What Do CBD Gummies Do?

Edibles such as gummies are among the most preferred ways of consuming CBD. This article discusses CBD gummies, what they do, and the pros and cons.

One of the easiest and most fun ways to consume CBD is through edibles such as gummies. CBD gummies are tasty candies infused with cannabidiol extract. They are discreet, portable, and an excellent option for people trying CBD for the first time. CBD is a compound of the cannabis plant. It is extracted in large quantities from the hemp plant, a cannabis plant with less than 0.2% THC content. Unlike marijuana, the hemp plant is legal in most countries because of its inability to cause intoxicating effects when consumed. CBD products are available in different forms, including topicals, vapes, sublingual, and edibles such as gummies. CBD gummies are among the easiest ways to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of cannabis. They are available in different flavors and shapesto suit consumer preferences.

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a natural compound derived from hemp, a cannabis plant. The cannabis plant contains over one hundred compounds known as cannabinoids. These compounds are responsible for various therapeutic benefits. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD are the most common cannabinoids with almost the same therapeutic properties, except that THC is intoxicating. It is responsible for the psychoactive effects experienced when consuming cannabis. It is derived in large quantities from marijuana.

CBD is available in various forms, including gummies, lotions, creams, vapes, tinctures, capsules, and oils. Different brands make their CBD products using several CBD extracts. It is available in three different types. They include:

• Full-spectrum CBD – It contains all the components of hemp, including THC, terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabinoids.
• Broad-spectrum CBD – It contains all the other components of cannabis except THC.
• CBD isolate – It is the purest type of CBD extract. CBD isolate contains CBD as the only component of the cannabis plant.

(Ferber et al. ( 2020)claimed thatproducts containing broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD are the most effective because of the "entourage" effect. CBD  containsseveral therapeutic benefits, including treating pain, anxiety, stress, depression, skin conditions, heart-related conditions, and neurological disorders. However, research is still ongoing to determine the full potential of CBD as a therapeutic tool to manage health issues.

What Are CBD Gummies?

CBD gummies are edibles infused with CBD extract. Gummies are chewable and tasteful candies that come in different shapes, flavors, and CBD concentrations. There is no mess or hassle of measuring the correct dose as the gummies are pre-dosed. They can be taken anytime and anywhere. The effects of CBD gummies are not felt immediately. Gummies go through the digestive process, where CBD is broken down before being absorbed into the bloodstream. Baas & Linz (2020) stated that the effects of taking CBD gummies are felt within 30 to 60 minutes after ingesting. CBD gummies can be made from full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, or CBD isolate.

What Do CBD Gummies Do?

CBD gummies provide the following benefits to the body:

Pain and Inflammation Relief

Cannabis products  treat pain and inflammation. Although there is little evidence of how gummies work, CBD contains pain-relieving effects, which is why many use CBD gummies as a way of alleviating pain. Schilling et al. (2021) investigated cannabidiol as a treatment for chronic pain. The results indicated that most participants used CBD products for pain relief with a reduced intake of pain medications such as opioids. The research also reported that CBD was a good treatment option and not harmful or addictive. The research concluded that CBD could be an effective way to reduce overall pain.

Improving Sleep Quality

Sleep is a necessity for balanced homeostasis and well-being. Many adults struggle to fall asleep or experience insomnia, affecting the normal sleep-wake cycle for a healthy life. Liu (2019) found that CBD products, such as CBD gummies, may improve sleep quality and reduce sleep-related anxiety. Shannon et al. (2019) investigated the use of cannabidiol in managing stress and anxiety. The study above indicated that anxiety scores decreased as sleep scores improved with the use of CBD treatment. The studyconcluded that CBD mightbenefit anxiety-related disorders, including sleep. However, more controlled clinical studies are needed to determine the full potential of CBD as a tool for improving sleep and anxiety-related disorders.

Relief from Stress and Anxiety

Moltke &Hindocha (2021) claimed that CBD gummies could reduce stress and anxiety. Stress and anxiety are among many major issues affecting mental health. Chewing CBD gummies when one feels stressed or anxious provides a relaxing and calming experience reducing stress and anxiety. Blessings et al. (2015) supported CBD as a treatment for generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder when administered acutely."

Pros and Cons of CBD Gummies

Pros

• They are discreet.
• They are available in different flavors and shapes.
• They are pre-dosed. There is no hassle in measuring the correct CBD dosage.

Cons

• Gummies have lower bioavailability than other CBD products such as vapes or sublingual.
• Unlike topicals, CBD gummies may not be the best way to provide full-body benefits, especially in targeted areas of the body.
• CBD gummies are unregulated products. The chances of finding substandard products that are significantly less effective are high.

Conclusion

CBD products are becoming popular, with people taking them for different reasons. Cannabidiol has been used for decades to offer therapeutic benefits to people battling different health conditions. Users prefer CBD products because of the cannabinoid's non-intoxicating effects. Unlike THC, CBD does not cause any mind-altering effects when consumed.Gummies offer incredible benefits to people trying CBD to manage conditions such as anxiety, pain, stress, and sleep problems. However, more studies need to be conducted to help understand the full potential of CBD gummies. Patients should also consult with their healthcare providers before including CBD gummies in their health regimen to avoid the risks of adverse effects and complications.

References

Bass, J., & Linz, D. R. (2020). A Case Of Toxicity From Cannabidiol Gummy Ingestion. Cureus, 12(4).

Blessing, E. M., Steenkamp, M. M., Manzanares, J., &Marmar, C. R. (2015). Cannabidiol As A Potential Treatment For Anxiety Disorders. Neurotherapeutics, 12(4), 825-836.

Ferber, S. G., Namdar, D., Hen-Shoval, D., Eger, G., Koltai, H., Shoval, G., ... & Weller, A. (2020). The "Entourage Effect": Terpenes Coupled With Cannabinoids For The Treatment Of Mood Disorders And Anxiety Disorders. Current Neuropharmacology, 18(2), 87.

Liu, T. (2019). What Is CBD Oil? Learn The Facts: Uses, Benefits, And Side Effects.

Moltke, J., &Hindocha, C. (2021). Reasons For Cannabidiol Use: A Cross-Sectional Study Of CBD Users, Focusing On Self-Perceived Stress, Anxiety, And Sleep Problems. Journal Of Cannabis Research, 3(1), 1-12.

Schilling, J. M., Hughes, C. G., Wallace, M. S., Sexton, M., Backonja, M., & Moeller-Bertram, T. (2021). Cannabidiol As A Treatment For Chronic Pain: A Survey Of Patients' Perspectives And Attitudes. Journal Of Pain Research, 14, 1241.

Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol In Anxiety And Sleep: A Large Case Series. The Permanente Journal, 23.