CBD gummies vs. THC edibles: What's the difference?
Learn the basics about CBD and THC, including key differences between CBD gummies and THC edibles.
Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Caley Scott, ND
The hemp industry has shattered expectations, growing in every new direction and pushing the envelope of innovation. Not only are we seeing new methods of cannabis extraction and concentration, but delivery formats have also evolved considerably in the past few years. In other words, there are more ways to consume cannabis than ever, and there is so much more in store.
Let’s look at a long-standing comparison in the world of hemp and cannabis products: CBD gummies vs. THC edibles. These are two types of cannabinoids, paired with two distinct formats that can make all the difference in your experience.
Is there really a major difference between CBD gummies and THC edibles, and if so, what does this mean for you? Let’s dig in and find out so you can have a more informed cannabis experience.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring compound of the Cannabis sativa plant, known for its adaptive therapeutic benefits and non-psychoactive effects. Depending on the strain of cannabis in question, CBD concentrations can range anywhere from 1% to 20% and more, with unique characteristics resulting from other CBD analogs in the cannabinoid profile.*
As CBD gained mainstream acceptance thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, this compound has made huge strides in terms of availability, variety, and new research studies. It quickly went from a hidden gem to a centerpiece of the health and wellness community, with the sales and results to back it up.
How does CBD make you feel?
Whether you take a CBD tincture, oil, edible, or other format, you’ll experience many of the same benefits. For starters, CBD is adaptive, meaning it works to meet you where you are with your current endocannabinoid system function. That’s why no two CBD experiences are exactly alike, and why the different effects of CBD and reported feelings can vary widely.
With that said, CBD users often report feelings of relaxation, soothing of tension, and reduced discomfort when taking CBD, especially a full spectrum CBD product with a wider range of active ingredients.
CBD can also offer calming sensations during periods of stress or when trying to sleep. This is why people often use CBD to navigate busy work schedules, complement their workout routines, or catch up on rest.*
What is THC?
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive compound in the Cannabis sativa plant, responsible for producing the “high” typically associated with marijuana use. It’s found in varying levels in the cannabis plant, and its legality is still a matter of debate. Unlike CBD, THC is not legal under federal law, but many individual states have moved to make medical cannabis and recreational cannabis legal.*
Meanwhile, the availability of THC edible products has increased rapidly with this changing legal landscape. We now see not only tinctures and smokable THC products, but also brownies, candies, and other products with considerable THC concentrations.
THC is here to stay — the key is making it work for you in a healthy, sustainable way.
How does THC make you feel?
The compound interacts directly with endocannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2, creating an altered sense of time and space perception, among other effects. Sensations like increased hunger and reduced satiety mechanisms may also lead THC users to snack, while a deep sense of relaxation may make it difficult to perform strenuous physical activity.*
While these are the stereotypical effects of THC, the truth about the compound is more complex, and variables like method of delivery and the entourage effect can make a difference. For instance, CBD combined with THC might reduce some of the adverse psychological effects of THC, and a serving amount is always a prime factor in an individual’s experience.*
Consider these factors when looking for THC gummies, edibles, or any other method of delivery. Your experience will be determined by serving amount, setting, personal comfort, and much more.
What are CBD gummies?
CBD gummies are a specific category of CBD edibles in gummy format. These can range from old-fashioned peach rings to classic gummy animal shapes to simple droplets and squares.
Of course, there are many subcategories and specialty products found under the CBD gummy umbrella. The first key factor is the type of hemp extract in question. Full spectrum CBD gummies utilize the complete range of cannabinoids from the plant, with CBD and other non-psychoactive analogs, plus terpenes, flavonoids, and trace amounts of THC.*
Still, broad spectrum CBD gummies can be useful in their own regard. Simply find the format, flavors, and formulations that work for you — it’s all a matter of taste and preference.
What are the benefits of CBD gummies?
The benefits of CBD gummies start with the power of CBD itself. All the effects you’d expect from tinctures, oils, and other edibles, such as relaxation and balance, can be found with gummy formats.
The key difference with gummies comes in their simplicity, convenience, and user-friendly appeal. Gummies are a familiar format for people of all ages and backgrounds, and don’t have the learning curve that might come with tinctures, droppers, and the associated calculations needed for each serving.
In other words, gummies have a consistent, predictable serving size that you can rely on every time. Just read the label, account for the milligram of CBD per serving, and eat the gummy as you typically would. Additionally, gummies are usually the first domain of innovation for new hemp and cannabis products, and brands often introduce new formulations and extracts in gummy format before testing out other edible types.*
What are THC edibles?
THC edibles are just as they sound: any edible product containing THC as a primary active ingredient. Exact concentrations can be called into question here, but in most cases, a product earns the THC label when it exceeds 0.3% per serving.
Of course, many THC edibles feature much higher concentrations of this compound in a single serving, so you’ve got to crunch some numbers and be careful with what you consume. This is especially important for delta-8 THC products which can sometimes feature misleading labeling to skirt regulations in certain regions.
For the most part, THC edibles include the tried-and-true favorites of the cannabis edible tradition. You’ll find brownies, cookies, candies, gummies, and even savory snacks like chips or granola bars.
The goal is to introduce THC to the system in a convenient way that doesn’t involve smoking, vaping, or other means of delivery. If you can manage your THC intake and opt for organic ingredients, these edibles can be safe and enjoyable.
What are the benefits of THC edibles?
The main benefit of a THC edible is the convenience. Not everyone is willing or able to smoke or vape marijuana, as the potential health risks of these formats are well documented.
Besides, THC edibles allow for the consumption of THC in exact serving sizes that you can track and adjust over time. Just a small amount of THC can go a long way for inexperienced users, so starting with just a 2 or 3 mg serving can be enough to produce a noticeable high.*
Can edibles contain both THC and CBD?
Edibles can absolutely contain both THC and CBD, and discovering your preferred ratio of cannabinoids is part of the journey. Many users prefer a more CBD dominant experience with THC taking a backseat, while others are all about the THC and pay no mind to CBD.
Your first responsibility is learning to read labels and ensuring you know the exact cannabinoid breakdown for any gummy or edible product more broadly. This will save you time, hassle, and keep you on track with a safe and happy Cannabis sativa journey.*
What should you look for in a cannabis edible?
Like most things in health and wellness, the closer you can get to nature, the better. With that in mind, the best cannabis edibles are free of excessive preservatives, artificial flavors, and sweeteners that either overload the sugar or use questionable synthetics.
This approach also applies to the cannabis extracts themselves. Are the extracts organic, and how were they taken from the cannabis plant? Are there reliable third-party lab tests you can reference for safe measures and to ensure you know the active ingredient profiles? We take these things seriously at Sunmed, which is why we provide full transparency with each product batch we make.
When to choose CBD gummies vs. THC edibles
CBD gummies can easily be integrated with your daily routine, whether you’re looking for a morning ritual, a pre-workout boost, or an evening chill-out. Because CBD is so versatile and can be paired with specialized cannabinoids, it can carve out a place in your day no matter what. That’s the idea behind our Full Spectrum Anytime Gummies.*
THC edibles, on the flip side, are typically better enjoyed in a calm, relaxed setting without the pressures of work and other major responsibilities. Save these edibles for when your to-do list is cleared and you can relax fully without the possibility of stress.
The bottom line
Everyone will have their own approach to hemp and cannabis supplementation, which is why we’re happy to deliver such a diverse range of CBD gummies, THC edibles, and more. Get started with Sunmed and learn more about how hemp can bring balance and energy to your life using our finest organic extracts and natural ingredients.*
Sources:
Facts about Marijuana Edibles and Your Health | Public Health Institute at Denver Health
THC and CBD: Similarities and differences between siblings | NIH
Tasty THC: Promises and Challenges of Cannabis Edibles | NIH
Artificial sweeteners and other sugar substitutes | Mayo Clinic