Edibles: Mints, Gummies, and Drinks - Choosing the Right Form and Cannabinoid Profile for Your Needs

Edibles have evolved significantly, offering consumers a variety of products including mints, gummies, and drinks. Each form factor provides unique benefits, and when combined with specific cannabinoid profiles, can target different effects. This post explores the pros and cons of these edible forms, while delving into the benefits of various cannabinoids like THC, CBC, CBD, CBN, and CBG when incorporated into each form factor.

Cannabinoid Profiles and Their Effects

Before diving into the different edible forms, it's crucial to understand the primary cannabinoids and their potential effects:

• THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): The primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, known for its euphoric effects and potential pain-relieving properties [1].
• CBD (Cannabidiol): Non-psychoactive cannabinoid associated with anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, and pain-relieving effects [2].
• CBC (Cannabichromene): Non-psychoactive cannabinoid that may enhance the effects of THC and has potential anti-inflammatory properties [3].
• CBN (Cannabinol): Mildly psychoactive cannabinoid often associated with sedative effects [4].
• CBG (Cannabigerol): Non-psychoactive cannabinoid with potential anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties [5].

Mints: The Discreet and Versatile Option

Cannabis-infused mints have gained popularity for several compelling reasons.

Pros of mints:

• Discretion: Mints are perhaps the most discreet form of cannabis edible.
• Portability: Small, lightweight, and don't require refrigeration.
• Precise dosing: Most cannabis mints come in standardized doses.
• Quick onset: Sublingual absorption can lead to faster effects.
• Minimal calories: Low-calorie alternative to sugary gummies or calorie-dense drinks.
• Freshens breath: Dual purpose as breath fresheners.

Cons of mints:

• More limited flavor options
• May not be suitable for those with mint allergies or sensitivities
• Smaller serving sizes may require consuming multiple mints for higher doses

Gummies: The Popular Classic

Cannabis gummies remain one of the most popular edible options.

Pros of gummies:

• Variety: Wide range of flavors, shapes, and potencies.
• Familiar format: Approachable for many users.
• Fun factor: Candy-like nature can make consumption more enjoyable.
• Longer-lasting effects: Fully digested, potentially leading to longer-lasting effects.

Cons of Gummies:

• Can melt in hot weather
• May contain more sugar and calories
• Less discreet than mints
• Slower onset of effects compared to sublingual methods

Drinks: The Refreshing Alternative

Cannabis-infused beverages offer a unique consumption experience.

Pros of Drinks:

• Hydration: Combines cannabis consumption with hydration.
• Faster onset: Liquid forms can be absorbed more quickly than solid edibles.
• Variety: Many forms, from sodas and teas to mocktails and energy drinks.
• Alcohol alternative: Can provide a similar social experience without the hangover.

Cons of Drinks:

• Less portable and discreet than mints or gummies
• May require refrigeration
• Often contain more calories than mints
• Can be more expensive per dose than other edible forms

Comparing Use Cases with Cannabinoid Profiles

Energy and Focus:

For energy and focus, a combination of THC and CBC can be potentially effective. While research on CBC is still limited, some studies suggest it may have synergistic effects when combined with THC, due to the Entourage Effect[3].

• Mints: Cannabis mints containing a balanced ratio of THC and CBC could provide a quick onset of effects, perfect for a mid-day boost. The precise dosing allows users to fine-tune their consumption for optimal focus without overdoing it.
• Gummies: While effective, gummies with THC and CBC may have a slower onset but could provide longer-lasting focus effects.
• Drinks: Energy-focused cannabis drinks with THC and CBC can be effective but may not be suitable in all work or study environments.

Pain Relief:

For pain relief, a combination of THC, CBG and CBD has shown promise. A 2018 review published in Frontiers in Pharmacology found that THC and CBD may have synergistic effects in managing pain [6].

• Mints: Cannabis mints with THC, CBG and CBD can provide quick relief. Their portability means you can easily take additional doses as needed throughout the day.
• Gummies: The longer-lasting effects of THC, CBG and CBD gummies can be beneficial for sustained pain relief.
• Drinks: Cannabis drinks with THC, CBG and CBD can offer a balance between faster onset and sustained effects for pain relief at home.

Anxiety:

For anxiety relief, CBD has shown potential benefits. A 2019 study in the Journal of Clinical Medicine found that CBD may have anxiolytic effects [7].

• Mints: The discreet nature and fast-acting properties of CBD mints make them ideal for anxiety relief, especially in social situations or public spaces.
• Gummies: While effective for anxiety, CBD gummies may not be as discreet and could take longer to produce effects in acute anxiety situations.
• Drinks: Cannabis drinks with CBD can be effective for anxiety relief in casual social settings but may not be suitable in all environments.

Sleep:

For sleep aid, a combination of THC, CBD and CBN has shown promise. A 2021 study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology suggested that CBN may have sedative effects [8].

• Mints: Cannabis mints with THC, CBD and CBN can be effective for sleep without added sugars. Taking a mint shortly before bed can help initiate sleep without consuming additional liquids.
• Gummies: THC, CBD and CBN gummies can be effective for sleep but may contain more sugar.
• Drinks: While cannabis drinks with this THC, CBD and CBN can aid sleep, consuming liquids close to bedtime may lead to nighttime bathroom trips.

Specific Scenarios

1. Outdoor Activities: For hiking or other outdoor activities, cannabis mints with THC, CBC and CBD offer several advantages:
   
   

• Portable and won't melt like gummies or add weight like drinks
• The THC, CBG and CBD combination can promote relaxation and potentially aid in pain relief during physical activity [6]
  
  

1. Travel: For cannabis use while traveling, mints with hemp-derived THC, CBG and CBD are an excellent choice:
   
   

• Discreet and easily packed
• THC, CBG and CBD can help mitigate travel-related stress and anxiety [7]
  
  

1. Workplace or Academic Settings: In professional or academic environments:
   
   

• CBD mints can be consumed discreetly for potential anxiety relief [7]
• Precise dosing allows users to maintain productivity without psychoactive effects
  
  

1. Nighttime Use: For those using cannabis to aid sleep:
   
   

• CBD/CBN mints align better with nighttime oral hygiene routines and don't add extra liquid before bed [8]
  
  

1. Microdosing: For users interested in microdosing cannabis:
   
   

• Mints with balanced CBD/THC ratios allow for easy, discreet consumption of small, consistent amounts throughout the day

Conclusion

While cannabis gummies, drinks, and mints all have their place, mints offer a unique combination of discretion, portability, and versatility. When combined with specific cannabinoid profiles like THC, CBG, and CBD for pain relief, CBD for anxiety, or CBD and CBN for sleep, cannabis mints prove to be a flexible option suitable for various needs.

However, the best choice depends on individual preferences, desired effects, and specific circumstances. As research into cannabinoids continues, we can expect to see further refinements in product formulations targeting specific effects.

Remember, while these studies provide promising insights, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of different cannabinoid combinations. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new cannabis regimen, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications.

Sources:

[1] Russo, E. B. (2011). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. British Journal of Pharmacology, 163(7), 1344-1364.

[2] Blessing, E. M., Steenkamp, M. M., Manzanares, J., & Marmar, C. R. (2015). Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders. Neurotherapeutics, 12(4), 825-836.

[3] Mudge, E. M., Brown, P. N., & Murch, S. J. (2019). The Terroir of Cannabis: Terpene Metabolomics as a Tool to Understand Cannabis Sativa Selections. Planta Medica, 85(9/10), 781-796.

[4] Corroon, J. (2021). Cannabinol and Sleep: Separating Fact from Fiction. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 6(5), 366-371.

[5] Nachnani, R., Raup-Konsavage, W. M., & Vrana, K. E. (2021). The Pharmacological Case for Cannabigerol. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 376(2), 204-212.

[6] Vučković, S., Srebro, D., Vujović, K. S., Vučetić, Č., & Prostran, M. (2018). Cannabinoids and Pain: New Insights From Old Molecules. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 9, 1259.

[7] Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. The Permanente Journal, 23, 18-041.

[8] Karniol, I. G., Shirakawa, I., Takahashi, R. N., Knobel, E., & Musty, R. E. (1975). Effects of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabinol in man. Pharmacology, 13(6), 502-512.