We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.
How we vet brands and products
Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:
Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.
CBD gummies are a convenient and discreet way to ingest CBD. Benefits may include improving sleep, easing anxiety, and pain relief. Many brands offer high quality CBD gummies, including Cornbread Hemp, Charlotte’s Web, and more.
Is CBD legal?The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws. Be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.
The table below compares the CBD gummies in this article on key features:
Before purchasing CBD gummies, a person may wish to consider the following:
Hemp source: People may wish to consider buying from companies that source hemp responsibly. Several companies use hemp grown in the United States, whereas others use hemp from other countries.
THC content: Hemp products with less than 0.3% THC are legal on a federal level. It is essential to check the THC content of a product before purchasing.
Unproven medical claims: The FDA has only approved one CBD prescription drug for medical use. The FDA states that people who buy CBD products claiming to treat serious conditions such as cancer, mental health conditions, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease should not delay receiving care from a healthcare professional.
COA: Products should have a certificate of analysis (COA) available detailing the ingredients and contaminant testing results. If a COA is unavailable on a company’s website, a person may wish to contact the company to read the certificate before purchasing a product.
Consuming CBD gummies and other edibles can be an easy, tasty, and discreet way of ingesting CBD. Some common reasons for taking CBD gummies include managing pain and seeking relief from anxiety or depression.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound in the cannabis plant that does not cause a person to become “high.”
Gummies may contain one of three main variations of CBD. These are:
Full-spectrum CBD: This contains all the phytochemicals that occur naturally in the cannabis plant, such as various other cannabinoids, terpenes, and oils. It also includes a trace amount of THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis that produces a “high.”
Broad-spectrum CBD contains all the phytochemicals in the cannabis plant but no THC.
CBD isolate: This is the pure form of CBD.
Due to a lack of regulation, companies and consumers sometimes confuse these terms — particularly broad-spectrum CBD and CBD isolate — and use them incorrectly.
The table below breaks down common CBD terminology:
Read more about terminology and other important CBD information here.
People may wish to consider the benefits and drawbacks of CBD gummies before purchasing:
The endocannabinoid system affects the central nervous system and how the body responds to internal and external stressors.
CBD works with other cannabinoids to bind to cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system. There are two primary cannabinoid receptors: CB1 receptors, which are present in the central nervous system and the brain, and CB2 receptors, which increase expression after injury and inflammation.
THC binds to and may activate CB1 receptors, leading to the effects of this compound.
Dosage
There has been very little research into how much CBD a person should take. Companies tend to state a recommended dosage on the label of their CBD products and suggest starting at a low dose. It is important not to exceed this dosage and to lower the dosage or stop taking CBD immediately if a person experiences any side effects.
Learn more about CBD dosages here.
Companies that manufacture CBD gummies usually state the best use for their gummies on their websites or product packaging.
Some brands claim a person can take the gummies anytime during the day. Others suggest that a person take the gummies either at night or in the morning.
A person should consider the milligrams of CBD in each dose. Most CBD companies suggest that a person starts with a small dose and then gradually increase it as necessary.
People should not exceed the recommended dose listed on the product packaging.
A person should consult their doctor before taking any supplements. This is particularly important with CBD gummies. CBD can cause liver problems in some people and may affect male reproductive systems.
In addition, to avoid the risk of potentially harmful interactions, people who take prescription medications should check with their healthcare professional before using CBD gummies.
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about CBD gummies:
What strength CBD gummies should I use?
A person should start with the lowest potency of CBD per gummy and then increase the potency until they achieve the desired effect. This amount will differ from person to person.
What are the strongest CBD gummies?
The strongest CBD gummies in this article contain 100 mg of CBD per gummy. These are the cbdMD Broad Spectrum Gummies.
Which form of CBD is the most effective?
The most effective form of CBD is still up for debate. The entourage effect is the theory that all parts of the cannabis plants should be taken together to have the greatest effect. These parts include cannabinoids like CBD and THC and terpenes and flavonoids.
A person might consider trying a full-spectrum CBD product to benefit from this effect. However, people should only do so if they are comfortable consuming THC.
What are the best CBD gummies for first-time users?
A person is always advised to use CBD gummies and other products from reputable brands that use third-party labs to test their products. A person should start with a low-potency gummy.
Are CBD gummies dangerous?
The FDA states several side effects and potentially serious conditions can occur when using cannabis and CBD.
These side effects may include:
drowsiness and sleepiness
diarrhea
appetite loss
irritability and agitation
The FDA also warns that cannabis and CBD products could cause liver injury and may interact with other drugs a person is taking, leading to serious side effects. Additionally, the FDA notes that animal studies show that CBD may negatively affect male fertility.
Is it safe to use CBD gummies while pregnant or nursing?
The FDA strongly advises against using CBD, THC, or cannabis products while pregnant or nursing.
There has been no research investigating the effects of CBD in pregnant people. However, the FDA states that THC and cannabis can lead to premature birth, low birth weight, or stillbirth. Additionally, if a pregnant person uses THC products, the THC can travel through the bloodstream to the fetus’s brain.
The FDA also recommends against using THC products while nursing. THC can remain in a person’s milk for up to 6 days and may result in hyperactivity and poor cognitive function in the infant.
Can CBD gummies cause anxiety?
Some people report sensitivity to THC and may experience increased anxiety when taking full-spectrum CBD gummies. Full-spectrum gummies may contain up to 0.3% THC.
People with concerns about anxiety should speak to a doctor before taking CBD or using CBD to treat anxiety.
Consuming gummies is an easy and discreet way of taking CBD for pain relief, depression, anxiety, or other health issues. Many CBD products are on the market, and some may be better than others.
The FDA does not approve any over-the-counter (OTC) CBD products. A person should research multiple brands and products before making a purchase.
People should also consider the type of CBD a product contains.
People new to CBD may wish to start with a low dose option, such as 5 mg, and increase their intake slowly as their symptoms require.
People should look for companies that provide proof of independent, third-party laboratory testing to ensure that their products contain the listed ingredients.
Anyone looking to use CBD for anxiety or depression should speak with a healthcare professional first, as CBD could interact with other medications they are taking, such as prescription anti-anxiety medications.
