CBD gummies always contain cannabidiol (CBD), available in different extracts such as full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate. Most gummies will have these added ingredients to enhance the taste and texture: pectin, gelatin, organic tapioca syrup, MCT oil, natural flavorings, artificial flavors, and food coloring.
Understanding the components of your CBD gummies is important for anyone committed to a health-conscious lifestyle. In 2019, a study revealed that 59% of Americans read the food products' labels for the first time, a trend that has only grown thanks to enhanced access to educational resources [1].
As consumers, we’re becoming more and more aware of the potential benefits (and risks) that ingredients can play in our health.
CBD gummies are no exception — similar to any food product — you should be aware of what goes into them, especially for individuals using CBD to address targeted health goals and those with dietary restrictions.
These aren’t all the ingredients in every CBD gummy formula, but they’re the major ones on the ingredients list. Let’s take a closer look at their benefits and maybe some ingredient names you don’t want to see on that nutrition label.
What Are CBD Gummies Made From?
They look like candy, but they contain CBD extract, so what exactly are CBD gummies made from?
CBD gummies, at first glance, might resemble your average candy, but they're infused with CBD (cannabidiol) from the hemp plant, setting them apart as a combination of a treat and wellness supplement.
CBD is a non-psychoactive compound used for its potential health benefits on the endocannabinoid system without inducing the "high" associated with THC.
So, how does the extracted CBD turn into a gummy?
CBD can be extracted to produce different extracts — full spectrum, broad spectrum, and CBD isolate:
- Full spectrum CBD includes all phytochemicals naturally found in the plant, including CBD, trace cannabinoids, terpenes, essential oils, and a minimal THC content (up to 0.3%). Because of its terpene and cannabinoid content, potent full spectrum CBD gummies provides stronger effects, and it has to do with the components working synergistically with CBD to produce more prominent effects on the body.
- Broad spectrum CBD is similar to full spectrum but undergoes additional processing to remove all THC traces. For those who want a THC-free experience but want additional cannabinoids and terpenes for CBD synergy, broad spectrum CBD gummies are an excellent option.
- CBD isolate, on the other hand, is the purest form of CBD, refined into a crystal powder devoid of other plant compounds. While it might not feel as strong, some people prefer having a pure CBD experience with CBD isolate gummies
Once extracted, the CBD needs to be integrated into the gummy base.
If the extract is full spectrum or broad spectrum, it tends to be a sticky, resinous substance that requires careful blending to ensure uniformity in the final product. CBD isolate, being a fine, crystalline powder, mixes more readily with the other gummy ingredients.
At Neurogan, we use pectin, rather than a gelatin base, for a vegan-friendly CBD gummy. Pectin can be found in the cell walls of fruits and veggies. When cooked, it becomes gelatin-like and creates the stiff texture we all know and love.
Gummies can also contain oils, sweeteners, coloring, and flavoring.
This mixture is heated and then cooled into molds, with the CBD extract added precisely to ensure even distribution throughout the gummy. The result is a chewy, flavorful treat that delivers a measured dose of CBD in every bite.
Different kinds of CBD gummies contain different dosages of CBD, which will also affect the ingredient list. Let’s examine the various ingredients you can find in common CBD gummies.
Ingredients in CBD Gummies Breakdown
As we said, there is no one-size-fits-all formula for CBD gummies, but some key ingredients can transform them from good to great, especially when it comes to the potential benefits they offer.
So, what exactly should you be looking for? Here are some of the best ingredients to trust when considering buying CBD gummies:
CBD Extract: the CBD is extracted from the hemp plant and then incorporated into the gummy formulation. The amount of CBD extract in CBD gummies varies from brand to brand and even product to product. Understanding CBD dosages is key to enjoying the potential health benefits of CBD, especially if you are considering taking CBD gummies for stress or anxiety.
Hemp Oil: Extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant, hemp oil is rich in nutrients, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. It’s often added as a carrier oil, helping distribute the CBD evenly throughout the CBD gummies, ensuring consistent dosages. On a side note, you may see products labeled as “hemp gummies” and these will contain hemp oil, but they won’t contain CBD, which is the active compound that works to support endocannabinoid system function.
- Tapioca Syrup: A common sweetener and thickening agent derived from tapioca starch, which comes from the roots of the cassava plant. This ingredient helps give CBD gummies their candy-like sweetness and firm texture.
- MCT Oil: Medium-chain triglyceride oil is a type of dietary fat made up of medium-chain fatty acids. It is commonly derived from coconut or palm oil. MCT oil was chosen as a carrier oil for CBD because it enhances its bioavailability. This means that MCT oil helps the body absorb and utilize CBD more efficiently.
- Natural Fruit Flavors: Natural fruit flavors in CBD gummies refer to the inclusion of extracts or essences derived from real fruits to provide a pleasant and authentic taste. These flavors mimic the taste of specific fruits without relying on artificial flavors. Extracts may be derived from the fruit's juice, pulp, or peel, capturing the aromatic and flavorful compounds naturally present in the fruit.
- Gelatin or Pectin: If you enjoy the chewy texture of CBD gummies, then this is the ingredient you have to thank for it. However, if you follow vegan, halal, or kosher diets, then you need to look out for this one. Pectin is vegan, kosher, and halal-safe, but gelatin is not. Many brands tend to use pectin for this reason, but always check the label if you have any dietary restrictions.
- Citric Acid: Adds a tangy flavor and helps preserve freshness.
- THC: Full spectrum CBD gummies contain small amounts of THC. This amount is so small that you shouldn’t experience psychoactive effects associated with THC but can still benefit from the potential benefits of CBD when combined with THC. Broad spectrum gummies do not contain THC but do contain more cannabinoids than CBD isolate.
Ingredients To Look Out For
Similar to food products on grocery store shelves, some CBD gummies may contain ingredients that aren’t great for you.
Sometimes, companies will use high fructose corn syrup to make delicious gummies. The effects of high fructose corn syrup on the body are still being studied, but the current research shows that this popular sweetener may be linked to obesity and other harmful health conditions [2].
An example of some CBD gummies that contain high fructose corn syrup would be Hemp Bombs CBD gummies.
Not only do they contain corn syrup, but they also contain a sizeable amount of sugar. Another brand that contains higher amounts of sugar in its gummies would be Research Labs. These gummies are also hemp gummies, which are different from CBD gummies.
High-quality CBD gummies typically contain a few premium ingredients.
Let’s take a look at our CBD gummy squares as an example of good ingredients to look out for.
These gummies contain CBD oil extract, tapioca syrup, cane sugar, pectin, MCT oil, natural flavoring, and sodium citrate. These ingredients are functional and natural. Some, like MCT oil, even enhance the benefits of CBD by aiding its absorption.
Most people taking CBD gummies are interested in the potential health benefits of CBD. While “bad” ingredients may not necessarily compromise the possible health benefits of the good ingredients in the CBD product, they may harm your overall health. High-quality CBD gummies will be free of heavy metals, corn syrup, and other artificial sweeteners.
Gummy Ingredients vs. Other CBD Supplements
Exploring various CBD formats can cater to different preferences and needs, whether you're seeking distinct onset times or you simply aren't a fan of gummies.
CBD gummies look and taste like candy, which means they will contain ingredients like tapioca syrup and other sweeteners and flavors to achieve this. For those seeking a CBD product with natural sweetness, our sugar-free CBD gummies made with inulin syrup, offering a vegan, gluten-free, and guilt-free way to enjoy CBD without added sugars. Conversely, other CBD supplements, such as capsules and oils, prioritize functionality over sensory appeal for a notably different set of ingredients, focusing less on taste and more on efficacy.
While CBD gummies and alternative CBD supplements may share key components — namely, the CBD extract and possibly carrier oils and flavorings — their formulations are distinct.
CBD capsules or oils might include additional ingredients like starch, vegetable glycerin, and the materials making up the capsule shells, which you wouldn't typically find in gummy variations.
Choosing between CBD gummies and other forms of CBD supplements boils down to personal preference, but the significance of ingredients remains constant across the board.
It’s important that, as a consumer, we scrutinize product labels, conduct thorough research, and reference third-party lab tests, to ensure our CBD selection is free from heavy metals or other potentially detrimental substances, safeguarding our health.
What Ingredients Are in THC Gummies?
Full spectrum CBD gummies contain THC, typically with less than 0.3% of THC, to make them Farm Bill 2018 compliant. However, these gummies are different from THC gummies, as CBD gummies don't get you high. THC gummies contain larger doses of THC, with the potential for psychoactive effects.
People who take THC gummies are typically seeking the traditional “high” experience, so the formulas for these gummies are crafted with this in mind.
The specific ingredients found in THC gummies can vary based on the product and the manufacturer. However, similar to CBD gummies, THC gummies typically contain a core set of ingredients. Here’s a short list of common ingredients you’ll find in THC gummies:
References:
- Sosland, J. (2022, July 19). Research suggests few consumers actually read package labels. Supermarket Perimeter. https://www.supermarketperimeter.com/articles/8428-research-suggests-few-consumers-actually-read-package-labels#:~:text=In%202019%2C%20data%20published%20jointly,said%20they%20read%20food%20labels.
- Stanhope, K. L., & Havel, P. J. (2008). Endocrine and metabolic effects of consuming beverages sweetened with fructose, glucose, sucrose, or high-fructose corn syrup. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 88(6), 1733S-1737S.
