Can CBD gummies get you high?

CBD gummies, a popular form of a cannabis edible containing Cannabidiol (CBD), is the perfect solution for a quick and delicious dose of CBD.

But the big question is… does CBD make you high?

CBD is one of the hundreds of natural compounds found in cannabis known as cannabinoids. It works with your body's natural cannabinoids and brings a range of benefits to your endocannabinoid system.

Although it’s acquired from the cannabis plant, it won’t have the same psychoactive properties as Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). So if you’re not looking to get high but still want the benefits, CBD is a great alternative.

Let’s take a closer look at answers to:

• What are CBD gummies?

• And whether or not these tiny CBD infused treats can get you high.

What are CBD Gummies?

CBD gummies are popular, edible candies that contain cannabidiol (CBD) oil, and little to no THC content. They’re often confused with marijuana edibles but have a few differences.

Like regular candies, these sweet treats come in an assortment of flavours, colours, shapes, and concentrations of CBD.

CBD gummies usually contain smaller doses of CBD than what you would usually find in CBD oil tinctures and capsules. The idea is that you can consume multiple of these jelly treats throughout the day, according to the dosage you’re wanting.

Does CBD get you high?

CBD is one of the common cannabinoids found in marijuana and hemp plants. In fact, there are hundreds of cannabinoids such as CBDa, CBN, CBC, plus many more, that work in a similar way to CBD - helping to boost your physical and mental health, and wellbeing.

Another well-known cannabinoid is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is linked to the psychoactive effects that most people associate with cannabis.

THC products provide that perception of an ‘altered state’ characterised by pleasure, heightened senses, or euphoria. However, CBD doesn’t cause that state of bliss or “high” effect like smoking marijuana or THC products.

Can I buy CBD gummies in Australia?

Unfortunately, CBD products including gummies are not readily available over the counter in Australia. To acquire CBD products for medical use, you require a valid prescription from a medical practitioner and in most cases, approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). You can find out more on the process in this guide: How to access CBD and Medical Marijuana in Australia

There have been reports of users importing them or purchasing them over the internet without a valid prescription. However this remains a grey area and is generally prohibited by Australian customs or law enforcement in most cases.

This guide is mostly to provide some general knowledge on CBD gummies and its effects for Australians, in the hopes these products will one day be more accessible in the future.

Types of CBD gummies

Like all CBD products, there are different types of CBD gummies. Namely, CBD isolate, full-spectrum CBD, and broad-spectrum CBD. These different forms of cannabidiol have different effects and uses. Take a look and see which might suit you best.

CBD Isolate

CBD isolate, a form of cannabidiol, refers to products that only contain pure CBD, with no other cannabinoids or THC added. An intensive process is done to filter and remove all cannabinoids other than CBD, which makes up 40% of the plant's extracts. The pure CBD isolate can then be infused into products such as CBD gummies.

Full-spectrum CBD

Full-spectrum CBD holds all of the plant’s cannabinoids, including THC. Products typically contain high amounts of CBD, and low THC This means that the product or oil contains all the cannabinoids that naturally transpire in the cannabis plant.

Despite low amounts of THC, the overall composition of the product is synonymous with the “entourage effect”. Full-spectrum CBD products are generally considered more effective than CBD isolate derived products as these different cannabinoids work collectively.

Broad-spectrum CBD

Broad-spectrum CBD products contain most cannabinoids but generally don't include THC. So broad-spectrum CBD differentiates itself from full-spectrum and CBD isolate products by its lack of THC, while still containing most of the other cannabinoids.

Note: Most CBD gummies are made using full-spectrum CBD, as users can take advantage of the ‘entourage effect’. As users are only consuming an amount so small; there’s not enough to trigger any noticeable psychoactive effects. Therefore, it will not generally cause the “high” experienced when consuming large amounts of THC.

Do CBD gummies work?

Since gummies come in an assortment of shapes, colours and forms, it’s hard to tell whether you’re purchasing the right product and whether they’ll work. Take a look at some pointers on what to look out for when choosing your chewy snacks.

CBD source

When purchasing CBD gummies, the first thing to consider is the type of CBD used, whether that would be CBD isolate, broad-spectrum or full-spectrum.

Potency

The potency in a dose may vary widely across CBD products. For example, you’ll feel a difference in strength between a 5 mg CBD isolate gummy compared to a 5 mg full-spectrum CBD gummy. If you’re unsure of what to look for, start from the lowest serving available and increase from there.

Ingredients

Apart from CBD, there is a lot more of what goes into your gummies. Pay attention to additives like preservatives and artificial ingredients.

To get the best out of your product, keep a look out for CBD gummies with non-GMO ingredients, that are organic, and have natural flavours. There are also plenty of products containing adaptogenic herbs and vitamins with boosting advantages. Some common, nutrient-rich superfoods added to gummies include spirulina, turmeric, etc.

Third-party testing

It’s essential to do your research and find quality CBD products that have been tested for contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals, and moulds. This will ensure that the product you are purchasing contains the amount of CBD and/or THC that it says on the label.

Benefits of CBD

CBD can have an array of positive results on its users. You can use CBD gummies for pain, to calm your mind, and to reduce stress levels without the psychoactive effects attributed to getting ‘high’.

CBD is beneficial for relieving symptoms such as:

• Anxiety / Depression[1]

• Inflammation[2]

• pain[3]

• Seizures / Epilepsy[4]

• PTSD[5]

Note: Before consuming CBD products, please consult your doctor, especially if you’re on other medications.

How many CBD gummies should I eat?

Settling on a serving size will depend on your metabolism, tolerance level, and the amount of each gummy contains. Gummies usually start as low as 5 mg and can reach a high as 30 mg per chewy treat.

Since there are different CBD gummy products available on the market, it's a good idea to adhere to the suggested daily serving. Most products are mixed with vitamins, nutrients, and melatonin.

Although the effects of CBD gummies is non-intoxicating and is generally recognised as safe, some users occasionally experience some side-effects such as:

• Vomiting

• Fatigue

• Dry mouth

• Low blood pressure

• Diarrhoea

It’s generally recommended that users start with a lower dose first and, over time, monitor for side effects and slowly increase the dosage as required.

Can CBD gummies get you high?

CBD products, like gummies, provide a range of therapeutic benefits for its users. You won’t experience any psychoactive effects as CBD gummies usually contain low amounts of THC. If you’re looking to avoid THC altogether, look for broad-spectrum, or CBD isolate gummies.

Overall, CBD has plenty of health benefits, and gummies can be a perfect way for consuming CBD easily and discretely. We can only hope Aussies will have these CBD gummy treats readily available in Australia soon.