How Many CBD Gummies Should I Eat?

Introduction

Many of us recall the Flintstone vitamins and how they made taking our multis a million times more fun. Likewise, wellness companies have taken to infusing gummies with vitamins and supplements to help people stay healthy and happy. CBD is no different—gummies have made taking CBD much easier to swallow (pun intended). But they've also left some wondering, "How many CBD gummies should I eat?"

While you don't want to take too little and miss out on the health benefits of CBD, you also don't want to take too much (which could potentially lead to tummy trouble). Finding your ideal CBD gummy dosage is key, and this dosage guide is here to help.

How Many CBD Gummies Should I Eat?

Not all CBD gummies are created equal. They come in varying strengths and may be more or less effective depending on the quality of CBD used. To give you an idea of a typical starting dose: Cornbread Hemp's CBD gummies come in three different potencies with the lowest-strength gummies containing 10 milligrams (mg) of CBD per gummy. A serving size for that strength is two gummies (20 mg), but beginners can start with a single gummy (10 mg) taken once a day.

While that may sound simple, the truth is there are several factors at play which determine how many CBD gummies you should eat and how often. However, before we get into the nitty gritty of CBD gummies dosage (and we will get into it), it's important to understand a little more about CBD itself. Once you have a firm grasp on what CBD is and how it actually works inside the body, it'll be easy for you to home in on the proper dosage for you to achieve the maximum benefits.

What Is CBD?

CBD (aka cannabidiol) is what's called a "cannabinoid"—a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant. It's present in both marijuana and hemp varieties of cannabis; however, there is significantly more CBD in the hemp plant.

There are over 100 different naturally occurring cannabinoids found in hemp and marijuana. Most of these are considered minor cannabinoids because their concentrations are relatively low compared to the two major cannabinoids—CBD and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Just like hemp is the cannabis plant with the higher CBD concentration, marijuana has the higher concentration of THC—the psychoactive compound known for producing a "high" effect by binding to special cannabinoid receptors in the brain.

That's right, there are cannabinoid receptors in the human body. But that's not all. The human body also has special enzymes that allow it to produce its own cannabinoids—specifically, endocannabinoids (from "endo-" meaning "within). These special enzymes, cannabinoid receptors, and endocannabinoids comprise a vast physiological network called the "endocannabinoid system" (or ECS)

Health Benefits of CBD

Before we discuss how CBD produces the benefits it does, let's take a look at what those benefits are. There are plenty of articles online from various CBD companies that attribute all manner of miracles to CBD, but the truth is, there is still a lot of research that needs to be done (and is being done) regarding CBD's full potential.

There are confirmed benefits that we know CBD brings about, and these include:

• Elevated mood

• Reduced daily stress

• Relief from aches and pains (like those from exercise-induced inflammation)

• Improved sleep

So, how does CBD produce such a varied array of benefits? Through the special way it interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

Cannabinoids and the ECS

Cannabinoids from hemp and marijuana are very similar in structure to the endocannabinoids produced within the human body. Because of this similarity, cannabinoids like CBD and THC (and the 100+ others) are also able to interact with the ECS.

We touched on the way THC binds to ECS receptors in the brain to bring about a psychoactive "high" feeling. Well, CBD is special in that it doesn't appear to have a high affinity for creating bonds with receptors. Instead, CBD prevents the breakdown of other cannabinoids and endocannabinoids by the ECS enzymes, allowing them to produce greater effects through their interactions with receptors.

In other words, CBD is an ECS "booster." When you consume CBD, it enhances the therapeutic benefits of other cannabinoids within the ECS, further supporting homeostasis.

What Are CBD Gummies?

CBD gummies are gummy morsels infused with cannabidiol extract or dusted with cannabidiol powder. Gummies are typically fruit-flavored and will be more or less effective depending on the quality of the CBD and other ingredients used. At the very low end, there are gummy brands selling off-the-shelf gummy worms that have been dusted with CBD isolate (pure CBD)—leading to a bitter-tasting and relatively ineffective product. On the high end are USDA certified organic, vegan, CBD-extract-infused gummies—which are much more effective.

CBD gummies contain a certain amount of CBD per morsel, making it easy to dose and convenient to take—at home or while traveling. Plus, thanks to their fruit flavor and slight sweetness, CBD gummies tend to be more palatable than earthy-tasting CBD oils. These are some of the reasons many people choose to begin their CBD journey with gummies.

Do CBD Gummies Have Side Effects?

CBD is generally well tolerated by most people. However, there are a few mild side effects associated with CBD use. These include:

• Dry mouth

• Appetite change

• Diarrhea

• Drowsiness

It's important to note that on the rare occasion that CBD side effects occur, it’s usually from taking too much CBD at once. This is why understanding proper CBD dosage is so important.

Factors That Affect CBD Dosage

When you’re eating conventional gummy worms (candy—not supplements), having “just one more” is no big deal. But “just one more” CBD gummy may mean the difference between feeling good and feeling—weird. Remember, CBD gummies aren’t candy—they're wellness supplements, and taking too much at once may cause unpleasant side effects, such as abdominal discomfort or diarrhea. Don't be alarmed. It's easy to avoid these side effects when you know what you're doing and that's exactly what the next two sections are about.

Many studies of the effects of CBD on the human body have reported significant improvements using various daily doses—from less than 1 mg to nearly 23 mg per pound of bodyweight.2 

However, outside of a controlled study, it’s up to you to determine your ideal CBD dosage. So, how many CBD gummies can you take? There are certain factors that determine this.

1. Type of CBD

The type of CBD used in a CBD gummy plays a big part in determining how effective the gummy will be. There are three main types of CBD used in CBD gummies: full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate.

Full Spectrum CBD Gummies

Full spectrum CBD gummies contain a full spectrum CBD extract. This means the extract contains not just CBD, but several other cannabinoids and cannabis compounds (like terpenes and flavonoids, which give the plant its aroma and flavor). Full spectrum gummies also contain a small amount of THC (no more than 0.3%, which is the legal limit). This isn't enough to produce a high effect, just enough for the THC to play a special role.3

The CBD, THC, and all the other cannabinoids and compounds work together synergistically to produce maximum therapeutic benefits through what's been dubbed the "entourage effect." It's thanks to this special interaction that full spectrum CBD gummies are considered the most effective variety available on the market.

Broad Spectrum CBD Gummies

Broad spectrum CBD gummies contain a broad spectrum CBD extract. Like full spectrum CBD extract, broad spectrum extract also contains a variety of cannabinoids in addition to CBD. However, the THC has been removed or reduced to undetectable levels. While there is some potential for an entourage effect with broad spectrum gummies, it’s less likely, due to the lack of THC.

CBD Isolate Gummies

CBD isolate gummies are made with CBD isolate—aka pure CBD. CBD isolate has had all other cannabinoids and compounds removed and has a white, powdery appearance. This is usually the preferred option for those who are trying to avoid THC, perhaps due to workplace drug testing. While CBD isolate gummies will still provide the benefits of CBD, these benefits will be muted due to a complete lack of supporting cannabinoids and the entourage effect they would bring about.

2. Potency of CBD Gummies

Still wondering "How many gummies should I eat?" That depends on the potency of a CBD gummy—that is, how much CBD is in each gummy. Some CBD gummies contain as little as 10 mg of CBD per piece, while others contain as much as five times that. Always check the label to see what the actual CBD concentration is per gummy, so you know you're buying the right potency for you. The last thing you want is to have to guess at biting off 1/4 of a gummy when starting your CBD regimen, all the while hoping you're being accurate enough to maintain a standard daily dose.

3. Personal and Physical Factors

The right CBD gummy dosage for you depends on a few body chemistry factors, including your body fat percentage, your metabolism, and prior experience with CBD.

Body Fat Percentage

CBD is fat-soluble, meaning it easily dissolves in fat and is readily stored in the body's fat cells. This allows CBD to build up in your fat stores and be released into your system (specifically, your bloodstream) over time, producing further benefits.

So, how does this affect your CBD dosage? If you have a higher body fat percentage, it may take longer for you to feel the effects of CBD and it may take more CBD to achieve the desired results.

Likewise, if you have a low body fat percentage, you may not need as much CBD.

Prior Experience With CBD

As mentioned above, CBD builds up in the body's fat stores over time. This is why it can take up to two weeks for someone new to CBD to notice its effects (we'll discuss this more in a bit).

If you've been consistently taking other CBD supplements for a while, and it's simply CBD gummies (and not CBD in general) that are new to you, then your tolerance will likely be higher than someone starting from scratch. As such, you may be able to start with a higher dose of CBD.

Keep in mind, it's possible that the CBD you've been taking isn't as potent or effective as the CBD gummies you're about to start taking. If you've only ever taken CBD isolate, then full spectrum CBD gummies are likely to be both stronger and more effective. If you think this may be the case, go ahead and start at the recommended starting dose like the newbies would, and work your way up.

Finding the Right CBD Gummy Dosage for You

Your ideal CBD dosage is going to be different from someone else’s. So, how do you figure out what your ideal dose is? With these three steps.

1. Start With a Low Dose of CBD

The side effects associated with CBD—while mild—can be uncomfortable. By starting with a low dose of CBD, you can avoid the risk of experiencing unnecessary side effects.

A good basic rule for determining your proper daily dose of CBD is to take 1–6 mg of CBD for every 10 pounds (lbs) of bodyweight. Beginners should start by taking a daily dose of just 1 mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight (which they can later increase if needed).

So, how many mg of CBD gummies is good for a person weighing 200 pounds? Two 10 mg gummies (for a total of 20 mg of CBD per day).

2. Give CBD Time To Work

It can take up to two weeks for the effects of CBD to be felt, since the CBD needs to build up in the system first. While some people will experience benefits sooner, it's important to maintain your low daily dose for the full two weeks before attempting to take more CBD.

Increasing your CBD dosage before CBD has had a chance to build up in your body won't cause the gummies to "kick in" sooner. It'll just make it difficult for you to home in on your proper dose and may result in discomfort (from taking too much CBD).

The key tip here is to give yourself a full two weeks to start experiencing the benefits of CBD before you decide you need a higher dose.

3. Gradually Increase Your CBD Dose as Needed

As mentioned above, 1–6 mg of CBD per day per 10 lbs of bodyweight is a good rule of thumb for proper dosage. Beginners start at the low end of the scale (1 mg), but overtime, you can work your way up to 6 mg of CBD per 10 lbs of bodyweight. The trick is to do it gradually.

After maintaining your starting daily dose for two weeks (1 mg of CBD per 10 lbs of bodyweight), check in with yourself on how you're feeling.

• If the effects of CBD feel overwhelming at all, decrease your daily dose.

• If you're feeling good and noticing improvements, stick with your daily dose for now.

• If you're not noticing a difference or you’re noticing improvements but feel that more CBD would benefit you, go ahead and increase your dose by a small amount. For example, if you were taking two gummies a day, you could either add one half or one full additional gummy per day for a gradual increase. Maintain this new higher dose for another week or two, keeping an eye on how it makes you feel.

The point is to make small incremental adjustments to find your ideal CBD dosage. Just keep it gradual and be honest with yourself about how you're feeling.

How Often Can You Take CBD Gummies?

Figuring out how often to take CBD gummies is really a point of personal preference. Many people take CBD once a day, either in the morning or at night before bed. However, some will break up their daily dose into two or more smaller doses in order to experience CBD's benefits consistently throughout the day. This is totally fine if it works better for you. You just don't want to exceed your daily dose of CBD (how many milligrams you take).

If you'd like to try breaking up your daily dose, here are a couple ways to do it. Let's say you've found that 60 mg of CBD per day is what works for you. You can either take: 

• 30 mg in the morning and 30 mg at night, or 

• 20 mg three times a day (with each meal, perhaps)

How Long Do CBD Gummies Stay in Your System?

How long the CBD from CBD gummies stays in your system is not a one-size-fits-all answer — it depends on several factors, such as:

• The amount of CBD in each gummy

• How many CBD gummies you take

• How often you take CBD gummies

• Your body fat percentage

• Your metabolism

Your individual body chemistry is the main determining factor of how much CBD you need to take, how long the CBD takes to work, and how long it stays in your system.

As we touched on earlier, CBD is fat-soluble, so those with higher body weight or higher fat content will absorb and store CBD in their body longer. And if you have a slow metabolism on top of that, you’ll likely notice that it takes longer to feel the effects of CBD.

If you exercise regularly and have a high metabolism, you may feel the effects of CBD more quickly. On the flip side, it may wear off more quickly as well.

Additionally, the more CBD you've taken and the longer you've been taking it, the longer it will take to fully leave your system.

Finding the Best CBD Gummies

Just like any supplement, you can’t take a low-quality product and expect a high-quality result. Unfortunately, the CBD industry is vastly unregulated, making it easy for unscrupulous companies to put unsafe or ineffective products on the shelf.

There are things you can look for to ensure that you choose the best CBD gummies that are high-quality, effective, and will produce real results.

USDA Certified Organic

The hemp plant is known as a bioaccumulator, which means it absorbs and retains contaminants from the soil it's grown in. For this reason, hemp has been used to remediate toxic soil, which is great for the environment. However, you definitely don't want to consume CBD from a contaminated hemp plant.

This is why only purchasing products made with organic CBD extract (from USDA certified organic hemp) is so important. It's the only way to guarantee that your CBD won't contain toxins like heavy metals, pesticides, and other harmful chemicals.4

Full Spectrum CBD Gummies

As mentioned before, the most effective CBD gummies are the ones that contain a full spectrum CBD extract. These gummies have the potential to bring about the entourage effect, thereby maximizing the overall benefits of CBD.

Third Party Tested

In an unregulated market, how can you know the CBD gummies you're buying are as good as the label says they are? By checking the lab reports from third-party lab tests. All reputable CBD and hemp companies utilize third-party lab tests to verify the exact cannabinoid content of their products, as well as the absence of any harmful additives. The results are standardly made available in the form of a Certificate of Analysis (COA).

If a company isn't having its CBD products tested by a third party lab (or isn't making the results available to their customers), run—don't walk—the other way. You owe it to yourself to find a better, more trustworthy source of CBD.

Full Spectrum CBD Gummies From Cornbread Hemp

Cornbread Hemp is dedicated to providing our customers with the very best CBD products, fully backed with third-party testing and ransparent lab reports available on our website.

Our full spectrum CBD gummies are made with our Flower-Only™ extract and are USDA certified organic to bring about the best possible results. In addition to offering our full spectrum CBD gummies in three potencies, we also have CBD Sleep Gummies specially formulated to support a healthy sleep cycle.

Visit our online store today to shop our full line of CBD gummies and other full spectrum CBD products.