Have you been looking for a new, more discreet way to consume CBD? Then you might want to check out one of the biggest raves currently hitting the cannabidiol industry, infused chewing gum.
Why Try CBD Chewing Gum?
Chewing gum may not be as ideal as other consumption methods, such as CBD oil or gummies. However, for some, it may just be what you’re looking for.
For one, chewing gum is one of the quickest ways to receive the effects of cannabidiol. This is because membranes within the mouth and throat send the cannabinoid directly into the bloodstream.
Take this in comparison to an edible that must be processed through the liver before the effects kick in, taking anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes. A topical takes even longer as cannabidiol must first penetrate the skin (most of it doesn’t even make it into the bloodstream).
Chewing gum is one of the quickest ways to receive the effects of CBD.
Besides inhalation methods (smoking and vaping), chewing gum is probably the quickest way to receive the effects. This is ideal for people who experience anxiety or sudden pains.
To take things a step further, chewing gum may just be the most discreet way to consume CBD. If you’re in a position where you don’t want people knowing you’re using a cannabis product, no one will think twice about that piece of gum in your mouth.
Furthermore, chewing gum may have the potential to help:
- Promote tranquility
- Support a better night’s sleep
- Support joint and muscle function
- Support post-workout recovery
- Maintain a relaxed mood
- Promote healthier skin
We at CBDnerds wholeheartedly welcome this new consumption method.
Our Criteria for the Best CBD Gum
In order to decide what the best gum is, we developed strict requirements that each company on our list had to follow. If you plan to shop for infused products online, we strongly suggest you come up with a similar criteria before purchase.
- Certificate of Analysis – Since the industry is unregulated, companies must take it upon themselves to ensure the quality and safety of their products. One way in which they do this is by running all their batches of products through a third-party lab test. The reports of these tests will reveal a number of aspects of the compound, including its cannabinoid and terpene count, along with whether or not it contains any contaminants such as pesticides.
- Extract Type – Products come in three standard extract types. Before buying a product, you should familiarize yourself with these:
- Full-Spectrum – Offers all the cannabinoids and terpenes found in the hemp plant
- Broad-Spectrum – Offers all of the cannabinoids and terpenes found in the hemp plant except tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
- Isolate – Pure – no other cannabinoids
- Hemp Source – All federally legal cannabidiol must come from the hemp plant (a cannabis plant that contains less than 0.3% THC). Hemp is very absorbent and will take in anything in the soil around it, including contaminants. In order to ensure the product you’re purchasing is safe, you’ll want to make sure the company only sources its hemp locally from organic farmers.
- Ingredients – When it comes to edibles, ingredients play a key factor in deciding whether or not you should purchase a product. A reputable company will be sure to list every ingredient in its product on the product page. This is a great way to find out if the product meets your dietary requirements.
- Potency – All products are measured out in milligrams (mg). The higher this number, the more potent a product is. If you’re new to this, we definitely suggest starting with lower potency (5 mg to 15 mg). If you’ve been taking this compound for some time, then you’ll probably handle moderate to higher potencies (20 mg to 50 mg) with no problem.
CBD Gum Dosage Recommendations
When it comes to dosing, you don’t have as many options with gum as you would with other products such as oil. This is simply because companies tend to offer lower dosages with these products.
In accordance with our list, CBD gum strengths range from 5mg to 20mg per piece. For those who have never used a product before, these are mild to moderate strengths.
If you’re new to this, we’d definitely suggest starting with a brand that offers a lower dose, like CBD American Shaman or Elevate. However, if you take cannabidiol frequently, you’re better off with a brand that offers a higher dosage, such as CBD Infusionz.
In our full honesty, we don’t necessarily recommend CBD gum for those intending to use CBD to aid a moderate or chronic ailment. While CBD chewing gum does provide you with great bioavailability, the low serving sizes make it less ideal when trying to combat specific symptoms. For ailments, your best bet is oils (tincturea) or topicals.
Rather, gum is great for those looking for some relief from a mild ailment. For example, if you struggle with anxiety, gum may be a fantastic option for you right after a cup of coffee.
When you’re dosing yourself with CBD, it’s important to keep a few things in mind:
- Body Weight – Our body weight plays a fundamental role in how much we should take. Generally speaking, the more you weigh, the more you’ll need in order to feel the effects. If you weigh over 150 pounds, you may not feel the effects of CBD gum from just one piece.
- Strength of CBD Gum – The strength of infused products is always measured out in milligrams (mg). The higher this number, the more potent a product is.
- Tolerance – If you take infused products frequently, your body has probably become accustomed to the chemical. To feel the initial effects, you may need to take more of a product.
If you find that a piece of gum isn’t providing you with the effects you desire, we suggest gradually increasing your dosage. This could mean taking an extra half of a piece or a full piece until you feel the effects.
Safety and Side Effects of CBD Gum
One of the reasons so many people have been turning to the CBD market is because it has been claimed that these products come with no side effects. However, CBD can produce mild side effects in some individuals, including:
- Appetite changes
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
It’s worth noting that some sensitive users have reported feeling mild effects from the psychoactive constituents of infused products. This is likely due to the minor amount of THC found in some of these products. If you have experienced this or simply want to avoid THC altogether, make sure to look into a broad-spectrum or isolate product.
If you are currently on prescription medication, you’ll want to consult your doctor before consuming gum. While it is rare, CBD has been found to negatively interact with certain medications.
If you’re currently pregnant or lactating, it’s in your best interest to avoid this compound altogether. Unfortunately, there isn’t enough research to confirm that it’s safe for women of this category to consume cannabidiol.
