CBD (also known as cannabidiol) is touted as a supplemental dietary product that has caused some controversy, primarily because it’s derived from cannabis. More scientific research needs to be done to prove its potential benefits, but people that use CBD say it has a wide range of health advantages.

[See a more detailed description of CBD benefits]

There are several different ways to use CBD, with product lists that include everything from CBD oil and vape juices to edibles. Edibles are no stranger to the cannabis community, and CBD gummies are a discrete and tasty option favored by many. You may feel more relaxed after eating one of these treats, but you don’t have to worry about any psychoactive effects that are associated with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and marijuana.

How CBD Gummies Are Made

Like most other edibles, CBD gummies are made by breaking down cannabis plants and extracting their valuable active compounds. Heat is an important factor in this process, but temperatures that are too hot can degrade the amount of CBD that actually makes it into a gummy. Temperatures should not exceed 200 °F during the creation of CBD gummies, although it’s very hard for consumers to find out how a particular product was specifically made. If you’re serious about your CBD consumption, contact reputable brands or search their websites to see if they have information about how their CBD gummies are produced.

Other than purchasing from a company that properly heats their CBD, here’s what else you can look for when choosing a CBD gummy that’s right for you:

• Non-GMO products with organic sugars, flavors, and natural colors
• Third party testing, which provides an accurate description of ingredients
• Clearly stated CBD potency so you know how many milligrams are in each gummy
• Whether the CBD was extracted from hemp or marijuana (each one is a different strain of cannabis, but marijuana has more THC)

CBD Gummies—What’s Real and What’s Fake

There’s a lot of misleading information on the internet that makes it even more confusing to find important details pertaining to CBD products. For example, several different websites claim that CBD gummies will take effect in a certain time frame. Some say it can take up to 2 hours, while others say you won’t feel anything from CBD until 4 to 6 hours after consumption. Clearly, there are some discrepancies that need to be addressed.

The real answer is that everyone has a different metabolism, and there is no guarantee that CBD will have a certain effect on you. Generally, you can expect CBD gummies to work faster on an empty stomach than after eating a big meal, but it could take anywhere from half an hour to 3 hours (possibly more) to feel symptom relief.

Once you eat a CBD gummy, it may not always be apparent when it has started to work. CBD doesn’t necessarily elicit a particular feeling, instead it reduces unwanted symptoms for a sense of overall well-being. The effects from a CBD gummy can last for hours, but exactly how long will depend on the potency of the product and how quickly your body absorbs the compound.

FAQs About CBD Gummies

Are CBD gummies legal?

In a word, yes, but there can be some confusion depending on where you live. For the majority of the country, it is legal to sell and purchase CBD as long as the THC percentage is less than .3%, and you’re at the age of 18 or older.

[See a full list of CBD laws for each state]

Will I get high from eating CBD gummies?

No, CBD gummies are different than edibles made from marijuana and they will not get you high. There is little to no THC in these small treats. You may feel a sense of relaxation or notice that your symptoms have been alleviated, but you will not have any psychoactive effects like other THC-heavy edibles.

How many CBD gummies should I eat?

The answer to this question is going to be different for every person, and it will also depend on the type of gummies that you use. If you are new to CBD, start with gummies that have a smaller percentage of CBD, and only take one at a time. You won’t feel the effects of CBD until your digestive system has started to break down the gummy. For this reason it’s important that you don’t ingest too much CBD at once. It won’t start to take effect until some time afterward, and after you eat a gummy there’s really no way to undo the digestive process once it has started.

Where can I buy CBD gummies?

It’s easy to find CBD products all over the internet, just make sure that you are doing your research before purchasing anything that you intend to eat. Lab test results and accurate ingredient lists are a good place to start. This way you’ll know exactly how much CBD is going into your body, along with anything else that was used to make the gummies.

Will I fail a drug test if I eat CBD gummies?

Drug tests are looking for THC, and CBD contains no more than 0.3% of THC. This makes it highly unlikely that you would test positive for marijuana on a drug test. Most CBD is derived from hemp plants rather than marijuana plants, which further decreases the likelihood that THC would affect a drug test. However, if you consume a massive amount of CBD, there is a chance that trace amounts of THC are present in your urine. This could result in a false positive, even though no amount of CBD produces psychoactive effects like THC. According to the U.S. Drug Test Center, as long as you take less than 2,000 mg of CBD in a day you should be safe.

If you’re still worried about a drug test and want to stay on the safe side, you can ensure that you’ll pass with THC-free gummies and CBD isolates. These products only contain cannabidiol, rather than other terpenes and cannabinoids from the cannabis plant.

Warning: What to Know Before Eating CBD Gummies

Many people that use CBD believe it’s the next medical miracle, but it’s up to you whether or not you believe the hype. CBD gummies have yet to be evaluated by the FDA, and they are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. If you take prescription medications, you may want to seek a doctor’s advice before trying CBD. Personal stories about the revolutionary benefits of CBD make it hard to decipher fact from fiction, but if you want to give it a try for yourself, gummies are an easy way to start. Lastly, keep CBD gummies far away from kids—their appearance can fool anyone.