Candy containing THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, has become increasingly popular in recent years as more places legalize marijuana. This type of candy, often referred to as “edibles,” provides an alternative way to consume THC without smoking or vaping. Edibles come in many forms, including chocolates, gummies, baked goods, and hard candies. But what exactly do you call candy that contains weed? There are a few common names used to describe these THC-infused sweets.
Common Names for Candy with Weed
Here are some of the most popular terms used to refer to candy containing THC:
Cannabis Edibles
One of the most general terms is “cannabis edibles.” This encompasses any food product, including candy, that has been infused with cannabis. The word “edible” refers to anything edible containing weed. So cannabis edibles is a broad category that includes THC gummies, chocolates, candies, drinks, and more.
Weed Candy
Weed candy is a direct way to describe candy products containing THC. This term makes it clear that the candy has cannabis in it. Weed candy covers any type of confectionery infused with weed, from gummies to hard candies.
Marijuana Edibles
Marijuana is another common name for cannabis. So “marijuana edibles” means the same thing as cannabis edibles. Marijuana candy, marijuana gummies, and marijuana chocolates are all examples of marijuana edibles.
THC Candy
Specifically using the acronym “THC” (tetrahydrocannabinol) emphasizes that the candy contains the primary psychoactive compound from cannabis that produces the high feeling. THC gummies and THC chocolates are types of THC candy.
Medicated Candy
The word “medicated” implies the candy has been medicated or infused with a medicine, in this case THC from cannabis. So medicated candies contain marijuana. This term underscores the medicinal use of cannabis edibles.
THC Edibles
Another way to stress that the THC is the active ingredient is to call them “THC edibles.” THC candy, THC gummies, and THC treats all fall into the THC edibles category.
Nicknames and Slang Terms
Marijuana candy also has some common slang terms, including:
- Gummies
- Sweets
- Baked goods
- Happy candy
- Space cakes
- Magic brownies
These casual nicknames emphasize the euphoric effects some experience when consuming edibles. Of course, slang lingo varies greatly by region and personal preference.
Legal Status
The legal status of candy containing THC depends on local laws. Though cannabis is still federally illegal in the United States, laws are changing rapidly at the state level. Currently, around 37 states have legalized marijuana for medical use. And 18 states allow cannabis for recreational use by adults over 21. In states where it is legal for recreational or medical purposes, dispensaries can sell THC edibles, including THC candy. However, states restrict the potency levels and require proper labeling of edibles. It remains illegal under federal law. Where marijuana is allowed, residents can often buy THC candy at licensed dispensaries either for medical relief or recreational enjoyment. But it remains a controlled substance in most places due to concerns over proper dosing and accidental ingestion.
How Weed Candy Is Made
You may be wondering how exactly candy makers infuse products like gummies or chocolate bars with THC. The basic process involves extracting THC and other cannabis compounds from the marijuana plant using solvents or oil. Then the concentrated THC oil gets added directly to recipes for making various candies and edibles.
Extraction Methods
Here are some common ways THC can be extracted for use in edibles:
- CO2 extraction – Uses carbon dioxide in a pressurized chamber to separate cannabinoids and terpenes from plant matter.
- Ethanol extraction – Uses ethanol as a solvent to strip away cannabinoids and flavonoids.
- Oil extraction – Infuses a carrier oil like coconut oil with marijuana to absorb THC and CBD.
- Distillates – Distills crude extract into refined THC or CBD isolates.
These extraction methods produce concentrated THC oil that manufacturers then infuse into candy, drinks, baked goods and other edibles.
THC Candy Recipes
Once the cannabis extract is prepared, making THC-infused candy involves a few simple steps:
- Make candy using any standard recipe for chocolates, gummies, hard candy, etc.
- Replace some butter or oil in the recipe with cannabutter or cannabis oil.
- Evenly mix the weed butter or oil into the candy mixture.
- Pour into molds or shape candies as usual.
- Allow time to cool or set completely.
The key is evenly distributing a fat-soluble THC extract into the candy base. With the right ratios, the weed flavor can be subtle or even undetectable in the final products.
Popular Types of THC Candy
Now that cannabis candies have entered the mainstream market, you can find endless varieties available, including these popular types:
THC Gummies
Gelatin or pectin-based gummies and jellies are a top choice for infusing THC. Weed gummies offer precise dosing in a tasty fruity format. Gummies allow for adding flavorings and colors to mask the taste.
THC Chocolates
Chocolate’s rich flavor can overpower undesirable notes from cannabis. THC-laced chocolate bars make it easy to microdose marijuana through each segmented piece.
THC Hard Candies
Lozenges and hard candies also pair well with cannabis. Their slow dissolution allows the THC to absorb slowly in the mouth. Breath mints, sour candies, pops, and lollipops are common forms of weed candy.
THC Baked Goods
The cannabis extract can also be stirred into cake batter, cookie dough, or other baked sweets. Popular options include THC brownies, Rice Krispie treats, and marijuana macarons.
Dosing THC Candy
Candy infused with THC must be dosed carefully for a safe experience. While eating too much typical candy might make you sick to your stomach, having too much THC candy can cause much more adverse effects. Overconsumption may lead to increased heart rate, dizziness, paranoia, anxiety, and impaired motor skills. Each person reacts differently based on many individual factors like tolerance, metabolism rate, age, and more. Here are some tips for dosing THC candy:
- Start very small, 5mg THC or less until you know your tolerance.
- Wait at least 2 hours before taking more to allow it to fully kick in.
- Increase the dose slowly by 5mg each time, stopping when you feel impaired.
- Read packaging closely and follow serving directions.
- Store securely away from children and pets.
Going slow with THC candies prevents you from getting uncomfortably high. Be patient and do not exceed more than 20-30mg THC in a single dose.
Benefits of THC Candy
Why choose candy as a way to get high over other methods like smoking or vaping? Consuming edibles offers some advantages:
- Doesn’t harm lungs like inhaling smoke or vapor.
- Provides longer lasting effects (up to 8 hours).
- Easy to dose and control potency.
- More discreet with minimal scent or vapor.
- Processed by liver creating a different kind of high.
- Flavorful taste and fun texture.
Candy containing THC gives a safe, tasty alternative to experience the effects and medical benefits of cannabis.
Risks and Side Effects
Despite benefits, THC candy also comes with some risks:
- Hard to determine perfect dosing due to delayed onset.
- Overconsumption can cause extreme paranoia, anxiety, nausea.
- Impairs coordination and cognitive function when too strong.
- Not safe for children or pets who ingest accidentally.
- Eating while on edibles increases absorption and intensity.
- Drug interactions may occur with certain prescriptions.
Consuming weed candy requires caution and moderation to remain safe. It has powerful psychoactive effects that vary between individuals.
Legality of THC Candy
While the legality of recreational and medical marijuana is progressing, restrictions remain in most places prohibiting the open sale of THC candy. Here’s a quick overview of the current legal status:
- Federally illegal – cannabis remains a Schedule I controlled substance.
- Fully legal in 18 states for recreational use.
- Legal medically with doctor’s recommendation in 37 states.
- Only sold through licensed dispensaries in legal states.
- Must meet potency limits and packaging requirements.
- Not legal to transport across state lines.
- Possession could still result in fines or jail outside of legal states.
While growing in acceptance, weed candy falls into a legal gray area in many regions. Federal prohibition complicates the legal landscape around THC edibles. Know your local laws before attempting to purchase or travel with any cannabis products.
Detection in Drug Tests
Another thing to consider with THC candy is that it can cause you to fail marijuana drug tests. The metabolites produced when the body processes THC can remain detectable in blood, urine, saliva, and hair for days or weeks after your last use. The delayed nature of ingesting edibles extends the window for detection compared to other methods of using cannabis. Think carefully before consuming THC candy if you need to pass upcoming drug screenings for work, school, custody, or probation reasons.
Commercial THC Candy Brands
As weed candy gains legal market share, many brands now offer quality manufactured edibles. Here are some of the top commercial THC candy companies:
| Brand | Popular Products |
|---|---|
| Kiva Confections | Terra Bites, Petra Mints, Camino Gummies |
| Kanha | Gummies, Hard Candies |
| Dixie | Elixirs, Mints, Gummies |
| Plus | Gummies |
| Wana | Sours, Gummies |
These companies offer THC edibles in multiple dosages, flavors, and formulations while meeting legal requirements. Their products can be found in licensed dispensaries.
Making Homemade THC Candy
Instead of buying commercial weed candy, some people prefer to create their own DIY edibles at home using marijuana flower, concentrates, oils, or distillates. This allows customizing flavors and strength. However, homemade THC candy carries risks without proper lab testing and dosing information. It also remains illegal in many regions, even for personal use, so proceed with caution.
Conclusion
THC-infused candy provides a tasty and convenient way to consume cannabis for recreational or medicinal purposes. Weed candies go by many names – cannabis edibles, THC edibles, THC candy, marijuana candy, and more based on the context. While products like gummies and chocolates offer precise dosing and alternative effects compared to smoking, eating THC candy has risks if consumed irresponsibly. Know your tolerance and local laws before trying to purchase or make cannabis candies at home. Moderation and discretion remain key to benefiting from this increasingly popular method of enjoying marijuana.