The Truth About THC Gummies and Addiction

The way people use cannabis has transformed in recent years. One of the most popular new forms of consuming cannabis is with infused edible treats. The dangers and effects of edibles are not as well known as with smoking, with many misconceptions hiding inside their bright, candy-inspired packaging.

What exactly are cannabis gummies and edibles?

Edible cannabis products (edibles for short) are products infused with cannabinoids that you take by eating or drinking.  The cannabinoids in edibles affect your mind and body when consumed. The two primary cannabinoids in edibles are:

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol): THC is a psychoactive compound in cannabis that generates a feeling of being high or intoxicated.

Cannabidiol (CBD): CBD is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis and can sometimes be found in edibles marketed as “CBD-only” edibles.

Gummies and edibles can vary greatly in appearance and ingredients, including how much THC and CBD they contain. Edibles have become an increasingly popular way to consume cannabis as a means to ingest it discreetly, without smoking.

They’re often made to resemble some form of food substance but are not marketed to provide nutrition or sustenance. Cannabis edibles come in a variety of forms, including:

• Gummies: Chewy sweets resembling Haribos and cola bottles, infused with cannabis extract.
• Cakes and chocolates: Baked goods that usually use cannabis-infused oil or butter in the cooking process.
• Beverages: Soft drinks like teas, kombucha and even beers can be infused with THC and CBD as they’re processed.

The range of edibles has grown extensively in recent years. In 2022, the cannabis-edibles market was estimated at $8 billion. In the next ten years, the compound annual growth rate of edibles is 16.5%.

Are there potential positives of cannabis edibles?

If we are to strive for the truth on cannabis edibles, it will benefit us to consider both sides of the argument. Some users may state that cannabis edibles offer certain benefits when consumed in low doses.

Results can vary based on factors like age, weight and tolerance, though some reported benefits include:

• Pain relief: A study reports that 97% of participants using cannabis for chronic pain claimed a 64% relative decrease in pain, particularly benefiting conditions like arthritis and neuropathy.
• Anxiety and stress reduction: Other research reports that CBD in edibles can have a calming effect, providing short-term relief from feelings of stress and anxiety.
• Sleep aid: Further research suggests that high doses of CBD (160 mg) may increase the duration of sleep, making edibles a potential option for those struggling with sleep issues.

While these potential benefits may provide comfort for some, it is critical to understand that they’re short-lived and temporary, often coming with much greater risks to your health.

Delving into the dangers of edibles

The packaging and innocuous appearance of edibles like gummies and chocolates can be misleading. Overusing edibles carries significant risks that should not be overlooked. Research is ongoing into the long-term health risks of cannabis gummies, but recent findings show real dangers for people using them.

Some of the dangers of using THC gummies include:

Inconsistent dosing and potency

One of the most pertinent risks when taking edible THC is that they are often sold with unreliable and untrue levels of THC and CBD. A US research report of 75 products found only 17% of products were accurately labelled.

This first risk has the potential to compound the other dangers mentioned. It becomes immediately difficult to control intake as the label for what you’re putting into your body is completely unregulated.

Psychotic symptoms from THC in high quantities

THC, the psychoactive component in cannabis edibles, can have a profound impact on mental health when consumed in high quantities. High THC doses in edibles can trigger or exacerbate a catalogue of mental health issues, including anxiety, paranoia and, in severe cases, psychosis.

Some research suggests that people who ingest high-potency cannabis on a daily basis potentially have a five times greater risk of developing psychosis compared to people who have never ingested cannabis. Many gummies sold in unregulated markets may contain THC levels above what is shown on the label.

Delayed onset and risk of overconsumption

Another risk for a person ingesting edible cannabis is the amount of time it takes before you feel the effect. Generally, smoking weed will make a person “stoned” or high within 1 – 2 minutes. Unlike smoking, however, ingesting cannabis usually takes effect from 30 minutes to 2 hours after consumption.

Overconsumption can be especially risky for first-time users. The delayed onset of effects may mislead a person into taking a higher dose, leading to deep intoxication, overwhelming anxiety and nausea. Judgement can also become impaired, creating a very real risk for anyone operating machinery or doing an everyday task like driving.

Impairments in behaviour and daily functioning

High THC levels in edibles may cause significant behavioural changes and impairments. Research illustrates that cannabis can negatively affect your ability to make everyday decisions. Functions you may take for granted, like your decision-making, attention span, and memory, can all take a nosedive when using cannabis long-term. As your ability to make the right decision deteriorates, it’s more likely that addiction to cannabis will form, potentially leading to cannabis use disorder.

Accidental ingestion, especially by children

Edibles are designed to resemble everyday sweets and snacks, and manufacturers often make them as appealing to children as possible. 2022 Research in the US shows that around 1,000 children accidentally ingested cannabis edibles. Accidental consumption of edible cannabis is especially dangerous in children and can lead to serious health issues like seizures and respiratory distress.

Young adolescents often search online for terms such as “Is cannabis addictive?” Teenagers often grow curious and find it hard to turn to parents or guardians for advice, instead searching for answers online. Research shows that the risk of developing a cannabis use disorder is stronger in people who start using cannabis during their teens.

Ongoing physical and mental health concerns

Long-term consumption of cannabis edibles can have serious detriments on both physical and mental health. Regularly taking gummies and edibles makes you much more likely to develop an addiction or cannabis use disorder (CUD). Research indicates that as many as 10% of cannabis users are affected by the disorder.

Developing CUD can create a host of negative effects on your well-being. Physically, chronic use of cannabis can result in respiratory issues, cardiovascular strain and compromised immune system function.

For your mental health, having a weed addiction has been linked to anxiety, depression and cognitive impairments. Chronic use can also exacerbate preexisting mental health conditions or trigger psychosis. Withdrawing from cannabis often causes a person to grow irritable, aggressive and nervous.

There can also be an intermingling of physical and mental health dangers as a person tries to work their way out of a cannabis use disorder. For example, appetite can massively fluctuate, making a person’s weight shift wildly. Sleep regularity and quality can also be greatly affected when a person consumes cannabis, creating a knock-on effect on your daily energy levels and immune system.

Where can I find support for cannabis addiction?

If you or someone you know is affected by an addiction to cannabis, we’d like to let you know that here at UKAT, help is available. Addiction often makes people feel powerless and lonely, but we want to provide the support you need to escape addiction.

We provide comprehensive cannabis detox programmes that help you every step of the way. Our expert staff are trained to provide holistic care and healing with a personal touch. Aftercare support is in place to give you back the control you need for a healthier, drug-free life.

We’re only one click or phone call away. Get in touch with us today.