It’s time for a 5-Minute Catch-Up, where we cover topics in quick, easy reads in the time it takes your Keurig to start up. For this five-minute catch-up, we clarify an area of confusion for a lot of first-time CBD consumers: are hemp gummies the same as CBD gummies?
What is Hemp?
It’s a plant! Specifically, the Cannabis sativa species of plant, which is also the same species as marijuana. Hemp and marijuana are grown to express different properties, and used for different purposes. It’s full of over 150 different chemical compounds called cannabinoids, and has a lot of other good plant-based stuff. Hemp has a naturally high concentration of CBD, and a low concentration of THC – marijuana is the opposite. Hemp’s the source for legal CBD, and has been enjoying a boom since the 2018 Farm Bill was passed.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, aka CBD, is a prominent cannabinoid in hemp. It is a non-addictive, non-hallucinogenic compound that’s incredibly popular. It acts on our Endocannabinoid System, our body’s way of ensuring homeostasis (the state of everything in your body acting normal and keeping you comfortable). People enjoy CBD infused products for all manner of wellness-related benefits, and you can enjoy it in all shapes and sizes. Whether it’s a tasty gummy, relaxing topical cream, rich tincture, and more, you can find it infused with CBD.
What’s the difference between Hemp Gummies and CBD Gummies?
A “Hemp Gummy” and a “CBD Gummy” are two words that might describe the same thing, or they might not! A gummy infused with CBD will likely say “CBD” or “Cannabidiol” on the label. It’ll probably have a nutrition facts panel, a website for the brand, and a QR code. That QR code should take you right to a lab report, where you can check that the gummies you’re snacking on actually contain CBD.
A “Hemp Gummy” however, is sneaky. See, a lot of companies might call their product “Hemp Gummies”, assuming that you’ll see the name and figure that it contains CBD. They’ll probably advertise some crazy number like ‘100,000,000mg per jar!’ and show some great photos of people living healthy lives.
So what can I do?
That’s when you should check the ingredients panel. A CBD gummy should say something along the lines of ‘Hemp Extract’, ‘Full Spectrum Hemp’, or ‘Cannabidiol derived from Hemp’. A Hemp Gummy will likely say “Hemp Oil” or “Hemp Seed Oil” on it instead. That’s the tricky part: Hemp Seed Oil is the oil derived from the seeds of the plant. Hemp seed oil is full of awesome nutrients, and it’s great to cook with – but contains zero CBD. Hemp Oil is a pretty vague term used by less-reputable companies to put their products online.
What to Remember About Hemp Gummies vs CBD Gummies
Always check the ingredients panel, check for a QR code, and make sure you find “Hemp Extract” and “Cannabidiol” on the label. A reputable brand will keep all their information up front, instead of hiding it under some coy language.
When it comes to a reputable brand with a wide array of real CBD gummies and other hemp-derived cannabinoids, stick with us here at Sun State Hemp.