Hemp Gummies vs. Cbd Gummies: What's the Difference?
In the world of wellness, cannabinoids like CBD have sparked a revolution, inspiring a wide range of products aimed at promoting well-being and balance. Among the most popular are CBD gummies, hailed for their convenience, palatability, and easy dosage.
On the other hand, hemp gummies — which may sound quite similar — are also making waves. And while these two types of gummies are quite different, the terms "hemp gummies" and "CBD gummies" are often confused or used interchangeably, leading to a great deal of misunderstanding.
This article aims to clear up that confusion, shedding light on the key differences between these two varieties of hemp plant-derived edibles. Let’s dive in.
What Is Hemp?
The hemp plant, a type of cannabis plant and a member of the Cannabis sativa species, is highly versatile with a wide range of applications from textiles to wellness products. However, understanding its distinct parts and their functions can shed light on the differences between hemp gummies and CBD gummies.
The mature hemp plant comprises several components, including stalks, leaves, and flowers, which are often referred to as hemp flowers. These flowers are rich in cannabinoids, the plant's active ingredients.
Key among these cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). THC, known for its psychoactive effects, is predominantly found in cannabis.
In contrast, hemp is cultivated to yield high CBD concentrations with only trace amounts of THC. CBD is non-psychoactive in nature and sought after for its potential wellness benefits. The extraction process usually targets the hemp flowers, leaves, and stalks, as these parts are most rich in this beneficial compound.
The Role of Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds serve a unique purpose within the hemp plant's ecosystem. Unlike the hemp flower, they do not contain cannabinoids like CBD or THC.
Instead, they are laden with beneficial nutrients such as essential fatty acids and proteins. The hemp seed extract, derived from these seeds, forms the basis for hemp seed oil, used in cannabinoid-free hemp gummies.
Hemp Gummies vs. CBD Gummies: What’s the Difference?
The main distinguishing factor between hemp and CBD gummies lies in the specific part of the hemp plant utilized in their production.
Hemp gummies are primarily made from hemp seed oil derived from cold-pressing hemp seeds. While this oil has potential wellness benefits due to its richness in essential fatty acids, it does not contain CBD or other cannabinoids.
Conversely, CBD gummies are made using CBD oil extracted from the flowers, leaves, and stalks of the mature hemp plant and are rich in cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds. Apart from the central ingredient, both types of gummies often include other components like sweeteners, gelatin, vegan alternatives, and flavorings for taste and texture.
It's worth noting that CBD gummies may sometimes include hemp seed extract for additional benefits. However, hemp gummies marketed as CBD-free will not contain any extract from the cannabinoid-rich mature hemp plant. To ensure you understand the type of gummy you are consuming, we recommend checking the product's ingredient list and third-party lab results.
What Are the Benefits of Hemp Gummies?
Hemp gummies, primarily produced using hemp seed oil, have potential wellness benefits.
Rich in Essential Fatty Acids
One of the most notable attributes of hemp seed oil, the heart of hemp gummies, is its abundance of essential fatty acids. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, found in high quantities in hemp seed oil, are referred to as "essential" because our bodies cannot produce them on their own, so we must source them from our diet.
These fatty acids play an essential role in multiple aspects of health. Omega-3 fatty acids are known to support heart health and cognitive function, while both omega-3 and omega-6 contribute to skin health, helping to maintain the integrity of the skin barrier and offer hydration.
Moreover, these essential fatty acids are known to participate in the body's natural inflammatory processes. This can contribute to overall wellness, as the regulation of inflammation is crucial to maintaining balance in our bodies and supporting various bodily functions.
High in Antioxidants
Another powerful benefit of hemp seed oil comes from its high antioxidant content. Antioxidants, such as vitamin E found in hemp seed oil, can support the body's defense mechanisms against environmental stressors.
By helping to neutralize harmful free radicals, antioxidants play a role in maintaining cellular health. This can contribute to overall wellness, potentially supporting healthy aging and encouraging the health of various body systems, from the heart to the skin.
Potential for a Balanced Diet
Apart from their rich content of essential fatty acids and antioxidants, hemp seeds are also renowned for their protein content. They are one of the few plant-based sources that provide all nine essential amino acids, the building blocks of protein.
Protein plays a crucial role in virtually every bodily function, from building and repairing tissues to making enzymes and hormones. Thus, incorporating hemp gummies into your diet can potentially contribute to a balanced diet and overall well-being.
Moreover, hemp seeds contain dietary fiber, which can support digestive health, and a variety of essential minerals like magnesium and iron, which can contribute to overall nutrient intake.
What Are the Benefits of CBD Gummies?
While hemp gummies offer potential health benefits from the nutrient-rich profile of hemp seed oil, CBD gummies bring a unique set of benefits to the table. These benefits are primarily due to their interaction with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS).
Promoting Balance Throughout the ECS
The ECS is a crucial body system responsible for maintaining homeostasis or balance in the body. It influences various functions such as mood, sleep, stress response, and immune system activity. CBD has been studied for its potential role in encouraging balance within this system by interacting with endocannabinoid receptors.
Understanding this interaction, our collection of CBD gummies at Muscle MX is formulated to cater to various needs. Each of our hemp-derived CBD products is crafted with natural, clean ingredients to deliver unparalleled support to your body.
Soothing Tension and Supporting Sleep
By partnering with endocannabinoids in the ECS, CBD can help encourage feelings of relaxation and encourage restful sleep.
Our CBD Relax Gummies take relaxation to the next level. Specifically formulated with ashwagandha and CBN, they offer a synergetic and soothing blend that can help ease tension and encourage relaxation. Coupled with the potential sleep-supporting qualities of CBD, these gummies could be a valuable ally in calming your mind and enhancing sleep quality.
Aid in Muscle Recovery
The potential benefits of our CBD gummies extend to supporting muscle recovery, largely due to CBD's interaction with the ECS. This interaction may help soothe muscle tension, aiding recovery after rigorous physical activities.
Promoting Balanced Energy Levels
While taking CBD gummies at night may encourage restlessness, evidence suggests that, when paired with other ingredients, CBD’s ability to help support balance can actually aid in focus and alertness by balancing out energy levels throughout the day.
Our Energy CBD Gummies are designed for just this. Packed for a punch with B-12 and caffeine, these gummies can help supercharge your day. With the synergetic mix of CBD and natural ingredients, our Energy Gummies seek to provide the right balance to your body without the jitters or crashes.
Extra Benefits With the Entourage Effect
Broad spectrum and full spectrum CBD gummies feature not only CBD but also an array of other cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other natural compounds found in the hemp plant. These compounds, such as CBG, CBN, CBC, and CBDV, work in synergy with CBD to potentially complement the overall benefits of the gummies, promoting wellness.
While full spectrum CBD products include the small legal amounts of THC naturally found in the hemp plant, broad spectrum CBD includes the whole spectrum of hemp compounds except THC, providing a subtler version of the entourage effect. It's worth noting that CBD isolates don't offer this entourage effect.
Our Bliss CBD Gummies utilize our proprietary Ultra Broad Spectrum CBD, with a potent 10:1 CBD to other cannabinoids ratio, for a blissful and THC-free CBD gummy experience.
Convenience and Ease of Use
CBD gummies provide a convenient and user-friendly way to incorporate CBD into your wellness routine. Discreet, requiring no additional equipment or preparation, and delivered in pre-measured doses, they eliminate any guesswork. We understand the importance of convenience, which is why we've crafted a variety of CBD gummies, each designed to meet different needs.
Long-Lasting Effects
Consuming CBD in the form of a gummy leads to it being digested and slowly released into the system. This slow release potentially provides long-lasting effects, making our CBD gummies a popular choice for those seeking sustained support throughout the day.
Are Hemp and CBD Gummies Legal?
The legality of hemp and CBD products has been a subject of much debate and confusion over the years. However, at the federal level, hemp and CBD products derived from it became legal following the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill.
This law allowed for the cultivation, sale, and use of industrial hemp–including the cannabinoid-free hemp seeds – defined as Cannabis sativa plants with a THC concentration of 0.3 percent or less in the flowers, stems, and leaves of the mature plant.
But, while hemp is federally legal and products derived from hemp seeds are now legal in every state, the legal status of CBD can vary depending on state laws, as some states have stricter regulations than others.
It’s always best to check local regulations before purchasing or consuming hemp or CBD gummies. Some factors to consider include the source of the CBD, the product's THC concentration, and the intended use of the product.
How To Choose the Best CBD Gummies
Choosing the best CBD gummies requires careful consideration. Here are some tips to guide you. Along with considering the type of CBD that best fits your preferences and needs, there are a few other considerations to keep in mind.
Transparency and Testing
Look for companies that provide full transparency. The product's Certificate of Analysis (COA) should be readily available, as in the case of Muscle MX, where all COAs are easily accessible on our website. These third-party lab tests confirm the amount of CBD and other cannabinoids and screen for heavy metals, pesticides, and contaminants.
Quality of Ingredients
Consider the quality of the other ingredients in the gummies. At Muscle MX, we rely on organic hemp and all-natural ingredients like organic tapioca syrup, sugar, and lemon juice rather than artificial ingredients.
The Bottom Line
Both hemp seed oil and CBD products hold the potential to elevate your wellness routine. Hemp seed oil, with its rich nutrient profile, may contribute to a healthy diet and skin health, while CBD products, due to their interaction with the endocannabinoid system, may promote a sense of balance in the body.
There's a wealth of CBD product types available today, from edibles like gummies to topicals and tinctures, each suited to different needs and preferences. Hemp extract, found in products like Muscle MX's gummies, harnesses the full potential of the hemp plant, providing an array of cannabinoids that may offer enhanced benefits.
At Muscle MX, we're committed to providing high-quality CBD products that support your wellness journey. We invite you to explore our range of CBD gummies and discover how they can help encourage balance in your life. No matter your wellness goals, Muscle MX is here to support you every step of the way.
Sources:
Tetrahydrocannabinol | ScienceDirect Topics
The cardiac and haemostatic effects of dietary hempseed | PMC
Antioxidant Activity of Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Seed Oil in Drosophila melanogaster Larvae under Non-Stress and H2O2-Induced Oxidative Stress Conditions | PMC
Seeds, hemp seed, hulled | USDA
An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study | PMC
Cannabinol | ScienceDirect Topics
Farm Bill | USDA
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