For many people, eating wellness supplements is far more preferable to swallowing big capsules or dosing with oil tinctures. Not only are edible supplements fun and easy to take, but they can come in a variety of flavours, shapes, and sizes.
CBD gummies have become a popular way to get CBD into the body without the need for vaping, using oil tinctures, or other methods that can be difficult to dose or inconvenient to use. But with so many brands on the market, it can be hard to know which CBD gummies brands in the UK are actually worth taking. Below are key takeaways to look for in reputable CBD brands that will help you make the best decision for your needs.
Where Does CBD Come From?
UK law mandates that only CBD products made from hemp extracts are legal. This is because hemp contains very low levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the compound in cannabis that gets users high.
When hemp plants are harvested, they undergo one of many extraction methods that separate the CBD compound from the rest of the plant matter. These CBD extracts can then be used to make various CBD hemp products like oils, vape liquids, powders, and CBD edibles such as gummies.
Hemp plants can be grown in several different ways but the best CBD gummies UK brands use organically grown hemp plants to extract CBD from. Organic hemp plants are grown free from:
- pesticides
- herbicides
- fungicides
Organically grown hemp is also non-GMO and cruelty-free, making it a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option than hemp plants grown using heavy chemicals or testing on animals.
So, when searching for the best CBD gummy bears, it is essential to only consider brands that use CBD from organic hemp plants in their products.
How is CBD Extracted?
Harvesting CBD and other cannabinoids from hemp plants involves using an extraction method. The most common methods used to extract CBD are:
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extraction
- Ethanol Extraction
- Olive Oil Extraction
- Propane Extraction
- Butane Extraction
Of these methods, CO2 extraction is considered the safest and most effective way to harvest CBD from hemp plants. This is because it does not use harsh chemicals or solvents in the extraction process, meaning there is no risk of contamination. Additionally, the low temperatures used in CO2 extraction help better preserve the phytocannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids in the hemp plants, resulting in a more potent and pure CBD product.
Olive oil extraction is also a safe and gentle way to extract CBD hemp oil. However, it is not as effective for getting all the cannabinoid compounds out of the plant matter. This is because olive oil does not have a low enough boiling point to evaporate all the cannabinoids in the hemp plants. So if you are looking for effective multi-cannabinoid support from a full-spectrum CBD oil product, it is best to choose a product that has been extracted using CO2.
The other extraction methods listed above (ethanol, propane, butane) all use harsh chemicals and solvents. They also tend to strip away many of the beneficial compounds in the hemp plants, resulting in a less potent CBD product. For these reasons, it is best to avoid brands that use these extraction methods in their products.
CBD Isolate vs Multi-Cannabinoid Formulas
A common question on people’s minds when they first venture into the world of CBD is whether to choose products made with CBD isolate or multi-cannabinoid formulas.
CBD isolate is a pure form of CBD that has been isolated from all other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids found in the hemp plant. So if you are looking for a product that contains only CBD and nothing else, then a CBD isolate product is a good choice.
On the other hand, multi-cannabinoid formulas contain CBD and other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids found in the hemp plant. As a result, these products are referred to as full-spectrum CBD oil or broad-spectrum CBD oil products.
Full-spectrum CBD oil products contain all the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids found in the hemp plant. Many people hoping to stimulate endocannabinoid system receptors responsible for maintaining homeostasis in the body choose full-spectrum CBD for a better chance of CB1 and CB2 receptor activation.
Broad-spectrum CBD gummies contain CBD in addition to other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids found in the hemp plant, except for THC. For people who want to avoid even trace amounts of THC in their product, broad-spectrum CBD oil is the best choice. Being THC-free, the cannabinoids in these formulas may not stimulate CB1 receptors, which studies show is the trigger for the psychoactive effects of marijuana.
Both CBD isolate and multi-cannabinoid formulas have their own set of benefits and drawbacks. Ultimately, choosing which one to use comes down to personal preference.
How Do You Get CBD in a Gummy?
These days, edibles aren’t limited to just CBD gummies. CBD edible products on the UK market include several kinds of tasty CBD sweets such as:
- Jelly domes
- Peach rings
- Gummy cola bottles
- Watermelon rings
- Gummy worms
To combine CBD oil with gummies, manufacturers have one of two options: infusion or pharmaceutical coating.
Infusion involves mixing CBD oil with the gummy candy base while still in liquid form. Once the CBD is infused into the gummy base, it is left to set and harden into its final shape. Infused CBD gummies need to be broken down in the digestive system before the CBD can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Because digestive absorption takes several hours, those looking to minimize the amount of CBD they consume throughout the day may prefer infused CBD gummies.
The alternative to CBD infusion is pharmaceutical coating. In this method, manufacturers first make the gummies and then coat them with a thin layer of CBD oil. This method allows for sublingual absorption of CBD (under the tongue) and increased bioavailability.
Sublingual absorption typically happens faster than digestive absorption, so those who want CBD to absorb more quickly may prefer these types of gummies.
Dietary Lifestyle & CBD
Just because something is marked as a food supplement by a given country’s food and drug administration regulator doesn’t mean that it’s always made from natural ingredients. In fact, some food supplements on the market today contain very little of the active ingredient they’re supposed to have.
The same is true of CBD oil gummies. While most are made with natural ingredients like cane sugar and tapioca syrup, some manufacturers cut corners by using artificial sweeteners or high-fructose corn syrup.
If you have dietary restrictions or are simply health-conscious, be sure to check the label of any CBD gummies you’re considering to make sure they fit your lifestyle. Many CBD gummies UK brands have taken into account the wide array of dietary restrictions, lifestyles, and food allergies by offering products that are:
- vegetarian & vegan-friendly
- gluten-free
- halal
- kosher
- paraben-free
- GMO-free
By choosing to buy CBD gummies made with natural fruit flavours, non-synthetic ingredients, and no artificial sweeteners, you can be sure you’re getting a product that is good for your body as well as your taste buds.
The commitment to quality and transparency should be a cornerstone of any brand in the CBD industry. If a company can’t be upfront about what’s in their product and how it’s made, it’s probably not a brand you want to buy from. In fact, UK CBD brands have taken note of the public’s demand for quality and transparency. As a result, many reputable companies now offer products that are:
- cGMP compliant
- Made in ISO-certified facilities
- Third-party lab tested for purity and potency
By buying CBD gummies from a company that takes these extra steps, you can be sure you’re getting a product that meets the highest standards of quality and safety. If you are unsure about what may or may not be in a CBD product, read lab reports from a trusted third-party lab testing laboratory or contact the company directly to ask about their manufacturing processes and quality control procedures.
Bioavailability & Absorption
CBD gummies contain a range of ingredients designed to give them a delicious fruit flavour, ensure freshness, and provide a daily dose of CBD. But CBD gummies should also contain ingredients that enhance the bioavailability and absorption of CBD, so that it can work quicker.
CBD oil is not very soluble in water, so it has poor bioavailability when taken orally. This means that when you ingest CBD in the form of gummies, only a tiny percentage of it is actually absorbed into your bloodstream. To improve the bioavailability of CBD gummies, manufacturers may add ingredients like:
- Citric acid – to enhance the absorption of CBD
- Pectin – a plant-based fibre that helps the body absorb CBD
- Fractionated coconut oil – an oil that makes it easier for the body to absorb CBD
- MCT oil – an oil that is metabolized quickly and helps the body absorb CBD
- Hemp oil – an oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids and helps the body absorb CBD
These ingredients help increase the amount of CBD absorbed into the bloodstream, making it more available for the body to use. Always keep an eye out for these ingredients as they are the markers of high-quality CBD products.
CBD Dosage
One of the many reasons that people like CBD edibles over oil tinctures is the premeasured dose of CBD they contain. CBD edibles make it fast and easy to get the right amount of CBD without measuring out a drop of oil or calculating the number of milligrams in a dollop of CBD cream.
But just because you know the amount of CBD you are consuming doesn’t mean that you know if it is enough for your needs. To understand CBD dosing, you’ll need to understand a few key concepts.
First, it’s important to know that the same amount of CBD someone else takes is not necessarily the same amount you should, could, or need to take. Like other supplements, taking CBD is specific to a person’s unique biochemistry. To ensure that you don’t waste product by taking too much – or waste money by taking too little – it’s best to start with a low dose and increase gradually until you find your “sweet spot”.
CBD concentrations are typically written on the package with the total amount of CBD in the product. To know how much CBD is in each gummy, simply divide the total number of gummies in the bottle by the total milligrams of CBD listed on the package. For example, if a 30-count bottle of gummies has 750mg of CBD, each individual gummy would have 25mg of CBD (750mg / 30 = 25).
There is no set standard for CBD dosages in regards to what is strong and what isn’t – simply designations for concentrations. Typically, anything under 10mg of CBD is considered low, while anything above 25mg is considered high.
But, because people respond to CBD supplements differently, it could be that 10mg is plenty for someone to meet their wellness goals. Again, if you are a first time user of CBD gummy products, it is imperative to start with a low dose and gradually increase as needed so that you avoid any side effects of CBD overdosing.
When choosing between CBD brands, look for those that offer a range of products in different concentrations, so you can find the perfect dose for your unique needs. Even though a brand may be reputable, it may only have CBD concentrations outside your preferred dosage and range, making the product unsuitable for your needs.
Does it Matter Where I Buy CBD Gummies?
The retailer you purchase from can be just as crucial to your purchase as the product itself. As CBD gummies are a food supplement in the UK, they must submit an FSA Novel Foods application for approval before they can be legally sold. Retailers who are not following this guideline are breaking the law and putting their customers at risk.
What’s more, many unscrupulous retailers will take advantage of the CBD craze by selling products that are not actually CBD gummies but rather candies that only resemble gummies. These products may be made with inferior ingredients or synthetic cannabinoids that are not made from organic CBD hemp extracts.
When searching for a reputable retailer, be sure to check that they have a valid UK business license and retail permit. Also, take some time to read customer reviews to get an idea of their experience with the retailer.
There are many CBD gummies UK brands reviews online that cover a wide range of products from different companies. This can be a valuable resource in narrowing down your choices to find the perfect product for your needs.
Some major retailers such as Boots and Holland and Barrett now sell CBD gummies; however, these products don’t always offer the detailed lab reports and personalised customer service that you would get from an online CBD retailer.
Why is CBD a Food Supplement?
CBD and other cannabinoid products are not approved in the UK to treat specific medical conditions medicines because of a lack of evidence supporting the claimed benefits of CBD. In the meantime, while more clinical studies work towards providing more evidence to support early positive reports, CBD is legally available to purchase as a food supplement.
In order for a product to be classified as a food supplement, it must not make any medicinal claims. This means that the product cannot claim to treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition such as chronic pain, inflammatory issues, anxiety, or depression.
CBD is among many wellness supplements people take to improve their quality of life in the same way people take other popular supplements such as vitamins, minerals, protein powders, and omega-3s. Like CBD, these products are also not considered medications, and while also making no claims about their potential benefits, they remain popular and trusted among those looking to improve their health and well-being.
Get the Best CBD Gummies for Your Wellness Needs
Whether it’s because you are tired of the bland taste of CBD capsules, hate the fuss of oil tinctures, or just like the idea of a tasty cannabidiol treat every day, CBD gummies make a great addition to your supplement routine.
To find the best CBD gummies UK brands, verify the use of high-quality natural ingredients, organically grown hemp, enhanced bioavailability, and of course, delicious fruity flavours. Looking for these characteristics will help ensure that CBD gummy beginners always select the perfect CBD gummy supplement for wellness needs and experienced CBD users get the product they are looking for to maintain their healthy lifestyle.
References
1. Getting High on the Endocannabinoid System, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3997295/#:~:text=The%20endocannabinoid%20system%20is%20powerful,psychological%20effects%20caused%20by%20THC
2. Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extraction of Cannabinoids From Cannabis Sativa L, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0896844617301900
3. Clinicians’ Guide to Cannabidiol and Hemp Oils, https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(19)30007-2/fulltext
