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Does cannabis-infused chocolate hit harder than gummies?

Does cannabis-infused chocolate hit harder than gummies?

Getting the right answers in your cannabis journey can be tricky. But with The Cannigma’s Ask the Expert, you can find questions from readers like you, answered by a real cannabis pharmacist. 

Question: I have a question about THC-infused chocolate. Is there something in chocolate that helps the THC to be more potent? Both my husband and I noticed the difference when eating candies, gummies, and chocolates. The lady who makes them for us told us she makes them all at the same time with the same extract so they should all have the same effect, right? But the chocolates seem way more potent. We have tried these edibles from other places and find the chocolates are always the best. Any thoughts, ideas, or knowledge about this? 

Answer: 

Thank you for such a great question!

Let’s start by noting that all cannabinoids, including THC, are fat-soluble compounds, which means they bind well to fats and oils (like butter). Because chocolate has much higher fat content in chocolate than the sugar-rich edibles, we would expect them to deliver the cannabinoids better. The fat allows for better absorption of THC into your system, and also extends the effects of THC. This probably explains most of why you have noticed a more significant effect when consuming THC-infused chocolate compared to infused gummies and candies.

However, it is worth noting that chocolate does naturally contain anandamide-like molecules (known as NAEs), which may be able to increase anandamide levels. This may help chocolate synergize with the THC to enhance the overall effects, but that is only speculation. There may be some other interesting foods that might modify the effects of THC as well, but all lack study and are mostly hypothetical (except for alcohol!).

Please feel free to reach out with any further questions or comments.

Be well,

Codi Peterson, PharmD
Scientific advisor, The Cannigma
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