Capsules vs. Gummies, oh my! Cannabis consumption methods have come a long, long way since California legalized medical marijuana way back in the 1990s. Once upon a time, fans of the bright green herb had two choices for partaking in the plant: you could either smoke it, or eat it in the form of home-baked brownies or other high-dosage treats.
Now, the legal cannabis market is absolutely flooded with all kinds of products, including candies, pills, capsules, gummies, chocolates, and so, so much more.
For those of you who like to eat your weed, how can you possibly choose? We hope this article, where we dispel the key differences between two popular edible cannabis options, will help.
What is a weed gummy?
Like the gummies you buy at the grocery store, weed gummies are sweet, chewy candies containing small amounts of an extracted THC or CBD concentrate.
Weed gummies most often are made from gelatin to get that signature texture, which ranges from gummy worm-tough, to jelly fruit slices. Vegan weed gummies, made from tapioca or other starches, are also available for those who avoid animal products in their diet.
Popular gummy flavors include mango, citrus, berry, and other varieties that complement the taste of cannabis.
Because gummies are precisely portioned, factory-made versions of the product are great for partakers who want to know exactly how much they’re getting: each gummy within a bag reliably contains a specified milligram-amount of THC, CBD, or both. The effects of edible cannabis tend to come on slower and last longer than inhaled versions, so an accurate dosage helps you to know what to expect from the upcoming experience.
What is a weed capsule?
Similar to store-bought supplements or vitamins, weed caps come in the form of either softgels or powders which are packed into small, dissolvable capsules.
The soft gels are usually sealed, like fish oil supplements, and contain a gelatinous liquid or oil which has been infused with a THC or CBD concentrate. Like gummies, softgels offer a precise dosage per cap.
Powder capsules contain whole-plant cannabis which has been dried and pulverized before being stuffed into the final pill. These may also be precisely dosed, although it is generally much lower and slower-acting than concentrated forms.
Weed capsules are designed to be swallowed whole with water or juice, as you would take any other form of medication. Powdered capsules can be opened and mixed into food or a beverage, and softgels can be frozen and cut in half to lower the total dose, but most manufacturers recommend that partakers avoid chewing their capsules, unless they enjoy the taste.
How do I know which one I should try?
As with any culinary or sensory experience, the most important thing about consuming cannabis is that you like the form it’s coming in: how it tastes, how it makes you feel, etc. The only way to know that is to try out a few different products and see which suits your fancy.
But if exploration’s not your jam, here are a few tips that will help you choose your next edible purchase.
The flavor of the flower. Weed gummies definitely still taste like cannabis. Gel capsules might remind you of what’s in them if you take one and burp later, but you won’t experience the flavor while it’s going down.
If you are someone who enjoys the taste of cannabis, gummies might be the one for you. If not, capsules might be a little easier to take.
Just say yes (or no) to sugar. Gummies are candy, and candy contains sugar, even if it’s just a little bit. If you’re someone who needs or wants to stay away from the sweet stuff, a capsule might be preferable. There are however sugar-free gummies available that are sweetened with erythritol, stevia, and fruit juice for those who can’t do sweets but still want a little treat.
A hard pill to swallow? Maybe you don’t like the taste of cannabis, or want to take a business-only approach to your weed consumption, but can’t swallow whole pills to save your life. If this is the case, gummies may be the better route to take.
Whatever form you choose to take, remember to take it slow with new products, even if you think you know the right dose for you. When trying out a new capsule or gummy, especially a high-THC version, make sure you’re somewhere safe and comfortable, and start out with ONE dose until you know how the particular product affects you.
Other forms of edible cannabis
The cannabinoid extraction process involves infusing either an oil or other kind of solvent with THC of CBD concentrate. The oil can then be used in a huge range of edible treats to give your favorite snack a medicinal edge.
- Weed-infused chocolate is poured into bars or drops which offer a precise dosage if broken into accurate pieces.
- Cannabis press-pills are a swallowable OR chewable cannabis product that does away with the gelatin capsule.
- Hard candies come in a range of flavors that remind you of your grandma’s living room, and can be quickly crunched or held in the mouth for hours to bring on the experience you’re seeking.
If you can imagine it, there’s probably a cannabis-infused version of it. Haven’t seen anything you like so far? Book a Sonoma dispensary tour with Happy Travelers to discover the weed experience of your dreams.