As the wave of cannabis legalization continues across the US, brands are continuously navigating new avenues in product creation. From infused pre-rolls, ayurvedic tinctures, to artisanal chocolates, the umbrella of cannabis products is branching into new subgenres, remarketing and repurposing cannabis products, peaking consumer interest within the four cannabis product categories: flower, concentrate, edible, and topicals. The newest subgenre: edibles and vitamins.

Similar to adding a vitamin/supplement “boost” to a smoothie, a recent uptick is showing brands are now infusing edibles in the same fashion, adding ingredients like Vitamin B12 and magnesium, typically seen in THC and CBD gummy products. A smart business move that also begs questions from consumers: how beneficial is THC and vitamins to the human body? How do we process these ingredients? And what should consumers look for when purchasing edibles for medicinal purposes?

Cannabis and Vitamins

To truly understand the effects of cannabis and vitamins, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and its functionality in concurrence with vitamins and omega fatty acids must also be understood. The body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) consists of cannabinoids, derived from these previously mentioned omega fatty acids, are small, signaling lipids derived from fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6. These lipid-laced cannabinoids travel throughout the body to sites assisting in regulating a multitude of functions including energy, balance, appetite, neurons, and blood pressure.

Additionally, understanding how vitamins are processed is also a crucial component of understanding how cannabis and vitamins interact. Vitamins like B6 (which assists in regulating hormones) and B12 (essential for proper nerve function and DNA synthesis) are absorbed into the bloodstream, together, vitamins B6 and B12 work to support healthy immune system function. The body processes both vitamin types into the bloodstream, targeting and enhancing cognitive function, energy levels, mood, and metabolism.

Now, how do these two components work in relation to one another? A study published by the National Library of Medicine, on “The Endocannabinoid System and Its Regulation by Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Full Spectrum Hemp Oils” states, “...nutrient supplementation regimes that specifically target the ECS, and metabolic health outcomes could support key mediators and inflammatory resolution pathways critical in maintaining a well-balanced systemic function of the body.”

Quality Ingredients in Edibles

While few studies have been completed surrounding these topics of cannabinoids and vitamins, the results thus far have led to continued curiosity in alleviating symptoms surrounding neurodegenerative diseases. Decades-long research has been invested in finding cures for Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease, and vitamin-infused cannabis products provide a duo-effect focusing on creating homeostasis within the body, and decreasing inflammation, the latter of which is one of the biggest underlying factors of many ailments.

While the research above is a great starting point, are brands taking into consideration these studies and finding quality ingredients for consumers?

The cannabis industry has multiple consumer types. For consumers researching edibles for medicinal purposes, or even for those with dietary restrictions, the ingredient list is typically on the top of that research. Cannabis has been labeled as a holistic, alternative medicine, but are the 42 grams of sugar in an edible outweighing any benefits from vitamins and cannabis, thus negating any holistic and natural labels?

A quick search on top cannabis review platforms finds it is uncommon practice to include an edible’s nutritional value and/or ingredient list in the product photos, but in those that do display this crucial information, brands are packing food and drink edibles with around thirty to forty grams of sugar. As brands re-approach these ingredient lists with a nutritional and holistic viewpoint, products have rolled out with minimal sugar of around one to six grams.

Consumer Awareness

There are a few critical, but simple steps consumers researching edibles for any particular purpose can follow to ensure the products they are purchasing and ingesting are medicinally and nutritionally beneficial:

Educate yourself:

Studies on the effects of cannabis, the endocannabinoid system, and the effects of both are growing in numbers. Amongst anecdotal evidence, is research performed in controlled environments, by legitimate doctors and scientists, who are finding interesting results for all types of ailments affecting consumers. The ability to find quality of life from a specific cannabinoid, terpene, or strain type through this adequate research will hopefully become more common knowledge as these studies continue to roll out.

Check the ingredients:

Knowing what’s in any products we use as consumers is vitally important. Matching consumer knowledge with a dedicated budtender’s experience and education will give consumers a higher probability of finding effective products for their needs. Don’t be discouraged to ask for COA testing results and to see the product’s nutritional and ingredient panels. The rule of thumb is the first ingredients on the list are always present in the largest amounts.

Know Your Brands:

With any consumer packaged goods industry, brands have different missions. Quickly producing products at a minimal cost typically includes baseline quality ingredients. On the other side of the CPG business spectrum, there are brands that focus on creating high-quality products, with high-quality ingredients based on educated research. Looking into the brand’s mission statement, how they process and produce their products, and how they’re applying research to their products will give consumers a chance to learn what they are ingesting, and the positives and negatives involved.

A Product for Everyone

The beauty of the cannabis plant is its versatility. There is a product for every consumer. Which also means there are multiple ways to approach the plant, a brand, and a product.

With more cannabis research being completed daily, ideas for new products will continue to grow, which in turn will create a wider consumer base. And the hope is this growth will only catapult consumer understanding, knowledge, and input into products advertised and marketed as medicinal. A multifaceted plant requires a multifaceted approach to reach its full potential.

The research on vitamins and cannabis by educated researchers has proven the benefits of this coupling thus far. While adding vast amounts of sugar into the mix does not necessarily make the product non-medicinal, it does leave the burden on the consumers to be aware of their own health and the products they are consuming.

The Science Behind Edibles