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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:

Best CBD oils

Best CBD gummies

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.

CBD oil

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 is a range of popular uses for CBD.

Sublingual CBD oil and CBD gummies are often used for:

Topical CBD oil is often used for:

TL;DR

People take CBD oil orally and sublingually and CBD gummies for the same concerns, such as pain and inflammation, mood, and general health support.

However, topical CBD oil may be more suitable for aches, pains, and injury recovery.

To date, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved one CBD-based product: Epidiolex. It’s used to treat several seizure disorders and seizures caused by tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC).

No other CBD products are regulated by the FDA, although research has found CBD products may benefit health.

There are many potential benefits of CBD oil.

Studies suggest that CBD oil may help:

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

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 selected these CBD oils and CBD gummies based on criteria we think are good indicators of safety, quality, and transparency.

As a part of our vetting process, we consider:

  • the product’s composition, ingredients, and overall quality
  • any third-party certifications
  • the company’s reputation and business practices
  • any lab test results
  • marketing claims

Read more about how we vet products and brands.

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.

Read more about how we test CBD products.

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.

When reading the COA, look out for:

  • labeling accuracy (meaning the CBD concentration is as stated)
  • testing for contaminants like heavy metals, molds, and pesticides
  • presence of other cannabinoids (like cannabigerol [CBG], CBC, THC)

It’s also best to opt for a reputable company. Look out for:

  • customer reviews
  • whether they’ve been the subject of any lawsuits
  • whether they’ve received an FDA warning letter for mislabeling products

Not sure where to start? Look at our list of the best CBD brands on the market today.

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.