THC Gummies: Understanding Their Potential Benefits

The first bear-shaped gummies were popularized in Germany in the 1920s based on recipes for candies originating in Great Britain. From the time their rainbow colors, sweet fruity flavors, and distinctive textures were first introduced to mainstream consumers in the 1980s, candy manufacturers nationwide have been creating their own take on the chewy treats.¹

The grassroots cannabis movement paved the way for the sweet confections to become one of the most popular THC edibles available. Over time, forward-thinking innovators developed production methods that ensured consistent flavors, textures, and potencies.² Now that retailers nationwide are adding products made with hemp-derived THC to their inventories, consumers naturally wonder about the possible benefits. Are you ready to explore? We'll cover what THC gummies are, how they work, their possible benefits, and several factors you'll want to consider before indulging your curiosity. 

What Are THC Gummies? 

There are many types of THC gummies. Some retain the many potentially beneficial cannabinoids and unique terpene profiles of the original plant source. Others are made with a purified, concentrated form of a single cannabinoid. The hemp-derived THC gummies sold in specialty stores, vape shops, and direct-to-consumer from brand websites are most often made with Delta-8, Delta-9, or Delta-10 THC. Although the precise list of ingredients can vary by brand, most THC gummies are made with gelatin or a vegan equivalent, sweeteners, and natural or artificial flavors and colors.³  

How Do THC Gummies Work? 

The Delta THC variants in hemp-derived gummies and the THC-dominant varieties sold in cannabis dispensaries interact with a specific chemical receptor in your brain, nerve cells, and connective tissues, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) receptor CB1.⁴ Activating CB1 receptors with THC temporarily modifies the flow of information between nerve cells while also increasing the amount of dopamine circulating through your system.⁵ 

When THC-dominant cannabis is smoked or vaped, the results of those effects are evident within minutes because the cannabinoid absorbs directly into the bloodstream. The cannabinoids in gummies (and other edibles), on the other hand, have to be processed through the digestive system. Instead of near-immediate results, it can take up to two hours for the THC to make its presence known. 

Exploring The Possible Benefits of THC-Infused CBD Gummies  

THC is best known for its "recreational" effect. But that's no reason to disregard the cannabinoid's possible contributions to overall health and wellness. The small amount of THC in full spectrum hemp extract, for example, contributes to the overall efficacy of CBD products through its involvement in a property unique to cannabis researchers call an "entourage" effect. It's a theory used to explain how the plant's many terpenes and additional cannabinoids combine to maximize the effects of each plant element.6 The unaltered 15-20:1 CBD to THC ratio ensures there's no risk of intoxication. 

When enjoyed responsibly, hemp-derived gummies made with enhanced concentrations of THC can be both uplifting and relaxing. In a 2022 CBDistillery® study conducted in partnership with Releaf/MoreBetter, more than half (55%) of our study participants reported enjoying their gummies to relax and unwind at the end of the day. When asked about their experiences, 89% confirmed that they felt "relaxed," 35% reported feeling "euphoric," and 23% said they felt "amused." Only 12% of our study participants were "looking for a high." 

Factors to Consider When Choosing Hemp-Derived THC Gummies  

The purity and potency of the gummies you select can have a significant impact on how you might feel. Even relatively mild THC intoxication can cause drowsiness, heighten sensory awareness, alter time perception, or increase your appetite. Exceeding your tolerance level can cause memory lapses, loss of coordination, panic attacks, paranoia, or hallucinations.⁷ Manufacturers selling hemp-derived THC gummies are required to keep the total amount of Delta-9 below 0.3% (by weight). 

Reputable companies protect consumers from concentrations exceeding established (legal) parameters by verifying their THC content through third-party testing. But of the 75% of CBD brands claiming their products are third-party tested, only 13% batch test at least 90% of their products to verify their cannabinoid profiles and screen for heavy metals, extraction residue, and microbial contamination.⁸ If you don't have access to the documentation backing those assertions, a certificate of analysis, choose a different brand. 

You'll also want to consider the type of hemp-derived THC used to enhance your gummies. Multiple companies are fond of highlighting the fact that Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC are naturally occurring cannabinoids. But there's a catch. Hemp extracts contain only minuscule amounts, if any. Manufacturers are keeping pace with market demand by using harsh solvents to convert CBD to THC, a practice that creates unidentified synthetic reaction byproducts that evade third-party testing.⁹ Researchers don't fully understand how chemically altered, synthetic cannabinoids are metabolized or stored in the human body.¹⁰ 

Why Choose CBDistillery® for Gummies Enhanced with Hemp-Derived THC  

CBDistillery® has a long-standing reputation for providing high-quality, rigorously tested hemp-derived CBD oil tinctures, topicals, softgels, and gummies. Every product we offer is made with non-GMO, naturally farmed hemp flower. We rely on the cleanest extraction methods available, and our products are rigorously tested and quality-assured.   

Instead of using harsh chemicals to convert CBD to a synthetic isomer, CBDistillery® THC gummies are enhanced with Delta-9 – a naturally occurring cannabinoid that's been studied for decades. We think you'll appreciate how the finely tuned cannabinoid profiles of the following products developed by our expert botanists create feelings of overall well-being and a balanced state of relaxation. 

CBDistillery® ommm+ distilled THC + CBD Gummies 

CBDistillery® ommm+ distilled THC + CBD Gummies give you the best of everything full spectrum CBD has to offer, plus just the right amount of Delta-9 THC for relaxation, an uplifting yet mellow buzz, and the advantages of an enhanced entourage effect. Each berry-flavored, vegan gummy gives you 5mg of THC and 25 mg of CBD to help calm your mind, relax your body, and ease your tension. 

CBDistillery® shhh+ distilled THC + CBN + CBD Gummies   

CBDistillery® shhh+ distilled THC + CBN + CBD Gummies are dreamberry-flavored and specifically formulated for deep sleep. Their expertly selected blend of cannabinoids works synergistically. As the 5mg of THC helps you drift off naturally, the 25mg of CBD and 5mg of CBN (cannabinol) help ensure you're getting the rest you need to wake feeling refreshed. You get 30 gummies per jar. 

Could Our THC Gummies Elevate Your CBD Experience?  

People are understandably curious about the many THC-infused gummies sold in retail spaces. Most want to know how the effects of Delta-8, Delta-10, and other THC isomers compare to Delta-9 THC. To date, there are no reports of Delta-10 causing significant harm. Delta-8, on the other hand, has experts concerned. The FDA has received numerous reports of Delta-8 causing potentially serious reactions, with more than half of those affected requiring emergency intervention or hospitalization. National Poison Control has received hundreds of similar reports.¹¹ 

CBDistillery® THC gummies are made with naturally occurring Delta-9 THC. Their finely tuned cannabinoid profiles could be just what you need to elevate your CBD experience. But since they could cause a level of intoxication or drowsiness you may not expect, we recommend starting with just part of a gummy and waiting at least 2 hours between servings. If you're looking for answers to questions we haven't covered, consider scheduling a personal consultation. 

References  

1. (2022) History of Gummy Bears: Invention and Making Process for First Time. 

2. (2023) The History of THC Gummies: From Their Origins to Today's Market. Robhots. 

3. Hallak S. (2023) What are Gummies Made Of? Candy Pros. 

4. Mackie K. (2008) Cannabinoid Receptors: Where They Are and What They Do. 20(1) J Neuroendocrinol 10-14. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2826.2008.01671.x 

5. Currin, G. (2020) How Does Cannabis Get You High? Live Science. 

6. Nahler G, Jones T, et al. (2019) Cannabidiol and Contributions of Major Hemp Phytocompounds to the "Entourage Effect"; Possible Mechanisms. J Altern Complement Integr Med 70(5) PDF download 

7. Ferguson S. (2023) What Is Delta-9? Healthline. 

8. Harrington A. (2021) 25% of CBD Products Are Not Tested for Purity. Forbes. 

9. Long J. (2021) Some Experts Are Beginning to Raise Concerns About the Synthetic Compounds in Delta-8 THC Products That Have Not Been Studied to Determine Whether They Are Safe or Toxic To Humans. Natural Products Insider. 

10. Erickson B. (2021) Delta-8-THC Craze Concerns Chemists. Chemical Engineering News. 

11. US Food & Drug Administration. (2022). Five Things to Know About Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol. FDA.