THE RISE OF WEED GUMMIES

The cannabis scene has matured at a rapid pace since the dawn of adult-use legalization in the early 2010s. And while it seems like there are new cannabis products popping up on dispensary shelves every day, there’s one thing that remains a consistent best-seller: weed gummies.

Gummies capture an enormous amount of market share in legal cannabis markets, appealing to a broad range of consumer types from newbies to heads. Many folks turn to gummies when they want to experience all cannabis has to offer but do not want to smoke or vape.

Beloved for their convenience, precise dosing, discrete nature, and delicious flavors, gummies accounted for 70% of edibles sold in 2021. Analysts believe the global cannabis gummies market could reach a value of over $108 billion by 2029.

Curious about how gummies became the behemoth they are today? Read on for a deep dive into everyone’s favorite weed edible. 

How weed gummies are made

Cannabis gummies are typically made with water and gelatin as their base. However, some brands will use vegan alternatives to gelatin like pectin or agar agar powder. What comes next depends on the manufacturer.

Gummies and cannabis extracts

Weed gummies contain cannabis extract, which can be made in a variety of ways. Some use distillate, which is highly refined, flavorless cannabis oil. Others (like STIIIZY) use live resin or live rosin. Live resin extracts cannabinoids from fresh frozen plants using CO2 or butane, which is then safely removed.

Live rosin sees fresh frozen plants washed in ice water, which separates the trichome crystals where the active ingredients live. These trichomes are then pressed into a batter-like material. Rosin can also be made by applying extreme heat and pressure to plants, squeezing out a thick oil.

Many people prefer live resin or rosin gummies because the effects are more in line with smoking or vaping the plant. While they do offer a bit of a weedy flavor, most consumers enjoy the familiar flavor.

Cannabis tincture can also be used in edible gummies, but most brands use one of the oils listed above. 

Finishing the gummy recipe

Once a brand has selected their base material and the cannabis oil they’ll use, they will typically add an emulsifier such as soy lectin to the mixture. This will ensure the oil gets spread evenly throughout the gummies. Sweeteners may also be added, such as sugar or stevia.

The type of flavoring can vary greatly between brands. With so many different flavors of weed edibles, the recipes are almost infinite. Many will use natural fruit juices and extracts, while others may add in some artificial flavorings and sweeteners. Popular options include strawberry, blueberry, sour apple, citrus, and fruit punch. 

Have you tried STIIIZY's mango tango weed gummies?

The different kinds of weed gummies

It turns out that source material and flavors aren’t the only things that can vary when it comes to gummies. From potency to packaging, there are endless combinations of gummies on the market. Here are just a few of the variables.

Cannabinoid blend

When most people think about gummies, they usually envision ones containing THC or CBD. These are the most common cannabinoids at this point in time, but there are many other “lesser known” cannabinoids that are slowly making their way to the market.

Cannabinoids like CBN, THC-V, CBG, and CBC are starting to appear in more edibles. Touted for their potential therapeutic benefits, these compounds will likely become more prevalent as more is learned about their effects and consumers become more discerning.

Potency

When it comes to THC gummies, arguably among the most common types at dispensaries, a typical dose is usually 5mg per gummy. However, there is no one-size-fits-all in the cannabis market.

Some gummies contain “microdoses” of 2.5 mg. Others contain a bit more, going up to 10 mg. There are also “high dose” gummies with doses ranging from 25 mg to 100 mg per piece (STIIIZY gummies come in 10 mg or 30 mg doses).

These high-dose edibles are not for beginners—for those new to gummies, starting with a very low dose is the best way to go. You can always increase the dose as needed, but remember, they can take up to two hours to kick in so make sure to wait before eating more.

Shape

Gummies can come in all shapes and sizes. From tiny cubes and bars to triangles and circles, the shapes depend on a brand’s design. Some brands will even use unique shapes—Mike Tyson’s gummies resemble ears with a chunk missing.

Many gummies come in one large piece with precise doses scored off. This allows consumers to choose their own edible adventure, and get just the right dose for their precise needs.

Weed gummies from STIIIZY with a blue raspberry flavor.

Texture

Gummies are all chewy in some way, but the texture can differ depending on the recipe. Some may be a bit hard while others are very soft. They can be squishy or very malleable, almost resembling taffy. Some may be extra juice while others are quite firm.

Packaging

Gummy containers are just as unique as the products inside. They may come in pouches, sleeves, boxes, or tins. Laws require these packages to be tamper-proof and child safe, so if you buy gummies and they do not have these features, it could be a sign they are an unregulated product.

Why people love weed gummies so much

Infused edibles are a popular category across the board, but as we mentioned above, it’s gummies that reign supreme.

In addition to their convenience, people also tend to gravitate toward gummies because they pack a punch in a tiny package. They have an extensive shelf life, come in a variety of flavors, and simply taste great.

Gummies are also familiar, making them easy to incorporate into any lifestyle. They tend to be lower in calories and sugar than brownies, cookies, or drinks, making them attractive for health-conscious consumers who may also want a bit of a treat.

Yummy fruit punch weed gummies!

Tips on buying weed gummies

It’s important to carefully consider which edibles are right for you before making a purchase. Think about how you want to feel, if you’re seeking any therapeutic benefits, and how much time you have. After all, the effects of edibles can last for several hours or even an entire day.

Always buy weed edibles from reputable dispensaries that are licensed in your state. Legitimate gummies will have testing information on the package listing potency, manufacture date, and other pertinent information. Buying edibles online is also an option in many markets, offering a quick and easy way to get your favorite flavors right to your door.

At Stiiizy, we only use premium flowers for all of our cannabis edibles and a variety of rich flavors. Check out our 90 mg and 100 mg cannabis gummies. Explore all of Stiiizy’s products here.