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Our editors tested and selected the best CBD gummies based on quality, safety, and transparency. Among our top picks are CBDfx, Cornbread Hemp, Medterra, and FOCL. Check out the full list below.
Healthline has sole editorial control over this article. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. The information in this article is intended to be general in nature. It’s not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional.
Cannabidiol (CBD) has a variety of potential health benefits and effects, with more research on the way. CBD gummies are easy to dose, portable, discreet, and come in various flavors, making them a good choice for people looking to try CBD for the first time.
Our editors have tested all the gummies in this article and provided feedback to help make choosing and buying a little easier for you. Read on for our top picks.
We chose these products based on criteria we think are good indicators of safety, quality, and transparency. Every brand and product featured has been vetted by our team for medical and business standards. Each product 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
whether the company makes any unsupported health claims
Where available, we’ve included special discount codes for our readers.
CBD terminology
Full-spectrumCBD contains all the naturally available compounds of the cannabis plant. In hemp-derived full-spectrum CBD, the THC will be no more than 0.3%.
Broad-spectrum CBD has all the plant’s naturally occurring compounds but no THC (or only trace amounts).
CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD, separated from all other plant compounds.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the cannabinoid associated with the “high” from cannabis, or “marijuana,” use. CBD doesn’t have intoxicating properties.
Flavonoids are plant compounds that have antioxidant benefits.
Terpenes are plant compounds with potential therapeutic benefits.
CBD prices are a reflection of the costs involved in producing these products, including the growing of the hemp and the extraction process. Quality control and third-party testing also drive up pricing, as does the fairly limited supply versus the significant demand.
To help readers understand how different brands are priced, we’ve included price per milligram (mg) of CBD for all gummies in this article.
Our evidence-driven reviews and comparisons break down the top CBD oils, gummies, creams, and more so you can feel confident choosing what’s right for you.
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. This means the end result won’t provide the full range of health benefits.
Products made with broad-spectrum CBD contain most cannabinoids, plus other cannabis compounds, but they generally don’t contain THC.
Products made with full-spectrum CBD can contain all the plant’s cannabinoids, including THC. Full-spectrum products provide the most therapeutic benefits as a result of the entourage effect, which means that cannabinoids have a greater effect combined than consumed alone.
The best bet is to go for a full- or broad-spectrum product made with organic hemp grown in the United States. Hemp grown in the United States is subject to agricultural regulations, and it can’t contain more than 0.3% THC.
Any product that doesn’t specifically say what type of CBD was used — for instance, listing only “cannabis extract” as an ingredient — is probably one to avoid.
Potency
Doses vary widely across CBD products, and it may depend on the CBD source. For example, a 5-mg full-spectrum CBD gummy may feel a lot more potent than a 5-mg CBD isolate gummy.
If you’re unsure what dose to look for, the best bet is to start with the lowest one available — generally 2.5 mg to 5 mg — and increase from there.
Ingredients
There’s a lot more to CBD gummies than just CBD. Other ingredients can vary widely. Pay attention to additives like artificial ingredients and preservatives.
You may also want to avoid high fructose corn syrup, and if you’re vegan or have allergies, look for products that match those needs.
The ideal CBD gummy is made with organic, non-GMO ingredients, real sugar, and natural flavorings. Although you can purchase CBD products that contain vitamins or adaptogenic herbs, it may be best to avoid these, as experts aren’t sure how CBD interacts with vitamins, minerals, or supplements.
Third-party testing
Currently, the FDA does not guarantee the safety, effectiveness, or quality of OTC CBD products.
However, to protect public health, the FDA can take action against CBD companies that make unfounded health claims. It’s important to do your research and find a quality product.
Take a look at the COA and make sure the product has been tested for contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, and molds. You can also use the COA to verify that the product actually contains the amount of CBD and THC that the label says it does.
Beware of any company that promises extreme results and remember that results may differ. A product that works well for a friend or family member may not have the same effects for you.
If a product doesn’t work for you, consider trying another with different ingredients or a different amount of CBD.
Most gummies come in packs of 20 to 60, and they’re 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, so you can start with 2.5 mg.
Wait up to 2 hours to experience the full effects, and if you feel like you need more, experiment until you find your “just right” dose. You can consume gummies daily, but keep in mind that the effects of a gummy tend to last 4 to 6 hours.
Some prefer ingesting CBD by eating edibles like gummies. CBD gummies are offered in a variety of potencies. But generally, it’ll be about 30 to 60 minutes before the results begin, although it can take longer.
When you eat a CBD gummy, your body will first absorb it in the digestive system. Next, the active ingredients can move into your bloodstream, making their way to your liver.
From here, your liver metabolizes the ingredients before entering the bloodstream again and then finally making it to your brain.
This is when the results are generally noticed. Although everyone’s experience with onset time may be different. Of course, if you eat a CBD gummy on an empty stomach, you may notice results faster than if you take it with a full stomach.
CBD oil differs from CBD gummies in a few ways. It’s a more versatile consumption method since it can be taken sublingually (beneath the tongue) or added to foods and beverages.
Because gummies are chewed and swallowed, CBD must be metabolized via the digestive system before any effects become noticeable. However, those effects may last longer. CBD oil taken sublingually has a very rapid onset, but effects may not last as long as those from a gummy.
CBD may offer some health benefits, and a gummy is an easy way for people to explore the effects of CBD. Gummies are easy to dose and tend to minimize natural CBD flavor, which can be off-putting to some people. Instead, they’re designed to be delicious and can be found in all kinds of flavors and potencies.
If you’re looking for a specific type of CBD, such as broad-spectrum or isolate, it’s easy to find a gummy that fits the bill. CBD gummies can also be made with key ingredients for specific benefits, like melatonin to promote sleep.
CBD is nonintoxicating, meaning it will not get you “high.” It’s generally recognized as safe, and there are few side effects, though they do occur occasionally.
Possible side effects
fatigue
diarrhea
changes in appetite
changes in weight
Some research suggests that CBD may interact with liver enzymes and interfere with metabolizing other medications or breaking down toxins. Always consult a clinician before using CBD products, especially if you take any medications or supplements.
Additionally, keep in mind that some research suggests that consuming CBD with high fat meals could increase your risk for side effects. This is because high fat meals can increase CBD blood concentrations, which can increase the risk of side effects.
The best CBD gummies are ones made by transparent companies with strong reputations, ethical practices, and testing standards, as well as overall positive reviews from users. The gummies featured on this list are considered to be some of the best available.
How long does it take for CBD gummies to kick in?
After consuming a CBD gummy, it can be as soon as 30 to 60 minutes or up to a couple of hours before the effects kick in.
How do CBD gummies compare with CBD oil?
It may take longer to notice the effects of CBD gummies compared with CBD oil, as gummies have to travel through your digestive system before the effects can take place. If you’re looking for faster absorption, go for CBD oil.
Are CBD gummies good for you?
Some gummies are made using as little sugar, dyes, and additives as possible, while others indulge. You’ll want to read the label carefully and keep that in mind.
How many CBD gummies can you take each day?
This will depend on the product you choose. Some CBD gummies come in higher doses and are meant to be taken only once per day, while others are less potent, meaning you can slowly take more as you get used to CBD and find the result you’re looking to achieve.
Do CBD gummies contain THC?
Some CBD gummies are free of THC, but there is always a chance that trace amounts could be included, which can result in a positive drug test. Full-spectrum CBD does include all the plant’s cannabinoids, meaning it contains THC. To be sure there is no THC in your CBD gummies, select an isolate (also known as pure CBD) option.
CBD may have health benefits, and gummies are a great way for CBD-curious folks to dip their toes into the water. Stick with full- or broad-spectrum products made with organic hemp grown in the United States, and be sure that whatever you buy is third-party tested.
Start slowly, enjoying enough of a gummy to ingest 2.5 mg to 5 mg of CBD. Evaluate any effects as you slowly work your way toward finding the right amount for you — your Goldilocks dose. Wait up to a full 2 hours before taking any additional CBD.
Consult a clinician before taking CBD, especially if you’re currently on any other medication.
Is CBD legal? The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC legal at the federal level. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them illegal at the federal level. Some states have legalized CBD, so be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.
Last medically reviewed on August 11, 2023
How we reviewed this article:
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
Crockett J, et al. (2020). A phase 1, randomized, pharmacokinetic trial of the effect of different meal compositions, whole milk, and alcohol on cannabidiol exposure and safety in healthy subjects. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/epi.16419
