How Do CBD Gummies Make You Feel?

In recent years, CBD gummies have surged in popularity as a convenient and tasty way to incorporate cannabidiol into daily wellness routines. More and more people look to CBD as an alternative to alcohol and over-the-counter medications for managing their relaxation time, sleep routines, focus, mental clarity, and more. Especially for those new to CBD, gummies provide an ideal choice due to their pleasant taste and ease of administration. 

Whether you are a CBD gummy fanatic or are new to the gummy game, it's important to understand their effects and how their potential benefits can contribute to your overall wellness routine. This article provides key information about CBD gummies, their benefits, and what factors can influence your individual experience. 

Quick Facts 

#1.  Some of the most common reasons for people to incorporate CBD into their wellness routines include: 

•       Better sleep  

•       Consequence-free relaxation and stress management  

•       Mental clarity and focus  

•       Relief from pain after physical activity, better mobility  

•       Relief from mild or temporary anxiety. 

#2.  CBD vs THC 

Cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) have the same molecular composition. Both cannabinoids are made up of 30 hydrogen atoms, 21 carbon atoms, and two oxygen atoms. There are, however, slight differences in the way their atoms are arranged.⁵ The 3-dimensional shape of THC allows the cannabinoid to bind with the ECS receptors CB1 in your brain, nerve cells, and connective tissues like a key inserted into a lock. Activating CB1 with THC temporarily modifies the flow of information between neurons while also increasing the amount of dopamine circulating in your system.⁶   

CBD also inhibits THC's impact on CB1 by binding to a different site on the receptor, altering its shape, and rendering CB1 less responsive to THC's influence.⁷ In other words, THC activates CB1 while CBD modulates the receptor. That's why the natural 25-30:1 CBD to THC ratio in unaltered full spectrum hemp extract poses reduced risk of intoxication.  

#3. The delivery and duration of the effects of CBD gummies vary due to several key factors; however,  according to a 2019 CBDistillery® survey of 1,900 customers, most CBD users report that it can take 1-2 hours for their effects to peak, but some users experienced the benefits of ingestible CBD as soon as 30 minutes after consuming. 

How CBD Interacts with the Body 

CBD asserts its influence on more than 65 molecular targets, including your endocannabinoid system (ECS) receptors, the largest regulatory system in the human body.¹⁰ Based on decades of research, the signaling between ECS messengers and receptors plays a crucial role in nearly every aspect of health and well-being, from emotional regulation and memory to immune system function, sleep cycle regulation, and muscle movement. Although most of their evidence is based on lab results, animal studies, and a steadily increasing number of clinical trials, cannabis researchers believe CBD helps support ECS function in a way that promotes internal balance (homeostasis).³ 

Of the three main types of hemp extract, many CBD users feel the effects of full spectrum products are more robust, an observation researchers' credit to a phenomenon unique to cannabis commonly known as an "Entourage Effect." First discovered decades ago, this well-documented theory is often used to explain how the combined impact of the plant's minor cannabinoids and terpenes creates an effect that amplifies the therapeutic potential of CBD by optimizing the synergistic contributions of each plant component.¹¹  

Factors That Influence How You Feel After Taking CBD Gummies 

Body Composition and Metabolism  

Cannabinoids are lipophilic substances – meaning they're attracted to, dissolved by, and stored in fat. A person with more body fat could need more CBD per serving than someone with more lean muscle, depending on how their system processes and stores the cannabinoid.¹¹  Your age, activity levels, sleep habits, and other factors influencing metabolic function could also impact your needs. People with a slower metabolism tend to experience a more gradual release of CBD into their bloodstreams. They often require more CBD per serving to achieve their best results. 

Your Wellness Goals 

Your reason for using hemp-derived CBD products can also impact how much CBD you need per serving. As you get further into your journey, you could easily find that the amount you typically prefer for relaxation or better sleep might not be ideal for something like pain, stiffness, or inflammation after physical activity or post-workout recovery. In other words, your body's response to CBD can differ according to the specific concern you want to address. That's something you can adjust for easily by either increasing the amount of product you're using or purchasing something stronger.  

Individual CBD Sensitivity     

CBD targets the endocannabinoid receptors in your body and brain to initiate a response that helps restore balance. Genetic factors (and several other variables) can influence the density and distribution of the ECS receptors.¹¹  People with fewer ECS receptors may need more CBD per serving than those whose systems have higher concentrations. CBD sensitivity can also be impacted by stress. The stress hormone cortisol contributes to the downregulation of the ECS receptor CB1, which can temporarily reduce the efficacy of ECS signaling and increase the amount of CBD you might need for relief.     

Frequency and Duration of Use   

The ideal product strength for your needs could be influenced by frequency and duration of use. CBD enthusiasts using hemp-derived cannabinoids "as needed" tend to require more CBD per serving than those who prefer supporting ECS function with consistent daily use. Although CBD is not habit forming and most experts believe building a tolerance to the cannabinoid is unlikely, some CBD users report needing larger serving sizes or products with higher concentrations of CBD over time. Whether their observations reflect changes in tolerance or suggest a placebo effect remains unclear.⁹  According to our 2019 customer survey, CBD users who took cannabinoid supplements daily felt the benefits more quickly than those who use CBD on an as-needed basis. 

Product Type   

Full spectrum hemp extract is considered the more potent of the three main types of oil used to make CBD gummies because of the "Entourage Effect" cannabis is known for. Broad spectrum gummies also have the minor cannabinoids and terpenes needed for that potency-optimizing Entourage Effect, but contain non-detectable levels of THC – a detail some CBD users feel diminishes its impact.6 Gummies made with CBD isolate have no additional cannabinoids or terpenes, just pure CBD.  

 Serving Sizes Suggestions: The Benefit of Starting Low and Slow    

If you are new to the CBD gummies space, we recommend starting low and slow.  

Based on the feedback of our 2019 survey respondents, most CBD users report favorable results using our hemp-derived products for relaxation, better sleep, discomfort and inflammation after physical activity, and mild or temporary anxiety. You won't know exactly how your system will respond to ECS support until you choose a product and try it, but you may not want to start with the serving size suggestion printed on our product labels.  

Every CBD user has a unique physical chemistry, meaning an amount that works for someone else could be significantly different than the serving size that's right for you. Instead, we suggest starting with half of a gummy. If a partial serving doesn't provide the results you're hoping for, increase your serving sizes gradually in small increments. Some first-timers move on to a full gummy with their next serving; others wait a few days (or more) between increases to give their systems time to adapt and respond. The choice is yours.   

FAQs on CBD Gummies 

#1. Can you feel addicted to CBD? According to the World Health Organization, CBD is non-addictive. 

#2. Does CBD make you feel intoxicated? According to the World Health Organization, CBD is non-intoxicating. 

#3. Are there negative side effects to CBD use? Based on the results of a blind survey answered by CBDistillery customers, most CBD users have never experienced a negative side effect.  

Why Choose CBDistillery® CBD Gummies?   

CBDistillery® gummies are made with cannabinoid-rich oil extracted from naturally cultivated hemp flower and we rely on the cleanest food-safe extraction methods in our industry. Plus, our gummies are vegan, made with 100% clean ingredients and backed by our hassle-free 60-day satisfaction guarantee.  

As you're browsing our product pages, you'll find a link to a downloadable certificate of analysis. When you find our products locally, you'll get the same information by scanning the QR codes printed on our labels. Whether you're an experienced CBD user or browsing your options for the first time, you're sure to find CBD gummies with just the right combination of cannabinoids for your needs, preferences, and lifestyle while exploring our product line.  

CBDistillery® ahhh distilled Full Spectrum CBD Gummies   

Full spectrum gummies contain all the minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and other phytonutrients in the same ratios as hemp flower. Their 25-30:1 CBD to THC ratio ensures there's no risk of intoxication. With full spectrum gummies, you gain the potency-maximizing potential of the "Entourage Effect.”4  Our vegan-friendly CBDistillery® ahhh distilled Full Spectrum CBD Gummies have a subtle strawberry flavor and 30mg of CBD per piece.  

CBDistillery® ahhh distilled and shhh distilled Broad Spectrum CBD Gummies  

Broad spectrum CBD gummies have the minor cannabinoids and terpenes needed for an Entourage Effect, but their THC is reduced to non-detectable levels. CBDistillery® ahhh distilled Broad Spectrum CBD Anytime Gummies have a delightful tropical fruit flavor. For better sleep, consider CBDistillery® shhh distilled Broad Spectrum Sleep Gummies. They have 5mg of melatonin per serving.  

CBDistillery® ommm distilled CBG + CBD Gummies   

CBDistillery® ommm distilled CBG + CBD Gummies give you another way to experience an enhanced Entourage Effect with a product formulated for calm and clarity. Our CBG-infused CBD gummies have just enough mango flavor to complement the terpene profile of our full spectrum hemp extract. Every naturally flavored gummy gives you 15mg of CBG and 15mg of CBD.  

CBDistillery® shhh distilled CBN + CBD Sleep Gummies  

CBDistillery® shhh distilled CBN + CBD Sleep Gummies are made with our high-quality full spectrum hemp extract and just enough of the minor cannabinoid CBN (cannabinol) for rest, relaxation, and an enhanced Entourage Effect. Every elderberry-flavored gummy gives you 15mg of CBN and 15mg of CBD, the amount determined to be ideal by our expert botanists.  

CBDistillery® ahhh+ distilled THC + CBD Enhanced Relief Gummies    

CBDistillery® ahhh+ distilled THC + CBD Enhanced Relief Gummies could be just what you need at the end of a busy day. Each mixed berry-flavored gummy gives you everything our full spectrum hemp extract offers, plus just enough Delta-9 THC for relaxation, an enhanced Entourage Effect, and a mellow, uplifting buzz. In each gummy, you'll get a highly potent 75mg of CBD and 5mg of THC to help calm your mind and alleviate tension.  

CBDistillery® shhh+ THC + CBN + CBD Enhanced Deep Sleep Gummies   

CBDistillery® shhh+ distilled THC + CBN Gummies are made to help you get the rest you need to wake feeling refreshed. They have an enticing dreamberry flavor and a rigorously tested blend of cannabinoids working together to help you drift off naturally and remain in slumber mode: 5mg of THC, 15mg of CBN, and 75mg of CBD. CBN (cannabinol) is well-known for its sleep-promoting potential.9  

CBDistillery® shhh CBN Isolate Sound Sleep Gummies  

CBDistillery® shhh CBN Isolate Sound Sleep Gummies are our first-ever supplement featuring isolate cannabinol (CBN), a hemp-derived compound known to promote healthy sleep. Research has shown that CBN isolate is just as effective as a serving of melatonin without the next-morning grogginess. CBN is well-known for its sleep-promoting potential, and these isolate gummies offer a great night's sleep for those who wish to avoid THC in their wellness routines.  

We're Here to Help  

Knowing the science behind CBD gummies and how CBD works with CBD will help you make informed product purchases. Realizing the different types of CBD products and the importance of quality is equally important.  

At CBDistillery, we stand behind our products with verified third-party testing, and each product comes with a Certificate of Analysis. We also invite you to read what satisfied users say about our products in more than 47,000 verified customer reviews. Our customer service professionals are also here to help. Please don't hesitate to contact us today with any concerns.  

References: 

1. Elsaid S, Foll B (2020) The Complexity of Pharmacology of Cannabidiol (CBD) and Its Implications in the Treatment of Brain Disorders. 45 Neuropsychopharmacol 229-30 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41386-019-0518-1   

2. Marzo V, Piscetelli F. (2015) The Endocannabinoid System and Its Modulation by Phytocannabinoids. 12, Neurotherapeutics 692-98. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-015-0374-6   

3. Sallaberry C, Astern L. (2018) The Endocannabinoid System, Our Universal Regulator. 34(6) JYI 48-55. https://www.jyi.org/2018-june/2018/6/1/the-endocannabinoid-system-our-universal-regulator   

4. S Gupta. (2014) Medical Marijuana and "the Entourage Effect." CNN HealthDialogues in Clinic Neuroscience, 2020 Pub Med Central- History of Science and Endocannabinoid System: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7605027/#:~:text=CBD%20was%20first%20isolated%20from%20marijuana%20in%201940%2C%20and%20its%20structure%20was%20reported%20in%201963 

5. Baldwin, J. (2021) CBD vs THC: What Are the Differences? Weed News.  

6. Currin, G. (2020) How Does Cannabis Get You High? Live Science.  

7. Alger B, Ph.D. (2013) Getting High on the Endocannabinoid System. 14, Cerebrum. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3997295/  

8. Wilkins T. (2022) What Is the Entourage Effect? How This Enhances CBD Effects. Marijuana Takers.  

9. Vazquez A. (2022) Can You Build a Tolerance to CBD? CBD Nerds. 

10. Bossong M. (2020) The Neuropharmacology of Cannabinoid Receptor Ligands in Central Signaling Pathways. 55(4) Eur J Neurosci 909-21. https://doi.org/10.1111/ejn.14982  

11. Harmon J. (2020) How Long Do the Effects of CBD Last? CBD Academy.