CBD Gummies vs. CBD Oil: Which Is Better for You?

If you’re newly acquainting yourself with CBD, you’ve probably realized–there are a whole lot of options out there. From the standard CBD oil to consumables like CBD gummies, how do you choose one? How do you know which will be best to fit your needs?

We’ve got you! Read on to learn more about each one, including their differences and benefits.

How Does CBD Work?

First, CBD is a phytocannabinoid derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. This lil’ compound helps maintain homeostasis throughout the body thanks to the endocannabinoid system (the ECS).

The ECS is an internal messaging system that uses endocannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors (CB receptors) to help regulate a number of vital body functions.

CBD works within the ECS without producing any psychoactive effects. Because CBD products legally cannot contain any more than 0.3% THC content, CBD will not get you high, even when taken in large doses.

How Can CBD Support My Well-Being?

While CBD oils and gummies have their differences, they are both able to support your wellbeing in similar ways.

Eases Physical Discomfort

The ECS responds to signals throughout the body, bringing temporary relief as needed. When endocannabinoids bind with CB receptors in a sore muscle or swollen joint, they can help ease discomfort. And with its naturally soothing properties, CBD can provide further support for discomfort.

Relieves Emotional Stress

The endocannabinoid system also helps regulate mood, so when the body produces high levels of the stress hormone cortisol, the ECS works to help restore balance.

Endocannabinoids, such as anandamide, can bind with CB receptors in the brain to promote feelings of pleasure and calmness.

So if you’re feeling jittery with nerves or stress about an upcoming task that has you feeling on edge, CBD can help provide a sense of calm as it supports the anandamide already at play!

Sleep Support

I think it is safe to say that all of us can attest to the nagging way stress can keep us up at night. As if the nervous thoughts and physical tension weren’t enough, high cortisol levels also cause sleep loss, depriving us of one of the most effective ways to destress!

Luckily, by calming the mind and supporting full-body relaxation, CBD can also help promote restfulness. Taking CBD before bed can help you fall asleep and stay asleep.

The best part? Cortisol levels naturally drop during sleep, so using CBD at night can help you wake in the morning feeling destressed and rejuvenated.

What Are CBD Gummies?

CBD gummies incorporate CBD extract into a delightful candy-sized treat. This form of gummies often combine CBD with flavorful ingredients that turn the earthy-tasting CBD into something sweet.

Full-spectrum CBD gummies derived from the hemp plant use extract from the hemp flowers, stems, and leaves. This means that along with the CBD, these gummies include the naturally occurring CBD, terpenes, polyphenols, and flavonoids found in hemp. Not to mention, some of the plant’s fiber, vitamins, and antioxidant-rich minerals.

What Is CBD Oil?

CBD oil combines CBD extract with a carrier oil such as MCT oil or hemp seed oil, which helps the body better absorb the CBD content. Most CBD oils come unflavored, although sometimes natural extracts from other plants and herbs are added for flavor, like our evo hemp CBD Oil Blue Raspberry.

CBD oil can be taken sublingually (under the tongue) or mixed into food or drink.

Full-spectrum CBD oil extracted through a process called supercritical CO2 contains all of the nourishing plant compounds (the fatty acids, antioxidants, terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids). Still, CBD oil will not include any fiber found in other parts of the hemp plant.

How Do CBD Oils and Gummies Differ?

So, other than their texture, what exactly sets these two forms of CBD apart?

Bioavailability

Bioavailability refers to how much of a substance the body absorbs, versus how much is passed through unused. CBD is fat-soluble, meaning that it needs fat to break it down into something the body can absorb.

While CBD gummies and oils include some fat content, their bioavailability varies.

CBD Gummies

Because CBD gummies are digested, some of the CBD is metabolized in the digestive tract before reaching the bloodstream, giving it a slightly lower bioavailability.

CBD Oils

When CBD oils are mixed into food or drink, they are metabolized the same way as CBD gummies. However, when taken sublingually, the CBD is actually absorbed through small blood vessels in the mouth, bypassing the digestive tract. This process can boost the bioavailability of CBD by approximately 20%.

Dosage

CBD Gummies

Each gummy includes a set amount of CBD, and you are typically recommended to take between one and two per day. So, if you choose a gummy that contains 10mg of CBD per serving, you can get up to 20 mg per day.

Since this doesn’t allow for a whole lot of flexibility in terms of finding the right dose for you, gummies may be a better option once you are already familiar with CBD and know what amount provides you with the desired effects.

That way, if you know you feel the effects with 10 milligrams of CBD, purchasing gummies that contain five or ten mg per gummy product is great, whereas if you find it takes 30 to 50 mg of CBD for you to feel the effects, purchasing gummies with higher CBD content per serving will be better.

CBD Oils

CBD oils come in a small bottle with an eyedropper in the cap, making it easy to play around with the dosage. You can use the dropper to measure the amount of oil you are taking, and easily increase or decrease the amount as needed. So, if you aren’t sure what dosage of CBD is best for you, CBD oils may be the place to start.

Taste

CBD Gummies

Gummies come in all sorts of fun flavors that’ll make you feel like you’re snacking on candy, with the plus side of all of its wellness benefits! Our own evo hemp CBD Gummies are super refreshing, reminiscent of sweet summer days by the pool for whenever you’re craving that vibe.

CBD Oils

Most CBD oils are simply a combination of CBD and a mostly-tasteless carrier oil such as hemp seed oil or coconut oil. The CBD often gives the oil a subtle earthy taste that some don’t mind, while others prefer to mask.

Other Ingredients

CBD Gummies

The content of CBD gummies will vary more from one type to another than CBD oils will. CBD gummies typically have a number of ingredients outside of the hemp extract. Some are high in sugar and artificial flavors, while others use organic and natural ingredients.

With gummies, there is also more room to incorporate other nutrients. Gummies often include some fiber from the hemp plant, while other vitamins and spices can be added as well.

In evo hemp CBD Gummies, we use the healthy omega-3 fatty acids naturally produced in the hemp plant to help boost CBD’s bioavailability.

CBD Oils

In CBD oils, there are often fewer ingredients overall. Most oils will include nothing more than the CBD extract and carrier oil, and even flavored oils typically only need small amounts of natural extracts from other plant compounds. CBD oils have less calories than gummies, and typically only contain

Timeline

CBD Gummies

Because CBD gummies need to go through the digestive tract before the CBD is absorbed into the bloodstream, they typically take about 45 minutes to an hour to kick in. However, gummies tend to last longer in the body than oils, often providing over eight hours of support.

This can be ideal when you’re looking for longer-lasting relaxation, such as right before bed or when you know you have a long workday ahead.

CBD Oils

When taken sublingually and held under the tongue for 30 seconds to a minute, CBD oils are quickly absorbed and can kick in after twenty minutes or so. This is great for when you need fast-acting relief for discomfort, such as after a workout or when muscle soreness or tension appears without warning.

CBD oils typically last within the body for four to eight hours, depending on the amount taken and how consistently CBD is used (taking CBD daily helps it work better each time!)

Convenience

Each option has its benefits and drawbacks in terms of convenience.

CBD Gummies

These guys are super easy to grab and take on the go, and you know you’re getting the same amount of CBD in each one without needing to think about it.

CBD Oils

With CBD Oil, you’ll have to measure the amount in the dropper to choose your dose each time you use it, and then either stir it into a drink or hold it under your tongue for thirty seconds to a minute.

While this is a bit more time-consuming than just popping a gummy or two, it also allows you more control to switch up your dose as needed.

So, Which One Is Best?

CBD Gummies and CBD Oils each have their own set of benefits, and it ultimately depends on what you prefer.

If you want a CBD product that is yummy and easy to take, CBD gummies might be for you. If you need something that works fast or want more flexibility in terms of how much CBD you get each day, an oil could be your best bet.

Precautions

Because there is no standard dosage for CBD or oils or gummies, you’ll want to purchase gummies and other CBD products from companies that are transparent with their Certificates of Analysis (COAs).

These certificates show that the product was tested by a third-party lab, ensuring that high-quality ingredients were used, and verifying that the CBD dosage listed on the label is accurate and safe.

If you are new to CBD, we recommend starting with 10 mg of CBD per day and working your way up slowly. An average dose is anywhere between 20 to 40mg, and you should not take more than 100 mg of CBD per day.

Side effects associated with CBD are minor and incredibly rare, often only occurring if CBD is consumed in extremely high doses. These side effects include dry mouth, fatigue, head and neck tension, and diarrhea.

Using tested and high-quality CBD and starting with a smaller dose to find the right fit for you will help you avoid any of these potential unwanted side effects.

Bottom Line

Both gummies and oils are great options when it comes to incorporating CBD into your routine!

An oil is fast-acting, versatile, and easily controlled, while gummies are consistent, convenient, and tasty.

Ready to pick one out (or try them both?) Check out our collection at the evo hemp shop!

Sources:

Neurobiological Interactions Between Stress and the Endocannabinoid System | Neuropsychopharmacology

CBD oil for pain management: Effects, benefits, and uses | Medical News Today

Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Skin Health and Disorders | NIHs