How to Use CBD Gummies for Stress, Sleep and Anxiety

CBD gummies are one of the newest and tastiest ways to take cannabidiol with the dual benefits of being easy to consume, while still providing the range of health benefits that CBD offers. They’re making it easier for new users and even experienced ones to benefit from CBD without having to deal with its often unpalatable taste. While relatively new in the market, CBD gummies have taken the supplement world by storm and are seeing huge popularity. These coloured and chewy treats make dosing a candy-flavoured experience. They have unique advantages compared to CBD oil or tinctures which we will explain. You can use them for pain, sleep and anxiety. But are they right for you? Plus how do you use them? Let’s uncover more about what CBD gummies are and the best tips on how to use them. You’ll also learn more about the amazing benefits CBD gummies can provide you from recovery to improved sleep.

What are CBD gummies?

CBD gummies refer to sweet, chewy edible candy infused with CBD (or cannabidiol) which are designed to be chewed and swallowed. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring cannabinoid product of the cannabis plant which has a range of helpful health-promoting benefits. The gummies that contain this compound comes in various flavors, shapes, colors, and concentrations of CBD. These offer a discreet and easy way to ingest CBD. CBD can often have an earthy and bitter taste which is hard to deal with for many users. Particularly with full spectrum oils or tinctures, much of the plant matter from hemp which carries this musky flavor can still be found in the oil which leads to a strong taste. But you don’t have to deal with this to get your CBD hit. Gummies help to mask this polarizing flavor and make it much easier to consume CBD, plus don’t have the oily mouth texture which many also prefer to avoid.

As a compound CBD is highly bioavailable and readily absorbed by the body through its naturally occurring cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2 receptors). CBD is extremely safe with very minimal and rarely occurring side effects (typically these only surface at very high dosage ranges). It’s also non-psychoactive and non-addictive making it great for even those who have issues with substance dependency as it’s not habit-forming.

How do CBD gummies work?

Pure CBD gummies contain the cannabidiol (CBD) compound infused into them which promotes well-being and a sense of calmness. The amount of CBD within a single gummy can sometimes vary from retailer to retailer, but the standard dose is 5mg. These gummies taste great and assist users with everyday stress management, workout recovery, sleep quality, and more. CBD in the gummies acts on the endocannabinoid system in the body, triggering metabolic effects that mirror those of many anti-inflammatory compounds, while simultaneously providing anti-anxiety and stress benefits. The endocannabinoid or ECS is one of the support systems contained in all mammals like humans that is activated by cannabinoids binding to its receptor sites. It has complex but wide-reaching homeostatic functions across the body’s digestion, sleep, mood, pain and even mental state. Because its receptors are spread throughout the body from the brain and nervous system to the gut, spleen and muscles, its effects are also broad. While entirely natural and plant-based, CBD’s effects via the endocannabinoid system are clinically proven and widely renowned in the health science world. For more info on the benefits of CBD and its potential health-enhancing effects for you, read more here.

But not only does CBD work on the endocannabinoid system. It is known to have interactions with other important systems linked to homeostasis, having neurological effects due to influencing serotonin and dopamine. Plus it has influences on the parasympathetic nervous system – the part of the nervous system responsible for sleep, rest and recovery. Many users say that the product can powerfully promote reduced stress, and better rest and sleep quality based on their experiences. 

CBD has a great safety profile as a therapeutic chemical. It holds a bright future in palliative care for pain management, sleep support and chronic inflammation reduction. Many studies support the role of pure CBD gummies in relieving discomfort and anxiety in many users because of their anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects. With the right dosage, you can minimize or entirely avoid side effects like dry mouth, while getting great improvements to your health.

How Long Do CBD Gummies Take to Work?

CBD gummies are edibles, so the digestive system breaks down the physical matter that makes up the gummy (largely glucose). After that, the CBD molecules are absorbed through the gut into the bloodstream. The time CBD gummies take to kick in depends on several factors, including:

  • Your body weight (larger individuals will typically take longer to absorb the CBD)
  • The amount of food you’ve eaten recently
  • Your body’s CBD sensitivity
  • The potency of CBD oil 
  • The potency or concentration of CBD in the gummies you’re consuming
  • Your gender and metabolism

Some CBD gummy users can feel effects quickly, for example, within thirty minutes to an hour, while others may have to wait a little longer for CBD activation time. If you want the CBD gummies to kick in faster, consider sucking them before you swallow them. The reason behind this approach is that your saliva will partially dissolve the gummies and improve access to the CBD, making it enter the bloodstream faster by accelerating the digestive process. Typically, the effect of CBD gummies lasts between six to eight hours. However, you may feel the lingering benefits of CBD gummies 24 hours after eating. 

When Should You Take CBD Gummies?

There are no adverse side effects of CBD gummies; therefore, there is no wrong time to take them. However, there are different times of the day when you can experience more benefits of CBD gummies. The effect of CBD gummies isn’t instant; therefore, allow some buffer time. If you are looking for daily health support, consider consuming your CBD gummy early in the morning. 

Those who use CBD gummies for sleep should take them a couple of hours before bedtime to allow the gummy time to aid your relaxation.

If you get stressed out commuting on public transportation, for example, eat a gummy about an hour before your commute. The strategy will allow you to start feeling calm because of some of the CBD gummies’ effects by the time you leave. 

The bottom line is that every scenario is unique and depends on your needs, size, and CBD sensitivity. 

How to take CBD Gummies

You can start by taking one or more CBD gummies per day, depending on your goals with using CBD and the potency of the gummy. It’s generally wise to start with lower dosage ranges to test your tolerance and for any adverse reactions before ramping up your doses. There’s no one size fits all approach that works for everyone in terms of dosages – many factors like your genes, body weight, gender and metabolism will all affect how much you need to take for results. With that in mind, you can take more than one gummy at a time to increase your CBD milligram serving after a week or two. Dosing right is important. Always take the minimum amount for your health requirements and avoid diving into very high dosage ranges to minimize your risk of side effects like an upset stomach.

You can cut CBD gummies in half for a smaller serving of CBD. Gummies are taken in the same way food is. You chew and swallow gummy at least once per day. Timing of your dosages generally isn’t of high importance but you can take doses in both the morning and the evening to keep regular levels of CBD in your body. We often use our gummies before sleeping to help us get a restful night’s shut-eye. Finally, you can use CBD in baked goods, whereby instead of using gummies from the candy store, you can find it infused into cookies, chocolates or dessserts. It’s a versatile agent that can be infused into many edible forms.

Keep in mind the effects of CBD don’t occur immediately. It takes time to build up saturation of CBD in the body and begin reaping its benefits. Continue taking it for several weeks before increasing your dose – even if you’re not quite noticing results yet. Patience is key as well as consistency in dosing to get maximum inflammatory reduction benefits. You also need to factor in that even a single dose will take 6-8 hours to digest and enter the bloodstream due to being passed via the gut. Generally, CBD oil or tinctures will be absorbed much more rapidly as they pass through the gums or tongue rapidly to enter the bloodstream and start delivering effects.

Benefits of Taking CBD Gummies for Pain, Sleep and Anxiety

There is several growing evidence that suggests that CBD has a variety of beneficial and even medical uses. These benefits range from helping with physical ailments like chronic inflammation, injury or bodily stress, to mental state improvements, increased calmness and reduced anxiety. Many cannabinoids like CBD are being increasingly shown to help users in getting to sleep and having improved sleep quality. 

Some of the physical benefits of using CBD gummies include:

  • Reduced effects of chronic inflammation and inflammatory issues like colitis
  • Reduced pain and perception of pain to help in its management
  • Appetite control support and blood pressure support
  • Improved recovery and performance from exercise (many athletes already supplement heavily with CBD)
  • CBD gummies are perfect workout partners. They will help reduce inflammation in joints and muscles that endure wear and tear from strength training and cardio. Some CBD gummies are made with collagen to provide extra support to sore tissues!
  • Potential improvements to blood pressure from stress reduction

Mental benefits can generally include:

  • Enhanced calmness and reduced anxiety
  • Better management of stress and daily mood
  • Improved sleep length and quality leading to better energy levels
  • Reduced impact of addictions like smoking
  • Mood support is the most common use of CBD. If there is a moment you feel stressed, a CBD gummy will be just what you need to relax and get back in the game.
  • The endocannabinoid system is intertwined with the brain; therefore, many people consume CBD gummies to enhance their focus. A less stressed mind frees you to invest your brainpower in completing tasks and goals.

While many pharmaceutical substances can offer similar effects for instance ibuprofen helps with chronic stress in the body – these chemicals are very harmful to the liver if used long-term or in high doses. CBD is natural and from plants meaning its liver load is very minimal although it still should not be combined with other medicines generally.

Final Takeaway

Cannabidiol (CBD) has become popular due to its numerous therapeutic benefits, like anxiety relief, pain relief and more. CBD gummies are good ways to get the benefits of CBD oil without the nasty taste. They’re convenient, easy to transport, discreet and great for those who want a delicious snack with their daily CBD dose. As we mentioned, start low with your dosage range and increase over time. Always stop using the product if you encounter any adverse reactions. If you’re looking for an easy and tasty way to consume CBD, then gummies may be the right choice for you – whether you’re looking to improve your sleep, recovery or lower anxiety. Give them a try today! 

Author

Steve Jacobs Author Headshot

Originally from Byron Bay (Australia), Steve Jacobs is a writer and expert on the world of hemp. His passion for hemp products developed from working with organic hemp cultivators and sustainable skincare brands in Byron. Inspired by these eco-friendly approaches to crafting superb products, Steve realised the opportunity at the intersection of aromatherapy, natural skincare and the magic of hemp. He founded Bondi Hemp to bring this dream to life, bringing rejuvenating hemp extracts, refreshing botanical hemp topicals and revitalising essential oils to everyday Aussies. True to his Byron roots, Steve infuses every drop of his responsibly produced hemp products with the rich terroir of the Byron Region, resulting in unsurpassed quality without harming the earth. Today, Steve continues to write and speak about hemp, skincare, and aromatherapy from his family’s home in Northern NSW.