Quick answer: marijuana gummies are candies made with a cannabis extract. They can contain THC (the compound that gets you high) or only CBD (which doesn't). THC gummies take between 30 minutes and 2 hours to kick in and last several hours, so you need to start with a very small amount. In Spain they can't be sold as food, and AESAN has withdrawn THC gummies due to a serious health risk.
Gummy candies, or «gummies,» have become all the rage because they’re so easy to carry around and eat. But behind their harmless appearance, there are several things you should know: what’s in them, how they work, what the law says, and how to avoid unpleasant surprises. We’ll tell you all about it in this guide.
What Are Marijuana Gummies?
These are gummy candies (made with gelatin or pectin, sugar, and flavorings) to which a cannabis extract dissolved in fat—usually coconut oil, butter, or a tincture—is added. Depending on the extract, there are three main types:
| Type | What are they wearing? | Do they install it? |
|---|---|---|
| THC Gummy Candies | Tetrahydrocannabinol, the main psychoactive compound | Yes |
| CBD Gummies | Cannabidiol, THC-free or containing trace amounts of THC | No |
| Assorted Gummy Candies | THC and CBD in different ratios | Yes, more gently, depending on the proportion |
There are also products with semi-synthetic cannabinoids (HHC, THC-P and the like) sold as “legal” or “collectibles.” These are precisely the ones that have triggered the most health alerts. If you want to properly understand the difference between the two main cannabinoids, read the difference between CBD and THC.
How They Work: Timing and Effects
When you eat cannabis, the THC passes through the liver and is converted into 11-hydroxy-THC, which is perceived as more intense and «physical» than when smoked. This explains why the gummies are so surprising:
- Onset: between 30 minutes and 2 hours later.
- Peak: at 2–4 hours.
- Duration: 6–8 hours, sometimes longer.
The classic mistake is taking another gummy because the first one “isn’t doing anything.” An hour later, both kick in together. You’ll find more details in how long the effects of marijuana last.
Are marijuana gummies legal in Spain?
- THC gummies: selling them is not allowed. In July 2025, AESAN (the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition) issued an alert about THC gummies distributed in Catalonia, even though their label said "not intended for consumption" or "collector's item," and asked consumers not to take them due to a serious health risk.
- CBD gummies: in the European Union, CBD as a food ingredient is considered a "novel food" that has not yet been authorized, so they can't legally be marketed as food either. They are sold as cosmetics or as "not fit for consumption," with the same warning.
- At a cannabis club: associations operate in a private setting with their own rules. If you’re unsure about what’s allowed, check our guide to cannabis laws in Barcelona.
Risks You Should Be Aware Of
- Unknown dose: in unregulated products, the THC per gummy can vary a lot from one piece to the next.
- Children and pets: they look like regular candy. Accidental ingestion by a child or a dog can be serious even in small amounts. Always keep them sealed, labeled and out of reach. If it happens, call 112 or the Toxicology Information Service (91 562 04 20); for animals, an emergency vet.
- Mixing with alcohol: it multiplies dizziness and nausea.
- Driving: the effects last many hours. Don't drive that day.
How to Make Marijuana Gummies (In General Terms)
Homemade preparation involves three basic steps:
- Decarboxylate the herb: heat it in the oven at a low temperature to activate the THC, which in the plant is in acid form (THCA) and doesn't get you high.
- Infuse into fat: THC doesn't dissolve in water, so it's extracted into coconut oil or butter over very low heat and then strained.
- Mix with the gummy base: juice or sugar water, gelatin or pectin and a little lecithin so the oil is evenly distributed. Pour into molds and let set in the fridge.
The big problem with the homemade version is that it’s almost impossible to know how much THC each gummy contains, and the oil isn’t always evenly distributed. If you make them, try half or a quarter of a gummy first and wait at least two hours before taking more. To store them properly, follow the tips in how to store cannabis edibles.
How to Drink Them Responsibly
- Start with a very low dose, especially if you have no experience with edibles.
- Wait two hours before deciding whether to take more.
- Enjoy them in a quiet place, with no obligations, and in good company.
- Don’t take them on a completely empty stomach; also see why you shouldn’t consume on an empty stomach.
- If you overdo it: stop drinking, drink some water, eat something, lie down, and wait it out. If you experience chest pain, fainting, or uncontrollable vomiting, call 112.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a marijuana gummy to take effect?
Between 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on what you've eaten, your metabolism, and the intensity. The peak occurs 2–4 hours later.
Do CBD gummies get you high?
No. CBD has no psychoactive effects. Some full-spectrum products may contain trace amounts of THC, but these are usually too small to get you high.
Can you buy THC gummies in Spain?
Not legally. Those sold in stores or online as «collectibles» have been the subject of health warnings and recalls.
What should I do if a child has eaten a THC-infused gummy?
Don't wait for symptoms to appear: call 112 or the Toxicology Information Service (91 562 04 20) and have the container handy.
At BCN Kush, we’re committed to informed consumption. If you’re a member and have questions about edibles or any other method of consumption, ask us at the club. And if you’re interested in cooking with cannabis, there are more cannabis recipes on the blog.