A recent clinical study on THC edibles found Ripple products were absorbed into the bloodstream quicker than gummy products, the brand announced Thursday.

The study, conducted independently by Colorado State University researchers and published in the peer-reviewed, open-access scientific journal Pharmaceuticals, explored the pharmacokinetics of edible THC. It found that all Ripple products were absorbed into the bloodstream faster than market-leading gummy products, including those marketed as “quick.” The differences were seen across the board, from Ripple Gummies (2.3 times faster than the leading gummy), Ripple Dissolvables (1.9 times faster) and Ripple QuickSticks (1.5 times faster).

“It was critical for us to obtain, and rely on, observable quantitative data — THC blood levels — rather than subjective self-reports, like ‘I’m starting to feel high now,’” said Keith Woelfel, Ripple’s R&D director. “This pharmacokinetic data lays the groundwork for understanding how our products work in the body. And it answers basic questions that matter deeply to consumers. Questions like, ‘how fast will this hit me?’ and ‘how long will it last?’”

The study, led by Dr. Christopher Bell, director of CSU’s Integrative Biology Lab, utilized a randomized, placebo-controlled crossover design to compare the absorption patterns of a 10 mg THC dose, given to seven healthy adults over the course of six weeks, in six different formats: Ripple Gummies, Ripple QuickDissolves, Ripple QuickSticks, a market leading “sour” gummy, a market leading “quick” gummy, and a THC-free placebo candy. Blood THC concentrations were measured at several points over four hours after ingestion, and analyzed using Ultra High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) assay. Each subject served as their own control — removing the possibility of between-person variability and providing high statistical significance to the results.

The findings represent the first published human clinical research study of commercially available THC products. 

“The FDA keeps asking for ‘real world evidence’ on consumer cannabinoid products. Well, it doesn’t get more real-world than actual consumer products tested with actual consumers,” said Justin Singer, Ripple CEO and co-founder. “Unfortunately, because the products in this study were sourced through retail dispensaries rather than through the DEA/NIDA, the FDA is likely to ignore these results, as they have all other research based on state-legal cannabis products. That’s a shame, but we nonetheless hope this study informs intelligent policymaking as cannabinoids continue to grow in popularity and availability. Consumers aren’t waiting for federal regulators, and so neither can the scientific community.”

Want more legal cannabis market news and information?
Join Cannabis Products on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn today!