Best CBD Gummies for Relaxation: What to Know Before You Buy

Who couldn’t use more relaxation? But actually making it happen is easier said than done. When your to-do list is never-ending or your mind won’t stop racing, it can be hard to unwind and relax. Luckily, CBD gummiescan help. And if you’re new to CBD, don’t worry; we’ve got insight into what you need to know before you buy to ensure you get the most calming experience possible!

Understanding CBD and Relaxation

What Is CBD and How Does It Work?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is the most common of 113 naturally-occurring cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. CBD interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), the network of receptors and messengers which regulates many of your body’s functions, including processes related to mild stress, mood, appetite, pain and inflammation after physical activity and more.

CBD is different from THC, one of the other well-known cannabinoids that naturally occurs in low amounts in the hemp plant. While CBD is non-intoxicating, THC is psychoactive.

How CBD Interacts with the Body

CBD, like other cannabinoids, works by interacting with your ECS (the network of receptors and messengers). The messengers manufactured by your body are made as needed and are broken down quickly by enzymes. When your body cannot produce enough messengers on its own, this communication system can fail. That’s where CBD comes in. CBD mimics these messengers and influences the receptors of the endocannabinoid system. Since your ECS regulates processes like mood, mild stress, and pain and inflammation after activity, and CBD supports your ECS, CBD has the potential to provide numerous wellness benefits.

Can CBD Support a Calmer State?

Some of the functions that the ECS regulates include mood and mild stress, so it’s no surprise that many people report feeling calmer and more relaxed with regular CBD use. In a December 2019 CBDistillery customer survey, 89% of CBD users reported that CBD helped calm their mind, and 73% of CBD users reported preferring CBD over a glass of wine for relaxation! And in a November 2019 CBDistillery study, more relaxation was one of the most commonly-reported benefits felt by survey respondents 7-14 days after starting daily CBD consumption!

Key Features of CBD Gummies for Relaxation

Product Format and Onset

There are many types of products made with CBD these days, including oil tinctures, softgels, topical balms, and gummies. Each type of product has its own advantages, but gummies are quickly becoming one of the most popular, offering a convenient and travel-friendly way to consume CBD. And with consistent serving sizes in each (tasty) gummy, there’s no need to worry about measuring the right amount!

It is worth noting that, because they are ingested, consuming CBD in gummy form can mean waiting a little longer before you feel the effects. Most people feel the effects of ingested CBD one to two hours after taking it.

Ingredient Considerations

Like any gummy, CBD gummies contain sweeteners, flavors and other ingredients, and these are also worth paying attention to. Some brands, like CBDistillery, make a point to only use clean ingredients: organic tapioca syrup and organic cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup, all natural flavors and colors instead of artificial food dyes or food flavorings, and no artificial preservatives! But not all CBD gummy brands do. You can tell whether a brand uses clean sweeteners, flavors and dyes or artificial sweeteners, flavors and dyes by checking the full ingredient list.

Some gummies also contain other supporting ingredients. Sleep gummies, for example, might contain melatonin, CBN (another cannabinoid known for promoting quality sleep), or botanical ingredients like chamomile or L-theanine. It’s a good idea to pay attention to these ingredients, too; while many people find that melatonin helps support their sleep cycle, it may not be helpful if you’re seeking a gummy for daytime relaxation!

Types of Hemp Extract and THC Levels

You may see “full spectrum,” “broad spectrum,” or “CBD isolate” on the labels of your CBD products. What do these terms mean? Full spectrum hemp extract is a full-plant extract containing naturally-occurring CBD, as well as other minor cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and less than 0.3% THC. Full spectrum hemp extract allows you to fully experience the Entourage Effect, the synergistic way that the different plant components in hemp have a greater effect when working together than they do individually.

Broad spectrum hemp extract undergoes postprocessing that maintains the hemp plant’s CBD, minor cannabinoids and terpenes, but removes THC (though trace amounts, less than 0.01%, may remain). CBD Isolate is made by isolating the CBD molecule to its purest form.

Some gummies can contain noticeable levels of THC – yes, even legal gummies! The 2018 Farm Bill, which allowed for the production and sale of hemp-derived products, allows products to contain up to 0.3% naturally-occurring Delta-9 THC (by dry weight). Some CBD gummies can contain more noticeable levels of THC, like our popular Very Cherry gummies with 75mg CBD and 5mg THC per gummy. While some people describe a “slight buzz” or mild intoxication from gummies like these, the THC in them is within the parameters allowed by the 2018 Farm Bill.

What to Look for in High-Quality CBD Gummies

Third-Party Testing

When you care about what you put in your body, it’s important to look for CBD gummies that have been tested by independent third-party labs. Third-party lab testing checks for the presence of pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvent, microbials and other potential contaminants. It also confirms potency through cannabinoid analysis, ensuring each batch meets stringent specifications and label claims.

At CBDistillery, every batch of our products is third-party tested, with all batch results searchable on our website. To view results for a product you’ve purchased, you can scan the QR code on the product label, or go to the Lab Testing page on our website and enter the batch ID from your product. To view third-party lab test results for a product you haven’t yet purchased, simply find that product on our website, scroll down to the section titled “Third-Party Lab Tested,” and click the button that says “View Full Lab Results!”

Best CBDistillery Gummies for Relaxation

30mg Full Spectrum CBD Relief & Relaxation Gummies

Our original, most popular formula but in gummy form! Each Full Spectrum Relief & Relaxation gummycontains quality full spectrum hemp extract, formulated to have 30mg of CBD per serving along with an array of minor cannabinoids including THC, to harness the Entourage Effect. These gummies let you enjoy all the relaxation of our full spectrum hemp extract in a tasty gummy.

5mg THC + 15mg CBN + 75mg CBD Deep Sleep Gummies

If you’re looking for help relaxing at bedtime, reach for our Enhanced Deep Sleep gummies. Formulated by our expert botanist, these gummies include a generous serving of CBD to help balance the effects of 5mg of naturally-occurring Delta-9 THC, delivering full-body relaxation and help you wind down before bed. They also include the cannabinoid CBN to help you fall asleep, stay asleep and wake up refreshed the next morning, without grogginess.

15mg CBG + 15mg CBD Calm & Clarity Gummies

When your mind is always working or you need help stressing less and focusing more, check out our CBG + CBD gummies. Cannabigerol (CBG) is another naturally-occurring cannabinoid found in hemp, and is the precursor molecule from which other cannabinoids are created. In a 2022 CBDistillery study, participants reported a significant difference in the reduction of mild or temporary anxiety when using a product with 17mg of CBG and 17mg of CBD – and even found it more effective than any other treatments they tried in the prior year!

Choosing the Right CBD Gummy for Your Routine

Factors to Consider

So which CBD gummy is the best one to help you find relaxation? It depends! What time of day will you be taking the gummy? If you’re looking for help relaxing before bed, you might look for a gummy that will help you nod off at the end of the day. But if you’re looking for an option to help you relax during the day, you may want to avoid gummies with CBN, THC or similar ingredients.

Your sensitivity to THC may also make a difference. Everyone is different, and everyone’s body reacts differently to THC. Some people find that the gentle buzz from a gummy with 5mg of THC can offer an enhanced level of relaxation, though gummies with this level of THC should not be taken before driving or operating heavy machinery. And while some people benefit from the Entourage Effect in products made with CBD from full spectrum hemp extract, others may prefer products made with broad spectrum hemp extract, or Isolate CBD to avoid even trace amounts of CBD.

Starting with the Right Serving Size

If you’re new to CBD (or other cannabinoids), we recommend starting low and going slow! Start with a smaller serving size, maybe half a gummy, and slowly adjust it as needed. Doing so lets you get a better idea of how your body responds. Keep in mind that most people don’t feel the effects of ingested cannabinoids for one to two hours after ingesting them; we always recommend waiting at least two hours before taking another serving!

It's also important to be consistent with your CBD. In a November 2019 CBDistillery customer survey, daily users reported finding CBD more effective and feeling the effects sooner than people who only used it as needed.

If you have questions about the best products for you, we’re here to help! Check out our FAQs, or contact ustoday.