When the US government finally relaxed the laws on hemp, it opened a new world of consumables. These days, around 26 percent of Americans use CBD products of one kind or another.
One of the more popular CBD edibles out there is CBD gummies. Usually made with fruit flavors, these edibles offer a number of potential benefits.
If you’re new to the world of CBD gummy bears, keep reading to learn about those potential benefits.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, better known to the public as CBD, is a compound found in the cannabis plant and related plants, such as hemp. Right now, the official research is still out. There is a range of anecdotal evidence that suggests that CBD may provide health benefits for certain conditions.
CBD is found in a number of forms, including oils, foods, and lotions. The CBD used in these products typically comes from either hemp or is produced in a lab.
These approaches limit the THC in the products. THC is the part of cannabis that gives it a euphoric effect.
With the CBD basics covered, let’s take a look at some of the potential benefits of CBD gummies.
Pain Management
Chronic pain is a serious problem in the US. The CDC reports that almost 21 percent of Americans suffer from chronic pain.
Managing that pain is equally problematic. For example, much of the blame for the Opioid Epidemic goes to doctors. They overprescribed powerful narcotics for things like managing chronic pain.
Now, restrictions have tightened on those powerful painkillers. It’s left many people looking for other ways they can manage their pain.
CBD gummies are one of the options that many people claim help them manage their pain. It’s important to note that CBD, in any form, does not have FDA approval as a pain treatment method.
Anxiety
Anxiety is another condition that many people live with in a variety of forms. Some common forms of anxiety include:
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Social anxiety
- Panic disorders
- Phobias
Even stress can count as a form of anxiety. Given the social, medical, and economic upheaval of the last few years, many people struggle with ongoing stress.
One of the reputed benefits of CBD gummies is that they help reduce anxiety levels. People often view CBD gummies as an alternative to prescription medications.
Prescription medications are often very effective but come with a lot of potential side effects.
Granted, CBD can have side effects, such as:
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
Many people consider the CBD side effects a better choice than the side effects they might face with prescriptions.
Insomnia
Another common affliction among American adults is trouble sleeping or even full-blown insomnia. With insomnia, people struggle with almost all aspects of sleep. They find it difficult to:
- Fall asleep
- Stay asleep
- Get restful sleep when they sleep
Lack of sleep often strikes people as a minor problem. Yet, a chronic lack of good sleep can serious consequences. For example, sufficient sleep deprivation often impairs people similarly to drinking alcohol.
Lack of sleep can also affect things like weight management, blood pressure, and heart health. It has links with diabetes and depression.
CBD gummies may help control the main stress hormone, cortisol, that keeps people awake at night. If so, it can help people relax enough to fall asleep and stay that way.
Other Benefits
CBD has benefits beyond just its potential health benefits. You can even get CBD gummies for ED. Now, let’s look at a few more.
Convenience
Carrying medications is often a trial, especially when traveling. Replacing medications is even more difficult. You often need to get your doctor on the phone with a local pharmacy.
Since CBD is unregulated, you can find it almost anywhere.
So, let’s say that you’re taking a business trip somewhere. You find that the flight and the meetings are more stressful than you expected.
Instead of wishing that you had a prescription handy, you can just visit a local store and get some CBD gummies.
Flavors
One of the biggest benefits CBD gummy bears have over other CBD products is the taste. CBD oil, for all its benefits, is an acquired taste for most people.
With gummies, you get tastes that you recognize, like citrus or other fruits. It’s often a much more pleasant way to take CBD.
With the benefits out of the way, let’s move on to what you’re probably really excited about. The recipe.
CBD Gummy Recipe
While you might not normally think of gummy products as something you can make at home, it is a doable project. You will need some essential ingredients and tools.
Equipment
You’ll need three main pieces of equipment. Those pieces are:
- A saucepan
- A mold
- A heatproof pitcher
Ingredients
The good news is that you only need a handful of ingredients for CBD gummies. For basic gummies, you’ll need:
- Fruit juice
- Gelatin
- CBD isolate or oil
- Flavorings (optional)
If you’re not familiar with it, you can click here to learn more about CBD isolate.
Preparation
The exact volumes you need will vary based on how many gummies you want. For a general preparation, you’ll bring a cup of juice to a simmer, then add around two tablespoons of gelatin. Whisk together and remove from heat.
Stir in your oil or isolate until it’s thoroughly blended. Put the mixture into the pitcher. Pour into the mold.
Let gummies cool in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before taking them out of the mold.
CBD Gummy Benefits and You
While the research isn’t in yet, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence supporting the idea that CBD has health benefits. Specifically, people report benefits in terms of chronic pain management, anxiety, and insomnia.
Yes, you should always talk with your doctor about your health before making major changes. However, CBD gummies could offer you a path forward if other options haven’t panned out. Plus, you can even make your own.
Looking for more food tips? Check out the posts in our Food & Nutrition Blog.