CBD is the acronym for cannabidiol, a cannabinoid, or in other words, a naturally occurring molecule unique to cannabis plants.
Cannabinoids engage with the human endocannabinoid system, which affects basic biological functions, such as sleep, pain, mood, immune function, and appetite.
However, CBD is non-psychoactive on its own; it doesn’t make people feel high, as is the case with THC, the other prevalent cannabinoid.
As a result, CBD products from hemp are widely used to alleviate a wide range of symptoms from common disorders and medical conditions.
CBD can take many forms. Many people prefer gummies over CBD oil and other forms because gummies are more enjoyable. They don’t have the distinct botanical flavor of CBD oil, and they’re easier to take than capsules or vapes.
Most gummies contain between 10–30 mg of CBD per piece, resulting in nice relaxation without excessive drowsiness. Many users end up taking more than one gummy at a time, but the optimal dosage is determined by a range of factors, such as the individual’s weight, age, metabolism, expected effects and whether it’s their first time with CBD.
CBD oil in most gummies comes from hemp plants and has been separated from THC and other cannabinoids. These products are labeled as “Zero THC” or “THC-free.” Some gummies may contain full-spectrum extracts with trace amounts of THC. Such products are still federally legal because they come from hemp, but states can regulate full-spectrum gummies on their own.
In this guide, we’ll cover exclusively THC-free gummies.
Continue reading to learn more CBD gummies, their health benefits, dosage recommendations and our top brand picks for 2019.
The Best CBD Gummies Reviewed
1. Royal CBD
Royal CBD. Royal CBD
Royal CBD Overview
Our top pick, Royal CBD is a California-based brand selling premium CBD products from organic hemp. The company offers only one potency and flavor option of their gummies (10 mg, Fruit Punch), but the formula seems mastered to perfection.
Royal CBD gummies contain only natural ingredients, including the flavorings. They carry only three grams of sugar per container, resulting from the fruit juices that were added to achieve the appealing color and fruity flavors. It’s actually a guilt-free treat.
These gummy bears feature 99.9% pure CBD, with 10 mg in each piece. Such small increments allow for more accurate dosage without going too far and experiencing sedation or other mild side effects.
Since this is an isolate-based product, Royal CBD gummies have a pleasant, fruity taste, without the overwhelming botanical notes carried over from full-spectrum extracts. These are organic gummies, so they are priced a little bit higher than the competition, but still within reason.
2. DiamondCBD
DiamondCBD. DiamondCBD
DiamondCBD Overview
DiamondCBD is the leader in making CBD-infused edibles, with an absolutely amazing selection of CBD gummies.
DiamondCBD offers an extremely wide range of shapes and flavors to choose from. Its gummies are available as bears, worms, sour tapes, frogs, mini fruits, rings and more.
Whether you want a pack of 12 gummies or are aiming for a jar of 100 mouthwatering treats, DiamondCBD has everything and beyond. All of their products are third-party tested in independent laboratories, with Certificates of Analysis attached to each product page.
However, when you put the abundance of flavors and shapes aside, you’ll see that these are pretty much the same products, but each in a different container. In fact, there are only two potency options to choose from—7.25 mg and 12.5 mg of CBD per gummy. These are very strange increments that may be difficult to dose, especially for beginners.
Why does DiamondCBD score the runner-up title? Besides the obvious dosage problem, we have some doubts about the quality of certain ingredients in these gummies. There are three artificial colorings, which could be substituted with fruit juices or concentrates. We prefer natural solutions, hence the lower note here.
3. CBDistillery
CBDistillery. CBDistillery
CBDistillery Overview
CBDistillery offers two CBD gummy products that cater to different types of consumers.
The company’s standard CBD gummies are designed for daily consumption. Each gummy bear contains 30 mg of 99% pure CBD isolate, making them suitable for public employees or people who face routine drug tests.
CBDistillery also has a Night Time option. Similar to the standard version, Night Time Gummies contain 30 mg of CBD per count, but with 2 mg of sleep-aiding melatonin. Both products are sourced from U.S.-grown, non-GMO hemp and are suitable for vegans.
The reason we give CBDistillery gummies the third place is their sugar content, which is higher than in Royal CBD gummies due to the added cane sugar and grape juice concentrate. The taste is still pleasant, but some users may consider them too sweet in the long run.