Every month, our editors rigorously test and select the finest CBD gummies based on our quality standards and their personal experiences with managing pain, anxiety, sleep, and stress.
Cannabidiol (CBD) offers a range of potential health benefits, with ongoing research shedding more light on its effects. CBD gummies are an excellent choice for newcomers, being easy to dose, portable, discreet, and available in a variety of flavours.
Our editors have personally tested all the gummies featured in this article, providing feedback to simplify the selection process for you. Read on for our top recommendations.
How We Chose the Best CBD Gummies
We selected these CBD gummies based on criteria that we believe indicate safety, quality, and transparency. Learn more about our CBD testing process. Each brand and product featured has been thoroughly vetted by our team for both medical and business standards. Every CBD gummy in this article:
- Has been hands-on tested and reviewed by an editor, who received the gummies for free; all opinions are our own
- Is made by a company that provides proof of third-party testing by an ISO 17025-compliant lab
- Is made by a company that discloses the source of its hemp
- Contains no more than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), according to the certificate of analysis (COA)
- Passes tests for pesticides, heavy metals, and moulds, according to the COA
As part of our selection process, we also considered:
- The company’s certifications and manufacturing processes
- Product potency
- Overall ingredients
- Indicators of user trust and brand reputation, such as:
- Customer reviews
- Whether the company has been subject to a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning letter
- Whether the company makes any unsupported health claims
Where available, we’ve included special discount codes for our readers.
Why You Should Trust Us
Our experts have meticulously researched and vetted over 11,000 products to ensure everything we feature meets our standards. We fact-check health claims, evaluate ingredients, and scrutinise each brand’s reputation before sharing products on Healthline.
In addition, to select the CBD gummies on this page, we have:
- Evaluated over 150 CBD gummies
- Reviewed products from more than 50 different CBD brands
- Personally tested 17 CBD gummies
What to Look for When Choosing CBD Gummies
Use the following criteria when buying CBD gummies:
CBD Source
The first thing to consider when purchasing CBD gummies is the type of CBD used.
- CBD isolate is pure CBD, with no other cannabinoids. While isolates are good for consumers who want to avoid THC, this extraction method strips away the flavonoids and terpenes found in cannabis, reducing the full range of health benefits.
- Broad-spectrum CBD contains most cannabinoids, plus other cannabis compounds, but generally no THC.
- Full-spectrum CBD includes all the plant’s cannabinoids, including THC. Full-spectrum products offer the most therapeutic benefits due to the entourage effect, where combined cannabinoids have a greater effect than when consumed alone.
Opt for a full- or broad-spectrum product made with organic hemp grown in the United States, which adheres to agricultural regulations and contains no more than 0.3% THC.
Avoid any product that doesn’t specify the type of CBD used, such as those listing only “cannabis extract” as an ingredient.
Potency
Doses vary widely across CBD products and may depend on the CBD source. For instance, a 5-mg full-spectrum CBD gummy may feel more potent than a 5-mg CBD isolate gummy.
If unsure about the dose, start with the lowest available — generally 2.5–5 mg — and increase as needed.
Ingredients
Beyond CBD, other ingredients can vary widely. Pay attention to additives like artificial ingredients and preservatives. Avoid high fructose corn syrup and, if you’re vegan or have allergies, look for products that meet those requirements.
Consider CBD gummies made with organic, non-GMO ingredients, real sugar, and natural flavourings. Although you can find CBD products with vitamins or adaptogenic herbs, it’s best to avoid these as experts aren’t certain how CBD interacts with these supplements.
Third-Party Testing
Currently, the FDA does not guarantee the safety, effectiveness, or quality of over-the-counter CBD products.
To protect public health, the FDA can take action against CBD companies making unfounded health claims. It’s crucial to do your research and find a quality product.
Check the COA to ensure the product has been tested for contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, and moulds. The COA also verifies the product contains the amount of CBD and THC stated on the label.
Be wary of companies promising extreme results and remember that individual experiences may vary. If a product doesn’t work for you, consider trying another with different ingredients or a different CBD amount.
How to Take CBD Gummies
Most gummies come in packs of 20–60, dosed at 5 mg or more of CBD per gummy. If you’ve never tried CBD, start with a 5-mg gummy. Some gummies can be cut in half to start with 2.5 mg.
Wait up to 2 hours to feel the full effects. If needed, experiment until you find your ideal dose. Gummies can be consumed daily, with effects typically lasting 4–6 hours.
Store in a cool, dark place away from sunlight.
How Do CBD Gummies Work?
Many prefer ingesting CBD through edibles like gummies. CBD gummies come in various potencies, generally taking 30–60 minutes to produce effects, though it can take longer.
Upon eating a CBD gummy, your body first absorbs it through the digestive system. The active ingredients then enter your bloodstream, travel to your liver, and eventually reach your brain, where the effects are noticed. This process can vary depending on whether the gummy is consumed on an empty or full stomach.
Safety Tips and Side Effects
CBD is non-intoxicating and generally recognised as safe, though side effects can occur.
Possible Side Effects
- Fatigue
- Diarrhoea
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in weight
Research from 2017 suggests CBD may interact with liver enzymes, affecting how other medications or toxins are metabolised. Always consult a clinician before using CBD products, especially if you take any medications or supplements.
Additionally, some research indicates that consuming CBD with high-fat meals could increase the risk of side effects, as such meals can elevate CBD blood concentrations.
Avoid CBD if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is CBD so expensive?
CBD prices reflect production costs, including hemp cultivation and extraction processes, as well as quality control and third-party testing. Limited supply and high demand also drive up prices.
How long does it take for CBD gummies to kick in?
Effects can begin in 30–60 minutes, though it might take longer.
How do CBD gummies compare with CBD oil?
Gummies generally take longer to produce effects compared to CBD oil, as they must pass through the digestive system. For faster absorption, opt for CBD oil.
How many CBD gummies can you take each day?
This depends on the product. Some gummies come in higher doses for once-daily consumption, while others are less potent, allowing gradual intake as you find the optimal dose.
Do CBD gummies contain THC?
Some are THC-free, but trace amounts might be present, potentially resulting in a positive drug test. Full-spectrum CBD includes THC. To ensure no THC, select CBD isolate options.
Takeaway
CBD may offer health benefits, and gummies are a great starting point for those curious about CBD. Choose full- or broad-spectrum products made with organic hemp grown in the United States, and ensure they are third-party tested.
Start slowly, consuming enough of a gummy to ingest 2.5–5 mg of CBD. Assess any effects and gradually adjust your dose to find what’s right for you. Wait up to 2 hours before taking more CBD.
Consult a clinician before using CBD, especially if you’re on other medications.
Healthline has sole editorial control over this article. The potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. The information provided is general and not a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make treatment decisions with your healthcare professional.
Is CBD legal?
The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act, making certain hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC legal at the federal level. However, CBD products with more than 0.3% THC remain illegal federally. State laws vary, so check regulations, especially when travelling. The FDA has not approved non-prescription CBD products, and some may be inaccurately labelled.