How to Make CBD Gummies: Easy Guide

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Making your own CBD gummies at home has never been easier. With a few common kitchen tools and ingredients, you’ll be enjoying the health benefits of CBD in no time. 

Making your own CBD gummies at home has the bonus of choosing ingredients and customizing flavors. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making CBD gummies, from understanding CBD and its effects on mental health to sourcing the best ingredients and equipment and our two favorite recipes.

Why DIY?

CBD gummies have become one of the most popular way to enjoy the health benefits of CBD. Making your own CBD gummies can be a heap of fun.  As well as knowing exactly what you’re putting in your body, it’s a rewarding and cost-effective way to enjoy the benefits of CBD. By creating your own gummies, you can ensure they contain high-quality, natural ingredients without unnecessary additives or preservatives.

Hand-making lets you decide how strong to make each batch.  This is super-handy if you regularly take a particular dose and want the convenience of one gummy dosing.

Before We Start – Why is Everyone Interested in CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis plants – marijuana and hemp. While the exact science is still being researched, one way CBD works is through interaction with the endocannabinoid system in our body. This system is a big layer in regulating mood, sleep, appetite, and
other functions

A big reason for the surging interest in CBD is its potential to support mental health.  Research suggests that CBD may help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. It has been found to have calming effects, which can improve overall emotional well-being. Some studies also indicate that CBD may have neuroprotective properties, and potentially be a game-changer for those who live with neurological disorders.

If you’re thinking of CBD gummies for recreation, think again.  The ‘high’ that’s often associated with CBD is actually from THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is found in varying levels only in ‘full spectrum’ extracts.

Sourcing the Right CBD for Gummies

When making CBD gummies, source CBD that has low THC content to make sure that the gummies are non-psychoactive.

Look for CBD oil that is labeled as THC-free (isolate, broad spectrum) or contains less than 0.3% THC (usually full spectrum hemp extract).

There are 3 things to avoid when you’re buying CBD oil:

  • Hemp seed oil – it contains 0% CBD
  • Oil that is not certified for purity and THC levels
  • Oil of uncertain potency

Equipment

Most of the equipment needed to make gummies will be in your kitchen or easily bought at your local store or online retailer.  Before you start, make sure you have:

  • Gummy Molds – Silicone molds between 1ml – 2ml is a good size for each gummy.
  • Syringe – To measure CBD oil accurately.
  • Mixing Bowl – Medium size for combining ingredients.
  • Saucepan – Small to medium heating and mixing.
  • Whisk and Spoon – Metal or silicone coated for stirring.
  • Dropper or Pipette – The easiest way to fill the molds.
  • Refrigerator – For setting the gummies.
how to make cannabis gummies

Important Stuff – How Many and How Strong

The 2 recipes will help you make your first batch with minimum fuss.

They’ll keep for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for longer in the fridge.

If you use gummy molds, they are commonly filled to 1ml – 1.5ml. The recipes below will make about 30 gummies.

The trickiest thing to work out is the amount of CBD oil to use in your recipe. To calculate the amount of CBD oil, you need to know:

  1. The potency of the gummies
  2. The strength of the CBD oil
  3. Number of gummies per batch

Use our handy calculator to work out how many ml of CBD oil is needed for your batch of gummies.  

#1 – All Natural Gummies

Ingredients

  • 1 cup fruit juice (this will create the flavor of your gummies)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1-2 tablespoons gelatin or agar-agar
  • CBD oil – as required to reach the desired strength
  • Natural food coloring (optional)

Steps

  • Pour the fruit juice into a saucepan and heat over medium heat until warm.  Do not boil the juice.
  • Add sweetener of choice, stirring until dissolved.
  • Add gelatin or agar-agar. Gradually sprinkle the powder into the mixture, whisking continuously to avoid lumps forming (yuck)
  • Remove the saucepan from the heat and add CBD Oil.  Stir well.
  • Add natural food coloring if desired.
  • Fill molds with a dropper or pipette, avoiding over-filling.
  • Place the molds in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set.
  • Once set, remove the gummies from the molds and enjoy!

#2 – Paleo Gummies

Ingredients

  • 1 cup 100% natural fruit juice
  • 1 tablespoon raw honey
  • 2 tablespoons grass-fed gelatin
  • CBD oil (number of ml according to gummy potency)
  • Food coloring (optional)

Steps

  • Pour the fruit juice into a saucepan and heat over medium heat until warm. Keep your eye on the saucepan and don’t let it boil.
  • Add honey, stirring until dissolved.
  • Add gelatin slowly, making sure to whisk continuously to avoid lumps forming. If they do, start again!
  • Remove the saucepan from the heat and add CBD Oil.  Stir well.
  • Add food coloring if desired.
  • Fill molds carefully with a dropper or pipette.
  • Place the mold in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set.

FAQ

1. How Strong Should CBD Gummies Be?

The ideal strength for a CBD gummy depends on the person, the condition being treated, and the existing tolerance of CBD. A common starting strength is 5-10mg CBD per gummy.

2. How long do gummies last?

In an airtight container, gummies will last about 2 weeks. If they are stored in the fridge, you can expect them to last up to 6 weeks.

The amount of sugar (from juice and sweeteners) tends to act as a natural preservative.

3. Why is CBD Oil so Expensive?

The cost of CBD oil is influenced by cultivation and extraction processes, quality control, and third-party testing. High-quality CBD products often undergo rigorous testing to ensure purity and potency, which can drive up the price.  It’s worth paying for pure, high-quality oil.

4. How Long Do CBD Gummy Effects Last?

Many factors determine how long the effects of CBD last. The rule of thumb is anything from 2 – 6 hours depending on potency (strength), body weight and metabolism, and any other drugs in your system.

5. Does CBD Interact with Other Medications?

CBD can interact with certain medications, particularly those metabolized by the liver’s cytochrome P450 enzyme system. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before using CBD if you are taking other medications.

6. Is CBD Legal?

Yes, CBD derived from hemp that contains less than 0.3% THC is legal in the USA under the 2018 Farm Bill. However, it’s important to check the regulations in each state and make sure that the CBD you are using and your actions are legal.

Final Thoughts

More and more, people are looking to CBD as a way of supporting wellbeing and reducing the symptoms of a wide range of emotional and mental health conditions. While the evidence is growing, there is still a lot to be learned about CBD and the optimal way to use this powerful herb.

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Maree Machin

Maree Machin, founder of Calm-a-Calm, offers practical solutions for managing anxiety and stress. With a background in allied health and helping professions, Maree's expertise helps individuals of all ages navigate emotional health challenges effectively.

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