CBD gummies have become a popular starting point for people interested in CBD. Edibles, especially candies, are discreet, easily portioned, and the sugar hides the taste of the active ingredients. Gummies can be used as a medium for every kind of cannabinoid, including THC.
CBD gummies with no THC is a big selling point for some manufacturers, but are “THC-free” products really necessary? Due to the murky legality of marijuana, THC has become a bit of a boogeyman in the general public. However, trace amounts of THC are not only legal, but they can actually contribute to the CBD experience without making you high.
Let’s go over the difference between marijuana and industrial hemp, how cannabinoid compounds work, and the role THC plays in full-spectrum CBD.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that occur naturally in the Cannabis sativa plant.
CBD is just one compound among many. There are over a hundred known cannabinoids, each one similar yet unique. More than eighty of these compounds have been shown to interact with the human body, and scientists are still singling out the strengths of each.
While CBD has been highlighted for its many uses, research into other cannabinoids has yielded equally promising results. Like cannabidiol, many of these compounds have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and relaxing properties.
Even the minor ingredients in cannabis have value. Flavonoids and terpenes determine the color, flavor, and scent of the plant, but they also have their own beneficial properties. Combined with cannabinoids like CBD, these compounds can enhance the effects and provide subtle nuances to the experience.
What is THC?
Tetrahydrocannabinol is a psychoactive cannabinoid, setting it apart from CBD and its sister compounds. It interacts with the body differently, inducing feelings of euphoria and intoxication, along with other side effects like anxiety, paranoia, and “the munchies”.
THC gets a bad reputation, but it’s still a cannabinoid. Researchers have found that it shares many positive qualities with CBD, and trace amounts can actually boost the efficacy of other cannabinoids.
However, while CBD is being accepted as a supplement, THC is still under strict jurisdiction. Trace, non-intoxicating amounts of THC are allowed, but larger doses are controlled more closely.
What’s a “legal amount” of THC?
The legality of THC depends on where you live, but CBD manufacturers must cultivate their plants carefully no matter where they are.
There are two general types of cannabis plants: industrial hemp and marijuana. Hemp is a versatile plant; the flowers can be harvested for CBD, while the fibrous leaves and stems can be used to make clothes, rope, paper, and even biodegradable plastic.
The majority of CBD in the United States is derived from industrial hemp. To be considered hemp, the Cannabis sativa plants must contain less than 0.3% THC. Plants with a higher concentration of THC are considered marijuana, and regulated according to state law.
To protect our company and its customers, all Yummy CBD products are sourced from organic, industrial hemp, and tested by a third party to ensure the THC content is below legal limits.
How Do CBD and THC Work in the Body?
Research into cannabinoids is still ongoing, but there is a wealth of information we’ve already discovered. To understand how cannabinoids work and what sets CBD and THC apart, you need a basic grasp on a few fundamental concepts.
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
Cannabinoids are not unique to cannabis plants. In fact, the human body produces these compounds as well, known as endocannabinoids. They are produced and processed by the endocannabinoid system, or ECS.
The ECS was discovered in the 1990s while exploring the effects of THC. It is a complex cell-signaling system that helps to maintain homeostasis, or internal stability. This means that the ECS kicks in to balance in the body, regulating bodily functions like mood, metabolism, appetite, sleep, stress, pain signals, immune responses, inflammation, and liver function
There is still much we don’t know about the ECS, but research has revealed that it has a notable influence on our overall wellness. It’s even been suggested that endocannabinoid deficiency can contribute to health issues, and supplementing with phytocannabinoids might be the solution.
Endocannabinoids and Phytocannabinoids
Phytocannabinoids produced by plants are compatible with the human ECS, which means the body processes them the same way as endocannabinoids. This is why CBD and other phytocannabinoids are so effective; the body is already prepared to handle them.
CBD and other phytocannabinoids have similar properties to endocannabinoids produced by the body, and they can even work together. For example, cannabigerol (CBN) is known to strengthen anandamide, a neurotransmitter that modulates stress, inflammation, pain, and pleasure.
Central and Peripheral Nervous System
Cannabinoids interact with the body through receptors that send and receive signals from the nervous system. There are two types of endocannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2. CB1 receptors are found throughout the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. CB2 receptors are mostly found in the peripheral nervous system, which branches off into the rest of the body.
Different compounds bind to different receptors, changing how they interact with the body. Some are subtle, causing an indirect effect on the peripheral nervous system; while others are more intense, directly affecting the central nervous system. This is why some cannabinoids are psychoactive, while others aren’t.
CBD vs. THC
Despite being close cousins, CBD and THC diverge in many ways. One of the major differences lies in their mechanism of action, or how they interact with the human body.
THC’s psychoactive qualities are due to its potency; it binds to both CB1 and CB2 receptors, sending signals directly to the central and peripheral nervous system. This elicits a strong response in both the body and mind, leading to intoxication and other side effects.
CBD and other non-psychoactive cannabinoids work indirectly on the peripheral nervous system. This creates a more subtle, soothing experience with fewer side effects.
Instead of hijacking the ECS to induce a “high”, CBD works in unison with the body’s natural processes. Researchers are still trying to determine the details, but it has been speculated that CBD prolongs the effects of existing endocannabinoids by preventing enzymes from breaking them down.
The Entourage Effect
In large doses, THC is a controlled, psychoactive compound. In trace amounts, it is legal and can be a valuable addition to any CBD product.
CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids have value on their own, but they work better together. Much like ingredients in a meal, each one enhances the others and contributes to the overall experience. This is known as the entourage effect: the more cannabis compounds present, the stronger the influence.
This is why manufacturers will include a variety of cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes in their products — including the legal trace amount of THC.
Different Types of CBD Gummies (No THC vs. Trace THC)
There is an entire spectrum of compounds found in the cannabis plant, but manufacturers will pick and choose which to include in their products. The market can be difficult to navigate without knowing the lingo, so here’s a brief overview of the different types of CBD gummies.
There are three general types of CBD products: isolate, broad-spectrum, and full-spectrum.
CBD Isolate Gummies
CBD isolate gummies contain nothing but CBD, which makes them popular among beginner buyers. While they can serve as a mild and comfortable introduction to CBD, they might not provide the most effective results.
Without the entourage effect, your experience might fall flat. This is especially obvious in those who take CBD gummies long-term. As the body builds tolerance, the CBD will yield fewer benefits, with no other compounds to compensate for the loss.
Broad-Spectrum CBD Gummies
Broad-spectrum CBD accommodates this by including additional compounds, including select cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes, but not THC. If you’re looking for a CBD gummy with no THC, make sure your purchases are either broad-spectrum or CBD isolate.
However, if you’re looking for the most effective, well-rounded CBD experience, completing the spectrum can help you achieve your goals. That means accepting that a tiny bit of THC isn’t bad or dangerous, and moving to a full-spectrum product.
Full-Spectrum CBD Gummies
With full-spectrum CBD gummies, you can enjoy the entourage effect at its fullest. While the cannabis compounds work together, the traces of THC bind to both types of receptors, opening up the body and mind for better rest, relaxation, and relief.
Before opting for a CBD gummy with no THC whatsoever, it’s important to understand how THC works, and how much good a trace amount can do. THC is considered the boogeyman of cannabinoids, but it’s nothing to be afraid of. As long as you shop from reputable sources, you won’t be getting more than the legal amount.
Taking CBD gummies
Even if you haven’t purchased any gummies yet, you should begin thinking about how and why you’ll be taking them.
Are you taking CBD gummies to relax and unwind, manage stress or pain, or sleep better at night? CBD affects everyone differently, and your metabolism and body composition can affect how quickly the gummies take effect, how well they work, and how long they last.
The body has to metabolize edibles before the cannabinoids can reach the ECS, which means it can take a bit longer to feel the effects of CBD gummies. Depending on your needs, you might need to take more than one at a time, or take them at different times.
For the first thirty days, try to be consistent. Keep track of how many gummies you take, when you take them, and when you begin feeling the effects kick in. If you experience any side effects (such as dry mouth or upset stomach), try taking your gummies alongside a snack.
The great thing about gummies is that they’re discreet and easy to use, so you can take one anytime, anywhere. Each one also contains a fixed amount of CBD, making it easy to adjust your dose as needed.
When it comes to experience and convenience, many people prefer gummies over taking CBD oil. If you’re looking for an easy way to reap the benefits of CBD, gummies are a good place to start.
Yummy CBD Gummies
Now that you know the basics, you’re ready to enter the world of CBD products and begin shopping. There are plenty of CBD products out there, but you should do your research and invest carefully.
Yummy CBD has two types of CBD gummies: one for daytime, and another for bedtime. All of our products are made with full-spectrum CBD, derived from organic, industrial hemp. And every batch is tested by a third party lab for purity and potency. This ensures that the dosage is correct, and the THC content is well within legal limits.
- Fruity Delight Original Gummies contain 24mg of CBD per gummy, totalling 720mg per pouch.
- Renew Full Spectrum Sleep CBD Gummies also contain 24mg of CBD per gummy, but with an added 1mg of melatonin.
You can take CBD gummies anytime, anywhere, but make sure to keep them separate from any other gummy-like products you have in your house, especially if you have kids around. These gummies should be kept in a place children and pets can’t access.
You can pop a gummy in the morning to start your day with less anxiety, have one when the afternoon stretches in front of you, or enjoy one or two at the end of a long day to relax while you make dinner. If sleep is your biggest issue, a gummy that also includes some melatonin can help you drift off naturally and stay asleep longer, improving the quality of your rest.
When it comes to gummies, quality is of the utmost importance. This goes for both the CBD extract and the base ingredients. Yummy CBD gummies are made with natural ingredients, contain no artificial sweeteners, and come in a mix of four flavors: watermelon, green apple, grape, and pineapple.
Interested in trying CBD gummies? Learn more about your full-spectrum options by visiting our Buyer’s Guide, or head over to the SHOP page to make a purchase.