Gummy

A gummy is a cannabis-infused soft chewable candy, structurally a confection in which gelatin or pectin creates a semi-solid matrix holding sugar, flavor, acid, and cannabinoid extract. Gummies are the single dominant edible format in U.S. legal markets. Gelatin-based gummies (derived from animal collagen) have a bouncy, body-temperature-melt texture; pectin-based gummies (derived from citrus or apple peel) are vegan, firmer, and release flavor more cleanly but require tighter control of pH, temperature, and sugar solids to set. Because cannabinoids are fat-soluble and the gummy matrix is water-based, formulation relies on emulsifiers — commonly lecithin or proprietary nano-emulsion systems — to disperse the extract evenly. Infusion during cooking (adding extract to syrup under sustained high-shear mixing) yields more uniform dosing than post-process spraying. Standard dispensary gummies contain 5 or 10mg THC each, with package totals typically capped at 100mg; state regulations generally require ±10% per-unit labeling accuracy. Nano-emulsified gummies can shift onset from the traditional 30–120 minutes toward 15–30 minutes. → See also: Edible, Distillate (Part 3), onset and duration (Part 5). ---