You’re stepping into your favorite café. The pre-2018 Farm Bill scene of ordinary bagels and day-old muffins has been replaced. What now captures your attention is a prominent display of both Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products. Adding a dash of oil or tincture to your morning brew, relishing an extra CBD- and THC-infused treat like chocolate truffles, or even investing in a bottle of oil for personal use – CBD and THC are marking their presence everywhere, in an infinite range of forms. Let’s raise a toast to this innovative step in wellness!

Embrace the Gummy Glory

The perpetually fashionable and plentiful CBD and THC gummy tops the popularity charts. These delightful bite-sized sweets enjoy significant acclaim not only within the cannabinoid community but also among vegan enthusiasts. So whether you’re vegan, considering a vegan lifestyle, a mindful eater, or someone who has chosen a particular lifestyle path, these cannabinoids are as readily available to you as your beloved non-dairy milk is. But before we delve into why exactly these gummies are creating such a buzz, it’s worth getting a clearer understanding of the entire CBD and THC phenomena.

Unveiling CBD and THC

Known widely as CBD, Cannabidiol and THC, Tetrahydrocannabinol are naturally occurring chemical compounds extracted from plants belonging to the Cannabis genus, primarily hemp, and marijuana. They are two of the most dominant among the 113 identified cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Although these compounds share a molecular similarity with the endocannabinoids present in your body and can interact with your cannabinoid receptors, they lead to vastly different outcomes.

THC interacts robustly with the cannabinoid (CB) receptors in the brain, sparking a sense of euphoria. This experience of “euphoria” or “high” is why THC is classified as psychoactive. Conversely, CBD is non-psychoactive. It doesn’t bind to the CB receptors with the same strength as THC. This leads to a calming and relaxing sensation, distinct from the mind-altering ‘high’ produced by THC.

Why Opt for CBD and THC?

There are countless reasons for the growing trend of individuals incorporating CBD and THC as supplements in their wellness regimen, or even substituting parts of their routine for the potential benefits they might provide. A primary driving force is their minimal side effects compared to those often caused by prescription medications. Furthermore, CBD, in particular, has been proposed as a safer, non-addictive alternative. As per the World Health Organization, “CBD shows no signs suggestive of any abuse or dependence potential… So far, there is no evidence of public health-related issues tied to the use of pure CBD.”

While further exploration is required to elucidate the exact mechanisms of CBD and THC, existing research has eagerly examined both in various contexts. Given their interaction with the endocannabinoid system, it isn’t surprising that scientists were keen to investigate whether this interaction could improve certain systems governed by the endocannabinoid system, such as sleep, appetite, pain, and immune response.

Unsurprisingly, a wave of encouraging findings continues to flow from the scientific community. Multiple studies have suggested that, thanks to their interaction with the endocannabinoid system, CBD and THC might help alleviate inflammation, a typical source of physical discomfort. One specific study observed individuals with rheumatoid arthritis and their response to a CBD and THC supplement, noting improvements in the quality of sleep and reduction in pain.

The field of mental health is another area where researchers are actively studying the benefits of CBD and THC. Several studies have proposed potential advantages of both cannabinoids for anxiety and depression. One such study divided participants into a placebo group and two control groups receiving either 300 milligrams (mg) or 600 mg of CBD. Anxiety levels were then measured during a simulated public speaking test, with the 300 mg group demonstrating the most significant reduction in anxiety. Likewise, studies on THC have also indicated potential for reducing anxiety, enhancing mood, and inducing sleep.

Clinical studies have also explored their potential to assist children with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), successfully providing relief from stress and sleep disturbances related to PTSD-induced insomnia and anxiety. While we could go on listing studies that display the potential benefits of both cannabinoids, we’ll keep it brief to get to the “gummy” — I mean, good — stuff. In addition to the findings mentioned, research has suggested their potential to alleviate issues related to acne, epilepsy, migraines, drug dependency, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and more. Conversely, it’s been indicated that both might help combat issues related to heart health, diabetes, and immune response.

Unraveling the Gummy Glory

With a grasp of the potential benefits, you’re probably itching to commence your personal exploration, right? We get it—it’s thrilling! And who would want to delay accessing something that might enhance their wellbeing?

CBD and THC can be consumed in several ways, each worthy of consideration and each boasting its unique advantages and disadvantages. But let’s start with the most apparent one: CBD and THC Gummies!

Just like the state-of-the-art research, we could endlessly sing praises for these tiny delights. They’re compact, portable, and effortlessly consumable with a swift lid flip and quick mouth pop. Plus, they come in a variety of delectable flavors, shapes, doses, and formulas.

CBD and THC gummies come in three types of formulations: Isolate, offering pure CBD or THC devoid of other cannabinoids. Broad-Spectrum, which contains CBD or THC and most cannabinoids, but is THC-free in case of CBD and CBD-free in case of THC. Finally, Full Spectrum includes all the cannabinoids available from the hemp plant, including THC and CBD.

Despite the abundance of commercially available products, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has yet to approve any over-the-counter (OTC) products. Remember the 2018 Farm Bill we mentioned earlier? Although CBD is federally legal under this bill, this only pertains to products derived directly from hemp containing no more than 0.3% THC. Laws differ from state to state, so it’s crucial to check your state’s regulations and consult with a healthcare professional to obtain a safe, quality product.

One of the most exhilarating aspects of the gummy is its diversity. With endless and delightful options, it feels like being a grown-up in a candy store. Step into a nostalgia-filled journey with flavors and forms like sour apple, citrus punch, gummy bear, or even gumdrop! Venture towards a variety of serene, natural options. Are you intrigued by CBD or THC gummies crafted with ginger, vanilla, and lemon? How about those imbued with spirulina, turmeric, and a subtle hemp flavor?

What if You’re Vegan?

Fear not, vegans, gluten-free connoisseurs, mindful munchers, and eaters of all varieties! You’re in for a treat. The market isn’t just teeming with natural, organic, gluten-free, allergy-free CBD and THC gummies; it’s brimming with vegan options too!

Countless brands boast entirely vegan-friendly offerings. Furthermore, we’re witnessing a rising trend of companies adding vegan THC gummies to their repertoire, aiming to cater to the comprehensive and inclusive range of products that consumers today are seeking. Thanks to this trend, everyone can easily access safe, high-quality THC gummies, ensuring vegans aren’t left out in the cold.

Each vegan gummy is typically made from organic, non-GMO ingredients, including pectin instead of gelatin, allowing these sweet treats to maintain their delightful, chewy consistency while complying with vegan requirements. Besides being vegan-friendly, many of these CBD and THC gummies also contain only natural flavorings and colorings, so you can rest assured about what you’re ingesting.

The Finishing Touches

It’s high time for a pun, right? You’ve now got the ‘high’-lights on CBD and THC gummies. You’re familiar with the science behind these cannabinoids, their potential benefits, the types of gummies available, and the vegan options out there.

While your excitement to try these intriguing CBD and THC gummies may be palpable, remember to keep a few things in mind: always consult a healthcare provider before starting or changing your wellness routine, check the source and manufacturing process of the gummies, ensure they’re tested by a third-party lab, and finally, start small and increase your dosage gradually.

Isn’t it wonderful when the worlds of wellness, culinary delight, and vegan-friendly practices converge? So why not enjoy a gummy or two? Your wellness journey awaits. Now go forth and spread the word, the Gummy Gospel, if you will! You’ve officially been inducted into the world of vegan-friendly CBD and THC gummies!

 

Footnotes

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19675519

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5922297/

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cbd-oil-benefits#section5

https://www.healthline.com/health/best-cbd-gummies

Other

https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-vs-thc#at-a-glance

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16282192

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30328956/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5101100/

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476

https://www.healthline.com/health/best-cbd-gummies

https://www.hempurecbd.com/is-cbd-oil-legal-in-all-50-states/

https://vegannewsnow.com/2020/03/06/vegan-america-study/

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/oscars-2020-vegan-luncheon-food-plant-based-governors-ball-a9305421.html