Consumers Prefer Their Edibles High in THC

A recent survey conducted by cannabis research firm Headset revealed that consumers in the United States prefer high tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels in their edibles.  

But this isn’t always possible, depending on local laws. In some jurisdictions, the amount of THC allowed in edible products is low, which can lead to unhappy cannabis consumers. 

PharmaCann Inc. is a leading provider and manufacturer of quality cannabis products throughout the United States, including various high-THC marijuana edibles ranging from gummies to soda. To enjoy THC-infused products at the potency you prefer, take some time to browse the options through PharmaCann’s dispensaries, LivWell and Verilife.

Read more on PharmaCann, one of the country’s largest vertically integrated cannabis companies. 

The Legality of THC Percentages 

With cannabis legalization sweeping the country, edibles are now available in more forms than in the past and can be more potent. This means that in recreational regions, adults 21 and older can enter marijuana stores–with a valid ID–and purchase edibles without a problem.  

But this doesn’t mean consumers can purchase as much THC as they want.

Most states have specific THC limits on a product-by-product basis. As a result, consumers in certain areas have been vocal about THC limits on products, and some have even prompted the states to make changes. 

For example, before 2022, Oregon had maximum THC limits for edibles set at 50 mg per product. However, the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission doubled it to 100 mg because of consumer demand and other reasons. As a result, sales of 100 mg packages of edibles skyrocketed and increased the edible share of the cannabis market in that state. 

Canada’s Edible Problem 

Unfortunately for Canadian edible consumers, Canada’s government recently imposed significant limits on the amount of THC allowed per edible product in the country. Currently, there is a 10 mg limit per package (not dose) on edibles sold in Canada.  

To get around this cap, some producers are calling their products “edible concentrates,” which seemingly allows them to have higher THC levels per package. However, this does not deal with the underlying problem of the THC cap.

While it may seem like the solution is to simply buy more edibles, this requires consumers to purchase more of the edible medium — a pricey fix that may not be possible for all cannabis shoppers. 

Many fear that if Canada does not raise the THC limit, its edible market will suffer and may potentially be eclipsed by unauthorized producers — the black market — of more potent edibles. 

The problem with turning to vendors that are not operating in a legal capacity is accountability — where there is no regulation, there are no reliable checks and balances. As such, consumers could find themselves ingesting inferior or harmful products while simultaneously undercutting the legal market. 

It’s already clear from the numbers that Canada’s edible market needs a push. Compared to the U.S. market, its sales are lackluster. For the first four months of 2023, edible sales in U.S. jurisdictions were 12.4% of the total U.S. market, but in Canada, edibles only commanded 6.7% of the market.  

Popular Types of Edibles in the United States

Because recreational cannabis is moving toward legalization, some markets have seen significant innovation in product types and delivery methods. But this innovation is perhaps best seen when you consider the breadth of edible products that modern consumers can enjoy. While marijuana enthusiasts predominantly stuck to their THC-laced brownies in decades past, today’s consumers can enjoy gummies, candy and many other tasty treats.

THC-infused gummies are the most popular type of edible in every jurisdiction where edibles are sold. For example, gummies make up 69.4% of all edible sales in Canada. It’s a popular form because edibles are tasty and typically available at low prices at modest potencies. Many gummies are formulated to be fast-acting.  

Trailing just behind gummies, caramels and other candies consistently sell well. In Canada, one of the best-selling products in this category is Jolts lozenges produced by the Edison Cannabis Co. These accounted for 87% of all sales in the candy, lozenge and gum segment of Canada’s cannabis market in 2022. Edison sells the lozenges as concentrates instead of edibles, which allows the company to have more THC per package. 

THC Edibles With Additional Cannabinoids

While THC is the star of the legal cannabis show, another popular cannabinoid is cannabidiol (CBD). This sister cannabinoid is often found in THC products sold at state-licensed dispensaries. This is because of the entourage effect, the theory that different compounds in the cannabis plant work together to create unique effects and benefits. 

Additional cannabinoids you may find in edibles are cannabinol (CBN) and cannabigerol (CBG). Both have different effects that have largely been reported through anecdotal evidence as scientific research is limited. 

So what does this mean for distributors and manufacturers? THC limits may continue to be imposed, but the continuous innovation in the edibles vertical allows cannabis companies to explore lesser-known cannabinoids and delivery methods. 

What’s Next in Cannabis Edibles?

As the cannabis market matures, companies are looking for the next breakthrough product. Get to know the legal markets near you, and check out a dispensary to see what’s new. LivWell and Verilife budtenders are always available to answer your questions about the latest and greatest products.