Technical Notes: Cannabis Gummies

Overview
I tested gummies from various sources over the past year. Having a background in chemistry, I found it disturbing that some of the first products I tested varied widely in potency, even within a package. One gummy would not seem to have any effect, another had me tripping balls (enjoyable, but unexpected). I never felt in danger, but obviously this was not desirable either. I tested products from several suppliers and two of the best are Summit THC and Barely Legal Hemp.

Reviewing online vendors, the most reputable typically reference the United States 2018 Farm Bill that legalizes the use of hemp to create various products. The products I tested contained THC (Delta 8, Delta 9) and CBD (all products) and have both psychoactive and physical effects when ingested.

Summit and Bearly Legal Hemp both offer third party analysis on their respective web sites. The samples include Delta 8 (Summit and Bearly Legal), Delta 9 (Bearly Legal), and HHC (Summit).

Recommend dose is a half or quarter gummy before bed to determine what works for you. The suppliers typically note the product effect duration is in the range of 4=6 hours. This was my experience, and getting up the next morning, I feel it was safe to drive, work, and go about my day. I take a half or full gummy, but your mileage may vary.

Summary
My primary use was to better manage intrusive thoughts after the death of my youngest brother after exercise and meditation failed.

Delta 9 products are typical of smoking or eating marijuana. Depending on the dose, I felt very relaxed, experienced a mellow high that let me fall asleep quickly. I felt like I entered REM sleep, but with no dream state, and I woke up refreshed and alert.

Delta 8 products had less of a psychoactive effect and more of a ‘body high’. I felt physically a bit sluggish if I got up at night, but I had a deep, dreamless sleep and woke up refreshed, but less alert initially compared to Delta 9. However, in a short time (10-15 minutes) I was alert and started my workday without any lingering effects.

I only tested one HHC product (Summit). The effects are like Delta 8 products. Less psychoactive and more of a full body relaxation. Similar next morning effects as well. I also tested HHC less than the Delta 8 and 9 products.

Additional Notes
I didn’t test any products during the day. All use was at night and based on the manufacturer’s packaging and web sites, the product effects last 4-6 hours.
Overall, the Delta 9 products worked best for me. I’m continuing to research the various products and there appears to be more concern (and future regulations or restrictions) around Delta 8 and other, newer compounds.

Summit Product Guide
https://summitthc.com/pages/product-guide

Barely Legal Hemp Co.
https://www.bearlylegalhemp.com/

Brookings – The Farm Bill, hemp legalization and the status of CBD: An explainer

The Farm Bill, hemp legalization and the status of CBD: An explainer