Blog Layout

The Health Benefits of CBD Gummies

Chris Irby • April 21, 2023

Learn About the Potential Health Benefits of CBD Gummies

CBD gummies (shaped like cannabis leaves) in red, orange, green, blue, and purple.

Between the legalization of hemp-derived products and the growing interest in self-care born from the recent pandemic, the popularity of CBD gummies has soared among longtime users and new users alike. According to this recent study from Vantage Market Research, the global market for CBD gummies was valued at $1.3 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach a value of $10.63 billion by 2023.

What Are CBD Gummies?

CBD gummies are edible candies that contain cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabinoid derived from hemp. Although CBD doesn’t generate the euphoric “high” often associated with cannabis, studies have shown that its consumption may have positive benefits when it comes to managing anxiety, pain, and other conditions. Gummies are a pleasant, discreet, and convenient way of ingesting CBD.

How Safe Are CBD Gummies?

Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that CBD may cause adverse side effects in some people, it is generally regarded as safe for adults. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential… To date, there is no evidence of public health related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”

What Are the Benefits of CBD Gummies?

Note: Because of the restrictions on the use and research of cannabis, there’s still a lot we don’t know about the efficacy or safety of CBD. Before taking CBD to address any medical issues, talk to your doctor about potential benefits, possible risks, proper dosages, and potential interactions with your current medications.

Although the efficacy of CBD is still being researched, studies have revealed several ways it could benefit your health.

Treating (Some) Epilepsy Seizures

In 2018, the FDA approved the use of CBD (under the brand name Epidiolex) for treating seizures from two rare forms of epilepsy (Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gestaut syndrome) in patients at least 2 years old. This decision came about through 3 well-vetted studies, in which 516 patients received either Epidiolex or a placebo. Patients who took Epidiolex (along with other prescribed medications) had a marked decrease in the frequency of their seizures.

Woman suffering dizziness and headache as a result of epilepsy seizure.

Treating Anxiety and Depression

The calming effect of CBD is perhaps its best-known attribute (and one of the reasons why use has become so widespread). Several recent research studies have focused on the potential effect CBD has on depression and/or anxiety:

A 2018 study of medical cannabis users revealed that those using CBD (without the THC) experienced a marked reduction in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.

In a 2019 study examining CBD’s effect on depression in rats, researchers concluded that CBD helped reduce the feeling of helplessness (a common symptom of depression) when confronted with stressful tasks.

In a 2020 study, rats were exposed to various stressors while being treated with CBD over a 28-day period. Researchers found that CBD helped decrease the symptoms of depression and anhedonia (the inability to experience pleasure).

Treating Chronic Pain

Although the FDA has yet to approve CBD for treating pain, a number of studies have shown its potential. Again, if you suffer from chronic pain, please talk to your doctor before embarking on any kind of treatment plan!

According to this 2022 report from the Arthritis Foundation, some people suffering from arthritis and joint pain have reported noticeable pain relief when taking CBD.

There is also anecdotal evidence from the American Migraine Foundation that suggests CBD might help alleviate migraine symptoms, such as neck pain, soreness, nausea, and vomiting.

This article from Healthline suggests that patients suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS) might benefit from CBD as it could help reduce pain and fatigue while improving mobility.

Treating Insomnia

Those who take CBD to manage their chronic pain often report sleeping better, but that may be due to the pain relief rather than a soporific effect of CBD. Typically, most folks experience a peak in their levels of cortisol (a hormone associated with stress) when they first wake up in the morning. However, some folks experience high cortisol levels throughout the day and well into the night, resulting in insomnia and/or nighttime awakenings. While several studies (including this one from 2012) indicate that CBD can decrease cortisol levels and increase sleep duration among participants, this 2019 study demonstrated that these effects are most likely short term.