Understanding Cannabis Pastilles: Edible Formats

Pastilles (also known as edibles) represent a unique, inhalation-free option for cannabinoid delivery for patients. While pastilles, commonly known as gummies or chews, are widely recognised for their convenience and predictable effects, they are just one of several types of medicinal cannabis edibles available.

At Blüm, we are dedicated to providing healthcare professionals with comprehensive knowledge about our cannabis pastilles to support informed decisions and effective treatment strategies.

Understanding the range of oral formats—from pastilles to tinctures—can greatly support you in safety and confidently discussing medicinal cannabis edible treatment options with your patients.

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Commonly prescribed medicinal cannabis edible formats

Unlike non-prescribed cannabis edibles, such as cannabis-infused cookies or chocolates, prescribed edible formats are formulated to ensure more controlled and predictable outcomes compared to their non-prescribed counterparts.

Commonly prescribed medicinal cannabis edible formats include:

• Pastilles (also known as gummies/chews):
  These popular medicinal edibles are made by mixing cannabinoids with gelatin or pectin, then forming them into bite-sized pieces. The cannabinoids are evenly distributed throughout the gelatin or pectin, which dissolves in the gastrointestinal tract. This process results in a gradual onset of effects, typically within 30 to 60 minutes, as cannabinoids are absorbed and metabolised by the liver.
  
  Pastilles provide a sustained therapeutic impact, and often come in a variety of flavours, enhancing patient adherence by masking the natural taste of cannabis. Their precise dosing and predictable effects make them a reliable choice for patients requiring consistent and controlled cannabinoid intake.
  
  

• Capsules and Pills:
  Medicinal cannabis capsules and pills contain precise doses of cannabinoids encapsulated in a gelatin or vegetarian capsule. The cannabinoids are either in an oil-based or powdered form within the capsule. Upon ingestion, the capsule dissolves in the stomach, releasing cannabinoids that are absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract.
  
  This method also leads to gradual onset of effects, typically within 30 to 90 minutes, as the cannabinoids are processed by the liver. Capsules and pills offer the advantage of accurate dosing and are convenient for patients who prefer a familiar and discrete method of administration.
  
  
• Tinctures and Sublinguals (oral consumption):
  ‍Tinctures are liquid extracts of cannabis that are usually administered under the tongue (sublingually) for rapid absorption. These solutions contain cannabinoids dissolved in alcohol or another solvent, such as glycerin or oil. When placed under the tongue, the cannabinoids are absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes, leading to faster onset of effects compared to other edibles—typically within 15 to 45 minutes.
  
  This method allows for precise dosing and quick adjustment of intake, making it suitable for patients who need fast-acting relief or prefer to control their dosage more flexibly. Tinctures and sublinguals are also convenient for patients who may have difficulty with other forms of ingestion or who require discreet medication.

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What are some non-prescribed cannabis edibles types?

Beyond the commonly prescribed medicinal edibles, there are various non-prescribed cannabis edibles available, each with distinct characteristics.

Healthcare professionals should familiarise themselves with both commonly prescribed and non-prescribed forms of medicinal cannabis edibles to offer comprehensive patient guidance and enhance safety when discussing edibles, particularly if your patient/s have self-medicated with homemade edibles prior to trying prescription edibles.

Types of non-prescribed edibles typically include:

• Baked Goods (Cookies, Brownies, etc.): In baked goods, cannabis extracts or infused oils are mixed into the batter. Cannabinoids are distributed throughout the food matrix and absorbed through digestion. As with other solid edibles, there is a delayed onset of effects, usually taking 30 to 90 minutes, and the effects may last longer due to the slower digestion of these foods.
  
  
• Hard Candies and Lollipops: These edibles are made by incorporating cannabinoids into a sugar or glucose syrup mixture, which is then cooled and hardened. Like gummies, they dissolve in the gastrointestinal tract, but they typically have a slower onset of effects, generally ranging from 30 to 90 minutes, as cannabinoids need to be absorbed through digestion.
  
  
• Chocolates: Cannabinoids are infused into chocolate during the melting and tempering process. The cannabinoids are dispersed throughout the chocolate matrix and subsequently absorbed through the digestive system. The onset of effects is similar to other solid edibles, with cannabinoids needing to pass through the gastrointestinal tract and liver before their effects are felt, typically taking 30 to 90 minutes.
  
  
• Beverages (Teas, Sodas, etc.): Cannabis extracts or cannabinoid-infused concentrates are added to liquid beverages. Although the cannabinoids are absorbed through the digestive system, beverages often have a slightly quicker onset compared to solid edibles because liquids can begin to be absorbed faster in the stomach. However, effects are still delayed overall, typically taking 30 to 60 minutes.

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Risks of non-prescribed edible formats

Non-prescribed edibles, while popular, come with several risks and drawbacks compared to their prescribed counterparts. Here are some of the key concerns:

• Inconsistent Dosing:
  Non-prescribed edibles often lack standardisation in dosing, leading to variability in cannabinoid concentrations. This inconsistency can result in unpredictable effects, making it challenging for users to gauge their intake accurately.
  
  
• Delayed Onset and Prolonged Duration:
  The onset of effects from non-prescribed edibles can be delayed, typically taking 30 to 90 minutes. The effects may also last longer due to the slower digestion process. Users might inadvertently consume more than intended while waiting for the effects, potentially leading to overconsumption and adverse effects.
  
  
• Potential for Overconsumption:
  Because the onset of effects is delayed and the dosing can be inconsistent, users may consume additional edibles in an attempt to achieve the desired effect.
  This can result in higher than intended doses, leading to unpleasant experiences or overdoses.
  
  
• Unregulated Production:
  Non-prescribed edibles are often produced by unregulated or less regulated sources, which can lead to variations in product quality and cannabinoid content. This lack of regulation can pose safety risks and may result in products that contain contaminants or inconsistent levels of cannabinoids.

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What are the benefits of a pastille format?

Pastilles offer a distinctly targeted approach. Unlike capsules and tinctures, pastilles, like Blüm, provide an exact dose of cannabinoids in a convenient, easy-to-consume format. What sets Blüm apart is its use of advanced formulation techniques and ingredients that enhance both the effectiveness and patient adherence to their treatment:

• Controlled Dosage
  Pastilles offer a precise, pre-measured dose of cannabinoids, ensuring consistent and reliable therapeutic administration. Unlike oils or tinctures, which can lead to variability in dosing due to differences in handling or droplet size, pastilles provide a uniform cannabinoid concentration in each square. This precision helps maintain therapeutic efficacy and minimises the risk of dosing errors, supporting more effective and predictable treatment outcomes.
  
  
• Predictable Onset and Duration
  Pastilles dissolve slowly in the gastrointestinal tract, facilitating a gradual release of cannabinoids that are absorbed over an extended period. This leads to a more sustained therapeutic effect compared to capsules and pills, which must first be digested and dissolved before cannabinoids are released into the bloodstream. Compared to inhaled cannabis, pastilles have delayed peak effects of about 3 hours, and these effects may last up to 12 hours after ingestion.
  
  Capsules and pills may also show variability in onset and absorption due to differences in dissolution rates, which may affect the predictability of their therapeutic impact.
  
  
• Enhanced Palatability
  The incorporation of flavouring agents in pastilles enhances the overall sensory experience, making them more appealing than capsules and pills, which can be difficult to swallow or may have an unpleasant taste. The enjoyable flavours of pastilles can improve patient adherence by making the consumption process more pleasant, potentially increasing the likelihood of consistent use and adherence to therapeutic regimens.
  
  
• Ease of Use
  Pastilles are ready-to-use and do not require measurement or additional tools, unlike tinctures and sublinguals, which necessitate precise dosing and administration techniques. The simplicity of consuming a pastille ensures ease of incorporation into daily routines, supporting consistent adherence to prescribed regimens.
  
  
• Accurate Dosing
  The homogeneous distribution of cannabinoids within pastilles ensures uniform dosing with each piece, enhancing dosing accuracy compared to tinctures, where dosage can be influenced by handling variability and droplet size. This uniformity supports better management of therapeutic levels and minimises the risk of dosing errors.
  
  
• Longer Shelf Life
  Pastilles typically offer a longer shelf life compared to liquid formats such as tinctures and oils (up to two years compared with around 15 months,). Their lower moisture content minimises the risk of cannabinoid degradation and microbial growth, helping to preserve both potency and efficacy over time. This stability ensures that pastilles remain effective and safe for a more extended period, contributing to more reliable long-term use.
  
  
• Reduced Gastrointestinal Irritation
  The gelatin or pectin matrix in pastilles is generally gentler on the gastrointestinal system compared to oils and butters. Unlike oils and butters, which can lead to rapid cannabinoid absorption and potential digestive discomfort, the controlled release of cannabinoids in pastilles minimises sudden spikes in cannabinoid levels. This gradual absorption reduces the risk of gastrointestinal irritation, making pastilles a more comfortable option for those with sensitive digestive systems.
  
  
• Discreet Consumption
  Pastilles provide a discreet method of cannabis consumption. Unlike tinctures, which require droppers and may draw unwanted attention, pastilles can be consumed easily in public without attracting notice, facilitating adherence to medication regimens without stigma.
  
  
• Supports Patient Adherence
  The convenient format of pastilles, combined with their appealing flavours and precise dosing, enhances patient adherence to medical regimens. The ease of consumption and enjoyable sensory experience help lower barriers to consistent medication intake, which is important for effective management of chronic conditions and achieving optimal therapeutic outcomes. By simplifying the process and improving patient satisfaction, pastilles can play a significant role in supporting long-term adherence to prescribed treatments.

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Edible formats — In Summary

Understanding the range of cannabis edibles, both prescribed and non-prescribed, is essential for healthcare professionals. Prescribed formats like pastilles, capsules, and tinctures offer precise dosing and predictable effects, ensuring reliable therapeutic outcomes. Non-prescribed edibles, such as cookies and chocolates, provide diverse options but may lack the consistency of prescribed products.

At Blüm, we aim to equip you with the knowledge to guide patients effectively, enhancing safety and treatment efficacy. By familiarising yourself with the different edible formats, you can better support your patients’ needs and contribute to their overall well-being.