CBD Oil vs Gummies: Which Is Right For You?

Bonbons, bath bombs, lip balms, lollipops… it seems that CBD is available in nearly every form one could possibly think of, and searching for the right potion is no less thrilling than walking into Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory (for the record, CBD is also found in chocolates).

As wild as CBD products might get, its classic forms—CBD gummies and CBD oil—remain the gold standards of excellence and two of the most popular ways to experience CBD’s benefits.

Choosing which of these two might be right for you is another matter. Read on for our assistance when it comes time to make a decision between CBD oil vs gummies.

What is CBD?

First things first: CBD is an acronym for cannabinoid, one of hundreds of phytochemicals found in cannabis sativa. Once CBD has been derived from the cannabis plant and processed, the oil it generates is infused into everything from cosmetics to edibles.

A huge part of CBD’s appeal is that, unlike its cousin, THC, it doesn’t produce an intoxicating effect. Additionally, it isn’t addictive.¹ Instead, it works with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to promote homeostasis—or enhanced balance in the realms of mood, rest, memory, appetite, and more.² While research on CBD’s efficacy is young, people turn to it for dozens of reasons, primarily:³

Pain relief from aches
A healthier mood
Improved sleep

The sheer variety of CBD products on the market is a boon for consumers—we have a wide range of options from which to choose. But with the wide range of CBD products to choose from, it is important to understand what to look for when buying CBD so that you have the most beneficial experience with it.

CBD Gummies vs Oil

The immediate differences between CBD gummies and CBD oil are straightforward. The former arrives in a tasty candy, the latter in an oil that can be consumed sublingually (or under the tongue) or used in the same way as any other oil.

But the distinctions between the two are a bit more nuanced. Let’s have a look.⁴

CBD Gummies

From gas stations to corner bodegas, CBD gummies are everywhere we look these days. They’re extremely popular for the same reason kids prefer fruit-flavored, chewable Flinstone vitamins over hard-to-swallow supplements, and why we would rather consume our Omega-3s in a sweet, chewy treat (speaking for ourselves here).

Pros

CBD infused gummies can be an effortless way to consume CBD. Here are just a couple of their advantages:

Accessibility – If you’re looking for a CBD product in a pinch, you’re bound to find CBD gummies somewhere in your vicinity. Not all CBD gummies are created equal, of course, but they may be more readily available than CBD oil.

Enjoyability – Let’s face it: Adulting can be a downright drag. Eating candy in the name of wellness brings a spark of joy to our lives. And with flavors ranging from cherry to orange creamsicle, you can dazzle your taste buds while practicing a healthy lifestyle.

Considerations – CBD gummies aren’t always the best choice, though, depending on your lifestyle and preferences. Weigh in these factors:

Costliness – CBD gummies range in price, anywhere from $5.99 per bag to $79.99 and higher—and the best CBD gummies naturally (and justifiably) cost more. You might find yourself running through your pack of gummies faster than you would an oil.

Dosage – One of the beauties of CBD oil is that you can personalize your dosage with a dropper, even if arriving at the right dose can be complicated. Legit CBD gummies will include CBD levels and serving recommendations, but you may have to eat more or cut a gummy in half to obtain the precise amount you desire.

Time – Additionally, gummies might take longer to kick in than CBD oil (generally, around 30 minutes).⁵ They’ll have to pass through your digestive tract before hitting your bloodstream and delivering their effects. Factors, such as whether you’re consuming them on an empty or full stomach, also impact how quickly or slowly they’re absorbed and felt.

Diet and taste – CBD gummies are low in calories, usually about 9 calories per serving. Nonetheless, candy—even candy that encourages wellness—isn’t right for every palate or lifestyle.

CBD Oil

CBD oil consists of CBD and a carrier oil, which is usually MCT oil, hemp seed oil, grapeseed oil, or avocado oil. Its well-established history in the CBD world has turned it into a timeless product—it’s likely one of the reasons CBD products are expected to become a $19.5 billion industry by 2025.⁶

Pros

“Have you tried CBD oil?” is as common a question these days as “Did you take your vitamins?” for several reasons.

Versatility – As a liquid, there are a handful (even handfuls) of ways to use CBD oil. You can drop it under your tongue. You can add a splash of it to your morning coffee or evening cuppa. You can toss a touch of it into your tub for a nourishing bath, apply it to your hair to soothe your scalp, or use a topical CBD in a self-massage. You can also add it to your own CBD edibles, whether it’s brownies or a smoothie.

Speed – Taken sublingually, CBD’s benefits may be absorbed faster and more efficiently than gummies (and other CBD products). Again, CBD gummies will have to be digested before they reach your bloodstream.

Targeted application – CBD oil is popular among athletes eager to receive post-workout support for a reason. The oil can be applied to localized areas for targeted “nourishment.”

Considerations

Just like gummies, CBD oil isn’t ideal in all cases. Keep the following in mind:

Taste and scent – Unless you elect to use an orange-flavored CBD oil like Peels’ award-winning product, the taste of CBD can be polarizing. It has an earthy, grassy, loamy taste that might be embraced by some and be totally off-putting to another. Ditto for its scent—some brands, particularly CBD oils derived from marijuana, may have a “skunky” aroma that might offend your senses.

Prone to degradation – CBD oil is highly sensitive to heat, light, and air.⁷ If it’s exposed to these elements, your product might degrade and lose its potency. Fortunately, protecting your CBD oil is a cinch. If you want to know how to store CBD oil, simply choose a cool, dark, and dry place, such as your kitchen cupboard or pantry.

Less convenient – Obviously, tossing a bag of CBD gummies into your overnighter is much easier than carefully carrying around a bottle of CBD oil. This doesn’t make it impossible to keep your best CBD oil with you—it just means you’ll need to ensure your package is tightly sealed (and refrain from throwing your belongings on the ground when you race towards your significant other).

It is also important to note that fake CBD oil exists. Because of this, you should understand how to spot fake CBD oil so that you are receiving the proper benefits of real CBD.

CBD Oil vs CBD Gummies: Which is Better?

As you can see, both CBD oil and gummies have unique benefits and (albeit minor) drawbacks.

When deciding between the two, one of the biggest considerations to keep in mind is how your CBD product will be used. If you’re looking for a potentially more potent and immediate effect, using CBD oil sublingually might be your best option. If you’re looking for a tasty way to enhance your self-care practice, then gummies should be your go-to.

Our advice? Experiment with gummies and oil to discover which one delights you (and the answer to that might be both).

What Other Considerations Should I Keep in Mind When Shopping for CBD?

CBD oil and gummies come in three types:

Full-spectrum – Full-spectrum CBD gummies and oil include all of the components of the hemp plant, including flavonoids, terpenes, and—importantly—THC. Full-spectrum CBD must contain 0.03% or less of THC, but THC can accumulate in your body over time and result in a positive drug test.

Broad-spectrum – Broad-spectrum CBD includes all of the constituents of the plant as well, except for THC. This might be a terrific choice if you want to reap the benefits of terpenes and flavonoids but avoid exposure to THC.

CBD isolate – With a CBD isolate, CBD is distilled to its essence. This means that the other parts of the plant have been removed. Oils and gummies made with CBD isolate are especially beneficial for those who experience side effects to other cannabinoids, such as dry mouth, fatigue, and drowsiness.⁸

Additionally, to suss out a quality CBD gummy or oil—or both—ensure the product features a Certificate of Analysis (COA). This verifies that the product has been assessed by a third party and that it contains only allowable amounts of possible contaminants. A COA will also provide you with info on the product’s CBD and THC levels—its expiration date, and its product batch number.

End the CBD Gummies vs. Oil Debate with PEELS

Choosing between CBD oil or gummies is a personal preference, as subjective as your proclivity for coffee over tea or chocolate over pretzels. And since CBD oils and gummies abound, you have an opportunity to sample both before settling on a form that suits you.

Peels CBD makes the choice even easier for you. We have the best CBD oil and the best CBD gummies to meet your wellness needs. None of our products contain THC, which means you can relish both (or all) without worrying about any intoxicating effects. We craft our products with terpenes that are a bioidentical mirror of CBD, allowing you to lap up nothing more than the refreshing benefits of nature.

Check out our products today and know for certain you’re making a wise decision.

Sources:

Harvard Health. Cannabidiol (cbd): what we know and what we don’t.https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
Healthline. Endocannabinoid system: a simple guide to how it works.https://www.healthline.com/health/endocannabinoid-system
Forbes Health. 10 best cbd oils of 2022.https://www.forbes.com/health/body/best-cbd-oil/
CFAH. CBD oil vs. cbd gummies: which is better?https://cfah.org/cbd-oil-vs-cbd-gummies/
MSN. How long does it take for cbd gummies to hit you?https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/wellness/how-long-does-it-take-for-cbd-gummies-to-hit-you/ar-AAYFvc7
Forbes. CBD market to reach $19.5 billion by 2025 but only with fda approval says top researcher. https://www.forbes.com/sites/irisdorbian/2021/07/28/cbd-market-to-reach-195-billion-but-only-with-fda-approval-says-top-researcher/?sh=2aff94c64eee
Healthline. Does cbd oil expire? How to check and whether it’s safe.https://www.healthline.com/health/does-cbd-oil-expire
Mayo Clinic. CBD: safe and effective?https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-cbd-safe-and-effective/faq-20446700