THC gummies have saturated the hemp industry. Their proliferation would make it seem as though they are an amazing vessel for delivering THC, but this is far from fact. The truth is, gummies are cheap to manufacture and contain low-quality ingredients which lead to inconsistent results due to their low bioavailability.

When we set out to create ATHLETHC, we wanted to create a microdose THC edible which lifts you up, not brings you down — a true health and wellness experience allowing consumers to leverage powerful compounds functionally in their daily life. 

Here’s 5 reasons why we think THC gummies suck and why mints are better:

1. Poor Ingredients

Many gummies on the market are made with low-quality ingredients, often prioritizing taste and shelf life over nutritional value. 

Unhealthy Sweeteners

Gummies typically either contain artificial sweeteners like sucralose or aspartame (which can disrupt gut health and contribute to metabolic issues over time) or have a high sugar content, sometimes exceeding daily recommended limits in just a few pieces raising concerns over blood sugar spikes which can lead to a crash as well as long-term risks like insulin resistance if consumed regularly.

Artificial Colors & Flavors

In order to save on their bottom line, gummy manufactures utilize artificial colors and flavors. Derived from synthetic chemicals, these additives have been linked to potential allergic reactions or hyperactivity in sensitive individuals. Similarly, gelatin (often animal-derived) and coatings like beeswax add empty calories which your body has to spend time processing and may not align with vegan or clean-eating diets.

Speaking of digestion…

2. Onset Time

To digest gummies, they must pass through the stomach and liver before active compounds enter the bloodstream, leading to delayed effects. This slow onset, typically ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on factors like metabolism and meal timing, can frustrate users seeking immediate relief in wellness routines such as stress management or sleep aid.  

As a result, impatient consumers often redose prematurely, which not only increases the risk of overconsumption but can also lead to cumulative effects that overwhelm the body, turning an intended mild experience into one marked by discomfort or impaired function.

3. Efficacy

Far too many people have a horrible gummy story. 

The body's interaction with THC gummies via liver metabolism is a key issue, producing metabolites like 11-Hydroxy-THC, which amplifies psychoactive effects beyond what's expected from other methods like oral absorption or inhalation. 

This intensification can make dosing unpredictable, often resulting in stronger and longer-lasting psychoactive effects that serve as an obstacle rather than supporting functional wellness goals. 

Anecdotal reports of "bad trips" from edibles highlight how this process can exacerbate anxiety or paranoia, underscoring why gummies are not ideal for precise, therapeutic use in health contexts like pain relief or mood regulation. 

4. Inconsistent Doses

Ingredient dispersion in gummy production is notoriously hard to control due to the viscous nature of the mixture during manufacturing, leading to uneven distribution of active compounds like cannabinoids or vitamins. 

For those practicing microdosing—common in wellness to gain the subtle benefits of THC without side effects—dividing a gummy can result in wildly varying potencies per piece, potentially delivering a full dose in a small fragment. 

This variability not only undermines trust in the product but also heightens the risk of accidental overexposure, making it challenging to achieve consistent health outcomes like balanced energy or relaxation.

5. Portability

Gummies' susceptibility to temperature changes is a valid concern, as they can melt in warm environments or become brittle in the cold, compromising both texture and potency. 

Carrying them in pockets or bags often leads to sticky messes or degradation of active ingredients, reducing their appeal for on-the-go wellness support during travel or exercise. 

The Microdose Mint Solution

When addressing all of these concerns, it is clear why ATHLETHC mints are a superior vessel to healthfully microdosing THC with predictable and consistent effects.

Mints are mostly orally absorbed, bypassing the efficacy issues of gummies and avoiding risks of being exposed to the more psychoactive elements of ingesting THC through your liver. With mints, there is no need for a generic vessel with poor ingredients in order to deliver your dose.

Mints deliver consistent doses, allowing you to functionally work THC into your daily routine. Our engineering process ensures each mint contains a precision dose of THC along with other functional cannabinoids to help give you a boost and provide a controllable experience.

Mints are highly portable. With our small child-proof tins you can take mints with you wherever you go. They can fit into any pocket or bag, won’t melt, and look discreet, allowing you to maintain an active, health-focused lifestyle no matter where you go!

The era of smart, functional THC has arrived — and it starts with a mint.