What CBD gummy bears are
CBD gummy bears are candies made with gelatin or pectin and mixed with cannabidiol. Each bear carries a set dose. Labels list the dose per bear and the total per container. Common per-bear doses: 5 mg, 10 mg, 25 mg, and 50 mg. A bag of 30 bears at 10 mg each holds 300 mg of CBD.
Dose and timing
Oral CBD onset runs 30 to 90 minutes. Peak blood levels arrive 1 to 3 hours after eating. Oral bioavailability is low. Studies place it near 6% to 20%. Food raises absorption. Most labels suggest a starting dose of 5 mg to 10 mg. Wait at least two hours before a second dose to judge the effect.
THC in CBD gummies
The 2018 Farm Bill defines hemp as cannabis with delta-9 THC at or below 0.3% on a dry weight basis. CBD gummies made from hemp can hold trace THC under that limit. Some gummies also hold delta-8 THC, a separate molecule with intoxicating effects. State rules on delta-8 vary. Some states ban it. Check the THC number on the lab report, not the marketing text.
Legal status in the US
FDA has not approved CBD for food or dietary supplements. The only FDA-approved CBD drug is Epidiolex, for two rare forms of epilepsy. FDA has issued warnings about liver injury and about drug interactions. State law differs from federal law. Some states set limits on CBD dose per serving.
Label items to check
- CBD in mg per bear and per container
- Total THC in mg, including delta-8
- Batch number and a COA (certificate of analysis) from a third-party lab
- Source: hemp or cannabis
- Other ingredients: sugar, gelatin or pectin, color, flavor
Side effects and interactions
Reported side effects include drowsiness, diarrhea, tiredness, and appetite change. Some users show higher liver enzymes. CBD blocks the CYP3A4 and CYP2C19 enzymes. That can raise blood levels of other drugs, including blood thinners and some seizure medicines. A pharmacist can check a full medication list. Data on long-term daily use of CBD gummies is limited.