We see so many misconceptions about the difference between hemp and CBD gummies. Some say they’re the same thing and use these terms interchangeably. But there’s a lot more to the hemp gummies vs CBD gummies debate than meets the eye.
CBD gummies refer to gummies containing CBD. They can be derived from hemp - as is the case with our 100% legal CBD gummies for sale - or they can be made from marijuana (these gummies are only legal in certain states across the US).
Where things get tricky is that hemp gummies can technically be CBD gummies, but that’s not always the case. Some hemp gummies contain no CBD at all, and just contain hemp seed oil. While that active ingredient has its place, it should not be looked at as the same as CBD.
Learn more about hemp vs CBD gummies below, including which best suits your wellness goals. Just know that the vast majority of people are interested in CBD gummies, not hemp gummies. And your search for Mother Nature’s finest ends here at Medterra.
From CBD gummies for sleep to mood gummies, we’ve got a formula for every goal. All our gummies are sourced from premium-grade hemp and lab-tested for both potency and purity, so you can place your order with peace of mind!
“Great product! Easy to order, delivers quickly and always consistent. I highly recommend.” - Doty
“The Sleeptight gummies help me so much. I fall asleep quickly and stay asleep. I hope they don't wear off. It’s been a huge help for me.” - Martha
“These gummies are great! The perfect combo of CBD and THC. They help me feel relaxed and help me sleep well!” - Kim
Hemp Gummies vs CBD Gummies at a Glance
Factor |
Hemp Gummies |
CBD Gummies |
Active ingredient |
Hemp seed oil (nutritional fats, vitamins; no cannabinoids). |
Hemp extract with cannabinoids (CBD; may be isolate, broad spectrum, or full spectrum). Could have other ingredients depending on formula, too. |
Effects you can feel |
Primarily nutritional; no interaction with the endocannabinoid system. |
Functional support you can feel (calm, sleep, recovery) via the endocannabinoid system. |
Intended benefits |
General wellness (omega-3/6, skin/heart nutrition). |
Targeted outcomes (stress relief, better sleep, focus, post-exercise recovery). |
Label clues |
Lists “hemp seed oil” or “hemp oil”; often no mg of CBD per serving; COA rarely provided. |
Lists “CBD” with milligrams per serving; batch COA shows cannabinoid profile and purity. |
Formulation add-ins |
May include vitamins/flavoring; typically no functional actives for mood/sleep. |
Often includes L-theanine, melatonin, CBN/THC (where legal) for goal-based support. |
Cost & potency |
Usually cheaper; potency measured in mg of hemp oil (not CBD). |
Priced for verified CBD content; potency clearly stated in mg CBD per gummy. |
Legal/Compliance |
Sold as nutrition; fewer cannabinoid-specific rules. |
Must comply with hemp laws (≤0.3% Δ9-THC by dry weight) and third-party testing. |
Best for |
People wanting plant-based nutrition without cannabinoid effects. |
People seeking noticeable calm, sleep support, or recovery with predictable dosing. |
What Are CBD Gummies?
You’re probably plenty familiar with CBD gummies. These chewable treats have cannabidiol (CBD), one of over a hundred naturally occurring compounds found in hemp. This is the “healing” cannabinoid, and unlike THC, it’s totally non-intoxicating. No matter how much you take, you won’t get high.
That said, what do CBD gummies do that makes them so enticing? They can help regulate everything from mood and sleep to discomfort and overall balance. Especially when found in a format like ours here at Medterra, where we bring together other ingredients for synergy.
For instance, our Calm Gummies include l-theanine and turmeric for stress relief, while Sleep Tight Gummies combine CBD, CBN, and melatonin to support deeper rest. You get so much more than CBD in our gummies!
On that note, it’s worth mentioning that not all CBD gummies contain pure CBD. You’ll find CBD isolate gummies, which do only have CBD. Then there are broad-spectrum CBD gummies, which have everything in cannabis except THC. You also have access to THC and CBD gummies for the most true-to-plant experience,
As a delivery method, CBD gummies are popular because they combine convenience with consistency. You don’t need to measure or mix anything. Every gummy has the same amount of CBD for predictable results. They also work their magic really slowly and can last many hours.
In general, CBD gummies are the most approachable, enjoyable way to experience the potential benefits of hemp without smoking, vaping, or dealing with complicated dosing.
What Are Hemp Gummies?
Despite their similar look and taste, hemp gummies are totally different from CBD gummies. They’re typically made with hemp seed oil rather than hemp extract. It comes from pressing the hemp plant’s seeds instead of the biomass where the CBD and other cannabinoids are found.
Now, we’re not here to bash hemp gummies. They still provide a potent serving of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins. But they should not be compared to CBD gummies as far as what they can do.
Hemp gummies won’t interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is what makes you “feel” cannabis. Instead, they serve as a nutritional supplement. They can help support general wellness, heart health, and skin vitality, but that’s pretty much it.
The confusion between hemp and CBD gummies largely comes from marketing. Many brands use “hemp” as a catch-all term, even when their products don’t contain cannabidiol at all.
It’s why checking labels and Certificates of Analysis (COAs) is so important. A genuine CBD gummy will always specify how many milligrams of CBD it contains per serving. You’ll only see hemp seed oil content in hemp gummies.
That said, let’s take a closer look at the difference between hemp and CBD gummies below.
Hemp Gummies vs CBD Gummies: Key Differences to Consider
We totally understand the confusion surrounding hemp gummies vs CBD gummies, since they can technically come from the same plant. A lot of brands have used shady marketing tactics to blur the line even further.
Here are the most noteworthy differences between hemp and CBD gummies
Active Ingredients and Effects
The biggest distinction between hemp gummies vs CBD gummies is what’s active in each formula:
-
CBD gummies have CBD extracted from hemp flowers, the part of the plant rich in cannabinoids and terpenes. These compounds work with your body’s ECS to help regulate sleep, stress, and discomfort naturally.
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Hemp gummies are made from pressed hemp seeds. They’re a great source of omega fatty acids and antioxidants but contain no CBD, THC, or other cannabinoids. That means they don’t have the same relaxing or restorative effects you’d expect from CBD.
You can think about it like this: hemp gummies nourish; CBD gummies help you feel better. The latter is more tangible. And, this main distinction between hemp gummies vs CBD gummies is where all the other differences arise from.
Intended Benefits
CBD gummies are made to improve certain aspects of your life, be it stress management or relieving aches and pains. Some people use them to get better sleep, while others use them to sharpen focus. That’s the beauty of CBD gummies - they’re not just effective, they’re versatile. It all comes down to the specific formula. You can tailor your intake to your goals with precision.
On the other hand, hemp gummies support nutritional wellness. Yes, omega fatty acids are important - as are antioxidants and the other good stuff in hemp seed oil. But you’re not going to really notice too much of a difference unless you have really poor heart/skin health.
Legal and Labeling Differences
There is some overlap between hemp gummies vs CBD gummies - and legality is a good example of this. They’re both entirely legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC.
But where things get a little tricky is in labeling. A lot of hemp gummies market themselves as “CBD-rich” when they actually contain zero cannabidiol.
You never have to wonder what you’re getting when you buy CBD gummies online at Medterra. We list exact cannabinoid content per serving, verify it through third-party testing, and make COAs publicly available so you can place your order with peace of mind.
Cost Considerations
Hemp gummies typically cost less because they don’t include CBD or undergo extraction and testing. You get what you pay for, though.
In contrast, CBD gummies have to be manufactured to very strict standards, and brands have to go above and beyond to confirm potency/purity through third-party lab testing. These things increase costs, and thus, you’ll pay more for high-quality CBD gummies.
We think they’re worth every cent, though. You’re paying for efficacy, safety, and verified quality. Speaking of which…
Quality and Transparency
This is where CBD gummies, especially ours here at Medterra, stand apart from their hemp gummy counterparts. Everything is made with US-grown hemp, extracted in GMP-certified facilities, and tested by independent labs. We post those results so you can see exactly what’s in your gummies before buying.
Most hemp gummies on the market can’t offer that level of traceability because they’re classified as general supplements, not cannabinoid products. Quality CBD gummies win every time when it comes to consistency, verified potency, and peace of mind.
So What is Better, CBD or Hemp Gummies?
You should have a clear idea of which best suits you between hemp gummies vs CBD gummies at this point. CBD gummies are the obvious choice for relaxation, recovery, or better sleep. Hemp gummies may be nutritious, but most people don’t find that they move the needle for overall health and wellness.
But even once you’ve narrowed it down to CBD gummies, you have to choose a brand you can trust. Your search ends here at Medterra. We take CBD gummies even further with clean extraction, targeted formulations, and third-party testing for every batch.
You can find formulas tailored to sleep, focus, daily wellness, and more. Along with CBD you get complementary cannabinoids, proven botanicals, and other ingredients to round out your regimen. Shop now and join hundreds of thousands of customers who trust our CBD!
Wrapping Up Our Comparison of Hemp vs CBD Gummies
That concludes our overview of hemp gummies vs CBD gummies. While both gummies come from the same plant, they serve very different purposes. Hemp gummies nourish; CBD gummies transform. The choice is yours, but we think the choice is a no-brainer: choose CBD gummies!
Our blog has additional resources on what dosage of CBD gummies for sleep or how many CBD gummies to relax if you want to learn more. Otherwise, the only thing left to do is find the perfect formula for your needs at Medterra.
Skip the guesswork. Shop science-backed CBD that actually works today!