What Are THC Gummies?
While hemp might bring to mind images of textiles, rustic rope and hemp seed snacks, it's hiding a secret compound that's captivating more Americans than ever - THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
With marijuana use almost doubling since 2013, it's time to dive into the world of legal, hemp-derived THC gummies.
Discreet, delicious, and perfectly legal - no wonder they're becoming America's favorite way to relax.
What Are Hemp-Derived THC Gummies?
THC Gummies or weed gummies are edible, soft chewy candies infused with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is the cannabinoid that gives you the “high” feeling.
THC Gummies look just like regular gummies, but they feel very different. If you’ve ever tried THC before, you might already know.
Now, they can be extracted from both hemp and marijuana. Hemp-derived Delta-9 THC Gummies are federally legal, but marijuana is still classified as a controlled substance in the Controlled Substances Act, 1971.
What Are The Effects Of THC Gummies?
THC gummies can lead to a range of effects, both mentally and physically. Here are the most common effects people report:
- Euphoria and relaxation
- Altered perception of time and senses
- Increased appetite
- Pain relief
- Anxiety reduction
- Improved sleep
You might feel euphoric, relaxed, gigglish, maybe even a bit more creative. Time might slow down, colors could seem brighter, and suddenly that bag of chips looks way more appealing.
What Does Being High Feel Like? The 7 Stages » Cannovia
Which Gummy Should I Choose?
The world of hemp products is getting more and more complicated as time goes on. There are thousands of different products, concentrations, ratios and it can be hard to determine which one is the best for you.
There are:
- THC Gummies
- CBD Gummies
- THC + CBD Gummies
In the past years, there’s been a boom in popularity of the minor cannabinoid products like CBN, CBG, CBC etc.
A general rule of thumb is to look for the cannabinoids and their ratios. The most popular ones being the primary cannabinoids - THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).
Products high in THC concentration may lean more towards a cerebral or "head high." You might also be more likely to feel anxious or paranoid.
Let's take a 15mg THC gummy, for example. On its own, it's likely to deliver a more cerebral experience—think heightened euphoria, creativity, and a sense of mental stimulation. You might feel a bit more "in your head," but with less overall body relaxation.
CBD dominant products are a great option if you’re looking to ease anxiety, reduce pain, or sleep better. CBD is known for its relaxing and calming properties.
Now, picture that same 15mg THC gummy, but this time with 60mg of CBD added in.
You'll still feel the effects of the THC, and the CBD helps to smooth out the edges, promoting relaxation and easing any potential anxiety. You might experience a greater sense of body comfort and pain relief, while still enjoying some of the euphoric “high” of THC.
The combination of THC and CBD is often described as creating an "entourage effect," where all the cannabinoids work together to enhance each other's benefits.
Based on our rigorous testing with industry experts and seven years of getting the best hemp products to you, we found the perfect ratio.
1:4 THC:CBD
Not too much THC, not too much CBD - our 1:4 ratio is just right. We've found this balance to be the sweet spot for enhancing the positive effects of both the cannabinoids.
This optimal balance ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience, where the potential side effects of THC are minimized by the calming presence of CBD.
Does Hemp Contain THC?
Hemp does in fact contain THC - the cannabinoid that makes marijuana intoxicating.
But before you start picturing hemp fields as a psychedelic wonderland: hemp and marijuana are distinct varieties of the same plant species, Cannabis sativa, and the THC levels in hemp are significantly lower.
Hemp is legally defined as a variety of Cannabis sativa which has no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight.
So, while it's technically correct to say hemp has THC, the amount is usually far lower than marijuana plants.
However, advancements in extraction techniques and the emergence of new cannabinoids are changing the landscape, making hemp-derived THC products a hot topic in the wellness world.
Do Hemp Seeds Contain THC?
Hemp seeds have protein, healthy fats, essential nutrients, but they don’t contain THC. THC is primarily found in the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant, not in the seeds.
So, you can enjoy your hemp seed granola or smoothie without worrying about any unexpected effects.
THC Isomers
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is a complex molecule that exists in various forms, these forms are known as isomers.
These isomers share the same chemical formula but differ in their structural arrangement, leading to variations in their properties and effects.
Think of them like different versions of the same song – each has the same melody but a unique arrangement and vibe.
Delta-9 THC
Delta-9 THC is the most abundant and well-known THC isomer.
Many different civilizations have used it in marijuana for recreational and therapeutic purposes for thousands of years.
The ancient Chinese for instance, used it for many things, from rheumatism to (strangely enough) absent-mindedness.
Delta-9 THC binds to receptors in the brain and body, producing a range of effects, including euphoria, relaxation, altered perception of time, enhanced sensory perception and increased appetite (“munchies”).
Delta-9 THC is also the most-researched cannabinoid along with CBD.
And let's not forget the different strains, where Delta-9 reigns supreme.
The wide range of effects experienced from different strains—whether it's the uplifting effects of a Sativa or couch-locking relaxation of an Indica—is largely attributed to Delta-9's varying concentrations and its interplay with other cannabinoids and terpenes present in each strain.
Delta-8 & Delta-10 THC
Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC are lesser-known THC isomers that have gained popularity in recent years, thanks to their milder psychoactive effects.
Delta-8 THC is often described as providing a relaxed high, similar to Delta-9 THC but way milder.
Delta-10 THC, on the other hand, is said to be more uplifting and energizing, and not as intense as Delta-9 THC.
What’s important is that both Delta-8 and Delta-10 are found in negligible amounts in the cannabis plants. This makes it harder to extract them naturally, a lot of manufacturers convert CBD to Delta-8 or Delta-10 by a chemical process.
Due to this chemical process, it can often contain residues of harsh solvents, and other unwanted ingredients.
How Does Hemp THC Get You High?
It's easy to assume hemp-derived products can't get you high. After all, hemp contains less than 0.3% THC, right? So how can hemp gummies deliver a noticeable buzz?
The answer lies in a little bit of math magic. The legal limit of 0.3% THC applies to the total concentration of THC in the product, not just the hemp extract itself.
Let's break it down:
- A small, 2-gram chocolate bar could contain up to 6mg of THC.
- A medium-sized, 5-gram cookie might have up to 15mg.
- A large, 8-gram brownie could pack a whopping 24mg!
The secret? Filler ingredients! Sugar, flour, and other goodies add weight without increasing the THC percentage, creating space for a potent dose of Delta-9 THC within the legal limit.
Cannovia’s THC Gummies contain zero artificial sugar, chemicals, or even gelatin. The filler space in our gummies is packed with natural ingredients like organic cane sugar and fruit pectin.
All perfectly legal, all with the potential for a delightful experience. Even 5mg can be a substantial dosage if you’re new to THC or have a lower tolerance.
How Is THC Extracted From Hemp?
The extraction process typically involves soaking hemp material in a solvent like ethanol or CO2 to dissolve the cannabinoids, including THC. The resulting solution is then filtered and refined to remove impurities and concentrate the desired cannabinoids and infused into gummies.
CO2 extraction was the gold standard for the industry for a time, but things have changed and we’ve come a far way.
There are two types of extraction: solvent-based extraction and solventless extraction.
Solventless extraction methods don’t use any chemical, while some do use extreme temperatures. Solvent-based means that chemicals are used in extraction and purification (as the name suggests).
But that presents us with a problem—Chemicals and harmful solvents used in the extraction can more often than not, leave “fingerprints” i.e residual matter.
Extreme temperatures on the other hand, can damage the delicate cannabinoids and terpenes, potentially altering its natural profile and diminishing the overall quality of the product.
Cannovia uses neither, we use Cellular Deconstruction™ Technology.
To put it simply, we extract our cannabinoids using physics, not chemicals, to gently extract the cannabinoids by breaking past the cell wall.
This maintains the natural profile of cannabinoids and terpenes in the extract, as they retain the ratio that nature intended. Which can contribute to a more comprehensive entourage effect and have more benefits in store for you!
Are THC Gummies Safe?
THC gummies are generally considered safe when consumed responsibly and in moderation. As with any product, there can be some side effects if you take it in excess.
The good news is that these effects are only temporary and they’ll be completely gone once the THC high wears off.
Some of the usual side effects are:
- Anxiety or paranoia
- Dry mouth and red eyes
- Impaired coordination and reaction time
- Short-term memory impairment
- Dizziness
It's important to start with a low dose and gradually increase it as needed, especially if you're new to THC. Always be mindful of your surroundings and avoid driving or operating heavy machinery while under the influence.
Hemp THC Gummies vs CBD Gummies
CBD Gummies and THC Gummies are both derived from the same cannabis plants.
While often used for similar purposes - stress relief, anxiousness, pain relief and better sleep. They offer distinct experiences.
CBD Gummies can be full spectrum, which means they contain trace amounts of THC, not enough to get you high, but enough to increase the benefits of CBD for you. This phenomena is known as the entourage effect, which theorizes that all the cannabinoids and terpenes work together to enhance each other’s effect
Hemp THC gummies contain THC, which produce psychoactive effects. CBD gummies, on the other hand, contain cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound that doesn't produce a "high" but may offer potential therapeutic benefits such as anxiety reduction, pain relief, and improved sleep.
Choosing between the two depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're seeking a subtle and relaxing experience, hemp THC gummies might be a good option. If you prefer to avoid any psychoactive effects and focus on potential health benefits, CBD gummies might be a better choice.
Are Hemp Gummies The Same As THC Gummies?
The terms "hemp gummies" and "THC gummies" can be confusing, as they're sometimes used interchangeably. However, it's important to understand the distinction. Hemp gummies can contain either CBD, THC, or a combination of both. Always read the label carefully to identify the specific cannabinoids present in the gummies.
Are Hemp-Derived THC Gummies Legal?
The legality of hemp-derived THC gummies is a complexity that varies depending on your location.
- Federal Level: The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and its derivatives, including Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC, as long as they contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC on a dry weight basis.
- State Level: However, individual states have the authority to regulate or even ban hemp-derived THC products. Some states have embraced these products, while others have imposed restrictions or outright bans. It's essential to research the specific laws in your state before purchasing or consuming hemp-derived THC gummies.
Want to find out more about your state? Click below:
Is Delta-9 THC Legal In All 50 States? » Cannovia
Can You Take THC Gummies On A Plane?
Yes, you can fly with federally legal hemp-derived THC gummies in the US (as long as they're under 0.3% Delta-9 THC).
TSA isn't looking for your gummies, but their security measures could accidentally uncover them. It's up to the agent's discretion then. Play it safe: keep them in their original packaging with the Certificate Of Analysis (COA) handy (just in case), and consider your carry-on for easier access if needed.
The presence of THC, even in trace amounts, could lead to delays, confiscation, or even legal trouble.
FAQ
Is Hemp and THC The Same?
No, hemp is one of the plants THC is derived from. Hemp is a plant while THC is a cannabinoid.
How Much THC Is Legal In Gummies?
As mentioned earlier, the legal limit for Delta-9 THC in hemp-derived products is 0.3% by dry weight. Anything above that level would be legally considered marijuana.