CBD gummies are gummy sweets that contain cannabidiol, CBD. They have become popular mainly because they are simple and taste like ordinary sweets. But how much CBD does the body actually absorb from a gummy, what do they contain and what does research say about side effects? Here we go through the most important things to know about CBD gummies.
Key facts
- CBD gummies are gummy sweets with added CBD, usually as isolate, broad spectrum or full spectrum.
- CBD that is eaten is absorbed slowly, and only around 6 percent reaches the blood.
- Quality varies: in one study, only 31 percent of CBD products matched their label.
- Common side effects in clinical studies are tiredness, diarrhoea and effects on liver values.
- Gummies containing THC are classed as narcotics in many countries, including Sweden.
What are CBD gummies?
CBD gummies are ordinary gummy sweets, made from gelatine or pectin, sugar and flavourings, with added CBD. CBD is one of the cannabinoids found in hemp and is not intoxicating. Gummies count as edibles, meaning cannabis in edible form. We have written about how edibles differ from cannabis that is smoked in
What are edibles? How edible cannabis compares with smoking.
Isolate, broad spectrum or full spectrum
The CBD in gummies can come in three forms. Isolate is pure CBD without other compounds from the plant. Broad spectrum contains several cannabinoids and terpenes but has had the THC removed. Full spectrum contains the plant’s whole profile, including small amounts of THC. Many choose broad or full spectrum because of the entourage effect, the theory that the plant’s compounds work together and enhance each other. You can read more about cannabinoids and how they differ in
What are cannabinoids? CBD, THC, CBG, CBN and the endocannabinoid system.
How much CBD does the body absorb?
When CBD is eaten, it first has to pass through the stomach, intestine and liver before reaching the blood. A large part is broken down along the way. According to a review from 2020, around 6 percent of the CBD reaches the blood when taken by mouth. This means the effect comes more slowly and is weaker per milligram than with other ways of taking in CBD. It is also why the amount of CBD stated on the package does not tell the whole story about how much is actually absorbed.
Quality varies
The content of CBD products varies, and gummies are no exception. When American researchers bought and analysed 84 CBD products online, only 31 percent contained the amount of CBD stated on the label. 43 percent contained less and 26 percent more, and 21 percent contained THC. With gummies, the CBD also has to be evenly distributed in every piece. That is why an independent lab report is the most important thing to look for. Here is how to read one:
How to read a CBD lab report (COA), step by step.
Side effects
CBD is generally well tolerated, but it is not entirely free of side effects. A research review from 2019 summarised the side effects reported in clinical studies, mainly at the high doses used to treat epilepsy: tiredness, diarrhoea, vomiting, effects on liver values and interactions with other medicines. Because CBD is broken down in the liver, it can affect how other medicines are processed. If you take other medicines, it is therefore wise to talk to a doctor or pharmacist.
Gummies also look like ordinary sweets. Keep them out of reach of children and pets.
Are CBD gummies legal?
Gummies that contain THC are classed as narcotics in many countries, including Sweden, regardless of the amount. That is why it is important to check the lab report for CBD gummies too, especially full-spectrum products. Raw Hemp does not sell CBD gummies. In our shop you will instead find CBD oils, flowers, hash and other products, all with a lab report. Further down the page you can see our CBD oils.
What are CBD gummies?
CBD gummies are gummy sweets that contain cannabidiol, CBD, usually as isolate, broad spectrum or full spectrum.
Do CBD gummies get you high?
No, CBD is not intoxicating. Full-spectrum gummies may however contain small amounts of THC, and the THC content is shown in the lab report.
What side effects can CBD gummies cause?
Clinical studies have reported tiredness, diarrhoea, vomiting, effects on liver values and interactions with medicines, mainly at high doses.
How much CBD is absorbed from gummies?
According to a review from 2020, around 6 percent of the CBD reaches the blood when taken by mouth.
Does Raw Hemp sell CBD gummies?
No. Raw Hemp sells CBD oils, flowers, hash and other products, but no gummies.
Sources
- Perucca, E. and Bialer, M. (2020). Critical Aspects Affecting Cannabidiol Oral Bioavailability and Metabolic Elimination, and Related Clinical Implications. CNS Drugs, 34, 795–800.
- Huestis, M. A. et al. (2019). Cannabidiol Adverse Effects and Toxicity. Current Neuropharmacology, 17(10), 974–989.
- Bonn-Miller, M. O. et al. (2017). Labeling Accuracy of Cannabidiol Extracts Sold Online. JAMA, 318(17), 1708–1709.
- Millar, S. A. et al. (2018). A Systematic Review on the Pharmacokinetics of Cannabidiol in Humans. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 9, 1365.
