The Effects of CBD Gummies
If you’ve been using CBD gummies for a while but haven't done any research into what it actually does, you may be wondering what effects they’re unknowingly having on your body.
Or maybe you want to start taking them, but go in knowing what to expect. Either way, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’ll dive into what CBD gummies may do, how long the effects take, whether they’re safe to consume, and if they’re worth trying.
If you’re looking for a quick and tasty way to get your daily dose of CBD, our CBD gummies are a game-changer; double the juice, double the flavour.
Key takeaways
-
CBD gummies are edible sweets infused with cannabidiol, also known as CBD.
-
They don’t produce the “high” associated with cannabis, instead providing subtle, steadying effects.
-
The effects of CBD gummies are usually described as subtle, such as feeling calmer, more balanced, or more relaxed.
-
Effects can vary from person to person depending on body weight, metabolism, dose, food intake, sensitivity, and the quality of the product.
-
Some people may experience side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, digestive discomfort or appetite changes.
-
CBD gummies may interact with medication, so speak to your doctor before taking them.
What are CBD gummies?
CBD gummies are chewable, CBD-infused sweets that each contain a measured amount of CBD, offering a quick and easy way to add CBD to your daily routine.
A lot of people seem to lean more toward CBD gummies now than CBD oils because they come in a wider range of flavours, so you don’t have to put up with the earthy, bitter taste of hemp just to enjoy the benefits.
Plus, they’re a lot simpler and less messy to take, since you don’t have to do any of the measuring yourself. Since we know you love to take CBD on the go, we make all of our packaging discreet at Natural Strains, so you can enjoy them in public with a bit of privacy.
If you want a more in-depth explanation of CBD gummies, read our blog about what CBD gummies are.
What do CBD gummies do?
Essentially, CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system in our body, which helps our body stay balanced and regulated and supports bodily functions.
Once eaten, the CBD is absorbed by the body through the digestive system before entering the bloodstream, which is why it can take a bit longer to start working than CBD oils do.
The confusion about CBD often comes from what people know THC to do, which is also derived from the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, CBD isn’t intoxicating and doesn’t make you feel high, spaced out, or out of control.
Instead, the effects are much more subtle. However, it’s good to know that the effects can vary from person to person, depending on your weight and metabolism, any health issues you may have, the strength of the gummy, whether you have eaten recently, and your own sensitivity to CBD.
It’s also worth remembering that CBD gummies aren’t a magic fix; they should not be treated as a cure or replacement for medical advice. You can take a deeper dive into how CBD interacts with the body in our blog: what do CBD gummies do, and how do they work?
Do CBD gummies make you sleepy?
Some people may feel like they can wind down more easily after consuming CBD, which is why many people benefit from taking it at night, just before bed.
However, while one person may feel more relaxed or ready to wind down, another may not notice any drowsiness at all. While evidence around sleep is still developing, a 2019 case series found that sleep scores improved in many patients after taking CBD in the first month but fluctuated over time.
They shouldn’t be used to treat insomnia or sleeping issues, but they can add to a wind-down routine, helping you as you switch off for the day. Be aware that high strength gummies may make you feel drowsier.
Do CBD gummies make you feel relaxed?
For many people, relaxation is one of the main reasons they become interested in CBD gummies.
It’s unlikely that you’ll feel a dramatic change or shift, since CBD is a lot more subtle, but some people say they feel calmer, more settled, or better able to unwind.
In fact, a 2011 double-blind study found that CBD reduced anxiety, cognitive impairment, and discomfort during a simulated public speaking test in people with social anxiety disorder, which led to it becoming known as a supplement that can help you feel more relaxed.
However, these studies used higher CBD doses than many gummies contain, so it may not have the same effect on those who take low-strength gummies.
Do CBD gummies affect focus or mood?
One of the misleading ideas around CBD is that it can be used to treat anxiety or depression.
While this is untrue, as CBD gummies shouldn’t be used to treat medical conditions, some people include CBD as part of their wellness routine for that extra bit of support with getting into a calmer state of mind.
Your mood can also be influenced by many different factors, including sleep, diet, stress levels, hormones, medication, lifestyle, and general health, which CBD can’t overrule. However, it may make you feel a bit less tense or more at ease.
What do CBD gummies feel like?
It’s best to go into CBD gummies knowing that you won’t feel like a whole new person afterwards. It won’t give you the buzz that THC-infused products do, but it may make you feel a little bit more supported throughout the day.
The effects can be so subtle that you might not even feel them much at first, especially if you’re starting from a lower dosage. CBD gummies are also not addictive, since they don't directly stimulate the production of dopamine or cause any stimulating effects.
You may notice effects starting to happen gradually rather than all at once, and you may not notice anything for the first 30 minutes to 2 hours. That doesn’t mean it’s not working; it just means your body needs more time to respond or CBD simply affects you differently.
Some people describe the feeling of CBD gummies as:
-
Relaxed without feeling high
-
Calm but still clear-headed
-
More settled in the evening
-
Gently drowsy, depending on the strength and time of day
-
Subtle rather than obvious
Are there side effects of CBD gummies?
Like any supplement or food product containing an active ingredient, CBD gummies may affect people in different ways, especially if someone has any underlying medical issues.
You may take CBD and not notice any unwanted effects, while others may feel slightly drowsy, tired, or experience mild digestive discomfort. This is more likely to happen if you take a dosage that’s too high for you or you consume too much CBD in one day.
Possible side effects of CBD gummies may include:
-
Drowsiness
-
Dry mouth
-
Changes in appetite
-
Feeling light-headed
-
Changes in mood for some people
-
Digestive discomfort
-
Feeling sick
-
Diarrhoea
You should always speak to a medical professional before taking CBD, especially if you also take any daily medication. If you do notice any side effects, stop taking the product and speak to your GP.
Can CBD interact with medication?
Yes, CBD has been known to interact with certain medications, which is why you should always speak to your doctor first and be extra cautious if you have a current prescription.
Even though CBD gummies are sold as food supplements, CBD is still an active compound that the body (mainly the liver) needs to process, and it may affect enzymes that are involved in breaking down certain medicines.
That means CBD gummies may affect how some medications interact with the body, making them more or less effective, especially if it’s a high-strength gummy. Be extra cautious if you take medication for epilepsy, blood thinning, heart conditions, mood, sleep, pain, and immune conditions.
So, do CBD gummies work?
So, do CBD gummies really work, and are they worth a try?
While the effects aren’t always instant and dramatic, we’ve discussed in this blog how CBD gummies can help you create a calming, consistent routine so you can feel more balanced going into the day.
If you’re curious about trying CBD gummies for yourself, we have a delicious range of juicy CBD gummies at Natural Strains, with flavours like tangy cherry and fruity and sweet strawberry.
Our CBD gummies are lab-tested, UK-compliant, and come in a range of strengths, so you can find something that supports you every day.