The Fast Facts
- CBD gummies are convenient to take, easy to dose, and may be effective for managing anxiety and improving sleep.
- Our top pick for the best CBD gummies is Cornbread Hemp’s Peach CBD gummies, which our tester says acted fast for pain relief.
- Our strongest gummy pick is Aspen Green Bliss Organic Gummies, providing 100 mg of CBD and 5 mg of THC per dose.
• from $1.33 per gummy
• $2.99 per gummy
• from $0.92 per gummy
• $1.75 per gummy
• from $1.20 per gummy
• from $1.17 per gummy
• from $1.93 per gummy
We selected these CBD gummies based on criteria we think are good indicators of safety, quality, and transparency. As part of our CBD vetting process, we consider:
- how the CBD gummies are made, including ingredients, composition, and overall quality
- applicable third-party certifications
- the company’s reputation and business practices
- any lab test results, including those that confirm the CBD type and purity
- marketing and therapeutic claims
We also personally tested all the gummies on our list to share our experience of how they helped us sleep, relax, and be productive by calming racing thoughts.
Our Medical Standards and Insights team has carefully researched and vetted over 11,000 products and services. We fact-check health claims, evaluate ingredients, and look into each brand’s reputation before sharing products and services on Healthline.
To choose the products on this page, we considered all the CBD gummies that passed our vetting process. Then, we personally tested some of them to narrow down our list even further. Read more about how we test CBD products.
In a talk with expert Alex Nguyen, PharmD, RPh, CPh, Dr. Nguyen shared some industry standards to look out for when you’re searching for any type of CBD product.
“Avoid CBD products that make exaggerated claims and have no information that supports it … In addition, double check the labeling where they list the full ingredient list along with the CBD and THC content of the product.”
When looking for potency, keep in mind that you can get three types of CBD: full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and isolates. Make sure to do your research before choosing a CBD product.
“It’s important to understand what your goals are. Are you using CBD for sleep, pain, stress, or something else?” Dr. Nguyen says. “Knowing what you are using it for will determine choosing the right product and how much of it you should be taking.”
You likely don’t want to take a 50-mg gummy when trying CBD for the first time. It’s a good idea to work your way up to stronger gummies. You may even discover that a lower dose does the trick.
If you’re not feeling any effects, Dr. Nguyen recommends experimenting with your food intake. “The biggest factor that will affect the potency of CBD and THC is how much food you are ingesting prior to introducing CBD or THC to your body. If you don’t eat prior to [ingesting] CBD or THC, the effects may be heightened.”
“Watch for marketing that makes medical claims, particularly if it refers to specific medical conditions that CBD does not have FDA approval to treat. The FDA can provide warning letters to these companies that give medical claims to products that are not FDA-approved.”
— Dominique Fontaine, BSN, RN, HNB-BC, HWNC-BC, integrative nurse specialist
CBD source
The first thing to consider when purchasing CBD gummies is which of the three types of CBD are most suitable for your needs.
CBD isolate is pure CBD, with no other cannabinoids. While isolates are suitable 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 due to the entourage effect, meaning cannabinoids have a greater effect combined than when 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 can’t contain more than
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.
CBD potency
Doses vary widely across CBD products, and potency 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 available — generally 2.5 mg to 5 mg — and increase from there.
Ingredients
There is a lot more to CBD gummies than just CBD — other ingredients can vary widely. Pay attention to additives, such as 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.
Consider CBD gummies 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. This is because experts are unsure how CBD interacts with vitamins, minerals, or supplements.
Third-party testing
Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t guarantee the safety, effectiveness, or quality of over-the-counter CBD products. Only Epidiolex is FDA approved; all other CBD products are not.
However, to protect public health, the FDA can
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, 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 a dose that’s just right. You can consume gummies daily, but keep in mind that their effects tend to last 4 to 6 hours.
Lastly, remember to store gummies in a cool, dark place away from sunlight.
Some prefer ingesting CBD by eating edibles like gummies. CBD gummies come 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, reaching your liver.
From here, your liver metabolizes the ingredients before they enter the bloodstream again and finally get to your brain.
This is when people generally notice the results, although everyone’s experience with onset time may differ. Of course, if you eat a CBD gummy on an empty stomach, you might notice results faster than if you take it with a full stomach.
According to research, cannabigerol (CBG) may offer anti-inflammatory benefits, act as an appetite stimulant, and help with
- Parkinson’s disease
- multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Huntington’s disease
- inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
There are some benefits to using strong CBD gummies.
A
However, the researchers of a
Keep in mind that what works for someone else might not work for you. Some people may respond well to lower doses without needing to try higher potency products.
It’s also important to note that CBD isn’t a cure-all, and it may not produce any effects for you. More research is necessary to fully understand the benefits and full range of effects that CBD can provide.
CBD is non-intoxicating, meaning it will not get you “high.” Experts generally recognize it as safe, and there are few side effects, though they do occasionally occur.
Possible side effects
- fatigue
- diarrhea
- appetite changes
- weight changes
Research suggests that CBD may interact with liver enzymes, potentially interfering with the metabolism of other medications or the breakdown of toxins. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using CBD products, especially if you take any medications or supplements.
Additionally, keep in mind that taking CBD with a high fat meal can cause much higher levels of CBD in your blood, which may increase the chance of side effects.
If you’re pregnant or nursing, avoid CBD.
At Healthline, Cornbread Hemp’s Peach CBD Gummies are our top pick. Our tester said they felt calm yet alert, and that the gummies took the edge off their pain and stress. They also praised the taste for being natural and subtle.
The most potent CBD gummies we recommend are the
If you prefer broad-spectrum CBD, then we recommend CBDfx Mixed Berry Gummies, which contain up to 100 mg of CBD but no added THC.
Dr. Nguyen states that the highest CBD dose a human can tolerate is up to 1,500 mg per day. Keep this in mind while you’re taking high-potency CBD gummies.
After consuming a CBD gummy, it can take as little as 30 to 60 minutes or up to a couple of hours before the effects kick in.
This will depend on the product you choose. Some CBD gummies come in higher doses and are meant to be taken only once daily, 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.
“You can develop a tolerance to the effect over time, but you won’t become completely immune to CBD,” Dr. Nguyen says.
“You may have reached a plateau in dose where you increase the dose and find no additional benefit. Other factors to consider that may affect the effects of CBD are your health, diet, and stress levels. If you find yourself becoming more tolerant to CBD, you may want to consider taking a break for some time before you start again.”
Cannabidiol (CBD) may have health benefits, and gummies are a convenient place for CBD-curious folks to start. 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 milligrams (mg) to 5 mg of CBD. Evaluate any effects as you slowly work your way toward finding the right amount for you, known as your “Goldilocks dose.” Wait up to a full 2 hours before taking any additional CBD.
Consult a healthcare professional before trying CBD, especially if you’re currently taking any other medication.
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.
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.