With the increase in consumers buying THC gummies, comes the need to understand what potential side effects may arise from their consumption.
From short-term impacts to long-term risks associated with chronic marijuana use, there are several specific topics to talk about when fully exploring the health effects of THC gummies and the consumption of Tetrahydrocannabinol overall.
I’ve put together three quick lists below for you to check out before we get heavy into the research.
The adverse effects that people fear the most:
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The side effects you’re almost guaranteed to experience:
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The long-term potential negative side effects:
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The quick lists were made for your convenience, but now, it’s time for the research. I’ll start with what industry professionals are warning and what researchers are saying, followed by the short-term effects of edibles infused with THC.
In this section, we will share the information given from some of the most noted professionals and institutions who have conducted studies on THC gummies side effects and the effects of cannabis edibles containing high levels of Tetrahydrocannabinol.
Please note that each reference below is paraphrased and if you wish to verify its accuracy, click the source link after each point.
Edibles made with marijuana can be very potent and cause extreme reactions. A single serving of a commercially available edibles usually contain higher THC content than the original plant material it was derived from – insinuating it’s easier to consume too much THC in today’s marijuana edible market because the products contain concentrated amounts of THC or the consumer was unaware of how much to take prior to consumption.
– Michael Smoker: Indiana University (source)
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In 2019, a animal-study was conducted on mice which revealed that the effects of ingesting THC can have different impacts based on the mouse’s sex. The study also found that the mice had decrease levels of activity and lower body temperatures.
– Self-administration of edible Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and associated behavioral effects in mice (source)
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THC edibles come in many different forms, such as Gummies, Baked goods, Candies, Lollipops, Chocolates, and Beverages. (source)
THCV shows great promise as a potential solution to the challenges posed by obesity and type 2 diabetes. In rodent studies, this compound was found to reduce appetite, increase satiety levels, and enhance energy metabolism – making it a candidate for weight loss management. (source)
The short term side effects of THC gummies can range from mild to severe depending on the strength of the cannabis gummy and your overall sensitivity to THC.
THC infused into food products can evoke a range of sensory, psychological and motor effects on users. Common short term side effects include increased heart rate. (source)
Further, you may feel a sense of heightened awareness of color saturation or shifts in temporal perception may occur. Emotional changes are common too – from elevated moods to instability – while physical movement could become hampered, possibly alongside difficulties with cognitive tasks such as problem-solving and memory recall.
With higher THC dosages though hallucinations and delusions have been reported, presenting an additional peril that cannabis abuse presents: psychosis. (source)
It is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER, if you’re not used to consuming cannabis products or are sensitive to its effects, these short-term side effects can be especially pronounced.
Don’t let that scare you either because short term effects are generally less aggressive and will typically wear off within an six hours after ingestion depending on how many THC gummies you ate. Learn more by reading our article on how long the effects of edibles last.
Before we list our research, it’s important to define what long term cannabis use actually is.
Despite lacking a clear-cut definition in scientific literature as for the definition of regular cannabis use, long-term use, frequent use, and chronic use, it is generally characterized by weekly or more frequent THC consumption over extended periods of time.
Mental health and cannabis use are tragically intertwined; twice as many individuals suffering from severe psychological conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression or anxiety also regularly consume marijuana. Strong evidence suggests that Cannabis use is linked to a heightened risk of schizophrenia and other psychoses among individuals who have a family history with these illnesses. (source)
Check out these offered key highlights reported by the CCSA in regards to Cognitive Functioning.
Key Findings from a 2022 Report From The Canadian Centre On Substance Use & Addiction
When it comes to long term side effects of eating THC gummies, one of the most commonly cited potential risks is an increased risk for addiction if used on a regular basis. (source) With that said, THC consumption has also been linked to decreasing opioid use for patients suffering from chronic pain.
There is also evidence that chronic marijuana users may experience other mental health issues such as anxiety and depression due to changes in neurotransmitter levels caused by prolonged use of cannabis products.
Additionally, upon consumption, THC travels swiftly throughout the body to reach its final destination – your brain. The hippocampus and orbitofrontal cortex are then activated resulting in challenges creating new memories as well as difficulty processing information. (source)
Some potential risks associated with chronic marijuana use include decreased fertility due to hormonal imbalances; cognitive impairment; increases in blood pressure; decreases in testosterone levels. (source)
A comprehensive study in New Zealand reveals that extensive marijuana use, especially during early years of life, can lead to an alarming decline in IQ levels: 6 or 8 points lower than average when measured as adults. (source)
Another study showed that regular Marijuana use has been linked to decreased self-esteem, academic underachievement, and career disappointments. Studies have shown that marijuana users are more likely to drop out of school and experience higher rates of job absences, occupational accidents or injuries than those who do not partake in substance abuse. (source)
One of the benefits we can claim about THC gummies is that smoking cannabis products increases the risk for developing certain types of cancers such as lung cancer due to over extended periods of time. So, with THC gummies, that is avoided altogether.
One tip we always like to share is if you are taking THC gummies for the first time, consider also also taking some CBD gummies at the same time. CBD (Cannabidiol), is the second most prolific cannabinoid in cannabis marijuana plants and it seems to lessen the side effects of THC when consumed simultaneously.
Visit our article on the benefits of THC gummies to learn more.
First and foremost, overconsumption; never do it. When it comes to edible products, always adhere to the instructions on the product label. There was a man in Colorado that decided to eat a weed cookie/brownie ended up eating six times more than he was supposed to and ended up jumping off his balcony because he was so impaired.
When considering whether or not you should consume THC gummies, it’s important to weigh the potential benefits against any potential risks involved with using them regularly. Be sure to do extensive research before making any decisions so you can make an informed choice about your health and wellbeing.
Understanding the short term effects of marijuana as well as any possible long term consequences associated with chronic marijuana use can help you determine whether or not this form of cannabis consumption is right for you.
Smoking, Vaping, Eating: Is Legalization Impacting the Way People Use Cannabis? – PMC
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5010515/
Association of unintentional pediatric exposures with decriminalization of marijuana in the United States – PubMed
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24507243
Cannabis (Marijuana) DrugFacts | National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana
