What Are the Effects of THC Gummies?

THC gummies are one of the most popular types of cannabis edibles. They’re easy to eat, discreet, and come in a variety of flavours. But what do edibles do to your body and mind? And what are the side effects of edibles, especially THC gummies?

In this guide, we’ll break down the effects of THC gummies, how long they last, and what side effects you might experience. Whether you’re new to edibles or just want to understand them better, this post will help you know what to expect.

 

What Are THC Gummies?

THC gummies are edible candies that contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. Unlike smoking or vaping, THC gummies like Jelly Bombs and Sour Twisted Singles are eaten and digested. That means the THC goes through your stomach and liver before entering your bloodstream.

This process changes how your body reacts to THC. The effects are usually stronger and last longer than when you smoke weed.

 

What Do Edibles Do?

Edibles, like THC gummies, affect your whole body and brain. After you eat a gummy, your body breaks down the THC and turns it into a stronger form called 11-hydroxy-THC [source: Health Canada]. This form has a more powerful impact on your brain than THC from smoking.

Common Effects of Edibles

• A feeling of euphoria or being “high” 
• Relaxed muscles and body 
• Increased appetite (“the munchies”) 
• Altered sense of time or space 
• Heightened senses (colours may seem brighter or music may sound better) 
• Drowsiness or sleepiness 

These effects usually kick in 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating and can last 4 to 8 hours, sometimes even longer depending on the dose.

 

How Strong Are the Effects of THC Gummies?

The strength of THC gummies depends on how much THC is in them and your own body. If you’re new to edibles, even a small amount of THC can have strong effects.

Factors That Affect Your High

• THC dosage: Most gummies range from 2.5mg to 10mg per piece, but some go up to 50mg or more. 
• Your tolerance: If you don’t use cannabis often, you’ll likely feel the effects more. 
• Empty vs. full stomach: Eating THC gummies on an empty stomach can make the high stronger and come on faster. 
• Body weight and metabolism: Everyone processes THC differently. People with faster metabolisms may feel the effects sooner. 

 

What Are the Side Effects of Edibles?

Not all effects of edibles are pleasant. Some people experience unwanted reactions, especially if they take too much.

Common THC Gummies Side Effects

• Dry mouth (also called “cottonmouth”) 
• Red or dry eyes 
• Anxiety or paranoia 
• Dizziness or confusion 
• Trouble concentrating 
• Increased heart rate 
• Nausea (especially with high doses) 

Why Do Side Effects Happen?

These side effects of edibles usually happen when someone takes too much THC or is sensitive to it. Unlike smoking, you can’t feel the effects right away, so it’s easy to overdo it by taking more before the first gummy kicks in.

Tip: Start with a low dose (like 2.5mg or 5mg) and wait at least 2 hours before taking more.

 

How Long Do THC Gummies Last?

One of the biggest differences between smoking weed and eating THC gummies is how long the effects last.

Method	Onset Time	Duration of Effects
Smoking	5-10 minutes	1-3 hours
Edibles	30-120 minutes	4-8 hours (sometimes longer)

You might still feel groggy the next day if you take a large dose at night.

 

How Do THC Gummies Make You Feel?

The effects of edibles can be enjoyable and relaxing—but they can also be intense if you’re not used to them. Here’s what people usually say about how edibles make them feel:

• “Mellow and calm” – perfect for winding down at night 
• “Stuck on the couch” – some edibles are so relaxing they make you feel glued in place 
• “Heavy body high” – your muscles feel relaxed, and your body might feel heavy 
• “Mental fog” – your thoughts might feel slow or spaced out 
• “More creative” – some people say they feel more creative or have deeper thoughts 

Remember, everyone’s body reacts differently. Some people enjoy these feelings, while others find them overwhelming.

 

Can You Overdose on THC Gummies?

You can’t overdose on THC in the way you can with drugs like opioids, but you can take too much and have a bad experience.

This is called a THC overdose or greening out. It’s not life-threatening, but it can be very uncomfortable.

Symptoms of Taking Too Much THC

• Panic attacks or extreme anxiety 
• Vomiting 
• Fast heart rate 
• Trouble breathing normally 
• Feeling disconnected from reality 
• Hallucinations (in rare cases) 

If this happens, stay calm. Find a quiet space, drink water, and lie down. It will pass with time. Some people find that chewing black peppercorns or drinking CBD tea can help ease the effects [source: Leafly].

 

How to Use THC Gummies Safely

To avoid unwanted side effects of edibles, follow these simple rules:

• Start low and go slow – Try 2.5mg or 5mg to begin with. 
• Be patient – Wait at least 2 hours before taking more. 
• Read the label – Know exactly how much THC is in each gummy. 
• Avoid alcohol – Mixing alcohol and edibles can increase dizziness or nausea. 
• Stay somewhere safe – Don’t drive or operate machinery after taking THC gummies. 

 

Who Should Avoid THC Gummies?

While many people enjoy edibles, they aren’t for everyone. You should talk to a doctor before using THC gummies if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding 
• Have a heart condition 
• Struggle with anxiety, depression, or mental health issues 
• Take medications that may interact with THC 
• Are under 19 years old (legal age may vary by province) 

Cannabis may worsen certain medical conditions, and it can interact with some prescription drugs. Always check with a medical professional if you’re unsure.

 

Pros and Cons of THC Gummies

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you weigh the effects of edibles before you try them.

Pros:

• No smoke or smell 
• Longer-lasting effects 
• Easy to dose 
• Discreet to use in public 
• Great for sleep and pain relief 

Cons:

• Takes longer to kick in 
• Harder to control the dose 
• Stronger effects than expected 
• Possible side effects like anxiety or nausea 

 

One Gummy Doesn’t Fit All

Just because your friend enjoys 20mg doesn’t mean it’s the right dose for you. Everyone’s experience with edibles is different. Things like your body size, what you ate that day, and your tolerance all play a role.

It’s better to take too little than too much—especially your first time.

 

A Quick Recap

Here’s a bulleted summary of what you should remember:

• THC gummies are cannabis edibles that produce longer, stronger highs. 
• Effects usually start in 30 minutes to 2 hours and last up to 8 hours. 
• Common effects include euphoria, relaxation, and increased appetite. 
• Side effects can include dry mouth, anxiety, and nausea. 
• Always start with a low dose and wait before taking more. 
• Keep edibles away from kids and pets. 

 

Final Thoughts

THC gummies can be a fun and effective way to enjoy cannabis—if you use them responsibly. Understanding the effects of edibles and their side effects can help you have a safer and more enjoyable experience.

If you’re shopping for quality THC gummies in Canada, Reefside offers a wide selection of lab-tested, clearly labeled edibles to suit every experience level. Whether you’re new to cannabis or looking to try a new flavour, we’ve got something for you.

Always start low, be patient, and stay informed.

 

REFERENCES:

Leah R. (2024, September 9). A Beginner’s Guide To Weed Gummies. Available at: https://chatelaine.com/living/weed-gummies-beginners-faq/ 

Leonard, J. Medically reviewed by Nguyen, A., PharmD, RPh. (2024, October 2). What are the effects of cannabis edibles? Medical News Today. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/effects-of-edibles

Rae, A., PhD, Reviewed by Stacia Woodcock, S, PharmD. (2024, May 21). Available at: https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/cannabis/how-long-edibles-last