp plants, any full-spectrum extract will include a percentage of CBD. Many broad-spectrum extracts will also include the organic compound. On top of that, CBD isolates are 100% pure CBD.
At nu-x®, we are developing CBD gummies for individuals looking for a consistent dosage of CBD.
Why CBD Gummies and not CBD Capsules?
When we choose a consumable product, we are more careful about what it contains. We gave you an overview of gummies and their different parts. But what about capsules? Why are gummies a much preferred way to consume CBD?
CBD capsules are usually oil-based, and depending on your dose, it can last up to 4 or 6 hours. The pills contain different cannabinoids as well, like CBN or CBG. Capsules are perfect for those who don’t like the taste that cannabinoids leave in the mouth but still want to enjoy the effects.
Gummies, on the other hand, have been gaining massive interest due to their variability. From gummy bears through sour pieces, you can find them in every kind of shape. The packaging of the gummies is discreet as well. Out of the so many forms you can take your CBD from, this is just the easiest way to do it.
How to choose CBD gummies
Although CBD gummies are relatively new in the market, many brands have been producing them already. Thus, you might find yourself confused when it comes to choosing the right one for your needs. The ingredients of these yummies surprisingly vary, so we compiled a list of things you should consider before experimenting. Here you can look at the essential contents to pay attention to, the right milligram to your desired result, and how to read the labels.
How to read the labels of CBD gummies
CBD Gummies often contain more than one or two ingredients and sometimes it is hard to understand what the distinct elements are and if the package surely has what you need. Learning to read CBD labels is important:
- To understand why CBD is working for you.
- To choose your experience.
- To get a predictable result
On the packaging or the description page, you will find a section called Lab Testing. It will usually show you the test results of the following things:
- THC/CBD Potency
- Other Rare Cannabinoids such as CBN, CBG, or CBC
- The Number of Terpenes in the Product
- Pesticides
- Mold
- Heavy Metals
- Fungicides
- Bacteria
- Residual Solvents
On these results, you want to see an abbreviation of ND, which means that the element is not detected.
Some results will show up as a pass or fail. The lab has a certain number, and they decide whether the product passes if it falls below that number. If a product doesn’t pass, it cannot sell, so just finding the product on the market means that it passed the testing.
Let’s see how to read the label on cannabinoid products.
When you look at the THC/CBD potency, you will see the percentage of the total weight of the Hemp flower. The same thing happens with other cannabinoids and terpenes.
In the case of edibles like gummies, mints, or candies, the cannabinoids are usually presented for the entire package and sometimes for the individual doses as well.
Most CBD Gummies contain 5 mg of CBD per serving. It is recommended to start small first and see how you react to it. Many users find that a bit more than 20 milligrams per day work for them, but the amount can be different if you are taking a CBD extract with other cannabinoids present or a CBD isolate.
Are CBD Gummies safe?
Since CBD is a non-psychoactive compound of the plants, it doesn't get you high. It acts very differently in your brain compared to THC because it doesn’t produce any intoxication that its cousin does. Although CBD is the most researched compound in the market, this industry has still just started to bloom, so we are not 100% sure of all the effects.
Are CBD Gummies Psychoactive?
With the boom of CBD oils, everyone pays more attention to two terms: psychoactive or non-psychoactive, but often we don’t exactly know what these mean.
What does Psychoactive mean?
We call a chemical psychoactive when it causes any kind of alteration in our minds like changes in mood, perception, cognition, or behavior. When we talk about psychoactive drugs, we mean things like depressants, narcotics, or hallucinogens. In cannabinoids when we talk about its psychoactive part, we usually say THC. When we mention a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, we talk about CBD. According to an MDPI research a non-psychoactive compound does not result in any alterations in our mood, perception, cognition, or behavior.
Are CBD Gummies Legal?
Edible CBD products are a great way to take CBD as a dietary supplement. Along with over 100 compounds, CBD is a naturally occurring cannabinoid in hemp plants. Those cannabinoids are derived from the hemp plant. So as long as the plant meets the definition of the hemp plant, it is a legal compound in some states.
Best CBD gummies in the market in 2021
It is good to know that there are a lot of options when buying CBD gummies online. But especially because of that, you might have tried a few already that didn’t give you the result you wished for. Thus, we have decided to compile a list for you with the best CBD gummies:
CBD type: Broad-Spectrum
CBD potency: 15MG per gummy
Count:10 per package
Nu-x edibles are a perfect choice if you are looking for a healthy option to consume gummies. These vegan, all-natural nibbles don’t contain any gelatin or artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners. You get a multi-flavored pack with strawberry, grape, and orange in a single pack. Nu-x’s broad-spectrum CBD is sourced from hemp grown in the USA, it’s THC free and the hemp extract is third-party tested.
- PlusCBD Oil:
CBD type: Full-Spectrum
CBD potency: 10 mg CBD per serving
Count: 30 pieces per package
PlusCBD Oil Hemp Extract Gummies aims to emphasize the importance of a great taste of CBD-contained gummies. They sell these chews with a refreshing burst of fruit flavor. It contains no artificial sweeteners, and it’s also gluten-free.
- CBDfx
CBN type: Broad-Spectrum
CBN potency: 5 or 40 mg CBN per serving
Count: 60 pieces per package
These gummies are 100% organically grown hemp that’s extracted into broad-spectrum CBD. They don’t use any artificial sweeteners and all their products are made and grown in the USA.
- Charlotte’s Web:
CBN type: Full-Spectrum
CBN potency: 10 mg CBN per serving
Count: 90 pieces per package
Charlotte's Web™ CBD products contain whole-plant hemp extracts. The extracts carry a unique mix of cannabinoids and terpenes with flavonoids. Charlotte's Web™ products are not made with additives or dyes to standardize the color of our products.
- Hemp Bombs:
CBN type: Broad-Spectrum
CBN potency: 15 mg CBN per serving
Count: 50 pieces per package
Hemp Bomb’s gummies combine 15mg of CBD and 5mg of the sleep aid melatonin to encourage deeper sleep and morning wakefulness. Their products are tested by independent labs.
The Future of CBD
Because of the difficulty of testing cannabinoids in the past, there is so little research about CBD. If the emerging market is continuing to help develop new studies, we will know much more about its potential.
As we see now, a lot of CBD consumers will choose to get their CBD dose through gummies. What makes people choose this option of edibles is mainly their tasty flavor. These supplements have been gaining attention lately as a discreet and tasty way of consuming CBD. CBD gummies are gaining a lot of popularity due to their consistency as well. One gummy per day lasts for 6-8 hours.
Nu-x’s team is constantly working on extending its product line and making sure that its existing products can meet every need.
Conclusion
The cannabis plant has two different kinds. One makes you high, which is called marijuana, the other does not, which is called hemp. CBD, in most cases, comes from a hemp plant. Cannabinoids, aka the components of the plant, interact with the endocannabinoid system in our body. Because CBD occurs naturally in hemp plants and is non-psychoactive, it is a legal form of consuming cannabinoids in some states.
We can find 3 types of edibles on the market: isolate, full-spectrum, and broad-spectrum. Each type offers a different component of cannabinoids, it is only a personal preference which one works best for you. There are different ways of mixing CBD with edibles. Gummies can be infused or coated. One has a bit more consistency than the other.
CBD Gummies are especially popular due to their enjoyable and discreet ability to consume, but The Permanente Journal says their primary purpose is to help improve your quality of relaxation.
The best way to choose your desired product is to check the label and the potency of its cannabinoids. It is better to start with a smaller dose and increase it according to your experimentation.
Nu-X offers a wide variety of CBD-contained products and all of them are naturally flavored, non-GMO, vegan, sugar-free, and alcohol-free.