Posted on Sep 02, 2019. 0 comments

Although the cannabis plant has surged in popularity and adoption thanks to product evangelism and especially positive legal momentum, we can’t forget one of its most important aspects: modularity.

In prior generations, the general public regarded cannabis under a negative light. Up until the mid to late 2000s, most Americans were opposed to marijuana legalization, according to a Pew Research Center study. However, in the 2010 decade, a firm majority now support legalization.

And what drove this shift in sentiment? Largely, public education initiatives helped demystify the cannabis plant. Also, the introduction – at least from the lay person’s perspective – of non-psychoactive products, such as cannabidiol (CBD), sparked the discussion toward the multiple platforms of the legal cannabis industry.

Among these product categories, perhaps nothing is more appealing than CBD gummies. These edibles are exactly as they sound: a traditional, universally appealing confection. Because CBD gummies are levered to an innocuous, childhood favorite, they don’t have the same stigma as offering someone a joint. Thus, they second as powerful educational tools.

That said, there are many misconceptions about CBD gummies. Below, we’ll tackle many of the basics behind this exciting – and delectable! – cannabis product:

• What are CBD gummies?

• What are the main types of gummies?

• Full Spectrum vs Isolate

• Benefits of CBD gummies

• Are CBD gummies legal?

• Pros and cons

As you’ll soon find out, cannabidiol gummies offer a convenient, non-intrusive manner to enjoy naturally sourced organic therapeutic solutions.

 

What are CBD Gummies?

As mentioned above, CBD gummies are classic confectionary delights that are infused with cannabidiol, which is an organic compound of the cannabis sativa plant called a cannabinoid. Within the sativa plant are multiple cannabinoids – modern science has so far uncovered over 100 of these compounds.

Inarguably, the two most popular cannabinoids are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Under federal law, the former has been legalized via the 2018 Farm Bill, which permits cannabis products that are derived from industrial hemp. On the other hand, THC remains illegal at the federal level, although individual states may grant exceptions for either recreational or medicinal use.

To clear up any confusion about cannabidiol gummies, these products will not make you high. Therefore, you can set aside any worries you may have that CBD gummies are weed-laced brownies in disguise. One of the biggest selling points for this product category – as with all other CBD products – is that it will not impart a negative impact on your life.

And that’s because cannabidiol and other cannabis-based products sourced from industrial hemp contains less than 0.3% THC content. By law, this is considered a “trace amount” and it allows cannabis product manufacturers to market CBD gummies as 100% free of THC.

Essentially, this means that you can enjoy these confections as it suits you or as certain symptoms arise. Because of the incredibly miniscule amount of THC present – if any, a distinction which we’ll soon discuss – you’d have to consume an absurd volume of CBD gummies before you discover any hint of psychoactive changes.

Moreover, this product features rigorous product quality controls and mechanisms. Utilizing expert cannabinoid extraction processes along with the highly critical CO2 extraction methodology, manufacturers integrate CBD into the core of the base gummy platform.

The end result is a CBD therapy like any other therapy…with the big exception that CBD gummies simply taste better!

 

Main Types of CBD Gummies

Despite what you might initially think, CBD gummies come in various forms. And while most of these format distinctions are inconsequential to your enjoyment and received benefits of cannabidiol, you’ll want to be aware of them for personal or therapeutic preferences.

First, CBD gummies come in three basic shapes: strips, rings, and capsular. From an effectiveness standpoint, what format you consume doesn’t matter: in this case, CBD is CBD. However, these shapes do have an impact on dosage modularity.

For virtually all CBD gummies, one unit or gummy is equivalent to a specific dosage of cannabidiol, usually 25mg. You’ll also notice with many such products a clear delineation. Usually, this means that one end or side of the gummy is a different color than the other end or side.

Why this demarcation point? It allows end-users to visualize a halfway marker, in case they want to split their gummy in two. This is done and recommended for beginners because CBD is an individualistic therapy – varying dosage levels simply affect users differently than others.

As such, when you start out, you may not want to consume the full gummy. Instead, cutting it in half will give you an idea of how CBD impacts you. From there, you can modulate according to your preferences and needs.

For this purpose, the strips format is usually ideal – you can cut your gummy in half with one cut, as opposed to rings, which require two cuts. And capsular gummies, while just as effective as the other formats (all things being equal), are not conducive to cutting.

Still, the physical format really isn’t that big of a consideration in the long run. However, the below topic is worth serious consideration:

 

Full Spectrum vs Isolate CBD Gummies

Similar to other cannabidiol products, CBD gummies come in three basic forms: full spectrum CBD, isolate CBD, and broad spectrum CBD. Although these terms might appear daunting, they’re easy to understand concepts.

First, a brief explanatory note: as we discussed earlier, cannabidiol is merely one cannabinoid among hundreds within the cannabis sativa plant. Just because a cannabis product does not contain the psychoactive compound THC doesn’t mean that other compounds don’t exist.

And this is the basis for understanding full spectrum CBD gummies. In this category, end-users enjoy not just cannabidiol but the myriad of cannabinoids and terpenes – the aromatic organic compounds that give cannabis and other plant life their distinctive aroma – associated with industrial hemp-derived cannabis.

For botanical users seeking the full therapeutic potential of cannabidiol, they should elect full spectrum CBD products, whether the end format is a gummy or some other edible platform. That’s because with full spectrum cannabidiol, the user receives what is known as the “entourage effect.”

This scientifically observed phenomenon is where multiple cannabinoids (like CBD) interact with others, such as Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDA), Cannabinol (CBN), Cannabigerol (CBG), and Cannabichromene (CBC), among many more. Together with terpenes – which represent their own separate discussion – this synergy of organic compounds works in harmony to promote various health benefits.

On the other end of the cannabis spectrum, we have isolate CBD. Unlike full spectrum, isolate CBD gummies only contain pure cannabidiol, and nothing else. Thus, those who elect the isolate platform miss out on the entourage effect. Naturally, the question becomes, why bother?

One of the most exciting drivers of the wider cannabis industry is compatibility with individual needs and preferences. In certain cases, an end-user may not need full spectrum CBD, and therefore doesn’t require the entourage effect. Furthermore, CBD affects everyone differently, and for some individuals, full spectrum may be too full.

From a format point-of-view, isolate CBD, because it doesn’t contain any other cannabinoids nor terpenes, does not give off that distinct earthy aroma of cannabis. On the flipside, full spectrum CBD does have terpenes, which is responsible for that weed smell. Therefore, for palatability reasons, some botanical enthusiasts prefer isolate CBD.

Broad spectrum CBD is the bridge between the full spectrum and isolate, sitting square in the middle of the cannabis spectrum. This product category has all the terpenes and cannabinoids associated with full spectrum CBD. However, it doesn’t contain any THC, which makes it very similar to isolate CBD (bear in mind that full spectrum has a trace amount of THC, or less than 0.3% content).

You can look at broad spectrum CBD gummies as the best of both worlds. However, do note that these edibles are usually more expensive than either full spectrum (least expensive) or isolate. Ultimately, the decision among the three categories rests on personal preferences and needs.

 

Benefits of CBD Gummies

Like all other cannabidiol and hemp-seed oil products, CBD gummies offer naturally sourced organic therapies which address various symptoms and conditions. However, these delectably satisfying confections offer distinct advantages that make it advantageous over other CBD platforms.

First and most notably, CBD gummies have zero learning curve. There are no complicated procedures, no specific time frame to abide by, nor any devices to purchase and master. It doesn’t take any cajoling to have you enjoy gummies: anybody with a sweet tooth or an appreciation for the levity in life will easily gravitate toward CBD gummies.

This segues into a second point about this platform: the ease in which you can share and evangelize the myriad benefits of cannabidiol and other legal cannabis-based platforms. Because of their universally desirable format, people are more than eager to try CBD-infused gummies.

From there, you have an organic pathway to explain the health-beneficial alternatives that cannabidiol offers. This is useful in breaking the ice with family members, especially if they hail from a more traditional or conservative background. You’ll be surprised at what some gentle education can do for appreciation, and eventually adoption.

Additionally, CBD gummies are very convenient, and not just from a transportability perspective. Instead, you’ll find that these products are incredibly discreet. You can display CBD gummies in their native packaging or take them out in a non-descript jar: chances are, no one will blink an eye. Indeed, they may want to partake, which lends itself to an organic evangelism opportunity as we just discussed.

Finally, CBD gummies, particularly the isolate iteration, are the “silent” CBD pathway. Unlike a vape oil, for instance, you can enjoy gummies without anyone being the wiser. A critical attribute for working professionals, these edibles allow you to enjoy consistent dosages, even if your schedule overlaps with your occupational schedule.

 

Are CBD Gummies Legal?

Although hemp-based products received the federal green light thanks to the 2018 farm bill, some legal questions remain. That’s because the broader cannabis genus is a Schedule I drug; only industrial hemp and hemp-derived cannabis products are permissible.

However, this ambiguity may lead to some awkward exchanges. First, not all law enforcement officers are aware of the often complex cannabis laws. Second, while federal law supersedes state law, nothing really prevents states from imposing stricter standards relative to federal mandates.

Further, the lack of clarity in cannabis laws presents a challenging environment, especially regarding transportation. Despite the language of the farm bill, federal agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have adopted a conservative approach; namely, any discovered CBD products would be confiscated and perhaps lead to legal consequences.

Earlier this year, though, the TSA granted an exception to certain CBD medications and products. Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration approved a cannabis-based drug called Epidiolex, which doctors use to treat seizures in children afflicted with epilepsy. Following suit, the TSA has granted permission for passengers possessing Epidiolex in their carry-on bags.

But what about other cannabis products? So far, the TSA is mum on the issue. And while the TSA doesn’t actively attempt to look for CBD products, there’s always a chance that an overzealous agent will make life difficult.

Unfortunately, then, no one has a truly clear answer on carrying CBD on airplanes. Even if they did, individual experiences may vary.

However, the good news is that CBD is legal in most states except three, which are: Idaho, Nebraska, and South Dakota. Better yet, the former two have featured robust debates in the state legislature, which suggests some thawing in their draconian approach to cannabidiol. Only South Dakota, a conservative stronghold, appears dug in permanently with their anti-CBD policies.

 

Pros and Cons of CBD Gummies

Take one bit out of any CBD gummy and you’ll quickly fall in love with the platform. However, like anything in life, cannabidiol gummies feature their own set of pros and cons:

• CBD gummies have no learning curve and are universally appealing. That said, they are probably the least effective form of CBD solutions. As edibles, the cannabidiol and associated cannabinoids and terpenes will be filtered by the liver, which limits their overall effectiveness.

 

• As confections, CBD gummies are easy to share. At the same time, they’re quite expensive if you intend to give some away to your family and friends. Plus, getting into a habit of sharing gummies may create expectations of hook ups from the other party: you’ve been warned!

 

• While CBD gummies are convenient and discreet, the packaging is also large compared to other platforms. Plus, they can be heavier than other platforms, especially if you recently purchased a new jar of gummies. In that respect, the convenience factor can be limited.

 

• Finally, CBD gummies represent the least value for your dollar. Because you’re buying a food product and cannabidiol, you’re paying for these two categories. For a superior value-for-dollar ratio, consider CBD tinctures.

All in all, CBD gummies represent an ideal platform to try cannabidiol for the first time. Compared to all other platforms, gummies offer the easiest pathway toward product evangelism. For those who wish to graduate to higher potencies, other platforms are available. However, CBD gummies help bridge that transition and are therefore incredibly relevant in the CBD industry.