Hemp Gummies VS CBD Gummies: What’s The Difference? (2022)

If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy the benefits of CBD, you might be wondering what the difference is between Hemp Gummies and CBD Gummies. While both types of gummy provide similar health benefits, there are a few key distinctions between Hemp Gummies and CBD Gummies.

Let’s take a closer look at the differences between Hemp and CBD Gummies, so you can decide which type of gummy is right for you!

What Are Hemp Gummies and CBD Gummies?

Hemp Gummies are gummy bear-shaped candies that are made with Hemp-derived CBD oil. Hemp oil is extracted from the hemp plant and then infused into the gummy bear candy. Hemp Gummies are a great way to get your daily dose of CBD, as they are easy to consume and taste great!

CBD Gummies are also gummy bear-shaped candies that are made with CBD-derived oil. However, unlike Hemp Gummies, CBD Gummies are made with cannabis-derived CBD oil. Cannabis-derived CBD oil contains trace amounts of THC, which is the compound that produces the “high” associated with marijuana use.

Hemp Gummies VS CBD Gummies: What’s the Difference?

The main difference between Hemp Gummies and CBD Gummies is the source of the CBD. Hemp Gummies are made with CBD which is derived from hemp, while CBD Gummies are made with CBD which is derived from cannabis plants. Hemp and cannabis are both members of the cannabis family, but they have different levels of THC. Hemp contains less than 0.03% THC, while cannabis can contain up to 30% THC.

CBD that is derived from hemp is legal in all 50 states, while CBD that is derived from cannabis is only legal in states with medical or recreational marijuana laws. Gummies made from hemp are a great option for those who want to enjoy the benefits of CBD without the psychoactive effects of THC.

CBD Oil VS Hemp Oil

Cannabis and hemp oils, sometimes referred to as hemp-derived CBD oils, are extracted from hemp, a cannabis sativa plant. But, despite being made from the same plant, these two oil types vary in composition.

For instance, extractors get CBD oil from various parts of cannabis and some may have CBD components. On the other hand, manufacturers make hemp oil using only cannabis plant seeds.

What are the Health Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil?

Hemp oil is a great source of omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, which are essential for the body. In addition to that that hemp seed oil also has several other health benefits.

For instance, hemp seed oil for its high levels of unsaturated fatty acids, usually about 90%. 

Also, hemp seed oils bear the highest polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) concentration compared to the other plant oils. Having sufficient PUFA in your system will give you numerous health benefits.

That’s not all; hemp seed oil is also rich in sterol phytol and tocopherol. Hemp seed oil’s sterol has twice the amount of sterol as olive oil. Tocopherol, a potent antioxidant, ranges from 80 to 90 mg per 100 g of hemp seed oil—significantly higher than any vegetable oil.

Additionally, Hemp oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.

How to Consume Hemp and CBD Gummies?

Gummies are one of the CBD products. They offer an easier way to consume CBD by chewing instead of swallowing capsules and pills.

You can consume hemp or CBD gummies orally. Just make sure you take your preferred dosage. It takes CBD edibles, such as gummies, about 30-60 minutes.

After taking in these gummies, the body absorbs inedible in the digestive tract before the active ingredients enter the bloodstream and travel to the liver. Then, the liver metabolizes the components that once again enter the bloodstream and reach the brain. Here, they take effect, but the duration may vary from one user to another.

How are CBD-Derived Gummies Made?

As stated earlier, we need cannabidiol oil from cannabis plants to manufacture CBD gummies.

CBD gummies contain cannabidiol. CBD is the primary active compound in the flowers of mature hemp plants.  Extractors mainly found CBD in flowers and stalks of the mature hemp plant. You will find them on the flower’s surface, coated with crystalline resin glands called trichomes. These trichomes are broken up and transformed into a thick cannabinoid-rich oily liquid during the CBD extraction process.

To make CBD-derived gummies, the manufacturer infuses the CBD oil into a gummy base that comprises gelatin or plant-based solidifiers like agar or fruit pectin. Manufacturers extract cannabidiol oil from hemp flowers with ethanol or CO2.

CBD gummies vary in shape and flavor. They are usually sweetened and flavored with fruit juices, concentrates and organic cane sugar.

Types of CBD Gummies

Unlike ten years ago, today the CBD industry is full of different CBD gummies. This makes it challenging to know which best suits you. Besides knowing the amount of CBD in your gummies, other factors to consider.

For example, CBD gummies vary depending on the type of extract. They can be full spectrum, considered the best CBD gummies, or broad-spectrum. They can also be pure, which are isolate-based gummies. These are the CBD gummy extract types.

Full-Spectrum CBD

Full-spectrum contains cannabinoids like CBD and CBG. Research claims that hemp compounds work better when they work together, commonly known as an “entourage effect.”

Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum extracts have the same components, yet broad-spectrum has THC levels of about 0.0%. Although most FCBD products do not contain enough THC to get you high, most users prefer THC-free CBD gummies to be on the safe side of the cannabis law.

CBD Isolate

You might have seen CBD isolate in CBD-derived gummies’ packaging. CBD Isolate is a type of cannabidiol isolated from all hemp plants’ flavonoids, cannabinoids and terpenes. Gummy producers love to use cannabidiol isolate as it’s easy to flavor.

So, if flavor is your biggest worry, you should opt for gummies with CBD isolate on the packaging. Note that isolates have no additional cannabinoids or plant chemicals. Subsequently, some users dislike CBD isolate for that reason.

Here is what to know about CBD gummy extracts.

  • Broad-spectrum cannabidiol and CBD isolate products do not contain any THC.
  • Broad-spectrum CBD products contain all other hemp plant compounds except THC.
  • CBD isolate will contain only cannabidiol.
  • Full-spectrum CBD products contain all broad-spectrum ingredients and some THC.
  • Organic gummies: Organic gummies are free from potentially harmful pesticides.
  • Sweeteners and other ingredients: Some gummies contain organic cane sugar, tapioca and fresh fruit flavorings. Others have only artificial ingredients, including 0.3% THC.

How are Hemp-Derived Gummies Manufactured?

Hemp gummies comprise a different extract, hemp seed oil. Unlike CBD flowers, hemp seeds contain zero cannabinoids. These seeds contain essential amino acids and vitamins, including vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, zinc and microelements such as chromium, thorium and strontium.

Hemp seeds contain 25% to 30% oil extracted by cold-pressing and solvent extraction. Cold pressing is the most commonly used CBD extraction method, with a recovery rate of 60% to 80%.

Manufacturers infuse it into gummies after extracting the hemp oil, like cannabidiol gummies.

Hemp Gummies VS CBD Gummies’ Benefits

CBD and hemp gummies have different health benefits. Let’s first look at the health benefits of CBD gummies.

What are the Benefits of CBD Gummies?

CBD gummies are popular for a reason. They offer all of the benefits of CBD in a convenient, easy to take form. CBD gummies are perfect for on the go and can be taken anytime, anywhere.

There are many benefits of taking CBD gummies, including:

Relief from anxiety and stress

CBD gummies offer anxiety relief benefits. Neuroscientists claim that there are another 65 CBD targets in the body apart from the ECS. Some of these pathways handle CBD gummies’ versatility in relieving stress and anxiety disorders.

CBD acts on the 5-HT1A receptor, responsible for the reuptake of serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that controls emotions and feelings of pleasure, happiness, fear and anxiety. By inhibiting this reuptake, CBD increases serotonin levels, stabilizing mood and augmenting stress response.

CBD also modulates the GABA receptor. It slows down its excitatory mechanism and increases inhibitory actions. The action prevents the neurons in the brain from firing uncontrollably and staves off anxiety.

Also, CBD interacts with the CBD and releases high levels of anandamide. Such levels help elevate moods.

Improved sleep

Are our CBD gummies good for sleep?

Research on how cannabidiol gummies act as sleeping aids is still blurry. However, CBD can influence our circadian rhythm in different ways.

For example, taking high doses of CBD at night can temporarily lower your blood pressure, reducing breathing. Hence, this may aid you in sleeping faster.

CBD-derived gummies also affect different sleeping stages. For example, it increases people’s duration in the deep sleep stage. However, it can minimize Rem stage disorders like Parkinson’s disease, triggered by abrupt body movements, vocalizations and tremors.

Pain Relief 

Users claim to use CBD gummies to ease chronic pain. Here is how.

CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system(ECS) in our brains. The ECS is a vast network of neurotransmitters, enzymes and receptors that coordinate to maintain hemostasis throughout the body. It regulates sleep, memory, mood, pain perception, stress response, body temperature, immune function and appetite.

CBD acts on specific receptors in the brain, like the TRPV1 vanilloid receptor. The receptors play a crucial role in transmitting pain signals to the brain. CBD binds these receptors together, hence dampening the painful sensations.

Moreover, by modulating the ECS, CBD can indirectly increase the concentration of endocannabinoids such as anandamide. An increase in anandamide levels means a higher pain threshold, thus creating more resistance to physical discomfort.

Reduced inflammation

Hence, CBD gummies have anti-inflammatory properties to help treat chronic pain by reducing inflammation. CBD interacts with the ECS system to block the release of a pro-inflammatory compound known as cytokines.

Hemp Gummies Benefit

Hemp-derived gummies are non-intoxicating, meaning they won’t make you feel “high.” However, they do not have the same potential health benefits as CBD, as they contain neither CBD nor THC.

Nutritional Benefits

Gummies made from hemp have only one sole purpose: to offer nutritional benefits via hemp. Therefore, choose hemp gummies if you want to treat nutritional deficiencies.

The hemp seed oil has a nutty taste, so it may not be the best for every user. Gummy producers will, however, mask off that flavor to the point where you won’t notice if they contain the oil.

Hemp seed oil is best for those looking to supplement essential fatty acids, vitamins and trace minerals.

Their high levels of omega-3 fatty acids make them ideal for treating certain nutritional deficiencies and improving cardiovascular health. Omega-3 is also helpful for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

However, hemp seed oil can help improve skin health. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory effects, it helps treat skin conditions like acne or psoriasis.

Gummies made from hemp also help to ease digestion and provide pain relief.

Are CBD Gummies and Hemp Gummies Legal?

Whether you buy CBD gummies or hemp gummies, legality is always a key factor.

However, laws regarding hemp gummies and CBD gummies differ depending on where you live. Some nations have a zero-tolerance for CBD production, while others do not allow it. So, where is CBD legal?

CBD gummies are legal in the US only if derived from Farm Bill-compliant hemp. The United Kingdom allows all CBD products—including CBD gummies—if they contain less than 0.2% THC and are food supplements. In the European Union, laws differ vastly from state to state. Some EU nations have strict rules on CBD. You should conduct research before buying.

However, gummies made from hemp are legal because they don’t contain CBD or THC. Therefore, you won’t get high from consuming a hemp gummy.

Note that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved nonprescription CBD products. So, if you’re concerned about local laws on cannabis products or are unsure, hemp gummies might be a better option.

How to Buy the Safest CBD Gummies

After deciding whether to go for broad-spectrum CBD, isolates, or full-spectrum CBD gummies, it is best to ensure you buy the safest and best overall products. Fortunately, the FDA does not have strict guidelines on the quality and flavor of CBD products. However, they make it easy to have several poor CBD gummies with low-quality cannabidiol.

As per CBD content and certificate of analysis, there is no standard level of CBD. Note that the FDA also regulates the hemp industry. A certificate of analysis from a third party can confirm that those gummies contain the CBD amount advertised by the company and ensure they do not have any pesticides or harmful contaminants.

What to Look for Before Buying CBD Gummies

Before purchasing CBD gummies, make sure they have:

  • Only 0.3% THC on the certificate of analysis
  • Proof of passing tests for molds, heavy metals and pesticides
  • Proof of third-party testing by an ISO 17025-compliant lab
  • The source of the hemp in the packaging or certificate

Also, it would be best to consider the manufacturing process and certifications of the CBD company. Customers’ reviews will also tell you about the company and its products.

Beware of companies that market CBD gummies as the same as gummies derived from hemp. Inspect the ingredients before buying. Also, run if the label says hemp gummies or hemp extract instead of CBD gummies.

Before buying your CBD gummies, look at the firm’s label. Does it say hemp gummies or hemp extracts instead of CBD gummies? It is common for users to buy hemp-derived CBD products, thinking they are CBD products, as their packaging looks similar.

Where to Buy CBD and Hemp Gummies?

You won’t find CBD gummies on Amazon. You may buy them from certified cannabis dispensaries, wellness stores and organic health stores. Alternatively, you can buy it from a trusted CBD company.

You can also buy hemp gummies and other hemp products from a food chain store.

Dosage of CBD Gummies

Before gummies, determine how often you are going to use them. You may decide to consume full-spectrum CBD gummies right after your breakfast and dinner meals.

For first-timers, be wary of the minor side effects like dizziness and sleepiness. You may lower your intake if required.

Also, watch out for mixing and matching the gummies with any medication.

CBD and Hemp gummies’ Side Effects

Unlike CBD topicals, CBD gummies can’t target specific areas of your body. They’re excellent for full-body effects. However, this isn’t ideal if you have muscular pain in one body area.

Other CBD side effects include appetite changes, weight loss or gain, diarrhea and fatigue.

Will CBD Gummies Make you Fail a Drug Test?

Hemp-derived CBD is not on the list of controlled substances. Hence you are safe consuming it. THC is often a cannabinoid tested during random drug tests. Therefore taking CBD gummies is safe, as they only have a little THC in them. If you want to err on the safe side, it’s best to opt for CBD isolate gummies or refrain from any hemp-derived CBD products.

Hemp vs CBD Gummies: Which is Better?

It is not a straightforward task to determine if to use CBD gummies or hemp gummies. However, here are some tips to help you make a choice.

First, you need to list your priorities. Both novel food products made from organic hemp extract may act as multivitamins and mineral supplements. But, what’s your reason for using gummies? Do you want to gain the nutritional benefits, or would you instead support your endocannabinoid system?

If you want a gummy for pain relief, relaxation, or to treat your insomnia, these gummies are your pick. But, if you need a gummy to add to your dietary health, gummies derived from industrial hemp that contain omega-3 fatty acids are what you should consume.

And yes, of course, hemp gummies may help you in sleep, but they use different ingredients which take a long to take effect and may not be ideal if you’re looking for a fats alternative.