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Hemp and cannabidiol (CBD) gummies are candies that may promote sleep, calm, and pain relief.

This article discusses hemp and CBD gummies, including the types, potential health benefits and risks, and where to buy them.

Is CBD legal? Hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC are legal federally but still illegal under some state laws. On the other hand, cannabis-derived CBD products are illegal federally but legal under some state laws. Check local legislation, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved nonprescription CBD products, which may be inaccurately labeled.

Hemp and CBD gummies come from the same plant. However, their different chemistry profiles result in different effects.

Hemp comes from the plant’s seeds, whereas CBD is made from all parts of the cannabis plant, excluding the seeds. This means that hemp does not contain any CBD or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), whereas CBD may contain THC.

As hemp does not contain THC or other cannabinoids, it may not have the same benefits as CBD.

However, some products may be derived from hemp but can also contain CBD. This means the manufacturers may derive the gummy from hemp but may have included other parts of the cannabis plant, such as the flowers, stalks, or leaves. Therefore, a hemp-derived gummy can contain CBD.

Differences at a glance

CBD gummies:

  • CBD is their active ingredient, and they may contain THC.
  • They come from the flowers, stalks, or leaves of mature hemp plants.
  • Manufacturers usually use carbon dioxide to extract CBD.
  • They may help with pain relief, anxiety, sleep, and provide other benefits.

Hemp gummies:

  • They contain either none or trace amounts of CBD or THC.
  • They come from hempseed oil.
  • Manufacturers use cold-press mechanical extraction or a solvent extraction.
  • These gummies may not provide the same possible benefits as CBD gummies.
  • They may contain essential fatty acids, vitamins, and trace minerals from the hemp plant.
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All information presented is purely research-based and was correct at the time of publication.

The table below compares each brand of gummies in this article for price, dose, and more.

PriceType of CBDCBD dose Main ingredients
cbdMD$89.99–$189.99broad-spectrum 1,500, 3,000, and 6,000 mg per bottle• hemp extract (98% CBD)
• organic cane sugar
• natural flavors
• natural colors
Charlotte’s Web$44.99full-spectrum 15 mg • full-spectrum CBD
• hemp extract
• tapioca syrup
• natural flavors
• natural colors
• MCT oil
+PlusCBD $32.99–$49.99full-spectrum 20 mg hemp extract,
10 mg CBD
• hemp extract
• CBD
• organic turbinado sugar
• organic tapioca syrup
• natural flavors
• natural colors
Joy Organics$39.95–$49.95broad-spectrum 10 or 25 mg• organic broad-spectrum hemp distillate CBD
• organic cane sugar
• organic tapioca syrup
• natural colors
• natural flavors
Cornbread Hemp$29.99–$109.99full-spectrum 20 or 50 mg• organic hemp flower extract
• CBD
• organic blue agave
• organic tapioca syrup
• natural flavors
• natural colors

Medical News Today’s methodology

Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria:

  • Ingredients: MNT chooses products containing safe, high-quality, clearly labeled ingredients. They should also confirm they are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.
  • Dosage: MNT chooses products that must clearly state the CBD dosage and THC content.
  • Serving size: MNT selects products in which manufacturers recommend a dosage and how to take it.
  • Third-party labs: MNT chooses products that 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.

Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more.

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TermMeaning
CBDA compound within the C. sativa plant that does not create the high sensation individuals commonly associate with cannabis use.
THCA compound in the C. sativa plant. It is the psychoactive compound that creates the high sensation from cannabis use.
Full-spectrumA 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-spectrumBroad-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 isolateThis is the purest form of CBD and should contain 0% THC.
CannabinoidsThe compounds within the cannabis plant, of which there are over 120. CBD is the second richest compound in the plant after THC.
TerpenesAnother 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.

CBD is available in various forms. A person might find eating gummies a tastier, easier, and more convenient way to take CBD than swallowing a tincture or capsule. They might be preferable while traveling, for instance.

CBD may help promote relaxation and sleep while reducing anxiety and pain. A 2019 study found that most of the 72 participants experienced improvements in anxiety levels and sleep within the first month of taking CBD.

Anyone interested in trying CBD should consult a qualified healthcare professional first.

Keeping hemp or CBD gummies separate from other candies and supplements is crucial, especially if children are in the house.

Below, we explore some considerations for people interested in hemp or CBD gummies.

Hemp gummies pros

  • The lack of THC may make them suitable for people who have routine blood or urine tests.
  • They may provide supplementary nutrients.
  • Fewer legal restrictions apply to hemp gummies compared with CBD gummies.
  • They are safe for most people.

Hemp gummies con

  • There is less evidence of any benefits compared with CBD gummies.
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Below are the advantages and disadvantages of CBD gummies.

CBD gummies pros

  • They may promote relaxation.
  • They may reduce pain and anxiety.
  • They may improve sleep.

CBD gummies cons

  • Some legal restrictions apply.
  • There is a risk of side effects.
  • They may affect the results of a drug test.
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Before making a purchase, a person may wish to consider a product’s:

  • CBD content: There is no standard dosage of CBD. People should start with a low dose and work up to get their desired effect. If they experience side effects, they should stop taking CBD and speak with a doctor.
  • COA: A certificate from a third party can verify that gummies contain what the company advertises and no pesticides or harmful contaminants. COAs should be publicly available.
  • The type of CBD:
    • Isolate products only contain CBD.
    • Broad-spectrum products also contain other hemp compounds but no THC.
    • Full-spectrum products contain the compounds in broad-spectrum products, plus some THC.
  • Organic: Organic gummies are free from potentially harmful pesticides.
  • Sweeteners and other ingredients: Some gummies contain organic sugar cane, tapioca, or fresh fruit flavorings, while others have artificial ingredients.

It is important to purchase any supplement from a reputable company. In addition to COAs, a person might consider a company’s rating on Trustpilot or the Better Business Bureau‘s website. It is also worth considering refund and return policies.

Many gummies available online contain hemp-derived CBD. According to the 2018 Farm Bill, products from plants that meet the legal definition of hemp are legal in most states.

Learn more about how to shop for CBD.

Research from 2020 links CBD to positive effects on pain, nausea, and some chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes. However, most research focuses on doses higher than those available over the counter or online.

Additional 2020 study suggests that CBD is:

  • anti-inflammatory
  • antipsychotic
  • anticonvulsive
  • effective at pain relief
  • effective at reducing anxiety
  • effective at promoting sleep and rest

However, the FDA has not issued approval for any CBD products apart from Epidiolex. This drug helps treat seizures in children and adults.

While CBD is generally safe, it may cause some side effects, including:

  • tiredness
  • diarrhea
  • changes in eating habits
  • nausea
  • weakness
  • mood or behavior changes
  • dizziness
  • a “high” sensation
  • hallucinations
  • suicidal thoughts

People should speak with a healthcare professional before using CBD products if they:

  • are taking any other medications
  • are pregnant or nursing
  • have an underlying health condition

A person should speak with a doctor before trying CBD to improve the symptoms of a health condition. There may be other treatments with more established scientific research into their safety and benefits.

If a person experiences side effects from CBD, they should stop using it and contact a qualified healthcare professional.

Below are answers to the top frequently asked questions about hemp and CBD gummies.

No. Hemp gummies come from hempseed oil and do not contain CBD or THC. They may not help with pain, sleep, or anxiety. On the other hand, some products are hemp CBD oil gummies, and therefore do contain CBD.

Manufacturers extract CBD from the flowers of the hemp plant, and CBD may have various health benefits. These gummies are more likely to contain THC.

People may be advised to read product labels thoroughly before purchasing.

No. Hemp gummies do not contain THC, the compound in cannabis that produces the “high” feeling associated with the plant.

Most companies recommend people eat one to two gummies a day. However, a person should always follow the dosage instructions on the product packaging.

Those new to CBD should start with a low dosage and build up until they get their desired effect. People should not exceed the recommended dosage.

Hemp gummies may help with anxiety. However, hemp products contain less of the cannabis plant than CBD products, so they may not be as effective.

Hemp may be best for nutritional purposes and may be best suited for people who wish to avoid CBD and THC. However, CBD products may be more effective for issues such as sleep and anxiety.

CBD gummies could help with anxiety, stress, and pain. The FDA has not approved them for therapeutic use, but some evidence points to these health benefits.

CBD gummies can contain small amounts of THC, while hemp gummies contain none.

Anyone who is pregnant or nursing, who is taking medication, or who has an underlying health condition should speak with a healthcare professional before trying any CBD product.