IN THE SPOTLIGHT brownies, candy or mints. Most states that have legalized adult-use cannabis restrict the amount of THC to five or 10 milligrams per serving, while other states allow for higher amounts of THC for medical users.
According to a report from ResearchAndMarkets. com, the global cannabis edibles market was valued at $ 5 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $ 9 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 12.26 %.
“ The edibles market in the U. S. is currently very strong, with gummies leading the category,” shares Sarah McLaughlin MS, RD, co-founder and vice president of Melt-to-Make™.“ Interestingly, women now represent the majority of edible consumers, reflecting the category’ s appeal across wellness and lifestyle segments.”
Rebecca Mariolis- Baker is the CEO and co-founder of Urmawm.
THE MAKING OF EDIBLES
How can someone take a plant and turn it into a delectable snack or beverage that’ s infused with other mouth-watering flavors? Rebecca Mariolis-Baker, CEO and cofounder of cannabis brand Urmawm, describes the step-by-step infusion process for her brand:
1. Cannabinoid Activation( Decarboxylation). First, Urmawm starts with premium cannabis extracts that contain THC and CBD in their raw, non-psychoactive forms( THCA and CBDA). Through gentle heat, they activate these compounds via decarboxylation, making them effective when ingested.
2. Infusion Into MCT Oil. Next, they blend the activated cannabinoids into MCT oil derived from coconut. This oil is ideal for edibles because it’ s flavor-neutral, shelf-stable and rapidly absorbed by the body, improving cannabinoid bioavailability.
3. Homogenization( Even Distribution). The infused MCT oil is carefully emulsified with Urmawm’ s gummy base to ensure even cannabinoid distribution. This step is crucial since it guarantees that each gummy delivers a consistent dose.
4. Cooking the Gummy Base. Urmawm’ s vegan-friendly formula uses pectin instead of gelatin. They mix organic sugar, tapioca syrup, mango juice concentrate and natural flavors to create a fruit-forward, soft texture. The infused oil is then incorporated into the warm blend.
5. Molding, Setting and Packaging. The mixture is poured into molds, cooled and quality-checked for consistency, potency and texture. Final packaging includes accurate dosing and federally compliant labeling.
Peter Barsoom, founder and CEO of 1906, says his brand utilizes a slightly different technique to infuse the brand’ s gummies. Instead, he uses a lipid microencapsulation process that significantly enhances the pharmacokinetics of THC, which does three things: 1. It accelerates bioavailability, so users feel the effect in under 20 minutes. 2. It bypasses the liver, avoiding the conversion of THC into 11−hydroxy, which is a metabolite associated with the heavy, sedative experience common in traditional edibles. Instead, 1906’ s formulation delivers a fast, clear-headed Delta−9 experience similar to inhalation. 3. It reduces duration, from six hours to roughly 2−3 hours.“ This formulation gives consumers greater control over onset, intensity and duration— key factors in reducing risk and improving user experience,” Barsoom says.
EDIBLES PRESENT DIVERSE APPEAL
One particularly positive aspect that edibles bring to the cannabis market is their diverse appeal. They’ re travel-friendly and great for consumers who prefer not to smoke.
Urmawm’ s Ursleep edibles are formulated with CBD, Delta-9 THC, Melatonin and L- Theanine to help support wind-downs.
Edibles are particularly popular with certain demographics. Older age groups and female customers, as Mc- Laughlin mentioned earlier, tend to have a greater affinity for edibles compared to other cannabis categories.
“ Edibles are one of the fastest-growing cannabis categories, especially among newer and wellness-oriented consumers. Their appeal lies in ease of use, discretion and consistency,” says Barsoom.“ In many markets, edibles have already outpaced flower as the preferred format for first-time or returning users. As stigma declines and product design improves, we expect continued migration from inhalables to ingestibles.”
Headset data echoes McLaughlin’ s statement, noting that older age groups and female consumers show a stronger preference towards edibles compared to other categories. In Canada, women account for 46 % of category sales while U. S. consumers over 41 contribute to over half of edible sales.
Even though older age groups have a particularly noteworthy edibles preference, younger generations are also major consumers to this market. Specifically, gummies and infused beverages. These users are often more open to alternative consumption methods and are more likely to view cannabis as a substitute for alcohol.
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