Hemp Gummies vs. CBD Gummies: What is the Difference?

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Hemp and cannabidiol (CBD) gummies are candies that may promote sleep, calm, and pain relief. Hemp and CBD come from the same plant, but have different chemical properties. Find out the difference and some products to try.
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A quick look at the best hemp and CBD gummies
Best CBD gummies with THC: Cornbread Hemp Full-Spectrum CBD Gummies | Skip to review
Cornbread Hemp Full-Spectrum CBD Gummies
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Best organic gummies: Joy Organics CBD Gummies (THC-free) | Skip to review
Joy Organics CBD Gummies (THC-free)
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Best for stress and anxiety: Charlotte’s Web THC Free CBD Gummies | Skip to review
Charlotte’s Web THC Free CBD Gummies
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Best for beginners: PlusCBD CBD Gummies, Extra Strength Formula | Skip to review
PlusCBD CBD Gummies, Extra Strength Formula
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This article discusses hemp and CBD gummies, including the types, potential health benefits and risks, and where to buy them.
Is CBD legal? Hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC are legal federally but still illegal under some state laws. On the other hand, cannabis-derived CBD products are illegal federally but legal under some state laws. Check local legislation, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved nonprescription CBD products, which may be inaccurately labeled.
Differences between hemp and CBD gummies
Hemp and CBD gummies come from the same plant. However, their different chemistry profiles result in different effects.
Hemp comes from the plant’s seeds, whereas CBD is made from all parts of the cannabis plant, excluding the seeds. This means that hemp does not contain any CBD or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), whereas CBD may contain THC.
As hemp does not contain THC or other cannabinoids, it may not have the same benefits as CBD.
However, some products may be derived from hemp but can also contain CBD. This means the manufacturers may derive the gummy from hemp but may have included other parts of the cannabis plant, such as the flowers, stalks, or leaves. Therefore, a hemp-derived gummy can contain CBD.
CBD gummies:
CBD is their active ingredient, and they may contain THC.
They come from the flowers, stalks, or leaves of mature hemp plants.
Manufacturers usually use carbon dioxide to extract CBD.
They may help with pain relief, anxiety, sleep, and provide other benefits.
Hemp gummies:
They contain either none or trace amounts of CBD or THC.
They come from hempseed oil.
Manufacturers use cold-press mechanical extraction or a solvent extraction.
These gummies may not provide the same possible benefits as CBD gummies.
They may contain essential fatty acids, vitamins, and trace minerals from the hemp plant.
Hemp and CBD gummy options
All information presented is purely research-based and was correct at the time of publication.

Cornbread Hemp Full-Spectrum CBD Gummies

CBD type: full-spectrum
full-spectrum
CBD potency: 25 mg, 50 mg, or 100 mg per gummy
COA: available online
available online
Use code “HEALTHLINE” for 30% off.
$39.99 AT CORNBREAD HEMP
*Price may vary.
Cornbread Hemp’s organic CBD gummies are available in Peach and Berry flavors and contain full-spectrum hemp-derived CBD and up to 2 mg of THC. They are also vegan and gluten-free.
The company states that this product gives people natural support for exercise recovery and may help people manage everyday stress due to its ratio of hemp-derived cannabinoids and THC.
Cornbread Hemp offers a subscribe and save option for 25% off every order.
Customer reviews on the Cornbread Hemp website are mostly positive. Customers state that the gummies have been effective in easing arthritis and fibromyalgia pain and have promoted restful sleep. Additionally, some customers write the gummies helped to ease symptoms of anxiety.
arthritis
fibromyalgia
However, other customers say they did not notice any difference in pain after taking the gummies. Other people report that the gummies had an unpleasant taste.
“I took one 50mg CBD gummy, about 15-20 minutes before bed, to help me sleep. The mixed berry taste was extremely potent, almost overwhelmingly so, though not overly artificial. It did taste a bit jarring when I took it before bed and then brushed my teeth, however, it did a great job of masking the CBD taste.
“These CBD gummies are probably the most effective sleep aid I’ve taken; better than other forms of CBD or other gummies from different companies. They don’t leave me groggy in the morning like melatonin does, and within 15-20 minutes I can feel them working. They really help me relax and drift – and stay – asleep.
“I’ve been having troubles staying asleep all night, but the nights I take these gummies are the nights where I have the best chance of quality sleep. And if I do wake up, their effects seem to linger long enough that I’m still able to fall back asleep fairly quickly. I received these products for free to test, but I think they’re the only ones I’ll actually purchase on my own after I use up my sample – even if they’re more expensive than melatonin or other options, the results are worth it.”
– Laramy Applekamp, Healthline contributor
“I took one 50mg CBD gummy, about 15-20 minutes before bed, to help me sleep. The mixed berry taste was extremely potent, almost overwhelmingly so, though not overly artificial. It did taste a bit jarring when I took it before bed and then brushed my teeth, however, it did a great job of masking the CBD taste.
“These CBD gummies are probably the most effective sleep aid I’ve taken; better than other forms of CBD or other gummies from different companies. They don’t leave me groggy in the morning like melatonin does, and within 15-20 minutes I can feel them working. They really help me relax and drift – and stay – asleep.
“I’ve been having troubles staying asleep all night, but the nights I take these gummies are the nights where I have the best chance of quality sleep. And if I do wake up, their effects seem to linger long enough that I’m still able to fall back asleep fairly quickly. I received these products for free to test, but I think they’re the only ones I’ll actually purchase on my own after I use up my sample – even if they’re more expensive than melatonin or other options, the results are worth it.”
– Laramy Applekamp, Healthline contributor
our tester found that they were very good for aiding sleep
suitable for those on a gluten-free diet
25% off with subscriptions
reviews state that the product has helped ease pain associated with arthritis
not suitable for those avoiding THC
customers state the taste is unpleasant
our tester found that they were very good for aiding sleep
suitable for those on a gluten-free diet
25% off with subscriptions
reviews state that the product has helped ease pain associated with arthritis
not suitable for those avoiding THC
customers state the taste is unpleasant
Count: 30 gummies per jar
Available flavors: Organic Berry, Organic Peach, Organic Watermelon
Third-party tested: yes
Price per mg: $0.03, $0.05, or $0.10 per mg
Returns: returns within 30 days
Shipping: free shipping on orders over $75
Count: 30 gummies per jar
Available flavors: Organic Berry, Organic Peach, Organic Watermelon
Third-party tested: yes
Price per mg: $0.03, $0.05, or $0.10 per mg
Returns: returns within 30 days
Shipping: free shipping on orders over $75

Joy Organics CBD Gummies (THC-free)

CBD type: broad-spectrum
broad-spectrum
CBD potency: 10 mg or 25 mg per gummy
COA: available online
available online
Use code “healthcbd” for 20% off.
$49.95 AT JOY ORGANICS
*Price may vary.
These broad-spectrum gummies are available in 10- and 25-mg doses and come in Strawberry Lemonade and Green Apple flavors. The Strawberry Lemonade flavor comes in both strengths, while Green Apple is only available in 10 mg.
The company uses organic ingredients, and these gummies hold U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic certification.
These gummies do not contain THC, which may be suitable for people new to CBD and who regularly take blood or urine tests.
Joy Organics also offers customers a subscribe and save option, offering 20% off on future orders.
There are many positive reviews for this product online. Customers state that the product is good for managing stress and joint and muscle pain and promoting restful sleep. There are no negative reviews for this product available online.
Our tester tried the Strawberry Lemonade gummies.
“I primarily tested these gummies as a sleep aid, although when they didn’t prove as effective for that purpose (I prefer Cornbread Hemp’s higher-dosage product), I switched to using them for general stress relief and sore muscle relief.
“These gummies have a very strong scent of strawberry lemonade. It’s not unpleasant, but definitely leans more into the “overly sweet, artificial strawberry lemonade” scent than anything more subtle or natural.
“When taking two gummies, I did notice myself relaxing and growing tired after 30 minutes or so, but it wasn’t as quick or successful as the more potent full-spectrum product (and I didn’t want to have to take two gummies each night), so I switched to using it as more of a stress relief and general muscle ache relief.”
– Laramy Applekamp, Healthline contributor
Our tester tried the Strawberry Lemonade gummies.
“I primarily tested these gummies as a sleep aid, although when they didn’t prove as effective for that purpose (I prefer Cornbread Hemp’s higher-dosage product), I switched to using them for general stress relief and sore muscle relief.
“These gummies have a very strong scent of strawberry lemonade. It’s not unpleasant, but definitely leans more into the “overly sweet, artificial strawberry lemonade” scent than anything more subtle or natural.
“When taking two gummies, I did notice myself relaxing and growing tired after 30 minutes or so, but it wasn’t as quick or successful as the more potent full-spectrum product (and I didn’t want to have to take two gummies each night), so I switched to using it as more of a stress relief and general muscle ache relief.”
– Laramy Applekamp, Healthline contributor
USDA organic product
free of THC
20% discount with subscription
Green Apple flavor is only available in the 10-mg strength
USDA organic product
free of THC
20% discount with subscription
Green Apple flavor is only available in the 10-mg strength
Count: 30 gummies per jar
Available flavors: Green Apple, Strawberry Lemonade
Third-party tested: yes
Price per mg: $0.13
Returns: returns within 90 days
Shipping: free shipping on orders over $50
Count: 30 gummies per jar
Available flavors: Green Apple, Strawberry Lemonade
Third-party tested: yes
Price per mg: $0.13
Returns: returns within 90 days
Shipping: free shipping on orders over $50

Charlotte’s Web THC Free CBD Gummies

CBD type: broad-spectrum
broad-spectrum
CBD potency: 25 mg per 2-gummy serving
COA: available online with batch number
available online with batch number
$69.99 AT CBD.CO
*Price may vary.
This full-spectrum product contains organic hemp extract to help people feel calm. The company also claims they can help regulate sleep cycles and improve recovery from exercise.
 
Each serving of 2 gummies contains 15 mg of CBD. The gummies do not contain additives or dyes.
 
The company makes this product hemp in the United States using carbon dioxide extraction.
 
The company offers customers the option to subscribe and save 20% on future orders.
 
Customer reviews on the company website are mostly positive. Buyers say they helped them feel calm and fall asleep quickly.
 
However, other customers state that the gummies have an unpleasant texture.
 
Learn more about Charlotte’s Web.
Learn more about Charlotte’s Web.
company states they may assist with sleep
20% discount with subscription
reviews state that the gummies have an unpleasant texture
company states they may assist with sleep
20% discount with subscription
reviews state that the gummies have an unpleasant texture
Count: 60 gummies per bottle
Available flavors: Peach Mango
Third-party tested: yes
Returns: free returns within 15 days
Shipping: calculated at checkout
Count: 60 gummies per bottle
Available flavors: Peach Mango
Third-party tested: yes
Returns: free returns within 15 days
Shipping: calculated at checkout

PlusCBD CBD Gummies, Extra Strength Formula

CBD type: full-spectrum
full-spectrum
CBD potency: 10 mg per gummy
COA: available on product page
Use code “healthline40” for 40% off.
$32.99 AT PLUSCBD
*Price may vary.
These full-spectrum gummies contain 20 mg of hemp extract and 10 mg of CBD per gummy. This low CBD dose may make them suitable for beginners.
 
The manufacturers claim that these gummies are helpful for people’s general well-being due to the presence of fatty acids that the brain and body use to produce endocannabinoids.
endocannabinoids
Endocannabinoids regulate and control critical body functions such as learning, memory, pain control, and inflammatory and immune responses.
immune responses
 
These gummies contain no artificial sweeteners and are suitable for vegans. Additionally, they are third-party tested and are gluten- and GMO-free.
 
The company offers customers a subscribe and save 25% on future orders.
 
Reviews on the +PlusCBD website are mostly positive. Customers state that the gummies have a nice taste and are effective for anxiety and irritability and for promoting a calm, restful sleep.
 
However, some customers state that gummies received recently had a bitter medicinal taste and smell. Additionally, some customers say that the gummies provided no benefit and found them too expensive.
low CBD dose makes it good for beginners
gluten- and GMO-free
customers complain of an unpleasant taste
reviews state they are expensive
low CBD dose makes it good for beginners
gluten- and GMO-free
customers complain of an unpleasant taste
reviews state they are expensive
Count: 30 gummies per jar, 60 gummies per jar
Available flavors: Cherry Mango, Citrus Punch
Third-party tested: yes
Price per mg: $0.11
Returns: returns within 90 days
Shipping: free shipping on orders over $45
Count: 30 gummies per jar, 60 gummies per jar
Available flavors: Cherry Mango, Citrus Punch
Third-party tested: yes
Price per mg: $0.11
Returns: returns within 90 days
Shipping: free shipping on orders over $45
Comparing hemp and CBD gummies
The table below compares each brand of gummies in this article for price, dose, and more.
Cornbread Hemp
Joy Organics
Charlotte’s Web
+PlusCBD
How we chose
Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria:
Ingredients: MNT chooses products containing safe, high-quality, clearly labeled ingredients. They should also confirm they are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.
Dosage: MNT chooses products that must clearly state the CBD dosage and THC content.
Serving size: MNT selects products in which manufacturers recommend a dosage and how to take it.
Third-party labs: MNT chooses products that undergo third-party testing for contaminants by an ISO 17025-compliant laboratory.
ISO 17025-compliant
Available certificate of analysis: MNT chooses companies that demonstrate transparency and share a product’s certificate of analysis (COA) after receiving its third-party lab results.
certificate of analysis (COA)
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more.
Learn more.
CBD terminology
over 120
limonene
Read more about terminology and other important CBD information here.
terminology and other important CBD information here
Who are hemp or CBD gummies best for?
CBD is available in various forms. A person might find eating gummies a tastier, easier, and more convenient way to take CBD than swallowing a tincture or capsule. They might be preferable while traveling, for instance.
CBD may help promote relaxation and sleep while reducing anxiety and pain. A 2019 study found that most of the 72 participants experienced improvements in anxiety levels and sleep within the first month of taking CBD.
anxiety
2019 study
Anyone interested in trying CBD should consult a qualified healthcare professional first.
Keeping hemp or CBD gummies separate from other candies and supplements is crucial, especially if children are in the house.
Pros and cons
Below, we explore some considerations for people interested in hemp or CBD gummies.
The lack of THC may make them suitable for people who have routine blood or urine tests.
They may provide supplementary nutrients.
Fewer legal restrictions apply to hemp gummies compared with CBD gummies.
They are safe for most people.
There is less evidence of any benefits compared with CBD gummies.
Below are the advantages and disadvantages of CBD gummies.
They may promote relaxation.
They may reduce pain and anxiety.
They may improve sleep.
Some legal restrictions apply.
There is a risk of side effects.
risk
They may affect the results of a drug test.
How and where to buy hemp and CBD gummies
Before making a purchase, a person may wish to consider a product’s:
CBD content: There is no standard dosage of CBD. People should start with a low dose and work up to get their desired effect. If they experience side effects, they should stop taking CBD and speak with a doctor.
no standard dosage
COA: A certificate from a third party can verify that gummies contain what the company advertises and no pesticides or harmful contaminants. COAs should be publicly available.
The type of CBD: Isolate products only contain CBD.Broad-spectrum products also contain other hemp compounds but no THC. Full-spectrum products contain the compounds in broad-spectrum products, plus some THC.
Isolate products only contain CBD.
Broad-spectrum products also contain other hemp compounds but no THC.
Full-spectrum products contain the compounds in broad-spectrum products, plus some THC.
Organic: Organic gummies are free from potentially harmful pesticides.
Sweeteners and other ingredients: Some gummies contain organic sugar cane, tapioca, or fresh fruit flavorings, while others have artificial ingredients.
It is important to purchase any supplement from a reputable company. In addition to COAs, a person might consider a company’s rating on Trustpilot or the Better Business Bureau‘s website. It is also worth considering refund and return policies.
Trustpilot
Better Business Bureau
Many gummies available online contain hemp-derived CBD. According to the 2018 Farm Bill, products from plants that meet the legal definition of hemp are legal in most states.
2018 Farm Bill
Learn more about how to shop for CBD.
Learn more about how to shop for CBD.
Potential health benefits and risks
Research from 2020 links CBD to positive effects on pain, nausea, and some chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes. However, most research focuses on doses higher than those available over the counter or online.
Research from 2020
Additional 2020 study suggests that CBD is:
2020 study
anti-inflammatory
antipsychotic
anticonvulsive
effective at pain relief
effective at reducing anxiety
effective at promoting sleep and rest
However, the FDA has not issued approval for any CBD products apart from Epidiolex. This drug helps treat seizures in children and adults.
FDA
Epidiolex
seizures
While CBD is generally safe, it may cause some side effects, including:
may cause
tiredness
diarrhea
diarrhea
changes in eating habits
nausea
weakness
mood or behavior changes
dizziness
a “high” sensation
hallucinations
suicidal thoughts
People should speak with a healthcare professional before using CBD products if they:
are taking any other medications
are pregnant or nursing
have an underlying health condition
When to see a doctor
A person should speak with a doctor before trying CBD to improve the symptoms of a health condition. Other treatments may have more established scientific research into their safety and benefits.
If a person experiences side effects from CBD, they should stop using it and contact a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently asked questions about hemp and CBD gummies
Below are answers to the top frequently asked questions about hemp and CBD gummies.
No. Hemp gummies come from hempseed oil and do not contain CBD or THC. They may not help with pain, sleep, or anxiety. On the other hand, some products are hemp CBD oil gummies, and therefore do contain CBD.
 
Manufacturers extract CBD from the flowers of the hemp plant, and CBD may have various health benefits. These gummies are more likely to contain THC.
People may be advised to read product labels thoroughly before purchasing.
No. Hemp gummies come from hempseed oil and do not contain CBD or THC. They may not help with pain, sleep, or anxiety. On the other hand, some products are hemp CBD oil gummies, and therefore do contain CBD.
 
Manufacturers extract CBD from the flowers of the hemp plant, and CBD may have various health benefits. These gummies are more likely to contain THC.
People may be advised to read product labels thoroughly before purchasing.
No. Hemp gummies do not contain THC, the compound in cannabis that produces the “high” feeling associated with the plant.
No. Hemp gummies do not contain THC, the compound in cannabis that produces the “high” feeling associated with the plant.
Most companies recommend people eat one to two gummies a day. However, a person should always follow the dosage instructions on the product packaging.
Those new to CBD should start with a low dosage and build up until they get their desired effect. People should not exceed the recommended dosage.
Most companies recommend people eat one to two gummies a day. However, a person should always follow the dosage instructions on the product packaging.
Those new to CBD should start with a low dosage and build up until they get their desired effect. People should not exceed the recommended dosage.
Hemp gummies may help with anxiety. However, hemp products contain less of the cannabis plant than CBD products, so they may not be as effective.
Hemp gummies may help with anxiety. However, hemp products contain less of the cannabis plant than CBD products, so they may not be as effective.
Hemp may be best for nutritional purposes and may be best suited for people who wish to avoid CBD and THC. However, CBD products may be more effective for issues such as sleep and anxiety.
Hemp may be best for nutritional purposes and may be best suited for people who wish to avoid CBD and THC. However, CBD products may be more effective for issues such as sleep and anxiety.
Summary
CBD gummies could help with anxiety, stress, and pain. The FDA has not approved them for therapeutic use, but some evidence points to these health benefits.
CBD gummies can contain small amounts of THC, while hemp gummies contain none.
Anyone who is pregnant or nursing, who is taking medication, or who has an underlying health condition should speak with a healthcare professional before trying any CBD product.