There’s no shortage of edibles out there—from brownie bites to tablets, cookies to chocolate bars—but the humble gummy remains one of the most popular ways to enjoy cannabis. Portable, shelf-stable, and pretty darned delicious, these tasty cannabinoid delivery systems are loved for a reason.
In today’s post, we will highlight three cannabinoids you might want to add to the mix next time you’re going for a gummy: CBD, CBN, and CBG. Along the way, we’ll answer such questions as:
- What are some potential CBD gummy benefits?
- What are CBN gummies?
- What are CBG gummies?
- What are the best cannabis gummies available, and how do I choose?
- How do I predict cannabis gummy effects?
And more still. Are you ready? Let’s get started!
Cannabis Gummy Benefits: How They Partner with the Body
Many of us are already familiar with the most notable effect of cannabis: its unforgettable euphoric “high.” That effect comes courtesy of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the most abundant cannabinoid in cannabis—and one that’s associated with a number of medical benefits as well. Cannabidiol (CBD) lacks the intoxicating psychoactivity of THC, but it’s associated with a wide range of potential health benefits that we’ll explore in detail in just a moment.
Like all cannabinoids—including THC, CBG, and CBN—CBD interfaces with our bodies through the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a network widely believed to be one of our body’s most important regulatory systems.
Why is this important to the topic of CBD gummies? When you smoke or vape cannabis, the cannabinoids access your ECS through your lungs within a few minutes at most. But when you consume gummies, those cannabinoids are processed instead through the stomach and the liver. This has a number of effects. For one thing, gummies generally take longer to take effect, but the effects also last longer.
The average onset time for gummies is about 90 minutes, and the average duration is between 5-12 hours. While these times are influenced by factors such as a person’s age, cannabis experience, and diet, it’s important to note that no matter what, the effects of taking a cannabis edible will last far longer than it does compared with smoking or vaping.
With that said, let’s turn to the topic of CBD gummy benefits, as well as introducing CBN gummies and CBG gummies to the mix!
What Are CBD Gummies Good For? What the Science Tells Us
While CBD doesn’t make you feel “high,” clinical research suggests a wide range of medical applications. One of the most compelling is as an anxiolytic, which means anti-anxiety. In one study, CBD successfully treated some of the symptoms of PTSD, including anxiety. In another, CBD reduced the surprisingly common fear of public speaking. And still, another study found that CBD can function like an all-natural antidepressant.
Then there’s pain, one of the principal reasons people turn to cannabis in the first place. A large-scale review of current medical literature suggests CBD not only treats chronic pain, but contributes to better sleep and overall quality of life.
On top of this, research suggests that CBD is a powerful anti-inflammatory, reducing pain at injury sites and partnering with signaling mechanisms in the brain to enhance the actions of receptor cells there.
What About CBN in Gummies?
While cannabinol (CBN) was first identified decades ago, until now, comparatively little was known about it. Now that the “Green Wave” of cannabis legalization has paved the way for expanded cannabis research, some clinicians hope CBN might be a powerful and non-addictive sleeping aid.
In the past, though, the evidence was inconclusive. One rodent-based study found that CBN was indeed sedative, but other studies largely failed to corroborate this. In one small-scale human study from 1976, researchers found that CBN caused sedation in conjunction with THC, but not by itself.
However, a large body of anecdotal evidence suggests that CBN may indeed help us find deeper rest. To that end, an extensive CBN and sleep study is expected to be published soon. Needless to say, we’ll keep you updated on this exciting frontier in cannabis medicine!
That’s not to suggest CBN doesn’t do anything for us. A study from 2009 found that CBN may help reverse the bone loss associated with osteoporosis. Meanwhile, a separate study suggests that CBN may help spur the production of new bone cells via activation of stem cells.
What Are CBG Gummies? A New Kid on the Block
Cannabigerol (CBG) is often referred to as the “mother” of all cannabinoids since it is the precursor from which other cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, are made. Since most of the CBG in a plant is converted to these other cannabinoids, it’s typically found in only small quantities once the plant is harvested—but it has piqued the interest of researchers and cannabis lovers alike.
Initial research supports that CBG may play an important role in supporting our health. One study suggests this cannabinoid imparts a broad range of anti-inflammatory benefits, including potentially improving the health of our skin. And when it comes to our gut health, CBG gummies may have a role to play. Thus far, a 2013 study suggests that CBG has the potential to help control inflammatory bowel disease, a family of serious gut conditions that includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. It may also help boost mood and relieve stress.
Choosing the Best Gummies: Accessing High-Quality Products
Now that you know a bit more about cannabis gummies, let’s investigate some of the best ways to choose (and use) them. What do the best CBD gummies, the best CBN gummies, and the best CBG gummies all have in common? Transparent labeling, third-party testing, and ingredients you can trust.
At Green Goods, we test each and every cannabis product we sell for purity, potency, and potential contaminants. We wouldn’t want to expose ourselves to potential health threats and we certainly don’t think you should, either!
Then there’s the topic of formulation. If you’ve visited a Green Goods dispensary in Maryland or Minnesota, you may have seen the term “full-spectrum” on certain product labels. This means that the cannabis inside has been sourced from whole-plant material.
Why is this important? According to the theory commonly known as the ensemble effect (or “entourage effect”), cannabinoids and terpenes—the aromatic “essential oils” in cannabis—produce more potent effects when consumed together than when consumed on their own. In this same light, some researchers believe that full-spectrum extracts may have more therapeutic value than partial-spectrum ones.
You’ll find our HiCOLOR, Boundary Waters, and Vireo gummies have been carefully formulated to synergize the benefits that different combinations of cannabinoids can offer—whether it be our CBN gummies paired with THC to help you get better rest or our CBD gummies paired with THC to brighten your day!
Gummy Dosage and Consumption Tips
Because everyone’s bodies are a little bit different, there’s no “recommended dose.” That’s why we recommend you take the minimum amount needed to access the benefits or effects you are looking for—whether that be for CBD, CBN, CBG or THC.
Start with a small dose and slowly work your way up to find the dose that’s right for you. And, if you’re taking a gummy that contains THC, it’s important to note that because of the way THC is metabolized through your liver, some people experience THC edibles as being stronger or more potent than other forms of consumption. So, particularly if you’re new to cannabis, give the gummies ample time to kick in—at least an hour—before judging its effects or taking more.
CBD, CBN, and CBG Gummies: Are They Legal?
While the legalization of THC is very much done on a state-by-state basis, it’s easier than ever to find CBD gummies. And as of this writing, hemp-derived CBD is legal at the federal level. Why? That’s because hemp contains very trace amounts of intoxicating THC, typically .3% or lower. That said, several states—Idaho, Nebraska, and South Dakota—have stricter prohibitions on CBD products, especially those derived from cannabis as opposed to hemp.
What about CBN and CBG? Like CBD, these cannabinoids are not considered intoxicating and—if they’re derived from hemp—can be purchased in most of the United States. However, in those states that more strictly regulate cannabis products—or prohibit cannabis-derived CBD—it may be difficult or even impossible to find CBG or CBN gummies.
Our dispensaries in Maryland offer legal, safe, and high-quality cannabis-derived CBD gummies, CBG gummies, and CBN gummies to all adults over 21 and registered medical patients. In Minnesota, registered medical patients can find these gummies, too—and will be serving adult-use customers soon!
Explore the Best Cannabis Gummies at Green Goods!
We very much hope this post was helpful in getting you acquainted with the many CBD gummy benefits, in addition to introducing some new cannabinoids—CBN and CBG. Whether you use cannabis to relieve specific symptoms, to support your overall wellness—or just an all-natural way to unwind with friends and family—we’re committed to helping you get the most value and enjoyment from our cannabis products.
Ready to start your own journey with the best CBD gummies? Whether you reside in Maryland or Minnesota, the nearest Green Goods location is only a click away! And if you have any other questions about gummies—or other cannabis-related topics—just ask! We’re always here to help
