Intro to CBD gummies
Low-dose CBD products have become a popular alternative treatment, with some even being approved for over-the-counter sale. New oils, edibles, soaps and more seem to enter the online market every day. Gummies are among the more favoured options.
With their popularity comes a thousand different opinions on which kind you should get or how many you should eat at once. But how much of this is based on fact?
Well, it’s complicated. The research on medical CBD usage is shifting all the time. The number of options available for gummies doesn’t make it any easier.
To make informed decisions, there are several factors you’ll need to take into account. These include:
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- what CBD is and how it works
- your body weight
- the condition you’re trying to treat
- the potency of a gummy
- types of CBD and more.
It can all seem a little overwhelming. This is owed largely to the state of the science on the matter. With the number of retailers making grandiose claims about the effects of CBD, one could be forgiven for thinking it’s a one-size-fits-all remedy to all of life’s problems.
Research on CBD usage, however, while promising, is in its earliest stages. Always take this into account before making any purchasing decisions.
Let’s take a look at CBD
It’s the latest health and wellness buzzword. CBD is cannabidiol, a compound extracted from the hemp plant. This is then added to the likes of gummies and sold for a number of therapeutic purposes.
You’ve likely heard of THC. So what sets them apart?
THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, is the psychoactive component found in hemp. In other words, it’s the part of the plant responsible for the ‘high’ commonly associated with it. Cannabidiol products generally don’t contain THC.
CBD products are divided into three classes:
- full-spectrum
- broad-spectrum
- and isolate
Full-spectrum makes use of all the compounds found in hemp. Yes, this includes THC. Broad-spectrum, similarly, contains most of the same compounds, but only trace amounts of THC. Isolates, however, are highly processed to ensure they contain only CBD.
You may have seen cannabidiol sold as an effective treatment for the likes of:
- anxiety
- as well as sleeplessness or insomnia.
If you’re considering gummies or other plant-based treatments, we advise a healthy dose of scepticism. Indeed, the science so far is encouraging. Until there’s consensus on the potential benefits of CBD, we cannot yet conclusively speak to its efficacy as an aid.
How much CBD should be in edibles?
Unfortunately, there’s no hard and fast rule on this. Yet. Until the science catches up, what’s most appropriate is ultimately down to the individual. The potential benefits or effects of CBD could change from person to person.
The standard dosage for gummies is around 5 – 25 mg but can go far higher.
It may be helpful to note that even full-spectrum cannabidiol products contain only a 0.3% THC concentration. Your mileage on CBD content may vary. This would depend on your experience with the compound, the severity of your condition and more.
You’ll want to conduct as much research as possible. Better yet, speak to a medical professional. Remember, CBD products are currently classed as Schedule 4 drugs. Your only legal avenue to these treatments is through an approved prescription.
How many CBD gummies should I take for sleep?
This is one of the most common reasons people consider plant-based treatments. Sleeplessness is extremely prevalent in Australia, particularly among adults.
Here are the facts according to one local study:
- approximately 48% of Australians report two or more issues related to sleep
- sleeping problems are around 4.3 times more common in individuals suffering from any one other mental health condition
- lack of sleep is commonly associated with chronic health conditions such as diabetes
- and about one-quarter of children aged 12 – 13 and half of 16 – 17-year-olds’ sleep levels are below the recommended thresholds.
Cannabidiol works together with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This means that it may assist your body in maintaining balance. In this case, it may suggest an effective sleeping aid. It will take time for any research to prove this conclusively.
As a potential treatment for sleeplessness, CBD has been recommended from 25 – 45 mg daily. Of course, this may increase as per the severity of your condition.
For safety’s sake, it’s always best to begin at low doses and work your way up should the need arise. Avoid using alternative treatments without the guidance of a medical professional.
How many CBD gummies should I take for anxiety?
Anxiety is shockingly prevalent. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare currently puts the level of Australians suffering from anxiety orders at around 17%. That’s about 3.3 million people.
The research on treating this with CBD is, unfortunately, premature. Once again, whether or not CBD usage is right for your anxiety should be discussed with a medical professional.
As always, experts recommend beginning at low doses. The most commonly advised dosage is around 25 – 75 mg for generalised anxiety disorders. This is largely dependent on your body and your needs.
That being said, most clinical trials tend to administer much higher doses. If nothing else, it’s another good reason not to rely on the opinions of anyone other than your doctor.
Wrapping up on CBD gummies for sleep and anxiety
When it comes to CBD, it can be difficult to get any clear answers on anything. This is a new field; a new market. Clinical trials seem to be pointing in the right direction, but it’s too early to tell if CBD will turn out to be the effective treatment it’s been marketed as.
No matter your condition, there is some potential for adverse effects. Be extremely wary of ‘CBD’ products you find online or sitting on a shelf. Unregulated products are everywhere.
From your chosen dosage to the category of CBD, its effect on your condition is subject to a number of factors. Consult your doctor before ingesting CBD gummies if you’re currently prescribed any other medications or curious about CBD usage for sleep and anxiety.