The Difference Between Hemp Gummies and CBD Gummies
Walk into almost any health shop or online wellness store and you are likely to see shelves filled with colourful gummies promising relaxation, balance, or better sleep. Some are labelled “CBD gummies” while others are called “hemp gummies.” At first glance, they may look identical, and many shoppers assume they do the same thing. However, there is a significant difference between hemp gummies and CBD gummies, and understanding that difference can help you make informed choices and avoid disappointment.
This article explains what each product is made from, how they work, their effects, legality, and how to tell them apart when you are shopping.
What Are Hemp Gummies?
Hemp gummies are food supplements made with hemp seed oil rather than cannabidiol (CBD) extract. The hemp plant is part of the cannabis family, but hemp seed oil comes from the seeds, not the leaves or flowers. Because of this, it does not contain cannabinoids such as CBD or THC.
Hemp seed oil is rich in nutrients. It provides essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6, along with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrients can support general wellness, skin health, and heart function, but they do not interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system in the same way that CBD does.
When you see hemp gummies advertised as a source of relaxation or mood balance, those effects are typically based on the nutritional value of hemp oil rather than true cannabinoid activity. They are best viewed as dietary supplements rather than CBD products.
What Are CBD Gummies?
CBD gummies contain cannabidiol, a naturally occurring compound extracted from the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant. Unlike hemp seed oil, CBD is an active cannabinoid that interacts with the endocannabinoid system — a network of receptors throughout the body that helps regulate mood, sleep, pain, and overall balance.
CBD gummies are designed to deliver specific amounts of cannabidiol in each serving, often ranging from 5mg to 25mg per gummy. They are one of the most popular ways to consume CBD because they are convenient, discreet, and easy to dose.
Depending on the type of extract used, CBD gummies may contain full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate CBD. Each offers different benefits, but all interact directly with the body’s receptors, creating noticeable effects that hemp-only gummies do not provide.
The Key Difference Between Hemp and CBD Gummies
The biggest difference between hemp gummies and CBD gummies lies in their ingredients and effects.
Hemp gummies are made with hemp seed oil, which contains no CBD or other cannabinoids. They are primarily used as a nutritional supplement to support general wellbeing through essential fatty acids and vitamins.
CBD gummies, on the other hand, contain active cannabidiol extracted from the hemp plant’s leaves and flowers. They are designed to influence the endocannabinoid system, potentially promoting relaxation, better sleep, or mood balance depending on dosage and formulation.
In simple terms: hemp gummies nourish the body, while CBD gummies interact with it.
How Each Type Is Made
Hemp Gummies are made by cold-pressing hemp seeds to extract their oil, which is then blended with sweeteners, flavourings, and gelling agents like pectin or gelatin. The oil gives them nutritional value but does not provide CBD’s therapeutic effects.
CBD Gummies are made using hemp extract that has undergone special processing to isolate or preserve cannabinoids. The extract is then added to the gummy mixture in precise concentrations to ensure accurate dosing.
Because CBD extraction is more complex and regulated, CBD gummies are generally more expensive than hemp gummies.
Do Hemp Gummies Contain Any CBD?
No, hemp gummies made solely from hemp seed oil do not contain CBD. Hemp seed oil comes from a different part of the plant and is naturally free of cannabinoids. However, some less honest manufacturers use the word “hemp” to imply that their product contains CBD when it does not.
To make sure you are getting genuine CBD gummies, always read the ingredients list carefully. If you do not see “cannabidiol,” “CBD,” or “hemp extract,” the product likely contains no active cannabinoids. Checking for a Certificate of Analysis from an independent lab is another reliable way to confirm CBD content.
Do CBD Gummies Contain THC?
CBD gummies can contain trace amounts of THC, depending on the type of extract used. In the UK, the legal limit is less than 1mg of THC per container, which is far too little to cause a high.
- Full-spectrum CBD gummies contain all cannabinoids found in hemp, including trace THC.
- Broad-spectrum CBD gummies include multiple cannabinoids and terpenes but no detectable THC.
- CBD isolate gummies contain only pure CBD and no other compounds.
Hemp gummies contain no THC because they are made from hemp seeds rather than flowers.
Effects of Hemp Gummies vs CBD Gummies
Hemp gummies offer nutritional support. The fatty acids and antioxidants in hemp seed oil may help maintain healthy skin, heart function, and joint mobility. However, they do not produce relaxation or stress relief in the same way CBD can.
CBD gummies, by contrast, work on the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating sleep, stress, pain, and mood. While results vary from person to person, many users report feeling calmer, more balanced, or better able to sleep after regular use.
If your goal is to support general health through diet, hemp gummies are a fine choice. If you are seeking the active benefits associated with cannabidiol, CBD gummies are the correct product.
Legality in the UK
Both hemp and CBD gummies are legal in the UK when produced according to regulations. Hemp seed oil is a standard food ingredient and has been used safely for decades. CBD, however, falls under the Novel Foods Regulation and is more tightly controlled.
To be legally sold, CBD gummies must:
- Contain less than 1mg of THC per product.
- Be produced using approved hemp strains.
- Be listed on, or pending approval for, the Food Standards Agency’s Novel Foods register.
- Provide accurate labelling and third-party testing to verify cannabinoid content.
Hemp gummies do not need Novel Food authorisation because they contain no cannabinoids and are classed as regular dietary supplements.
How to Tell the Difference When Shopping
Many consumers buy hemp gummies thinking they are getting CBD, only to discover that they contain none. Here is how to tell them apart:
- Read the label carefully – Genuine CBD gummies will clearly list “cannabidiol,” “CBD extract,” or “hemp extract.” Hemp gummies will mention “hemp seed oil” or simply “hemp oil.”
- Check the ingredients – If there is no mention of cannabinoids or milligrams of CBD per serving, it is not a CBD product.
- Look for lab results – Reputable CBD brands provide Certificates of Analysis from independent laboratories showing CBD and THC levels. Hemp gummies will not have these reports because there is nothing to test for.
- Consider the price – CBD gummies cost more due to extraction and testing requirements. If the price seems very low, it is likely just hemp oil.
- Check compliance – Legitimate CBD brands will state compliance with UK Novel Foods and list batch numbers and expiry dates.
Taste and Texture Differences
While both types of gummies look and taste similar, you might notice subtle differences. Hemp gummies often have a slightly nutty flavour from the seed oil, while CBD gummies tend to taste more neutral or fruity, depending on the formulation. Both can be vegan-friendly or sugar-free, depending on the manufacturer.
Cost Comparison
Because hemp gummies are made from simple seed oil, they are cheaper to produce and sell. Prices usually range between £5 and £15 for a bottle.
CBD gummies require more complex extraction and lab testing, so they tend to cost between £20 and £50 depending on the strength and quality. The higher price reflects both the active ingredient and the regulatory oversight required for legal sale in the UK.
Which One Should You Choose?
Your choice depends on your goals.
Choose hemp gummies if you:
- Want a daily source of healthy fats and nutrients.
- Prefer a non-cannabinoid supplement.
- Are looking for a low-cost wellness boost with no legal restrictions.
Choose CBD gummies if you:
- Want the active benefits of cannabidiol.
- Are seeking natural relaxation or better sleep.
- Are comfortable with UK-regulated products that contain trace cannabinoids.
Many people start with hemp gummies for general wellness and later move to CBD gummies when they want to explore the effects of cannabinoids more directly.
How to Use Them
Both hemp and CBD gummies are taken orally and are easy to fit into your daily routine. Follow the dosage instructions on the label. For CBD gummies, beginners usually start with one low-strength gummy per day and gradually increase if needed. Effects from CBD edibles typically appear within 30 to 90 minutes and can last several hours.
Hemp gummies can be taken at any time of day as part of a balanced diet. Since they do not contain active cannabinoids, there is no concern about timing or interaction with the endocannabinoid system.
The Importance of Quality
With the rise of online CBD sales, quality and authenticity have become major concerns. Always choose established UK brands that publish clear lab results, source hemp responsibly, and follow FSA regulations. Avoid products making unrealistic claims such as “cures anxiety” or “treats pain,” as these are not permitted under UK law.
Good-quality CBD gummies will clearly show the amount of CBD per serving, have batch tracking, and provide lab verification. Trusted hemp gummies will list nutritional information and ingredients honestly, without implying CBD benefits they do not offer.
Final Thoughts
The difference between hemp gummies and CBD gummies comes down to one key ingredient. Hemp gummies are made from hemp seed oil and offer nutritional benefits but no cannabinoids. CBD gummies contain cannabidiol extracted from hemp flowers and provide active interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system.
If you are looking for simple nutritional support, hemp gummies are a great choice. If you want to experience the wellness effects of CBD, opt for verified CBD gummies that comply with UK law and include third-party lab testing.
Understanding this distinction ensures you get exactly what you pay for, helping you make smarter, safer decisions when choosing between the two.
