There are so many choices out there when it comes to hemp-derived supplements. But how do they stack up against each other? Is there any difference between hemp gummies and CBD gummies? Here’s a quick breakdown of the differences between hemp-infused gummies and CBD-infused gummies.
Is there really a difference?
Hemp gummies and CBD gummies are different based on their primary ingredient—though they also are extracted quite differently from one another. Hemp gummies are made from oils found in hemp seeds which contain no cannabinoids. CBD gummies are made with cannabidiol, a therapeutic cannabinoid found in the hemp flower. With that in mind, hemp seed oil is ideal for vitamin/nutrient deficiencies. CBD is more effective for pharmacy-free, holistic health purposes. There are various benefits associated with both hemp gummies and CBD gummies, so you can expect different effects when enjoying each.
Hemp VS. CBD
Hemp is the name given to Cannabis sativa. Hemp has been used industrially for thousands of years, as it’s such a fibrous plant—making it great for everything from paper and clothing, to building materials and more. Now that hemp is legal, hemp extract has made its way into everything from food products and supplements, to cosmetics and beauty products.
While the plant itself is used in all sorts of different industries, its flowers are also useful! Hemp flowers are rich in primary cannabinoids such as CBD and CBG, as well as lesser-known cannabinoids which interact with our bodies and help them maintain balance and stay regulated. Many different materials can be harvested from hemp, including oils enriched with vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids. However, cannabinoids can only be harvested from hemp flowers.
What are hemp gummies? Are there any health benefits?
Hemp-infused gummies are made using hemp oil extracted from the seeds of the plant. They’re great if you’re looking for a way to get more omega-3 fatty acids, and trace amounts of vitamins and minerals, into your diet. Since hemp seeds aren’t resinous, they don’t contain any cannabinoids—so you won’t find any CBD, THC, or other cannabinoids in hemp gummies.
Hemp gummies are more of a nutritional supplement than therapeutic CBD gummies, but they do offer a handful of health benefits themselves. Hemp gummies could aid digestion, inflammation, physical discomfort, and even the appearance of your skin.
What about CBD gummies? How do they benefit health?
So what are CBD gummies, you may ask? CBD-infused gummies are gummies crafted with cannabidiol. The CBD oil first gets extracted from mature hemp flowers by separating the trichomes, or resin glands, from the flower. As long as you’re always using hemp as your starting material, you will always make a hemp-derived CBD product. Sometimes the process ends after the first round of extraction, leaving behind full spectrum CBD oil.
Full spectrum CBD (sometimes referred to as a whole plant extract) contains all of the cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and naturally occurring compounds found in hemp. It’s the closest to how CBD exists in nature, and is popular for the synergistic benefits (known as the entourage effect) enabled by the natural compounds of the plant working better together. It’s usually a darker brown/gold color and has a rich, hemp flavor. When further refined, CBD can become what’s known as broad spectrum—which removes additional cannabinoids like THC. Further refining would leave you with CBD isolate—a 100% THC-free extract that’s CBD in its purest form, with no other cannabinoids or compounds. It’s typically clear and flavorless, and ideal for anyone sensitive even to trace amounts of THC, who are concerned about failing a drug test, or simply not a fan of the taste of hemp. (It’s quite popular in flavored products.)
Once the CBD oil is extracted, you can make infused gummies by adding either gelatin or plant-based/vegan solidifiers, sweeteners, and any natural flavor from fruit juices, concentrates, and sugars. CBD gummies can be found in full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolated options.
CBD oils come with a whole host of different health benefits. Taking CBD gummies daily, like any vitamin, is an excellent way to support your body in staying centered due to the nature of how CBD works within our endocannabinoid system (or ECS). It can play a role in our mood, how well we sleep, and the overall function of our vital organs. CBD is a potent pain-reliever and anti-inflammatory—with properties that research has demonstrated can help soothe anxiety and depression, alleviate cancer-related symptoms, improve heart health, protect brain cells, reduce the occurrence of acne, and plenty of other therapeutic benefits that have made it so popular.
CBD VS. Hemp Gummies: Will they make you feel high?
If you’re exploring hemp and CBD edibles, but trying to avoid the intoxicating effect of THC, you’re in luck! Hemp gummies are completely free of THC (and all other cannabinoids), so they wouldn’t have any effect on your cognitive functions. Most CBD gummies are made with full spectrum hemp extracts—meaning they can contain trace amounts of THC (up to 0.3% per the law). Fortunately, this amount is so miniscule it won’t cause you to feel “high”—and unless one is extremely sensitive to THC, likely wouldn’t even be noticed aside from its ability to facilitate the entourage effect by working with the CBD and other compounds to maximize benefits. In short, you shouldn’t experience intoxicating effects from either hemp or CBD gummies.
Broad spectrum CBD gummies and CBD isolate gummies won’t contain any THC at all, meaning they also wouldn’t offer the complete range of therapeutic benefits like a full spectrum CBD gummy would. The entourage effect demonstrates how terpenes, cannabinoids, and other naturally occurring compounds in hemp boost the effects of one another in the endocannabinoid system. For those looking to experience the full benefits and power of hemp, give full spectrum CBD gummies a try!
Which infused gummies are right for me?
If you’re still on the fence about hemp versus CBD gummies, the next step would be to take your own personal goals and nutritional preferences into consideration. You’ll get a better sense of the edibles you should pick when you consider what type of effects you want to feel, results you want to see, and flavors you favor.
Try a hemp gummy if you’re interested in taking an easy, daily, nutritional supplement. Hemp seed oils are rich in vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids that can help your body perform better if you find yourself struggling with nutrition. The majority of Americans don’t get enough vitamins and minerals in their diet, and hemp gummies may just be the convenient and tasty supplement you're looking for. Just make sure you know how much CBD to take to get the most out of your experience!
Go for a CBD gummy if you’re looking to help maintain balance and optimize the overall function of your body. CBD may be helpful in managing pain and stress in the body, and may also help reduce anxiety and depression, improve your sleep-wake cycle, combat inflammation, and possibly even boost your mood with no intoxicating effects.
Regardless, studies show hemp gummies and CBD gummies are most beneficial when included daily in your health and wellness routines. Whether you’re shopping for a CBD gummy to help you get better rest, improve your focus, tame your tension, lighten your mood, or boost your immune system—be sure to explore our complete line of high potency edibles.¹ Lazarus Naturals is committed to helping you at each step of your wellness journey with safe and effective, third-party tested CBD products that work. We’re eager to assist you with answering any questions you may have, now or later.
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¹ https://myeq.com/blog/basics/why-you-should-take-cbd-every-day