Hemp Gummies Vs. CBD Gummies: What You Need to Know

• Updated September 11, 2024

• Published March 9, 2023

• 5 Comments

Written by
Michael Levin

Medically reviewed by
Zora DeGrandpre

Before shopping for gummies, it is important to understand the differences between hemp gummies vs. CBD gummies. Hemp gummies are made with hemp seed oil extracted from hemp plant seeds and do not contain cannabinoids.

CBD gummies are made with CBD extracted from the hemp plant, leaving out the seeds. CBD gummies have CBD oil and does contain a range of cannabinoids. When shopping for CBD gummies, knowing what to look for regarding quality and ingredients is essential to buying the best products.

TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read):
The hemp plant is cultivated to contain less than 0.3% THC. However, as mentioned, hemp gummies are made with hemp oil extracted from hemp plant seeds. The seeds are rich in omega fatty acids but do not contain CBD, THC or other cannabinoids. Hemp gummies do not deliver all the same positive effects on well-being as CBD gummies do, but they do provide some nutritional benefits.

CBD gummies are made from the hemp plant’s leaves, flowers and stalks. CBD oil contains all of the healthy nutrients the hemp plant offers and is available in three CBD spectrums, giving consumers the option of gummies made containing CBD and some THC (full spectrum CBD), THC-free gummies (broad-spectrum CBD) or gummies made with isolate CBD (only CBD).

Hemp vs. CBD

What is the difference between hemp and CBD? CBD (cannabidiol) is found in hemp and marijuana plants. Both plants are Cannabis sativa plants, but hemp is a plant variety cultivated to have no more than 0.3 percent THC, the psychoactive compound. Cannabis sativa L plants (hemp) are legal at the federal level and in a growing number of states.

CBD oil and hemp seed oil are both sourced from the hemp plant. However, CBD oil is extracted from the mature plant. Hemp seed oil is extracted from cold-pressed hemp plant seeds. Hemp seed oil consists primarily of omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid [ALA] and stearidonic acid), omega-6 ((linoleic acid[LA]) and gamma-linolenic acid [GLA]) and omega-9 fatty acids, antioxidants like vitamin E, traces of a variety of natural compounds like chlorophyll and minerals that include potassium and iron. Hemp seed oil also contains significant fiber and is considered a complete protein source.

An essential distinction between hemp oil and CBD oil is that hemp oil may contain trace amounts of THC, CBD and other cannabinoids. Trace means an almost undetectable amount and it is extremely unlikely for these amounts to have any effect. For this reason, hemp oil is said to be CBD and THC-free.

Are hemp gummies legal? Yes, they are legal. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given ingredients derived from hemp seed a rating of GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe).

CBD is one of the major cannabinoids in the hemp plant, which is why it is extracted from all of the mature plant’s parts, with the exception of the seeds. Full spectrum CBD oil used in CBD gummies contains all of the compounds in the hemp plant, constituting over 400 different chemical elements. CBD accounts for approximately 40 percent of the hemp plant extract. THC is removed to make broad spectrum CBD. Purified CBD is a non-contaminated CBD (isolate). So, full spectrum CBD oil contains CBD, other cannabinoids and no THC, while broad spectrum CBD oil may contain some THC but <0.3%. These oils also contain flavonoids and terpenoids that have value in supporting health.

What are Hemp and CBD Gummies?

Hemp and CBD gummies are like soft candies, but that is where the similarities end. Since each type of gummy is made with different active compounds, there are differences in production and benefits.

Differences

Following are some of the differences between hemp and CBD gummies.

CBD Gummies

• CBD is extracted from the hemp plant’s flowers, stalk and leaves of mature hemp plants
• CBD is usually extracted using pressurized carbon dioxide because it is efficient at removing compounds in the hemp plant material and does not leave a residue like chemicals and solvents will do
• CBD gummies contain some traces of THC if made with full spectrum CBD

Hemp Gummies

• Hemp extract comes from hemp plant seeds and contains compounds that support a young plant. Cannabinoids appear to function in the mature plant. It does not include many of the healthy nutrients found in the whole hemp plant, like terpenes and flavonoids
• Do not contain CBD and other cannabinoids, so hemp gummies do not offer identical well-being benefits that cannabinoids can deliver
• They may contain a high amount of essential omega fatty acids and some low amounts of vitamins and minerals

Pros and Cons of Hemp Gummies

Pros

• One of the benefits of hemp gummies is that hemp seed oil is composed mainly of polyunsaturated fatty acids
• Hemp seed oil can help relieve skin dryness because of its high unsaturated fatty acid content
• Hemp seeds have a high amount of iron
• Hemp seeds are a complete protein food and are considered a “dense” nutrient
• Hemp seeds contain significant levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which may act as precursors to anti-inflammatory fatty acids
• Gummies are easy to consume
• Hemp seed oil has no psychoactive compounds
• Gummies taste good

Cons

• Do not contain CBD, so they cannot experience the benefits that come from CBD’s interaction with the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in the management of many of the body’s systems
• Hemp gummies do not contain THC, so a product offering the potential of a “full entourage” effect is not available
• Some people eating hemp gummies have reported digestive issues
• Consumers confuse hemp gummies with CBD gummies

Pros and Cons of CBD Gummies

Pros

• Contain CBD and other cannabinoids that interact with the endocannabinoid system to provide a variety of benefits that promote wellness and may address other health issues
• Available in three CBD spectrums – full spectrum CBD, broad spectrum CBD and isolate CBD
• You can choose full spectrum CBD+THC gummies to get all of the benefits of the hemp plant
• Contain additional cannabinoids, i.e., CBD, CBG, CBN, etc., for an entourage effect
• CBD gummies taste better than unflavored CBD oil
• CBD is pre-measured in each gummy and available in different potencies
• CBD is not psychoactive

Cons

• Orally ingested CBD gummies must go through the first-pass metabolism process in the liver before taking effect, so it takes more time to experience the effects compared to taking CBD oil sublingually
• Some people experience mild side effects like drowsiness and reduced appetite
• CBD can interact with some medications
• CBD gummies cannot target specific body areas
• CBD products are not government-regulated, so one must be diligent in researching various products

How and Where to Buy CBD Gummies?

One of the first things you will notice when shopping for CBD products, including CBD gummies, is that many brands and flavors exist. The first step is narrowing the product options based on some basic features, including the following.

1. Only buy products with a COA

Only shop brands that offer access to the Certificate of Analysis (COA). The COA, performed by independent, 3rd party labs, helps you verify that the product has no harmful contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals, bacteria and mold. It also informs CBD shoppers about the type and amount of cannabinoids. For example, you can verify CBD potency and the potency of other cannabinoids, including THC, CBG and CBN.

2. Choose the CBD spectrum

There are three CBD spectrums of CBD gummies:

• Full spectrum CBD products contain all of the hemp plant’s natural compounds, including less than 0.3% THC. After processing, the THC amount is usually much lower. The main benefit is that you get the full entourage effect of the cannabinoids and other compounds working together.

• Broad spectrum CBD products contain all of the hemp plant’s natural compounds except THC. Though there may be a trace of THC, it is so low that many products are labeled THC-free.

• Isolate CBD products contain only CBD.

3. Decide the CBD potency desired

Determine the CBD potency that you prefer. First-time users should start with 10 mg per serving of low-potency CBD gummies to determine the effects. After taking the low-potency CBD dose for a couple of weeks, you can shop for higher-potency CBD gummies.

4. Decide the purpose for taking CBD

There are CBD gummies for general well-being and energy and others formulated to address health issues like poor sleep quality. For example, CBD gummies for sleep may contain melatonin and lemon balm.

5. Determine if organic CBD gummies are preferred

CBD products labeled organic have undergone rigorous quality control measures to meet federal labeling requirements for organic products. There are also CBD products made with CBD extracted from organic hemp, but the whole product is not organic. However, CBD is essential in gummies, so organic gummies are free from toxic ingredients.

6. Decide if all-natural ingredients are preferred

Do you prefer to buy CBD gummies with only all-natural ingredients? Some CBD gummies are made with all-natural ingredients like fruit flavorings and organic sugar cane and have only natural coloring. There are also CBD products made with artificial ingredients, like artificial flavorings.

7. Choose brands with a reputation for quality

Many CBD brands have developed a reputation for honesty and quality. Any brand making unsupported health claims is not trustworthy. CBD is like vitamin and mineral supplements. It supports good health but is not a cure for disease or illness.

8. Determine special needs

Do you want CBD gummies that are vegan, non-GMO and/or gluten-free? There are many CBD gummies to fit your needs.

You can buy CBD in many places, including pharmacies, grocery stores, and convenience stores. However, the easiest and safest way to buy CBD gummies is online, where you can spend proper shopping time reading about various brands, checking the COAs and determining the ingredients.

You need to be aware that hemp gummies are not CBD gummies. Labeling can be deceptive at times. At CBD.market, you will find only CBD gummies for sale so that you can consider all of the brands.

FAQs

Summary

Are hemp and CBD the same? The answer is: “no.” One of the important takeaways is that some companies sell hemp seed oil products labeled as CBD products. Understanding the difference between CBD and hemp is important to ensure you know exactly what you are purchasing. Buy CBD gummies online, read the COA prepared by an independent third-party laboratory and select products from reliable brands.

Sources

1. https://www.fda.gov/food/cfsan-constituent-updates/fda-responds-three-gras-notices-hemp-seed-derived-ingredients-use-human-food
2. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Cannabidiol
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7023045/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7891210/
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16130045/
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6390812/

About the Author

Michael Levin

Michael Levin is a CBD enthusiast, a researcher, writer and editor in the cannabis space, experienced CBD user and educator. He believes CBD can help improve our overall health and wellbeing.

• View all posts by Michael Levin