By Ana Reisdorf, MS, RD
Gummy supplements used to be just for kids. But then adults discovered their delicious taste and how easy they were to consume. Now, many people opt for the convenience and taste of grab-and-go gummy vitamins. CBD supplements are no exception.
So what are CBD gummies, and are they a good choice for you?
What Are CBD Gummies?
CBD gummies are sweet, candy-like supplements infused with cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is one of the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. It has been found to have multiple health benefits, due to its interaction with the endocannabinoid system, which oversees many physiological functions in the body.
CBD supplements come in different forms, such as oils and tablets. Although they are beneficial for health, these forms of CBD may be difficult to use for some people, particularly those who have an aversion to the taste of the CBD oil or who have difficulty swallowing pills. With the popularity of CBD, it’s no surprise that many companies are coming out with a convenient and tasty gummy option.
How Are CBD Gummies Made?
Gummies can be made from many different gelatinous materials. Some are made with gelatin, which is animal-based, whereas others are made with pectin, which is plant-based. The manufacturing process involves adding a sweetener such as tapioca syrup or cane sugar to cover up the earthy-taste of the CBD. Depending on the product, flavoring may also be added. Gummies are then coated with vegetable oil or sugar to prevent sticking.
Another important part of the CBD gummy manufacturing process is the type of CBD used. Gummies are typically made with either a CBD isolate or a “full spectrum” CBD.
CBD isolate is a crystalline powder. The gummies are rolled in or sprayed with this substance.. This process is problematic for two reasons: First, rolling or spraying can cause an uneven CBD dosage. So even though the gummy may say it has 5 or 10 mg of CBD, it may not be actually providing that exact dosage..
Second, CBD isolate contains only cannabidiol, one of more than 100 known cannabinoids. Taking a product made with only CBD isolate may not have as many benefits as choosing one with full-spectrum CBD. When it comes to cannabinoids, many of them work together to improve health, referred to as the entourage effect. You are missing out on potential health benefits if you choose only CBD isolate.
It is important to mention that full spectrum products are allowed to contain up to 0.3% THC, the psychoactive cannabinoid found in marijuana. Although this quantity is not large enough to make you “high” it might cause a positive drug test.
Choosing the Best CBD Gummy for You
There are many different options on the market when it comes to CBD gummies. But there are a few things that make certain products stand out over others. Here are a few questions to ask when selecting a CBD product:
- Is the gummy made with full-spectrum CBD or a CBD isolate?
- What is the sweetener used?
- How much sugar does each gummy have?
- What is the dosage?
- How many do you have to take to meet the recommended dosage?
- What are the other ingredients in the product?
- How does it taste?
Zebra CBD full-spectrum, vegan gummies are made from organic hemp extract and come in three fruity flavors. Our manufacturing process takes the bitter chlorophyll out of the CBD, giving our gummies a milder taste compared with others on the market. They’re a great option for those who want to take their CBD on the road or who don’t care for the flavor of CBD oil. Find your perfect blend and shop our CBD gummies online today.
