What Are THC Gummies Good For?

Read Time: 7 minutes

Like many other Americans, you may be experimenting with cannabis for the first time as legalization spreads from state to state. There are many options out there, so it may be tricky to decide which method works best for you. Luckily, one of the most popular ways people use THC is via edibles—more specifically, gummies! If you’re just starting out, you might be curious (but a bit intimidated, as well) about trying THC. We’re here to introduce you to THC, as well as let you know more about some THC gummies you may enjoy. Are there any benefits to THC gummies? Below, we dive deeper into how these tasty treats may be therapeutic for your body and mind.

What Are THC Gummies?

THC gummies are soft, tasty morsels, typically similar to fruit snacks, infused with delta-9 THC distillate. They offer a quick, consistent way to introduce cannabinoids into your system—with a wide variety of shapes, sizes, potencies, and flavors. THC gummies are often made with natural fruit purées, sugar, and gelatin—however, they can also be formulated using vegan ingredients.

Most THC gummies use delta-9 THC, which is found in cannabis and hemp and is best known for getting you high. Some brands, however, also use delta-8 THC—which is synthesized from CBD found in hemp.¹ Unlike CBD gummies, THC gummies will cause you to feel the trademark high associated with THC—however, they can also host a handful of potential benefits to make them enjoyable and potentially therapeutic.

What Are THC Gummies Good For?

The primary active ingredient in THC gummies is, of course, THC itself. Delta-9 THC is one of the primary cannabinoids in cannabis, with small amounts found in hemp. This cannabinoid is responsible for causing you to feel high by interacting with some of the receptors found in the endocannabinoid system (or ECS).²

The ECS is responsible for managing a host of background processes within the body—such as mood, sleep-wake cycles, inflammatory responses, and immune system function. Its purpose is to ensure our body remains balanced and functioning at its best. THC interacts with the ECS in a few different ways and may promote potentially therapeutic effects within the body and mind.

For starters, there’s a lot to be said about the high associated with THC. Seeing as THC alters perception, it may help you feel less stressed—or help to pull you out of a sour mood. Evidence suggests THC may trigger the release of anandamide, or the bliss molecule, and small amounts of dopamine which help create an uplifted and euphoric feeling.³⁻⁴ This effect could wash away feelings of stress, anxiety, or sadness.

Furthermore, studies suggest that the high may change our perceptions of pain.⁵ Some studies indicate THC may offer mild anti-inflammatory effects—though many medical marijuana patients use THC for pain relief. Its pain-relieving properties could have more to do with the perception of pain rather than its physical effects on the body. Introducing THC into your system may make it easier to manage pain symptoms mentally, as opposed to altering your body physically.

Aside from the high, evidence suggests THC may also be able to aid physical matters—muscle spasms and tremors, inflammation, nausea, eye pressure, or lack of appetite—due to the way it interacts with the ECS.⁶⁻¹⁰ Other studies have indicated that used sporadically, it may help with acute insomnia and make restful sleep easier to find.¹¹

Overall, THC may be therapeutic in several ways thanks to its potential effects on both the body and mind. This is a large part of the reason why so many people are turning to THC as a holistic approach to overall wellness.

Other Benefits of THC Gummies

There’s a lot to love about THC—and there’s a lot to appreciate about THC gummies, as well.

Fewer Health Risks Than Inhaling

The most significant benefit of consuming THC via gummies is that they’re smoke-free. Avoiding inhaling smoke altogether is considered the healthiest way to enjoy THC, as anything other than oxygen entering your lungs always comes with health risks.

Much like tobacco, cannabis smoke also contains natural oils and chemicals that may hurt your lungs.¹² Some research suggests that people who smoke cannabis regularly often experience chronic bronchitis and other airway issues.¹³ There’s also the added layer that the physical act of smoking something can be habit-forming. Even though research suggests that THC may not be physically addictive, there’s a chance you can get addicted to (or orally fixated on) the act of smoking itself.

That’s where THC gummies come in. Since you don’t have to inhale them, you’re opting out of a few of the major health risks associated with consuming THC. You also reduce the likeliness of forming a habit with THC by choosing to ingest it versus smoking it.

Longer Lasting Effects

THC edibles can take up to two hours to kick in, but their effects can last up to 8 hours or more (depending on body type, weight, and metabolism). That can be a major bonus if you are using THC for its pain-relieving or mind-altering potential for extended periods of time.

Inhaling THC provides nearly instant feedback.¹⁴ THC inhaled through the lungs is introduced into the bloodstream and makes its way to the brain in a matter of seconds. For many, THC can result in feeling anxious—depending on how much was inhaled at once. These effects typically peak in about 15 minutes, so you would need to inhale more to keep said effects going.

Edibles, on the other hand, get kind of a bad rap. Since they don’t provide instant feedback, it’s easier for people to take too little or too much. Edibles take a while to metabolize, so some may become impatient waiting to feel its effects so eat another gummy. Thus, when the first serving kicks in—in addition to the second—people may wind up with an anxious experience lasting four hours.

With THC gummies, you should start with a nice and low serving size of around 5mg and wait patiently to feel its effects. You’ll be in for a mellow and pleasant ride. Always start with a very small serving when trying out different THC gummies and then just incrementally work your way up to dial in what serving size is best for you. Make sure that you’re patient and wait the full two hours before eating another edible to avoid greening out!¹⁵

Consistently Precise Serving Sizes

Unlike other methods of consuming THC, edibles are one of the most consistent formats you’ll find. THC gummies are emulsified—meaning that you can split them into pieces to customize a smaller serving size, without worrying about breaking off a piece that’s too strong. It’s also worth mentioning that each THC gummy is crafted using a lot of math. Gummy makers will calculate a precise measurement of THC distillate to include in treats and emulsify the mixture to make sure you’re always getting the exact amount of THC listed on the gummy label.

Keep in mind, though, sometimes your serving may feel stronger depending on what’s going on within your body that day. Gummies may be perfectly measured, but if you eat a THC gummy on an empty stomach, it may feel stronger—or even kick in faster than it would if you had eaten.¹⁶ It’s best to eat a meal about an hour before you take a THC gummy so that its effects are more consistent and mellow. A full stomach makes it easier for the body to process the edibles slowly, so you may be less likely to experience anxiety on the come-up.

More Discreet Than Other Options

Another thing to love about THC gummies is that edibles are by far the most discreet method for enjoying THC. It’s easy to pop a gummy into your mouth without drawing much attention—which may be especially important if you’re looking to “take the edge off” around less-than-progressive friends or family. Unlike smoking and vaping, edibles don’t give off an odor—or require whipping out some kind of pipe. You simply choose one, pop it in your mouth, and go.

May Take Longer To Develop A Tolerance To THC

THC gummies take some time to kick in, but also last a long time and feel pretty potent. What’s interesting is, technically, they deliver a much smaller amount of THC into your system versus if you were to inhale it. Edibles tend to only deliver 10-20% THC—but when THC is inhaled that’s closer to 50-60%.¹⁷

That said, you’re introducing less THC into your system, so it may fully metabolize and leave your body in a shorter time span than if inhaled. This also means it may take longer for you to build a tolerance to the THC found in edibles than it would if you were smoking regularly.¹⁸

THC Gummies & Lazarus Naturals

At the end of the day, THC gummies provide a consistent, familiar, and delicious way for you to enjoy the therapeutic potential of the cannabinoid. Eager to try for yourself? You’re in the right place! At Lazarus Naturals, our THC gummies are formulated with hemp-derived THC, complete with other potentially beneficial cannabinoids and functional ingredients that help the THC work even harder for you.

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