From cutting the cake at a family celebration to unwinding with a bowl of your favourite ice cream, there’s no denying that a delicious burst of strawberry or mango can temporarily help to sweeten up any occasion. In fact, some of us turn to sweet treats as a form of comfort as we face some of life’s sour moments – in times of conflict, grief, bitterness, stress, and even anxiety. Often, it’s all too easy to overindulge in processed sugars, which may leave us feeling a bit sluggish and ‘low’. But what about botanically-infused sweets like the best CBD gummies that are not only delicious but also beneficial in your day-to-day life?
In this bite-sized text, we briefly explore whether it’s possible to ‘overdose’ on hemp-derived CBD (cannabidiol) in gummy form. We’ll also offer you five valuable tips that may come in handy next time you might be tempted to go beyond your recommended daily serving. If you have diabetes or are watching your sugar intake, you’ll be pleased to know that there are gummies out there to suit your needs. Keep reading to learn more!
Where Did The Idea For CBD Gummies Come From?
Historians believe that gelatine-based chewy sweets first appeared in 1864 as an innovative and child-friendly spin on traditional hard-boiled classics. Reports suggest that the British confectionery company Frys of Lancashire was the first brand to introduce soft-textured and syrup-based sweets – with great success. Several decades later, German confectioners at the Haribo corporation created one of the most popular candies in the world: the gummy bear.
So, when did gummies stop becoming children’s sweets and start becoming vehicles for vitamins and grown-up supplements such as CBD?
Current evidence suggests that food supplement manufacturers first began to develop ‘sweets’ with potential wellbeing properties in 2010. Around this time, market analysts observed that many adults were simply tired of swallowing supplement pills and seeking a more dynamic, flavoursome option. For the last decade or so, gummies have become a trendy way to consume food supplements. Particularly since 2020, the world of CBD gummies has exploded – offering a sweet way to enjoy CBD oil for pain, sleep and anxiety, stress, inflammation, and more!
Now that we’ve covered some groundwork let’s look at our central question in closer detail.
Is It Possible to ‘Overdose’ on CBD Gummies?
Let’s get one thing straight: CBD is a non-intoxicating plant compound that is legal in the UK (and many other countries) under strict conditions. Agriculturally speaking, hemp farmers are required by law to register their crops with the government. In terms of chemistry, CBD manufacturers must ensure that their products contain as little THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) as possible – with an upper limit of 0.2%. As you may know, THC is a cannabis compound that may potentially produce some intoxicating effects when consumed in excess.
While it’s possible to overdose on psychotropic substances such as “weed”, most experts and government authorities suggest that CBD is unlikely to produce any habit-forming or mood-altering effects. These observations apply to most hemp-inspired wellness products – including CBD gummies.
However, consuming too many CBD gummies may produce some unwanted side effects.
So far, we’ve established that you can’t technically ‘overdose’ on CBD. However, your chances of developing some uncomfortable side-effects might potentially increase if you are insensitive about dosing. These symptoms might possibly include:
- An upset stomach
- Fatigue
- A dry mouth
As you may imagine, the answer to the question ‘how many CBD gummies should you eat’ may vary depending on your age, weight, size, and several other factors. It’s best to follow the specific dosage guidelines detailed on the packaging of your chosen CBD gummies. Better still, you may even wish to start by taking less than the recommended dose and gradually work your way up.
Sometimes, moderation is easier said than done – especially if your CBD product comes in various mouth-watering and irresistible flavours. Not only that, but it is important to think about the strength of the CBD that you have, as mentioned in this Wonder Buds article. The dosage will be different, depending what you use it for. However, no matter if you’ve got a sweet tooth or a set menu, we’re offering some game-changing tips to help you get the most out of your gummies.
Five top tips to stop you from guzzling your CBD gummies all in one go
It goes without saying that willpower is your best friend in this scenario. However, there are also some practical, day-to-day measures that you may find helpful when it comes to using CBD:
Tip #1: Store Your CBD Gummies With Other Food Supplement Capsules
While botanically-infused gummies may taste as good as sweets, it’s vital to remember that they’re not just sugary pick-me-ups. Setting the taste and texture aside, they are pre-dosed food supplements comparable to capsules and tablets. Storing them in the cupboard with other wellbeing supplies might possibly help you to make this mental association. As a result, you may find it easier to stick to your ideal allowance rather than going overboard and risking a sore stomach. It’s also a great idea to store your CBD gummies out of the reach of children – since current evidence suggests that cannabis-derived extracts are not suitable for them.
Tip #2: Try to Take Them At a Set Time Each Day
Consuming your CBD gummies at the same time each day will help to reinforce the fact that you’re taking them for functional purposes and not just for fun. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests that taking CBD daily might be the best way to notice any potential wellness benefits.
Tip #3: Avoid Eating CBD Gummies When You’re Hungry
This observation applies to CBD edibles in general – since hemp extracts are also available in the form of brownies, cakes, and many other pleasant-tasting treats. If you eat CBD gummies when you’re hungry, you might inadvertently associate them with food and find yourself consuming more than you initially intended. Here, it may be best to save CBD gummies for times when you’re not hungry – such as after you’ve finished a meal.
Tip #4: Don’t Eat Straight Out Of The Jar
Have you ever made yourself comfortable with a bag of sweets and ended up with an empty wrapper in next to no time at all? If so, you’re not alone. A simple way to avoid eating extra CBD gummies might be to set aside your chosen dose and put the jar/bottle away before proceeding. As a result, reaching out for another will require conscious effort.
Tip #5: Consider Using Sugar-Free CBD Gummies
Last but not least, sugar-free CBD gummies might be a great choice if you’re trying to reduce or control your sugar intake. By making this switch, you might be less likely to approach gummies as an opportunity for your next sugar-fix!
