CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are two of the most well-known cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. While they share some similarities, they also have distinct differences in their effects, mechanisms of action, and legal status. Gummies offer a convenient and precise way to consume THC and CBD, as each gummy typically contains a standardized dose of cannabinoids. This allows users to control their dosage more accurately, making achieving desired effects easier and tailoring their experience to individual needs with peace of mind regarding safety.
Gummies are a very popular product in the cannabis market and are gaining popularity quickly. When consumed orally, THC and CBD gummies are processed through the digestive system, resulting in slower absorption and longer-lasting effects compared to smoking or vaping. This sustained release of cannabinoids can provide extended relief from symptoms and a more gradual onset of effects. To that, the gummy market is bigger than ever with innovations being introduced rapid-fire. Consumers have embraced the trend and continue to look for preferred products. What constitutes a preferred product status within the cannabis gummy market? Read on.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Gummies
Just as consumers have preferences related to craft beer, soda, or coffee, so do preferences extend to the CBD/THC gummy market. Many well-known craft beer brands from the Midwest (we’re looking at you, Surly, Blacklist, and Bent Paddle!) have staked a claim on the cannabis market with their own lines of beverages and gummies alike. When considering how to select the right gummy or edible, it often comes down to the what. Factors like potency, flavor, ingredients, brand reputation, and desired effect matter to consumers, and it’s helpful to know what some of the emerging brands are up to in a relatively newer market.
Best-Selling THC Gummies
THC is psychoactive, meaning it produces a "high" or altered state of consciousness when consumed. This is because THC binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, specifically the CB1 receptors, which are responsible for psychoactive effects. CBD, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive. It does not produce intoxicating effects or alter perception, cognition, or behavior. CBD does not bind strongly to CB1 receptors and does not activate them in the same way as THC. Both CBD and THC have potential medical benefits, but they interact with the body in different ways.
THC is primarily associated with therapeutic effects such as pain relief, muscle relaxation, appetite stimulation, and nausea reduction. It may also have psychotherapeutic effects and be used to alleviate symptoms of certain mental health conditions.
Kushy Punch is billed as California’s best-selling gummy, and its reach extends to the Midwest. The brand is bright and splashy, with a touch of the ‘90s nostalgic graphical look and feel. Kushy Punch offers two types of packaged gummies: the original and the individual. The original gummy is a solid sheet packaged in 100mg THC blister packs, and servings are 10, making each serving a 10mg dose. Flavors include strawberry basil, Meyer lemon, and private-reserve lemonade. Strains include indica, sativa, and hybrid; sugar-free versions also exist. The other Kushy Punch packaged gummy is that of individual gummies, 10 quantity at 10-20mg THC per piece. Flavors include kiwi breeze, peach mango, and sour apple. Strains include indica, sativa, and hybrid; the version boasts quick activation at 15 minutes from ingestion.
Wana's gummies are a high-end version of edible cannabis featuring vegan and organic ingredients. The brand’s tagline is “Stop the spiral,” a nod to cannabis's calming properties. Four styles are available: classic, quick, optimals, and solventless. Wana features flavors like blood orange, exotic yuzu, and lemonade stand. Strains include indica, sativa, and hybrids in varying ratios of THC and CBD.
District Cannabis (D.C.) Edibles has a broader product selection than standard gummy offerings. The brand includes lozenges, tinctures, honey, and chocolate. The products feature both strains and hybrid ratios. The lozenges’ cannabinoids are absorbed through the mucosal membranes under the tongue, giving them “higher bioavailability than a fully ingested edible, and a quicker onset of effects.” Edible flavors include enticing options like sour diesel, gelato cake, and lemon royale flower.
Best-Selling CBD Gummies
CBD on the other hand is known for its various therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing), and neuroprotective effects. It offers the potential therapeutic benefits of cannabidiol without the psychoactive effects associated with THC. This enables consumers to experience the therapeutic properties of CBD without experiencing the "head high" or altered state of consciousness that often accompanies THC.
Charlotte’s Web has over a decade in the cannabis market and exclusively sells CBD products, including gummies. Different functionalities exist, including CBD gummies designed for sleep, calming, immunity, wellness, and muscle recovery. Charlotte’s Web also features a line of pet CBD treats and offers a way to bundle human gummies with dog treats! Its CBD is derived from full-spectrum hemp extract.
Green Roads CBD is a comprehensive brand dedicated to knowledge base and consumer confidence within the cannabis market. It offers extensive information on the market and products, which is both helpful and approachable from a brand experience. Green Roads offers CBD gummies in specific formulas to target consumer desires, including relaxation, sleep, immunity, and stress support. Consumers can benefit from bundles to include several varieties and enjoy auto-shipment to lower purchase costs. Flavors include berry, cherry, citrus, and assortment, which feature five flavors per pouch.
CBDistillery™ is a sleek brand offering specific CBD gummy formulas in soothing names like ommm+ for unwinding (think meditation chant-style!), shhh+ for sleep, and ahhh for stress relief. The gummy formulas include other therapeutic properties, including vegan, hemp, Ashwagandha, and melatonin—all of which support the gummy efficacy in what the brand calls the Entourage Effect.
Tips for Selling THC and CBD Gummies in MN
Established brands with a strong reputation for quality, consistency, and reliability are often preferred by consumers. Look for cannabis brands that have built a loyal following and positive reviews from customers. High-quality ingredients, precise dosing, and consistent potency are important factors in the popularity of THC and CBD gummies. Consumers value products that deliver the desired effects reliably and predictably. Brands that prioritize transparency and provide third-party lab testing results for their products may instill trust and confidence in consumers. Look for transparent gummy brands about their sourcing, manufacturing processes, and testing procedures. Ensure that the THC and CBD gummies you choose comply with all relevant regulations and labeling requirements specific to each state’s legal and regulatory requirements. Products should be accurately labeled with information such as THC/CBD content, serving size, and allergen warnings.
Minnesota-Based Gummy Brands to Check Out
One of Duluth’s premier craft breweries, Bent Paddle, introduces its cannabis-based line of drinkables and edibles Bent Paddle Canna in three THC + CBD hybrid formulas of gummies in fruit-forward flavors. Mango tangerine, berry stash, and POG (passionfruit, orange, guava) contain 5mg of each THC and CBD in 10 quantity pouches.
Minneapolis-based North Canna Co. offers consumers both beverages and gummies in a variety of flavors, some purely THC gummies and some a combination of THC and CBD.
A fun Minnesota brand, You Betcha! Cannabis Co. offers a cheeky production selection with a nod to the state’s quirkiness with its branding and tagline. Intentional ingredients like chaga, reishi, yerba mate, and maca complement THC properties in three separate formulas—daytime (promoting focus, energy, and activity), nighttime (targeting calm, relaxation, and healing), and anytime (highlighting adventure, laughing, and exploration). Combo flavors range from spicy strawberry-kiwi, pineapple, habanero, to sweet cherry, sour-pink lemonade, to strawberry, watermelon, and blueberry.
Another Minneapolis brand is BLNCD, an apothecary-style inspired company that specializes in THC and CBD products like edibles, caramels, and sparkling beverages. BLNCD, which is a women-owned and operated business, also has a health and beauty product line that further enhances the brand’s position as an emerging powerhouse in the cannabis retail space. Its gummies come in a few formulations, including Balanced and Sleep, both of which contain 25mg of CBD. The website has sale items and product bundles available.
The cannabis market is still evolving, and there’s a lot of information out there. It can be overwhelming to know where to enter the landscape. Look for brands prioritizing customer education and providing support resources, such as dosage guidelines, usage tips, and FAQs. Brands that empower consumers with knowledge and support may foster stronger loyalty and satisfaction. Some brands differentiate themselves by offering innovative formulations or unique ingredients in their THC and CBD gummies. Explore products incorporating novel ingredients, such as natural flavors, botanical extracts, or functional additives. Evaluate THC and CBD gummies' price points and value propositions relative to their quality and potency. While affordability is important, prioritize products that offer good value for the price without compromising on quality or safety.
