CBD Gummies

Enjoy A Sweet Treat: Let Us Introduce You To CBD Gummies

Table of content:

• Summary
• Introduction
• How Does CBD Work?
• What’s In Them?
• What Type of CBD Is Best
• What Does The Science Say?
• Why Choose CBD Gummies?
• What Are The Downsides of CBD Gummies?
• What Ingredients To Avoid in CBD Gummies?
• Choosing The Best CBD Gummies
• Final Thoughts
• FAQs

Summary

Introduction

Who said taking supplements had to be boring? Colourful CBD gummies are one of the most loved CBD products on the market, ushering in an exciting new way to join the growing cannabis world.

The CBD gummy market is expected to reach US$ 679.9 Million by 2030, while the COVID-19 pandemic has boosted interest in CBD to support a healthy lifestyle. Rather than a sugar crash, these chewy treats are all about finding physical and mental harmony. So let's have a deeper look into what these tasty treats can do for you.

How Does CBD Work?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of many active cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it is not psychoactive and cannot cause a "high" effect.

CBD offers a number of potential benefits due to its interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS consists of endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, and enzymes which all help to keep the body's balance (scientifically known as ‘homeostasis’). Two main components of the ECS are the CB1 and CB2 receptors. The role of CB1 receptors is predominantly to maintain and regulate healthy functions of the brain and nervous system.

THC can interact with CB1 receptors, causing its notorious psychoactive effect. CB2 receptors help moderate inflammation and immune responses to various pathogens. Although CBD doesn't directly activate cannabinoid receptors, it’s believed to moderate the receptors' ability to bind to cannabinoids and help to increase levels of endocannabinoids (the cannabinoids which naturally occur within our bodies).

CBD should not be used as a replacement for mainstream medicine, however it can be an excellent supplement or addition to your daily wellness routine.

What’s In Them?

CBD gummies are sweet and chewy candies that contain CBD extract from hemp plants. They come in all of the colours of the rainbow, as well as different juicy flavours, shapes and CBD concentrations. CBD gummies are a discreet and easy way to support your wellbeing - just chew your favourite flavour, and get your daily CBD dose.

There are four main ingredients in most CBD gummies:

• Sugar or natural sweetener,
• Thickener, such as gelatin or fruit pectin,
• Flavouring,
• CBD extract (isolate, full-spectrum, or broad-spectrum).

To make things even more nutritious, manufacturers may also add vitamins and nutritious ingredients like turmeric, apple cider vinegar and spirulina.

What Type of CBD is Best?

CBD gummies are made using one of three three main types of CBD extract:

• CBD isolate is pure cannabidiol, without terpenes, THC and any other hemp compounds. Isolates may be a good option for consumers who would like to avoid THC altogether, and has proved popular with CBD newbies.
• Broad-spectrum CBD contains a range of cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes, except THC.
• Full-spectrum CBD contains a range of cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes, including THC.

Each type has its benefits, but full and broad-spectrum products provide more potential benefits due to a phenomenon known as the entourage effect. The entourage effect is the theory that cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids work together synergistically to produce greater effects than when taken in isolation (CBD Isolate).

Usually, cheaper gummies contain CBD isolate. It’s always best to check the label before the purchase of any CBD product, particularly if you want to try a particular type of CBD.

What Does The Science Say?

So, what does the current scientific literature say about the benefits of CBD? While there’s no specific research that examines CBD gummies, there’s some encouraging studies and investigations out there. However, research into CBD is still in its infancy, which means no medical claims can be made around CBD as of yet. It’s currently classified as a food product that can help enhance your lifestyle.

Looking Back - The History Of CBD Gummies

CBD has rocketed into the mainstream, especially when you consider this compound was only discovered in the last 100 years.

Long before the discovery of CBD, hemp was cultivated largely for textiles to make materials like rope and cloth, but more recently, modern advancements have allowed scientists to unlock the molecular make-up of the cannabis plant. In 1940, Roger Adams first isolated the first cannabinoids CBD and CBN from the hemp plant. But it wasn’t until 1988 that the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) was discovered by Allyn Howlett and William Devane while studying the effect of CBD and THC on the body.

CBD was found to have a balancing effect on the body and it wasn’t long before CBD products began cropping up on the wellness market in its many forms - oils, tinctures, e-liquids, and of course, gummies.

Colourful, tasty gummies are extremely popular with people who like a bit of sweetness to help the CBD go down a little easier. In 2018, “CBD gummies” was one of the most searched foods in the U.S. and the popularity of CBD gummies just continues to soar.

Are CBD Gummies Legal?

Yes! Well, sort of… If you live in a country where CBD has been bumped off of the controlled substances list, you can buy CBD ­gummies almost ­anywhere - online, at your local health store, even at some supermarkets. It gets a little confusing when THC is involved. To be legal in the UK, the hemp used for extraction must be a EU-approved industrial strain containing less than 0.2% THC. The end product cannot contain more than 1mg of THC in total.

At present, the industry isn’t highly regulated, so it’s always best to choose a product that comes with a lab report to verify the contents of the bottle if you want to stay on the right side of the law.

Bears On A Plane - Can You Travel With CBD Gummies?

What about taking gummies on your travels? Maybe you’re a nervous traveller or want to take your favourite sweet treats with you on your trip. Well, that all depends on where you’re travelling to.

Your product must adhere to the laws and regulations outlined by the country or state you’re visiting. Always double check so you don’t land yourself in any hot water. It’s also strongly advised to choose a CBD product with lab reports that can help verify the THC content of your product.

CBD Gummies For Your Diet

We’re all different, after all, variety is the spice of life! These differences also extend to what we eat so here at Alphagreen, we’ve got gummies to fit many different diets and lifestyles.

Vegan and vegetarian friendly. Vegan and vegetarian diets are sweeping the globe as a way to be more compassionate to animals and our planet. Luckily, it’s possible to chew on a gummy containing zero animal products without compromising on taste. This makes vegan gummies a great option even if you don’t choose to follow a vegan diet.

Sugar-free. If you’re laying off the sugar but still want to satisfy your sweet tooth, you’re in luck. Many brands create sugar-free gummies with alternative ingredients like natural mint flavour.

Organic and natural ingredients. There are plenty of brands who keep things as nature intended. Look for all-natural, organic ingredients with no artificial flavourings.

Halal. Vegan and THC-free gummies are a safe option if you live by a halal diet which means avoiding haram ingredients like pork gelatine and intoxicants of any kind.

THC-free. Our gummies are 100% legal, but if you want a product that is totally free from tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) choose gummies made with broad-spectrum CBD or CBD isolate. Always make sure this information is backed by a lab report if you cannot have any THC in your system.

Why Choose CBD Gummies?

So, why choose CBD gummies? After all, there are so many other avenues like CBD skincare, oils, tinctures, or even vaping. Here, we discuss just that.

Variety

There’s everything from strawberry and cherry flavour to zingy lemon and grapefruit. As well as a variety of flavours, many brands add other nutritious ingredients like apple cider vinegar, turmeric, 5-HTP and spirulina. There are also options when it comes to different diets. We stock gummies that are vegan and sugar-free.

Great For Newbies

CBD gummies might also be preferable for CBD newbies over other methods like oils or vaping. Vaping won’t be suitable for everyone, and some people would prefer to avoid inhalation all together. What’s more, gummies are super easy to use, unlike oils and tinctures which can sometimes be a little difficult and fiddly.

Simple Dosing

What’s more, they’re simple to dose as the amount of CBD is measured out in every gummy. This is a great way to manage the correct dosage, as you can easily add or take away a gummy depending on how CBD affects you.

Affordable

Gummies can be a more affordable way to try high quality CBD. CBD oil is often better value per mg of CBD, but it can be expensive, especially if you buy a potent product. With CBD gummies, you can try 10mg-25mg gummies to find out if CBD is right for you. The CBD gummies in our collection start from £10.90, so if CBD isn’t your thing (at all or just this method of consumption) then your wallet won’t hate you for it.

Discrete

Finally, CBD gummies are great for people who value discreteness or simply don’t want any unwanted attention or questions. Although attitudes are changing, there can still be stigma attached to hemp-derived products. This is where CBD gummies come in – they look like just any other regular sweet on the market so consuming them on-the-go won’t attract any unwanted attention.

What Are The Downsides of CBD Gummies?

So, what about the cons of consuming CBD gummies? There really aren’t many, but one to be aware of is bioavailability.

Bioavailability

So, what does bioavailability mean? It refers to the amount of the active ingredient that your body absorbs from a supplement, medication, or herbal remedy.

The method of CBD consumption will have an effect on this, and all methods have a different bioavailability. Unfortunately, gummies (and edibles) have a lower bioavailability due to the way that the CBD travels through the liver and digestive system before it reaches the bloodstream.

The current literature into the bioavailability of CBD gummies suggests that it’s between 13-19%. On the other hand, studies indicate that CBD in oil form has a bioavailability of between 20-35%, and vaping is even higher at 46-56%.

Top tip: there’s a rise in people sucking on their gummies before they chew them. This could help to enhance the bioavailability due to consuming some of the CBD content sublingually. 

This means that the CBD is absorbed under the tongue and then absorbed into the bloodstream fairly quickly. However, it’s important to note that there’s no scientific research to support this method of absorption via gummies yet.

Overall, you need to find the best method for you and one that suits your needs. Don’t just take our word for it, it’s a good idea to check out the different methods for yourself and form your own opinions.

How Many CBD Gummies Should I Take?

CBD gummies are easy to take, as each chew contains a constant CBD concentration. Most CBD gummies contain from 10mg to 25mg of CBD per gummy.

The amount of CBD, and therefore gummies you should consume depends on various factors, such as:

• Body weight and metabolism. The general rule is that heavier people may require a higher CBD dose in comparison to lighter people.
• CBD concentration. CBD gummies contain a pre-measured dose making it easy to keep track of your CBD intake.

You should also keep in mind that effects from most CBD gummies may last from six to eight hours, while continuing benefits may be felt for 24 hours after consumption. As gummies go through the digestive tract, it may take up to half an hour to initially feel any effects. Additionally, the highest possible bioavailability rate of gummies is approximately 20 percent, which means that up to 10 milligrams can be absorbed into the bloodstream from one 50-milligram CBD gummy.

Therefore, many factors are worth considering before you take CBD. Make sure to talk to your doctor if you take any medications or other supplements as CBD can interfere with certain drugs.

What Ingredients To Avoid In CBD Gummies?

The increased interest in natural products has resulted in a higher demand for "clean label" and additive-free wellness products. Although CBD gummies contain valuable substances from the cannabis plant, ingredients in some products may significantly reduce the effectiveness. Let's see what compounds you should avoid when choosing CBD edibles:

Artificial Colours

You may see artificial colourings, such as "Yellow 5" and "Blue 1”, in the list of ingredients. Although some of them are used in the food industry, many food colourings have not been adequately tested to evaluate their possible long-term dangers. There are also studies suggesting that food colourings may lead to behavioural issues, such as hyperactivity. Therefore, natural colourings taken from fruits are preferable to anything artificial.

Artificial Flavours

Artificial and natural flavours are used to create the sweetness of gummy candy and enhance its unique taste. Natural flavours are taken from berries, fruits, honey, and maple sugar. The effect of these flavours can be improved by the addition of artificial flavours that are aromatic chemicals and include compounds, such as methyl anthranilate, and ethyl caproate. Additionally, acids such as lactic acid, citric acid, and malic acid are added to enhance flavour. Although flavourings, such as vanilla flavouring can effectively mimic the flavour of vanillin, many of them, such as red 40 and yellow 5, may cause allergic reactions.

Artificial Sweeteners

Non-nutritive sweeteners are a hundred times sweeter than high-fructose corn syrup and table sugar. They can be added to gummies to remove calories, or enhance flavour. The sweeteners, such as aspartame, offer a calorie-free alternative to sugar, which may be useful for diabetics or those trying to reduce calories. None of these sweeteners is of natural origin. The effect of these chemicals has likely not been researched enough to ensure that they can be consumed safely, long-term. Some studies show that they may cause a variety of health issues. They are usually listed on the labels of "sugar-free", "diet" and "light" foods. Therefore, natural alternatives, such as plant-derived stevia, or safer sweeteners, such as xylitol, are preferable options.

Artificial Preservatives

Preservatives help to prevent mould and bacteria growth. Artificial food preservatives, such as BHA or sodium benzoate, can produce the man made form of salicylates. These chemicals may stimulate the central nervous system, increasing the risk for hyperactivity, and making it more difficult to fall asleep at night. Natural sweeteners, such as corn syrup, add sweetness to the gummies, but their primary function is to prevent crystallisation and keep gummies soft and chewy. There is a lack of evidence that corn syrup is worse than sugar, and they may be both equally bad if consumed in excess. Citric acid that helps to improve the flavour of gummy candies also serves as a preservative and is generally deemed safe for consumption.

Although taking one small gummy seems safe, regular consumption can make these compounds accumulate, causing allergic reactions and more severe health issues. Therefore, checking the list of ingredients on the label is a must. If needed, look for an indication that a product is free from gluten, soy, nut, and lactose.

Choosing The Best CBD Gummies

However catchy and colourful the package is, CBD edibles may be worthless when it comes to absorbing CBD.

For example, some irresponsible manufacturers may simply spray the gummies with hemp oil and sell them as CBD-infused edibles. Products coated with hemp oil are usually cheap and carry few benefits. With properly-infused CBD gummies, you get an accurate CBD dosage and enjoy relief. Here is what to consider when selecting the best CBD treats:

Certificate of Analysis

A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is the main document that guarantees the customers' expectations about the quality of the product will be met. Manufacturers should send every batch of every product to a lab for testing, to ensure their products contain everything they advertise and to protect their customers. This document should be issued by an accredited third-party laboratory and should list the full composition of your chosen product. For CBD products, a COA should include all cannabinoids, terpenes, microbiological levels, and possible contaminants such as pesticides or heavy metals. Additionally, a COA shows that the CBD and THC levels are within the norms and regulations for your country. The certificate should be available upon request, or via the manufacturer's website. Alphagreen cooperates with only the most reputable manufacturers, so each of our CBD products comes with the valid COA.

Reviews From Users

If you want to know more about the CBD gummies, you can look for reviews from those who have already tried them out. Previous customers can certainly provide you with the most honest description of the products. That is how you can know more about the pros and cons of specific treats, or even compare the gummies of different manufacturers. Alphagreen places the reviews for each CBD product where possible, which helps you to get a full overview of each product.

Production Process

Look for the CBD products labelled with an indication of CO2 or food-grade ethanol extraction methods. These natural solvents ensure that all the compounds, such as cannabinoids and terpenes, remain intact, and no foreign substances are present. Chemicals used in other extraction methods can alter the genetic profile of compounds and stay in the final product. An indication that the product is 100% organic is also the best choice, as it means that all ingredients and growing practices are certifiably natural. Toxic chemicals used in non-organic production may cause a negative effect on the wellness-promoting properties of CBD products.

Places To Buy

CBD gummies can be purchased in many places, such as local health stores, or from online vendors. The latter may be the most convenient option, as shopping online helps you to easily find full information on the product, check or request certificates and see the customer reviews. It saves you time, as you don’t have to do anything in person; and ensures you get a safe and tested product. Alphagreen offers CBD gummies from the most reputable manufacturers, as well as 24/7 customer support to ensure you find the product or service you deserve.

Brands To Try

Here are our suggestions of some top quality brands that do great gummies:

• Zen Bears
• Voyager
• IGNITE
• CBDfx
• Goodbody Botanicals

How Much Do Gummies Cost?

Our collection of premium quality CBD gummies range from less than £10 all the way up to £50. More affordable gummies provide a great way to try potent CBD for the first time without compromising on quality, while those with a higher price tag are ideal for those looking for something a bit more specialist.

Safety and Potential Side Effects

While side effects from taking CBD are rare, certain minor side effects can occur, especially when taken in high doses. Examples of potential side effects include dry mouth, changes in appetite, drowsiness and nausea. Despite this, CBD has a good safety profile and there’s no risk of dependency or getting ‘high’. It’s important to note that CBD can cause some drug interactions so always do your research or speak to healthcare professionals if you’re taking any medications or supplements and are unsure.

Final Thoughts

CBD gummies are an ideal way of supplementing CBD into your life, for both CBD experts and newbies. They are one of the easiest methods on the market to dose, as well as consume while you are on-the-go. What’s more, they are available for purchase in a range of doses, so you will be able to find exactly what you’re looking for and perfect your dosing schedule.

Here at Alphagreen, we only select the most reliable and established CBD brands who offer their consumers safe and quality ingredients. All brands boast a COA, so you can be assured that no matter what product you purchase it’s safe and accurate to what’s been advertised.