CBD gummies have taken the market by storm as one of the fastest growing consumer products in 2020! These days you can find everything from "bears," or square shaped candies to fruits, worms, rings, and more! Each with its own unique twist on how it delivers cannabidiol (or CBD) to your body. The trend seems set to continue in 2021 as well. So let's break down the buzz around them and give you an in-depth look at what these little guys are all about.
So, just what are CBD gummies? To begin with, it is important to understand that the main ingredient in the gummies, cannabidiol (CBD) is a type of cannabinoid. It comes from hemp. CBD is non-psychoactive and doesn't have any mind-altering properties. There are many different types of cannabinoids found in cannabis plants, but it is this particular one that has taken center stage for its possible therapeutic uses in the medical marijuana world.
It's easy to understand how they got their name – these edibles take the form of gummies. They're a soft candy, typically chewy and come in an assortment of fruit flavors. CBD is infused into the mix with a carrier liquid, making it easy for you to ingest your dose by simply popping one or two candies into your mouth as needed. These are meant to give you a more convenient alternative from oils and tinctures. CBD can also be found in capsules or topicals such as salves. However, edibles are the preferred choice for many. It is absorbed through the digestive system which means it takes time for the CBD to take effect.
The effects of a single dose depend on various factors. Let's look into these one by one and see what you can expect after consuming some of your favorite CBD gummies!
When using a topical product, like salves, creams, or oils it is usually just an issue of how much to put on a sore joint. You'll feel the effect almost immediately and as soon as it starts wearing off you can apply some more. With edibles however, it's different.
The time before you notice the effects will depend on how quickly your body breaks down the CBD infused in those gummies. Since you ingest them, they have to travel through the digestive system. The process includes being broken up by stomach acid and enzymes that work their way into your bloodstream where it can then do its magic. For most people, this takes a good 30-90 minutes for them to notice relief.
How long does one dose last? It depends on many factors such as:
Your body weight and metabolism (the more you weigh the longer it will take)
Any other medications or substances that may interact with CBD
Generally, the effects can last from a few hours up to 8-10 hours in most people. Some say anywhere between 4-6 hours. You'll have to try them out for yourself to see how they impact you.
As you've just read, your metabolism is one of the factors that influence how quickly you feel the effects of CBD edibles and for how long. The first time you try it, start with a small amount to get an idea of what the full effect will be on you. You can always take more later as needed. There are many products available in different milligrams so find one that is right for your needs.
The type of CBD: Full-spectrum, isolate, or broad-spectrum?
Time of day: If you take them on an empty stomach versus a full stomach? Some people have reported they last longer if eaten before bedtime as you sleep and wake up with some of the effects still there.
When in your body, CBD will go through many organs. Two of the main factors for it's breakdown are the liver and kidneys. The liver is the major organ but others do play a role too like the small intestines as well. The body breaks down all substances into their smaller molecular parts.
As mentioned, once the effects have begun to subside you can always take another dose. But when does it leave your body for good? There are some things that will impact this:
Body fat - Those with a higher percentage of body fat will hold onto more CBD and may require larger amounts over longer periods.
How you take the gummies themselves, do you bite into them or swallow in whole form?
The liver is where most of the breakdown occurs. Once it leaves your liver, it goes to the small intestines and through the rest of your organs before being excreted in feces (usually within 3-5 days). There are some trace amounts that end up in urine as well.
Is There Such A Thing As A Daily Maintenance Dosage?
It depends on why you're taking them. If pain relief is your main goal, it may be one or two each day. But if you want to sleep better, you may only need to take them every other night. Research into CBD and its many benefits shows promising results as an anti-inflammatory. Studies have used 50mg a day over 4 weeks without side effects. However, the best dose for your body is a good question that each of us must answer by trying out what works for ourselves.
You might be wondering about the 'half-life' term which is a common one in pharmaceuticals to describe how long until half of an ingested substance leaves the body. But CBD doesn't act like most pharmaceutical drugs, where after 3-4 days you are free and clear! There are varying results on what CBD's half life really is. Half-life can range anywhere from 10 minutes to up to 7 days with an average around 2 days.
How long it takes for your body to digest the product (if you eat them in whole form)
When you take them - morning, noon, night? You can experiment on what works best for you and your schedule.
CBD gummies are definitely a popular option when it comes to taking your cannabidiol. Once you have the dosage down, you'll find they can be convenient and easy to use when compared with some of the other options out there, such as an oil. However, if you're not careful the half life can really add up over time so consider tracking the effects on you body in conjunction with your daily routine. As always, remember what is right for someone else may not be for you.
Remember to do your own research about the product before purchasing and make sure it has a Certificate of Analysis (COA) from a third party lab. Start slow, see how they work for you, and take note on when to re-dose! Enjoy experimenting!
How long does one dose last? When is the best time to take them? How often should I eat them?
It's great that your wondering about what CBD gummies can do for you but remember, this is only your first step. You have a lot of information ahead of you as you begin on the path to learning more about how to use CBD. Keep up the curiosity and enjoy exploring all its many uses!