With the growing popularity and legalization of cannabis products across North America, a wide range of edibles infused with either CBD or THC have hit the market. Two of the most popular options are CBD and THC gummies.
Pros of CBD gummies
- Legal. Since CBD gummies contain little to no THC, they are legal in most states and available without a prescription.
- Non-intoxicating. You take CBD gummies during work or while caring for children without impacting mental clarity.
- Potential therapeutic uses. Early research indicates CBD helps with conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, inflammation, and insomnia. More studies are underway.
- Precise dosing. Gummies allow CBD doses to be split into precise, pre-measured servings. This helps ensure consistent daily use.
Cons of CBD Gummies
- May interact with other medications. CBD potentially interacts with some prescription medications, especially blood thinners, and medications metabolized by the liver. Check with your doctor first.
- Questionable quality control. The CBD market remains unregulated, leading to potential issues with quality control, purity, and accurate labeling of some products. Only purchase gummies from reputable brands that provide third-party lab testing.
- Can be expensive. High-quality CBD gummies from trusted brands tend to cost more than average edibles infused with THC or other ingredients.
- Delayed onset. CBD gummies take 1-2 hours to fully kick in due to the digestion process, while other methods like vaping or tinctures feel faster.
Pros of THC gummies
- Intoxicating effects. The “high” from canna river THC gummies is the main draw for recreational users. At moderate doses, it induces strong psychoactive effects and changes sensory perception.
- Stimulates appetite. THC activates appetite hormones which benefit those struggling with appetite issues. This is especially true with medical marijuana patients undergoing cancer treatments.
- Anti-inflammatory. Like CBD, early research shows THC has anti-inflammatory properties that help certain medical conditions.
- Helps sleep. Moderate doses of THC before bed decrease sleep difficulties for some people, especially those with insomnia.
Cons of THC gummies
- Impairs mental function. While sometimes considered a “pro” for recreational use, the altered mental state from THC is problematic for completing work, driving, and other daily tasks requiring full coordination or cognition.
- Increased heart rate. THC has been shown to temporarily elevate resting heart rate, which could impact those with heart conditions. Still, research remains limited to long-term cardiovascular effects.
- Addiction potential. Consuming high-THC products daily leads to dependence in a small subset of users. Risk increases substantially in those with a family or personal history of substance abuse.
- May trigger anxiety. While THC reduces anxiety for some, high doses paradoxically worsen symptoms especially in those already diagnosed with anxiety disorders according to some studies.
- Delayed onset. Like with CBD gummies, THC edibles take 30 mins to over 2 hours to fully kick in, making proper dosing more difficult.
Determining the best type of gummies
So should you choose CBD or THC gummies? The answer depends on your health goals and whether you are looking for the intoxicating effects. For managing health symptoms like pain or anxiety, CBD gummies offer relief without the high. However, if your goal is recreational use and psychoactive effects for occasional enjoyment, THC will better suit the experience you are chasing.
