CBD gummies are a fun and tasty way to get in your daily dose of cannabidiol. There are hundreds of CBD gummies on the market, and they come in various flavors and strengths. But a lot of new CBD users ask us the same two questions: Do CBD gummies get you high? And what are the best ways to consume them?
Gummies are very easy to dose. Which makes them one of the more convenient CBD delivery methods. Gummies let you make sure exactly how much you’re consuming. It also makes them a great starting point for those who are new to CBD products.
Although they are relatively easy to take, you need to be careful. Always keep an eye when consuming CBD gummies and make sure to do so correctly. If you are keen on trying them out, below are some useful tips for using CBD gummies. And because they can be confused with the traditional gummy bear candy, always make sure to keep them out of the reach of children.
Do CBD Gummies Get You High?
Most likely no…but (and there’s always a “but,” right?). There are two important things to keep in mind. First, make sure you are buying CBD gummies that have less than 0.3% THC. Any reputable brand will display the THC content on their site and on the label. You should be able to buy these online because thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, and CBD product with less than 0.3% THC is federally legal. Some dispensaries sell CBD products that contain high amounts of THC. Those can and will make you high.
Second, always take the recommended dosage. Especially when taking full spectrum CBD gummies. Because full-spectrum CBD products do have some THC. As we stated earlier, it is less than 0.3%, but it’s still there. And if you’re like us, you can pop a handful of gummy bears in your mouth without thinking. So always be mindful of what you’re consuming when it comes to CBD products.
OK, we’ve answered “Do CBD Gummies Get You High?” Now, what are the best ways to consume them?
1) Decide what you would like to take them for
The available research suggests that CBD can be used to help ease symptoms associated with a range of conditions, including pain, inflammation, and insomnia.
It is important to address why you are taking any CBD product before using it. This is because the condition you are taking it for will determine the dosage. You also need to consider whether the type of CBD product you are using is appropriate. For example, if you want immediate relief for pain, smoking CBD flower or vaping will work faster. However, if you suffer from insomnia and prefer to take your dose a few hours before best, you can opt for gummies.
2) Be informed about the type of CBD you would like to use
There are three kinds of CBD: isolate, broad-spectrum and full-spectrum. Gummies containing CBD isolate contain pure CBD with no other cannabinoids. Isolate CBD products are free from THC – the substance which causes the sensation of being high – but they are also free from other cannabinoids which may increase the therapeutic value of the product.
Broad-spectrum CBD products contain a range of cannabinoids except for THC, giving the user all the health benefits cannabinoids have to offer without THC.
Full-spectrum CBD products contain all the naturally occurring compounds of the cannabis plant, including THC. They are best for individuals who seek to take advantage of the combined benefits these compounds have to offer. The theory suggesting that these cannabinoids have a stronger therapeutic effect when taken together is known as the entourage effect.
Full-spectrum CBD products usually contain so little THC that they won’t cause you to feel intoxicated if you’re taking the suggested number of gummies.
Try to avoid products that do not explicitly state the type of CBD used in the product, and rather opt for a product made with CBD that was extracted from organically grown hemp.
3) Check the added ingredients
Many CBD gummies have a ton of added ingredients to boost their flavor and make them look appealing. However, the added ingredients are not always beneficial. Always check that the added ingredients up the benefits of the product. You can also opt for a gummy made with organic ingredients and added superfoods for a healthy boost.
Steer clear of gummies made with artificial ingredients and unhealthy quantities of sugar. If you have particular dietary requirements (such as being vegan or having allergies), check that your gummies meet these requirements. Individuals who are on certain medications should also make sure none of the ingredients (including CBD) interact with other medications they are taking. A list of medications that interact with CBD can be found here.
If you are curious about trying CBD gummies, but have concerns about how they can affect you, speak to a CBD-friendly doctor about whether they are safe for you to take.
4) Start with the lowest dose possible
Establishing how much CBD to take is generally not as straightforward as taking other medications. One dose might work for one person but do nothing for you. If you are unsure about which dose to take, it is best to start with the lowest dose.
Gummies are easier to dose than other products as one gummy serves as one dose. The CBD concentration of gummies is usually from 5mg per gummy and up. If you’re new to taking CBD, start off with a 5mg gummy. You can also start with half a gummy and wait a few hours to see if it has any effect, and up your dosage from there if you do not see any results.
Newbies should also take CBD gummies before or close to bedtime as drowsiness is one of the possible side effects of taking CBD. If you still feel uncomfortable about taking a certain dose, speak to a medical professional, have them recommend a dose for you, and stick to it.
5) Wait it out
Compared to other forms of CBD, gummies require some patience. Gummies need to be digested before the CBD kicks in. It can take around two hours for you to feel an effect after taking a gummy, which can last for anywhere up to six hours. Therefore, if you do not feel anything immediately after taking one gummy, don’t break the golden rule and take a few more.
Wait around two hours and if you don’t feel an improvement, you can increase your dose accordingly. Remember, CBD does not work the same for everyone and it may not work at all for some. It should also not be seen as a miracle cure, but rather as a means to offer some relief to conditions where primary medications offer little hope.
Do CBD Gummies Get You High – In Conclusion
CBD gummies are a fun way for beginners to venture into the world of CBD, and many seasoned CBD users enjoy using them too. And as long as you consume the recommended doses and only consume gummies with less than 0.3% THC, they should not make you feel high.
When in doubt about anything CBD-related, consult a medical practitioner.
Sian Ferguson is a freelance writer based in Cape Town, South Africa and she has written for publications such as Healthline, Greatist, and Psych Central to name a few.
