The Best CBD Gummies From 9 Trusted Brands

What to look for in a high-quality CBD edible

As a consumer, it's important to research the CBD products you plan on purchasing. Here are some factors to consider when shopping for CBD gummies and edibles.

Type of hemp extract

There are three types of hemp extract used to make CBD edibles:

• Full-spectrum CBD extracts contain cannabinoids from the entire hemp plant (including less than 0.3% THC). The other compounds of the hemp plant, like terpenes and phytocannabinoids, enhance the therapeutic effects of CBD through a process called the entourage effect.
• Broad-spectrum CBD extracts include many of the same compounds as full-spectrum, but they go through a separate process to remove the THC.
• CBD isolate extracts contain 99% pure CBD with no THC, terpenes, or other cannabinoids.

Lab testing

A quality CBD product comes with a certificate of analysis (COA) from a third-party laboratory. A COA presents the results of any qualitative or quantitative tests run by the independent and accredited lab. Mentions of third-party lab testing should be available and transparent on a company's website to prove that the gummies you're buying are free of unwanted chemicals and actually contain the CBD content stated on the label.

It's important to note that the CBD market is still not regulated by the FDA and some companies take advantage of that. The best CBD brands offer easy ways for customers to fact-check their claims.

Quality ingredients

Always check the product label to see what type of extract is used and where the hemp was grown (American-grown organic hemp is recommended). The ingredients in your gummies should be natural—like vegetable, fruit, or herbal extracts—and contain little to no added sugars. While sugar may help the medicine go down in some instances, artificial fillers or additives can detract from the purported health benefits of CBD gummies. Some ingredients may be added to help boost the primary benefit of the gummy, such as melatonin to promote better sleep.

Price

To compare the prices of different CBD gummies, we divided the cost by the total amount of CBD in each bottle to find the cost per milligram of CBD. The brands were then labeled using the following ranges:

$ = Under $0.06 per milligram of CBD
$$ = Between $0.07 and $0.10 per milligram of CBD
$$$ = Between $0.10 and $0.12 per milligram of CBD
$$$$ = Over $0.12 per milligram of CBD

Takeaway

Choose the right CBD gummy for you by comparing the type of hemp extract used, the lab testing results, any additional ingredients, and the cost per milligram of CBD. Many customers report that CBD gummies help them to manage daily stress and to get better sleep, though not every user experienced these results.

CBD gummies FAQs

How do CBD gummies work?

When ingested via an edible like gummies, CBD interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This interaction can impact mood, pain, sleep, and stress levels due to the ECS's connection to the central nervous system.

How many CBD gummies should I take?

If you are new to CBD edibles, it's best to start with a low dose of CBD and increase the amount slowly. Many CBD brands recommend taking one to two CBD gummies at a time, averaging 10 milligrams of CBD per gummy. Before trying any form of CBD, you should consult your doctor. Not all people metabolize CBD in the same way and it could interact negatively with some medications.

Keep in mind that the absorption rate for CBD gummies is more gradual than if you were to consume CBD oil, so it's best to wait at least six hours before taking another dose.

Benefits of CBD edibles and gummies

A 2015 review published in Neurotherapeutics examined 49 preclinical, clinical, and epidemiological studies that looked at CBD's effects on anxiety symptoms. It found that CBD has "considerable potential" to effectively treat multiple anxiety disorders. The authors concluded that the evidence reviewed demonstrated that CBD is safe for a majority of patients and produced few side effects. However, it was also noted that most studies involving CBD and anxiety rely on acute dosing, meaning oral doses of 300 milligrams to 600 milligrams of CBD. Further study is needed to evaluate the effects of long-term CBD use for anxiety.

The effects of CBD on insomnia have also been studied, and various clinical trials determined that CBD did positively impact sleep. The authors of a 2019 critical review of these studies, published in Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology, found that CBD did help some patients fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and get better quality sleep. However, the majority of these studies were actually focused on different health conditions and the findings on sleep were secondary outcomes. Studies were also limited by small sample sizes. More research is necessary to measure CBD's effects on sleep disorders and to establish the safety of administering CBD over long periods of time.

The most compelling scientific evidence of CBD's benefits is the FDA's approval of the CBD drug Epidiolex, which is used to treat seizures. This medication is the only cannabis-derived drug product approved by the federal agency.

Do CBD gummies have any side effects?

According to the World Health Organization, CBD presents no adverse effects relative to dependence potential. Currently, there are no public health issues that are associated with consuming pure CBD. Consumers can take CBD without getting high or experiencing psychoactive effects. There are a few possible side effects of taking CBD, including fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, change in appetite, and irritability. However, these symptoms are relatively mild in a majority of cases.

Are CBD gummies legal?

Industrial hemp was legalized on a federal level through the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill with the stipulation that hemp plant material contains no more than 0.3% of THC on a dry weight basis. In short, CBD gummies and edibles are legal in the US as long as the CBD is derived from industrial hemp that's compliant with the Farm Bill.

Does the FDA regulate CBD?

No. Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, foods, cosmetics, and bath products with CBD as an ingredient are not subject to pre-market approval by the FDA. Therefore, products that contain CBD cannot make claims regarding treatment, cures, or the prevention of any diseases. While the FDA does not regulate CBD, it reviews reports of patients experiencing adverse reactions to CBD products that have been used to treat medical conditions.

Additionally, the FDA has not yet evaluated CBD products for use as dietary supplements. While this has not affected the legality of CBD gummies, it emphasizes the need for consumers to find trustworthy and transparent CBD manufacturers.

Staci Gulbin, RD, MS, MEd, is a registered dietitian, freelance writer, health editor, and founder of LighttrackNutrition.com. She has been a registered dietitian with the Commission on Dietetic Registration since 2010 and has over a decade of experience in the nutrition and dietetics industry.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice; it is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before consuming or using any of the products mentioned on this site. For additional information read Health.com's editorial standards and guidelines.

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