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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?
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.
- Best full-spectrum: Cornbread Berry CBD Gummies | Skip to review
- Best broad-spectrum: CBDistillery CBD Anytime Gummies | Skip to review
- Best budget-friendly: CBDfx Gummies | Skip to review
- Best overall: Charlotte’s Web Daily Wellness CBD Gummies | Skip to review
- Best for multiple flavors: FOCL Premium CBD Gummies | Skip to review
- Best CBD isolate gummies: Soul CBD Gummies | Skip to review
- Best for beginners: Calm by Wellness Gummies | Skip to review
- Best berry gummies: Zatural CBD Gummy Bears | Skip to review
- Strongest CBD gummies: cbdMD Gummies | Skip to review
- Best non-GMO: Absolute Nature CBD Gummies | Skip to review
- Best sweet and sour: Verma Farms CBD Gummies | Skip to review
- Best organic: Joy Organics CBD Gummies | Skip to review
Medical News Today’s methodology
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here. The information here should not replace medical advice from a healthcare professional.
We choose only CBD gummies that meet the following criteria:
- Ingredients: MNT chooses products containing safe and high quality, clearly labeled ingredients. They should also state the source of their hemp.
- Dosage: MNT chooses products that clearly state the CBD dosage and THC content.
- Third-party labs: MNT chooses products that must undergo third-party testing for contaminants by an ISO 17025-compliant laboratory.
- Available certificate of analysis: MNT chooses companies that demonstrate transparency and share a product’s certificate of analysis (COA) after receiving its third-party lab results. A COA demonstrates that the product is free from pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.
- Reputable: MNT selects products from businesses that adhere to industry best practices. For example, we consider customer reviews, if a brand has received FDA warnings, and whether they make unsupported health claims.
- Safe use: MNT selects products in which manufacturers recommend a safe dosage and how to take it.
- Price: MNT will choose products available for a wide range of budgets. Where available, we provide discount codes.
The table below compares the CBD gummies in this article on key features:
Product | CBD type | Price | Dosage per gummy | Quantity | Cost per gummy |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cornbread | full-spectrum | from $39.99 | 20–50 mg | 30 | $1.33 |
CBDistillery | broad-spectrum | $65 | 30 mg | 30 | $2.17 |
CBDfx | broad-spectrum | $54.99 | 25 mg | 60 | $0.91 |
Charlotte’s Web | full-spectrum | $44.99 | 15–25 mg | 60 | $0.75 |
FOCL | broad-spectrum | $69 | 25 mg | 30 | $2.30 |
Soul CBD | CBD isolate | $65 | 25 mg | 30 | $2.17 |
Calm by Wellness | broad-spectrum | $39.99 | 10 mg | 30 | $1.33 |
Zatural | broad-spectrum | $74.99 | 20 mg | 60 | $1.25 |
cbdMD | broad-spectrum | $89.99 | 50 mg | 30 | $2.99 |
Absolute Nature | full-spectrum | $49.99 | 30 mg | 15 | $3.33 |
Verma Farms | broad-spectrum | $59.99 | 25 mg | 20 | $2.99 |
Joy Organics | broad-spectrum | $39.95 | 10–25 mg | 30 | $1.33 |
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.
Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on CBD.
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
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:
Term | Meaning |
---|---|
CBD | A compound within the C. sativa plant that does not create the high sensation individuals commonly associate with cannabis use. |
THC | A compound in the C. sativa plant. It is the psychoactive compound that creates the high sensation from cannabis use. |
Full-spectrum | A full-spectrum product will contain all of the natural compounds in the cannabis plant, including THC. However, THC levels must be no more than 0.3% to comply with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation on full-spectrum CBD products. |
Broad-spectrum | Broad-spectrum products contain natural compounds of the cannabis plant. However, while manufacturers remove all or most of the THC in broad-spectrum CBD, it may still be present in trace amounts. |
CBD isolate | This is the purest form of CBD and should contain 0% THC. |
Cannabinoids | The compounds within the cannabis plant, of which there are |
Terpenes | Another compound of the C. sativa plant, terpenes typically give plants their specific aromas. Some terpenes, such as limonene, may have specific health benefits. |
Certificate of analysis (COA) | Reputable manufacturers of CBD products should ensure a COA is available for inspection. A COA provides information on the third-party testing that independent labs conduct on a particular product. Sometimes, products have a scannable smartphone code directing people to the COA online. |
Read more about terminology and other important CBD information here.
People may wish to consider the benefits and drawbacks of CBD gummies before purchasing:
Pros
- Research indicates that CBD gummies may help relieve anxiety, pain, and depression.
- CBD products that contain less than 0.3% THC are legal on a federal level.
- People do not need a prescription to buy CBD gummies.
- CBD gummies come in different flavors and doses, allowing people to choose the most suitable product for their circumstances.
- Most CBD brands have an easily accessible COA on their website.
Cons
- The FDA has only approved one CBD product for medical use.
- Some states may still consider CBD gummies and other products illegal.
- Some CBD brands do not have an easily accessible COA on their website.
- The
FDA states that CBD products could cause serious side effects, such as liver injury. - The
FDA strongly recommends that those who are pregnant or nursing avoid all products that contain CBD, THC, or cannabis, including CBD gummies.
The endocannabinoid system
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.
People may use CBD gummies to treat a range of conditions:
CBD gummies for anxiety
Several studies suggest that CBD has anti-anxiety effects because it
Learn more about CBD for anxiety here.
CBD gummies for pain
CBD may help
Learn about the best CBD products for pain here.
CBD gummies for depression
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
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
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
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.