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There’s no hard and fast rule about whether CBD oil is better than CBD gummies or vice versa. Here, we break down the differences between these two and discuss our tried and tested favorites.
In this article, we discuss the differences between CBD oils and gummies. However, if you want to skip straight to the products, here are our favorites:
Little to no research suggests that either oils or gummies are better than the other.
When people refer to CBD oil, they usually mean the oil you take orally (via the mouth) or sublingually (under the tongue). You must measure the dose manually each time you use the oil. It’s worth noting that you can also get CBD-infused topical oils, which can be applied or massaged into the skin.
CBD gummies, on the other hand, are soft and ingestible. Each gummy contains a set amount of CBD, so you don’t have to measure a dose. These products are available in many flavors, with some tasting more like candy.
TL;DR
CBD oil and CBD gummies are both ingestible products, although you can buy CBD oils for topical use only. You have to measure each dose with CBD oil, but you only have to eat a gummy to get a pre-measured amount of CBD.
Topical oils work differently from sublingual oils. While sublingual CBD enters the bloodstream via the digestive system, topical CBD oils work on the skin.
The idea behind sublingual administration — when a drug is placed under the tongue — is that the drug absorbs into the tiny blood vessels under the tongue, allowing the CBD to enter the bloodstream quickly.
This is opposed to simply swallowing and digesting the CBD oil, which means it has to go through the entire digestive process before it affects you.
However, it’s not entirely clear whether CBD permeates the tissues in the mouth or simply works through the digestive system.
According to research, CBD seems “moderately permeable” through the skin, which may be appropriate for treating skin concerns and muscular pain. However, if you’d like to use CBD for a more internal concern — such as anxiety or sleeplessness — use it orally.
CBD gummies
Because CBD gummies are chewed and swallowed, they’re processed through the digestive system. This means it may take longer for you to feel the effects of the gummies than when using sublingual oil.
Like ingestible CBD oil, CBD gummies are most suitable for internal concerns and general well-being. Topical CBD, such as balms, massage oils, and creams, are more suitable for targeted relief.
TL;DR
Both CBD oil and CBD gummies are ingestible. However, with sublingual CBD oils, you may feel the effects faster than CBD gummies.
CBD oil that’s taken orally or sublingually and CBD gummies are more suited to easing symptoms of sleeplessness and anxiety or for general well-being. Topical CBD oils, creams, and balms are more suitable for targeted relief of achy joints.
There’s more research on the potential benefits of CBD oil as opposed to that of CBD gummies. But CBD gummies can be used for the same reasons as oral CBD oil.
TL;DR
There is more research into the benefits of CBD oil than CBD gummies. However, you can use both products for the same concerns.
CBD oil is considered safe to consume, but it may cause some adverse reactions, such as:
changes in appetite and weight
diarrhea
fatigue
As with any health product, it’s essential to opt for high quality CBD oil. There are many low quality and mislabeled products on the market. To ensure you’re buying a decent product, read the labels of CBD products.
CBD gummies
The side effects of CBD gummies are the same as that of CBD oil.
One concern about CBD gummies is that they may be of interest to children, who might ingest a potentially dangerous amount of CBD.
While CBD is generally safe, it’s possible to take too much CBD. This can lead to adverse side effects.
If you purchase CBD gummies, be sure to keep them out of reach of children.
TL;DR
CBD oil and CBD gummies have the same potential side effects. However, CBD gummies can look like candy, and it’s essential to make sure they’re kept out of reach of children.
Be sure to always read the label of any CBD product and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to reduce the risk of more serious side effects.
We tested all the oils and gummies on this page and gave them our honest reviews to make sure we are recommending only the products we think you’ll love.
No matter whether you opt for CBD oil or CBD gummies, it’s important to choose a quality product from a reputable manufacturer.
Opt for a product that is third-party tested. This means that an independent lab tested the product to verify its contents.
Third-party testing is important because CBD products are sometimes mislabeled. In a 2017 study, only about 31% of the tested products were found to be labeled accurately.
The product’s lab report — also called a certificate of analysis (COA) — should be easy to access on the company’s website. If not, email the company and ask for it.
CBD oil isn’t necessarily better than CBD gummies or vice versa. But if you choose between the two, consider what will be easier to use daily.
While CBD gummies have the convenience of a set dosage per serving, CBD oil allows you to adjust the exact dosage more easily.
Whether you opt for CBD gummies or oil, it’s important always to purchase quality, third-party-tested products from a reputable seller.
Sian Ferguson is a freelance health and cannabis writer based in Cape Town, South Africa. She’s passionate about empowering readers to take care of their mental and physical health through science-based, empathetically delivered information.
How we reviewed this article:
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
Kirk RD, et al. (2022). Evaluations of skin permeability of cannabidiol and its topical formulations by skin membrane-based parallel artificial membrane permeability assay and franz cell diffusion assay. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9710319/
Solmi M, et al. (2023). Balancing risks and benefits of cannabis use: Umbrella review of meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials and observational studies. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10466434/
Sultan SR, et al. (2020). The effects of acute and sustained cannabidiol dosing for seven days on the haemodynamics in healthy men: A randomised controlled trial. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7256118/
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