Get Creative: How to Make Full-Spectrum CBD Gummies

Here at PP Health, we believe in the botanical potential of the cannabis plant. The term 'whole plant wellness' can be best attributed to full-spectrum CBD. Hence the reason why we have chosen full-spectrum CBD (with a THC level below 0.2%) for all of our oil products. If you're unfamiliar with cannabidiol spectrums, don't worry - we'll explain more shortly. The beauty of CBD oil is that it can be taken 'sublingually' (underneath the tongue) or added to edible CBD products, including both food and drink. This makes it the most versatile method of CBD consumption!

In this article, we are putting the spotlight on CBD gummies, as they are one of the most popular and prevalent methods of supplementing your diet with CBD. Once we have covered the CBD basics, we'll provide an exclusive full-spectrum CBD gummies recipe to help you get creative in the kitchen. Of course, we will include our range of premium full-spectrum oils and provide you with various insights to suit your preferences. So, make sure that you keep on reading to discover the potential benefits of consuming CBD gummies, and a recipe that will ignite your creative streak in the kitchen.

What is CBD?

Let’s start at the very beginning and address the question: ‘What is CBD?’ CBD is short for cannabidiol - one of the main cannabinoids (or cannabis compounds) in the hemp plant. CBD was first discovered in 1940, and it is one of over one hundred other cannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant family.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the other prominent cannabinoid found in hemp, and the two have been well-researched and investigated by scientists. However, THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid and can potentially alter the user's state of mind when consumed in excess. As you can likely guess, this is not convenient (or legal) in many cases. While THC is a notable cannabinoid in some clinical cannabis products, there shouldn’t be more than trace amounts of it in regulation-compliant CBD products. CBD is not psychoactive at all, and it can often be consumed by a broad range of people - excluding pregnant women, children, and some adults with underlying health conditions. CBD has recently become a popular wellness supplement for reasons we will go on to discuss.

So, how is CBD oil made? CBD needs to be extracted directly from the plant itself, and then diluted with a natural carrier oil to create CBD oil. At PP Health, we favour CO2 extraction for our CBD Superb Oil. Carbon dioxide is used, and various pressures are applied to influence it into behaving like a liquid. This high-performance technique is then used to extract CBD from the plant. The CBD doesn't need to be heated, and therefore the vitamins and enzymes remain whole and undamaged. This makes CO2 extraction one of the most natural ways to obtain CBD. Along with water, we use various carrier oils - such as hemp seed oil and olive oil - in our products.

What is Full-Spectrum CBD?

Woman in a hemp field examining drops of full spectrum CBD oil while wearing gloves

Here at PP Health, full-spectrum CBD has stolen our hearts. In fact, it’s our speciality! Full-spectrum CBD refers to all of the compounds contained in the hemp plant being present. These substances include cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes. It is likely that THC will also be present in trace amounts of 0.2% or less. There are two other ‘spectrums’ of CBD, and these are referred to as CBD isolate and CBD broad-spectrum. The latter refers to all the compounds being present in the product, excluding THC. Finally, CBD isolate represents CBD in its ‘pure’ form, without any other compounds.

The advantages and disadvantages of these types of CBD are debated continually. However, there are plenty of possible benefits associated with consuming full-spectrum CBD. For example, it’s arguably the most holistic way to supplement CBD into your lifestyle. This is because full-spectrum CBD is the least processed, and it contains all of the natural substances found in hemp (such as the cannabinoids CBC, CBN, CBV, CBG, and CBDA). Additionally, recent research indicates that full-spectrum CBD might potentially influence pain symptoms more than CBD isolate. This may be due to the ways that hemp compounds work in synergy - otherwise known as the ‘entourage effect.’

What are CBD Gummies?

So, moving onto the main bulk of the article, we need to answer another key question: ‘What are CBD gummies?’ CBD gummies are a popular method of consumption for many CBD users. They are chewy candies that contain CBD oil. They can be purchased in various flavours and colours, which can make them fun to consume! You can also enjoy them in a range of doses and spectrums, depending on your lifestyle and wellbeing goals.

CBD gummies are classed as an edible form of CBD, meaning each gummy needs to travel through both the liver and digestive system before any potential CBD effects may be felt. This process typically takes between one and two hours.

Why Choose CBD Gummies?

If you are looking to explore cannabidiol, CBD gummies are a colourful choice. Here are some of the main reasons that people choose to add gummies to their lifestyle:

They are Easy to Dose

CBD gummies are extremely easy to dose, as the user will know the exact CBD content in each gummy. As always, CBD newcomers should begin with low doses. This allows people to monitor how the CBD affects them over time. If they feel that they require a higher dose of CBD, then they simply need to add one or two more gummies to their routine (while being mindful of recommended daily limits)

CBD Gummies Come in a Variety of Flavours

As previously stated, there are many different flavours of CBD gummies. This makes them ideal for people who become bored quickly or like to vary things up when it comes to their CBD consumption. Gummies may also suit people who don't care for the natural 'earthy' taste of hemp.

They are Discreet

CBD gummies are definitely one of the most subtle ways to consume CBD, much like all CBD edibles. People can consume these products while they are out in public without garnering any unwanted attention or questions. Although CBD is completely legal to consume in the UK, Germany, and many other countries, some hemp products are still viewed in a negative light. Discreet CBD gummies may be especially helpful for people who suffer from anxiety and don’t wish people to pass judgement or talk to them about their supplement regime.

Some Potential Benefits of CBD Gummies

Cannabinoid research has been a particular area of interest for scientific investigators in recent years. In particular, CBD has been put into the limelight; hence its rise in popularity. Although research doesn’t examine CBD gummies, the potential benefits can be attributed to CBD itself, and therefore transferred to this method of consumption.

CBD and Anxiety Symptoms

‘CBD for anxiety’ remains one of the most popular search terms when it comes to investigating the potential benefits of cannabidiol. Anxiety is a pervasive mental health condition that doesn’t discriminate. It can negatively impact any age, race, or gender. The physical symptoms can include shaking, trembling, a racing heart, and excessive sweating. On the other hand, the psychological symptoms can consist of a looming sense of dread, feeling restless, and having trouble concentrating. There are many different types of intervention on the market that require a doctor’s prescription. Counselling or talking therapy can also be part of the treatment. However, these options can have drawbacks, such as the nasty side effects of certain medications. As a food supplement, CBD presents a fresh and potentially natural way to help influence some anxiety symptoms.

For example, one study published in 2011 examined the effects of oral CBD on people with generalised social anxiety disorder (SAD). The dose that was administered was 400mg of CBD, while another group received a placebo dose. The results suggested that the group who received the dose of CBD had a reduction in their self-perceived anxiety symptoms. This change was indicated by examining the mechanisms in the brain, especially in the paralimbic and limbic areas.

Many scientific reviews have examined the current studies and literature exploring the possibilities of using CBD for anxiety symptoms. For example, one review published in 2015 purported that the CB1 receptor might influence the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor. This is the part of the brain that controls reactions to fear and anxiety. Thus, the review suggested that CBD may hold potential in impacting some symptoms of anxiety disorders. Finally, an article published in 2020 concurred with this suggestion, as it indicated that CBD might possibly affect some signs of anxiety disorders and behaviours. The researchers also stated that CBD could be used as part of a broader self-care routine that could offer some therapeutic potential. However, more research is required at this stage.

CBD and Pain Symptoms

When it comes to pain, we want to do anything that we can to help ease it. Pain is an extremely general term that can cover a vast array of medical conditions, right down to stubbing your toe. Some clinical studies and reviews suggest that CBD (in many different forms) may potentially be helpful in impacting some symptoms of pain. There is often a particular focus on chronic pain. This type of discomfort is classified as persistent pain. It’s not linked to any particular health condition, and it could be triggered by issues such as migraines, surgery pain, or backache. Tragically, chronic pain can continue despite intervention from doctors.

This is where your body’s natural endocannabinoid system (ECS) may come into play. Endocannabinoid receptors might help your body receive and send signals correctly as your cells respond to pain. For example, one review published in 2018 examined a range of studies from 1975 and March 2018. The researchers indicated that CBD displayed potential in helping people process some of the discomforts associated with fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, and more. They also reported that the CBD didn’t cause any adverse side effects for the subjects.

Many animal studies have also been conducted to examine the potential effects of CBD on pain symptoms. One rodent study (published in 2016) used a CBD-infused gel on rats with arthritis. This study lasted for a total of four days, and either 0.6, 3.1, 6.2, or 62.3mg of CBD gel was applied to the affected joints. The researchers stated that cannabidiol impacted signs of inflammation, but suggested that the effects of lower CBD doses were not as noticeable in terms of pain reduction. In the context of this study, 6.2 mg was a sufficient dose for impacting the pain and inflammation in rodent joints. Overall, this research seems promising. However, human trials will be necessary to determine if the same possibilities might transfer to people. These trials will help explore the potential of CBD and determine any relevance it may have for pain symptom management.

CBD and Sleep

Woman taking a nap in a bright room with a blissful smile on her face

Sleep is not only essential for our overall wellbeing, but it’s also a vital process that helps the body to repair itself - in addition to helping us respond to anxiety symptoms and stress. Many people are seeking natural ways to improve their sleep hygiene, and CBD is steadily rising in popularity. In fact, ‘CBD for sleep’ is a standard internet search for people looking to get enough sleep.

Many factors can negatively affect our sleep. It could be as simple as a crying baby or feeling worried about something. In other cases, you could be suffering from a sleep disorder. One of the most common sleep disorders is insomnia. This can cause people to toss and turn all night as they struggle to fall (and stay) asleep. It can be an extremely stressful disorder, and the effects can persist into the next day, as people can have trouble performing daily tasks and concentrating.

Research from 2019 examined the possible effects of CBD on subjects with sleep issues and anxiety. Seventy-two subjects participated in the study, and they were all given 25mg of CBD in a daily capsule. Following one month of the study, 66.7 per cent of the participants said that they were sleeping better, and 79.2 per cent had a reduction in their anxiety symptoms. According to a study from 2014, CBD might even impact how awake you feel during the day. This could be of interest to insomnia sufferers, as they may potentially benefit from supplementing CBD into their daytime routine to help improve their concentration and focus levels.

More research is required into CBD for sleep and its potential to influence wakefulness. Future advances could also help to establish standard dosing guidelines. Despite this, the current body of research into CBD for sleep is intriguing.

Why Make Your Own CBD Gummies?

So, why make your own CBD gummies? After all, there are plenty out there on the market. Here are some of the main reasons why making your own gummies is a choice you won’t regret:

Allergy Restrictions

Some people will have dangerous food allergies and dietary requirements that can prohibit them from purchasing what is on the market. Handmade CBD gummies put users in control of the ingredients that they choose to put into their bodies. This process can also give you peace of mind, knowing that the product you are making is completely customised for you.

Added Benefits

In a moment, we will provide you with a basic recipe for CBD gummies. If you’re feeling creative, there’s nothing stopping you from bringing your own beneficial extras to the table. These ingredients could include grass-fed gelatine, vitamin powders, specific juices, and more.

The Different Shapes

This is where you can be the most creative with your gummies, as you get to choose whatever shapes you would like them to be in! As you can imagine, the options are pretty much endless. You could make bears, stars, animals, hearts – whatever takes your fancy! You can also choose the colours that you like, either by the natural pigments in your chosen fruit juice or by adding artificial food colouring to your gummies.

Controlling Your CBD Dosage

Finally, we have one of the most significant arguments for making your own CBD gummies. You are in charge of the amount of CBD that you wish to include in your gummies. This means that you can directly tailor your experience to suit your needs, and what’s better than that?

As a wise precaution, we recommend that you double-check the legal status of CBD oil where you live before attempting to make CBD gummies.

A Full-Spectrum CBD Gummies Recipe

It’s time to get cooking!

Here is a list of the kitchen equipment you’ll need:

A whisk
Oven gloves
A saucepan
Silicone moulds

The ingredients:

Raw honey (two tablespoons)
Gelatine (two tablespoons)
One cup of fruit juice (your choice)
2ml of your chosen PP Health full-spectrum oil - Classic CBD Oil, Superb Boost CBD Oil, or Gold Mild CBD Oil.

Keep in mind that you can purchase our oils in different CBD concentrations according to your preferences. Luckily, it’s extremely easy to calculate the dosage you need. Simply consider the strength that you want each gummy to be, and then multiply this by the number of gummies you will create.

Step One

Firstly, you will need to get a saucepan and place the fruit juice inside. Turn on the cooker and begin to heat the juice at a low temperature. Wait for it to simmer before you add the honey and gelatine.

Step Two

It’s now time to pick up your whisk to encourage the ingredients to mix together. Whisk the ingredients for approximately one minute.

Step Three

At this stage, it's time to add the most important ingredient – CBD oil! Put your desired number of drops into the saucepan once you have turned off the heat. Then whisk the ingredients together for another minute.

Step Four

By now, the liquid should be ready to go into the moulds. You will need to put your oven gloves on, as this liquid will be extremely hot. You can use a funnel to make this step simpler (and prevent any spillages). Once the mould is filled, you can place it on a flat surface in the fridge to allow the gummies to set.

Step Five

Wait for one hour before checking to see if the gummies are ready. If they are completely set, then you can remove them from your mould. They are ready to eat! If you keep the gummies in a safe container, they will remain fresh for roughly two weeks. It’s important to note that CBD gummies should be kept out of the reach of children and animals. There’s not enough research to establish the safety of CBD consumption for children yet, and the gummies could be toxic and dangerous for animals.

Top Tips for Successful Gummies

Here are some basic tips for ensuring that your gummies are successful:

Avoid kiwi and papaya juice, as these don’t gel particularly well with the other ingredients.
Don’t boil the ingredients. When it comes to full-spectrum CBD, some of the terpenes and flavonoids can be damaged or compromised if they become too hot.
Add extra ingredients! You don’t need to follow the ingredients precisely, as you can add additional ingredients to suit your taste. Some popular choices include vitamin D and vitamin C.
Use bigger moulds if you can. Not only will this help to prevent spillage, but you will be able to maximise the benefits from the ingredients. Some moulds will come with droppers when you purchase them, and these can be extremely useful for transferring the liquid into the mould.
Avoid using collagen as it’s not regarded as a good gelling agent.

Final Thoughts

CBD gummies are a fantastic option for many CBD consumers: from newcomers to veterans. Making your own CBD gummies is not only fun and creative, but it also allows you to have extra assurance regarding the ingredients you’re putting into your body. This can provide you with a sense of ownership and pride when it comes to your CBD routine.

Of course, there are many other ways to consume CBD. If CBD gummies don’t appeal to you, then why don’t you consider consuming PP Health’s full-spectrum oils on their own? They are easy to dose and straightforward to use! So, what are you waiting for? Discover the potential of the hemp plant today through whatever method appeals to you.