If you have recently begun to explore the possibility of taking CBD for improved health, or you are an entrepreneur looking to break into the market, you may be feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of products available. America’s newfound enthusiasm for the versatile supplement has led to a market flooded with products of every sort, including lotions, capsules, and even pet treats. Companies are constantly looking for new ways to capitalize on the recent legalization of hemp and hemp products, and consumers are loving the variety in delivery options.
While new products are coming onto the market almost daily, CBD gummies like these ones from Verma Farms, and CBD oils, remain the most popular. Yet there is still confusion about the differences between them. While they both have basically the same effects, there are nuanced differences that will alter how you experience them. Understanding the variations in experience will help you decide which one is right for you.
Content Summary
Method of Delivery
CBD Gummies
CBD gummies are eaten and digested. This means that when you eat CBD gummies, the CBD is absorbed through the digestive tract. It is a slower process and may take up to an hour for you to feel any effects, but they will also last much longer than other methods of delivery.
When you ingest CBD gummies, the amount of CBD absorbed is affected by what is going on in your gut at the time of ingestion. A large meal decreases absorption, but this can vary based on what you eat. Cannabinoids bind to fats, so a higher amount of healthy fat in the stomach may increase absorption. Your emotional state also changes your digestion. Therefore, the effectiveness of your gummies can be altered by how you feel when you take them.
Because CBD gummies go directly through the digestive system, they may be the best option to relieve digestive problems like ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and IBS.
CBD Oil
CBD oil is generally taken by holding it in the mouth or under the tongue for a minute or more. Your mouth has an abundant blood supply, and tissues there are thin. When you use this method of delivery, CBD directly enters your bloodstream. The CBD starts working much faster than with regular ingestion, but its effects do not last as long. Sublingual absorption is not affected by your most recent meal or the state of your digestive system.
Some people like to mix CBD oil in with food, bake it into cakes and cookies, or blend it into their morning smoothies. This is an excellent way to fit your daily dose in, and it functions much the same as eating CBD gummies. If you take CBD oil this way, you will absorb it through your digestive system instead of receiving it directly into your bloodstream.
Flavor
CBD Gummies
CBD gummies come in every delicious flavor imaginable. Different brands boast no artificial flavorings, using pure fruit extracts and juices to make gummies taste like sour cherry, apple pie, and watermelon. Others create gummies that are sugar-free for diabetics and anyone keeping a close eye on their glucose intake. Even if you are a vegan, you can find gummies made with no animal products so you can enjoy getting your dose of CBD knowing that it meets your ethical and dietary standards.
Just as there is a difference between brand textures of regular gummies, there is also a difference between textures of CBD gummy brands. Some are harder and more sticky, some are softer and easier to chew. If you do not like the texture of one brand, try different brands until you find the one you like.
CBD Oil
CBD oil only comes in a few flavors like peppermint and vanilla, but it is neatly impossible to cover up the flavor of hemp. Some consumers love the pungent flavor, which tastes approximately the same as it smells. If you fall into that category, then CBD oil will be no problem for you to hold in your mouth for a minute or more at a time. If, on the other hand, you do not like hemp’s earthy flavor, then you will probably need to experiment to find the right product for you.
Some brands add other extracts to try to mask the taste of hemp. But because it is such a strong flavor, it is difficult to completely cover-up. CBD isolate oil is flavorless except for the taste of the oil it is suspended in (usually coconut or olive oil). This may be a good option if you are looking for pure CBD and are not interested in experiencing the “entourage effect” of multiple cannabinoids combined.
Convenience
CBD Gummies
CBD gummies are convenient because they are easy to take and easy to transport. You can keep a bag of gummies in your pocket or your purse and pop them into your mouth whenever you need to. They come in pre-measured doses, so you do not have to fool around with trying to get the exact amount. One gummy will always equal the measured dose for one gummy.
CBD Oils
CBD oils are not quite as convenient because they come as a liquid in a bottle, which is more of a challenge to carry with you. You also have to measure out your dose with a dropper, which can be a pain if you are in a hurry. And though the stigma around CBD use is diminishing, it still exists. Taking CBD oil is not quite as discreet as taking CBD gummies.
Final Thoughts
CBD gummies and CBD oils both promote healing and symptom improvement in the same ways. The main differences between the two forms are the amount of time they require to take effect, how long they stay in your system, what they taste like, and how convenient they are.
One form is not necessarily better than the other, but now that you understand the nuances of taking each, you are armed with the information you need in order to make the best decision for your needs.
