CBD Oil or CBD Gummies: Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Form of CBD
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There’s no hard-and-fast rule about whether CBD oil is better than CBD gummies or vice versa. Some people find CBD gummies more convenient to use, while others prefer ingesting CBD oil because the dosage can be easily adjusted.
Little to no research suggests one is better than the other.
But because CBD is meant to be used consistently, you’ll want to choose a product you find easy and enjoyable. The more convenient it is, the more likely it is that you’ll use it regularly.
Most importantly, you’ll want to buy a quality product, no matter what form it takes. Whether you opt for CBD oil or CBD gummies, it’s essential to pay attention to factors like quality, safety, and transparency when selecting a product.
How does CBD oil work, and what is it used for?
CBD is popularly used via oils or tinctures. These liquids are generally swallowed.
When people refer to CBD oil, they usually talk about the oil you take orally (via the mouth) or sublingually (under the tongue).
But it’s worth noting that you also get CBD-infused topical oils, which can be applied or massaged into the skin.
How it works
Topical oils work differently from sublingual oils. While sublingual CBD enters the bloodstream via the digestive system, topical CBD oils work on the skin.
The idea behind sublingual administration when a drug is placed under the tongue—is that the drug absorbs into the tiny blood vessels under the tongue, allowing the CBD to enter the bloodstream quickly.
This is opposed to simply swallowing and digesting the CBD oil, which means it has to go through the entire digestive process before it affects you.
However, it’s not entirely clear whether CBD does actually permeate the tissues in the mouth or whether it simply works through the digestive system.
According to recent researchTrusted Source: CBD seems “moderately permeable” through the skin, which may be appropriate for treating skin concerns and muscular pain. However, if you’d like to use CBD for a more internal concern, such as anxiety or sleeplessness, use it orally.
Common uses
There are a range of popular uses for CBD.
Sublingual CBD oil is often used for:
- stress, anxiety, and other mood concerns
- sleeplessness
- seizure conditions
- pain and inflammation
- general health support
Topical CBD oil is often used for:
- skin concerns like dry skin, eczema, and acne
- muscle and joint pain
- injury recovery
- post-workout muscle soreness
Potential benefits
There are many potential benefits to CBD oil.
Studies suggest that it may help:
- reduce pain, particularly chronic pain
- soothe rheumatic diseases like fibromyalgia
- treat the symptoms of mental health concerns, including depression and anxiety
- reduce cancer-related symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and pain
- improve symptoms of neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and cerebral palsy
- regulate blood pressure
- treat sleeplessness and sleep disorders
To date, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)e has approved one CBD-based product, Epidiolex, which is used to treat several seizure disorders as well as seizures caused by tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC).
Potential side effects
CBD oil is considered safe to consume, but it may causeTrusted Source some adverse reactions, like:
- changes in appetite and weight
- diarrhea
- fatigue
As with any health product, it’s important to opt for high-quality CBD oil. Unfortunately, there are many low-quality and mislabeled products on the market. To ensure you’re buying a decent product, read the labels of CBD products.
How do CBD gummies work, and what are they used for?
How it works
Because CBD gummies are chewed and swallowed, they’re processed through the digestive system.
Common uses
Like sublingual CBD oil, CBD gummies can be used for a number of reasons, including:
- mood conditions like anxiety
- sleep conditions
- seizure conditions
- pain and inflammation
- general health support
Potential benefits
There’s more research on the potential benefits of CBD oil as opposed to those of CBD gummies. But CBD gummies can be used for the same reasons as oral CBD oil.
Potential side effects
The side effects of CBD gummies are the same as those of CBD oil.
One concern about CBD gummies is that they may be attractive to children, who might ingest a potentially dangerous amount of CBD.
Again, while CBD is generally safe, it is possible to take too much CBD. This can lead to adverse side effects.
If you purchase CBD gummies, be sure to keep them out of the reach of children.
How do you decide which CBD product is right for you?
No matter whether you opt for CBD oil or CBD gummies, it’s important to choose a quality product from a reputable manufacturer.
You should always opt for a product that is third-party tested. This means that an independent lab tested the product to verify its contents.
Third-party testing is important because CBD products are sometimes mislabeled. In one study, only about 31% of the tested products were found to be labeled accurately.
You should be able to read the lab report—aalso called a certificate of analysis (COA)—on the company’s website. Email the company if it’s not on the website and ask for the COA.
When reading the COA, look out for:
- labeling accuracy (meaning the CBD concentration is as stated)
- testing for contaminants like heavy metals, molds, and pesticides
- presence of other cannabinoids (like CBG, CBC, and THC)
It’s also best to opt for a reputable company. Look out for:
- customer reviews
- whether they’ve been the subject of any lawsuits
- whether they’ve received an FDA warning letter for mislabeling products
Not sure where to start? Look at our list of the best CBD brands on the market today.
Frequently asked questions about “Is It Better to Use CBD Oil or CBD Gummies?”
1. CBD Oil vs. CBD Gummies: The Ultimate Showdown?
There’s no clear winner between CBD oil and CBD gummies [1]. The best choice depends on your preferences for use and desired effects.
2. How does CBD oil work and what is it used for?
- CBD oil comes in sublingual (under the tongue) and topical varieties [2].
- Sublingual oil enters the bloodstream quickly, while topical oil works directly on the applied area [2, 3].
- Common uses of sublingual CBD oil include anxiety, sleeplessness, pain, and general health support [4].
- Topical CBD oil is used for skin concerns, muscle pain, and injury recovery [5].
- Potential benefits of CBD oil include pain reduction, improved sleep, and management of anxiety and seizure disorders [6, 7, 8].
3. How do CBD gummies work and what are they used for?
- CBD gummies are ingested and processed through the digestive system [9].
- They are used for similar reasons as sublingual CBD oil, including anxiety, sleep problems, pain, and general health support [10].
4. What are the pros and cons of each?
- CBD Oil Pros: Faster absorption (sublingual), adjustable dosage [11].
- CBD Oil Cons: May have an unpleasant taste, difficulty measuring dosage (dropper method) [11].
- CBD Gummies Pros: Easy to use, pre-measured dosage, potentially better taste [11].
- CBD Gummies Cons: Slower absorption, less precise dosing (multiple gummies may be needed for desired effect) [11], may be appealing to children [12].
5. Choosing the right CBD product for you:
- Look for quality, third-party tested products from reputable companies [13, 14, 15].
- Consider factors like ease of use, desired effects, and dosage control [16].
- Read the Certificate of Analysis (COA) to ensure accurate labeling and absence of contaminants [13].
6. Takeaway:
The best CBD product (oil or gummies) depends on your individual needs and preferences. Prioritize quality and consult a healthcare professional before starting CBD use.
The bottom line
CBD oil isn’t necessarily better than CBD gummies, or vice versa. But if you choose between the two, consider what will be easier to use daily.
While CBD gummies have the convenience of a set dosage per serving, CBD oil allows you to adjust the exact dosage more easily. Many people prefer the taste of gummies over oil, but the reverse may also be true.
Whether you opt for CBD gummies or oil, it’s always important to purchase quality, third-party-tested products from a reputable seller.
**Q: Is it Better to Use CBD Oil or CBD Gummies?**
**A:** Both CBD oil and gummies offer unique benefits, catering to different preferences and needs. Here’s a comprehensive comparison:
**1. Absorption and Bioavailability:**
* **CBD Oil:** CBD oil is typically absorbed sublingually (under the tongue) and offers a higher bioavailability than gummies. The rapid absorption provides faster effects.
* **CBD Gummies:** Gummies are digested through the digestive system, resulting in a slower bioavailability. However, their onset time is more gradual and sustained.
**2. Convenience and Discretion:**
* **CBD Oil:** CBD oil requires a dropper for precise dosing and can be taken discreetly with no taste or odor.
* **CBD Gummies:** Gummies are convenient, as they can be easily ingested like candies and discreetly carried in a bag or pocket.
**3. Flavor and Enjoyability:**
* **CBD Oil:** CBD oil has a natural, slightly bitter taste, which may not be palatable for some.
* **CBD Gummies:** Gummies come in various flavors, making them enjoyable to consume.
**4. Dosage and Control:**
* **CBD Oil:** CBD oil allows for precise dosage adjustment, ideal for tailored therapeutic effects.
* **CBD Gummies:** Gummies typically come in fixed dosages, which may not be suitable for individual needs.
**5. Versatility:**
* **CBD Oil:** CBD oil can be added to various consumables, such as food, drinks, or topicals, providing flexibility in use.
* **CBD Gummies:** Gummies are specifically designed for oral consumption, limiting their versatility.
**6. Price:**
* **CBD Oil:** CBD oil tends to be more cost-effective per milligram of CBD compared to gummies.
* **CBD Gummies:** Gummies are often priced at a premium due to their convenience and added flavorings.
**Conclusion:**
The choice between CBD oil and CBD gummies depends on individual preferences and needs. CBD oil offers higher bioavailability and precise dosing, while gummies provide convenient and enjoyable consumption. Ultimately, the best choice is the one that aligns with your specific therapeutic goals, lifestyle, and budget.
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Please switch to CBD Gummies, they worked way better for me than any of the oils, and I didn’t have any bad side effects from it.
Is it Better to Use CBD Oil or CBD Gummies? (I tried both recently and have an opinion on which is better, but would love to hear what other people have to say about their experiences with the two.)