Unique edible options for those who are tired of gummies

Sometimes, when I’m going to be out for a long time and won’t have access to a dab rig or joints, I’ll begrudgingly eat an edible to maintain my preferred level of highness throughout the day. Over the years, as both my tolerance and palate have developed, I’ve come to be unimpressed with producers’ insistence on continuing to mass produce slightly different, but in many cases much too similar, gummy edible options. I do have some sympathy for these businesses — gummies are relatively cheap to make, are easily infused with cannabis and can be dosed accurately with a little know-how.

But what about people like me who don’t really like gummies? Or those who don’t use edibles daily and don’t require 100 milligrams of THC to get the effects they want? For these consumers, I thought I would highlight some of my favorite non-gummy edible options from local dispensaries that I’ve been enjoying the past few weeks.

Redemption Cannabis Rick Simpson oil

$25/1g

Local Roots Cannabis

120 W. Grand River Road, Laingsburg

This line of Rick Simpson oil is probably my favorite batch of edible products on the market. Few legal operators offer strain-specific Rick Simpson oil, and it makes me proud that Lansing natives are leading the way with this offering from activist turned legal-cannabis pioneer Ryan Basore of Redemption Cannabis and his partners at cultivation and extraction company Driven Grow. Most forms of Rick Simpson oil, a highly potent cannabis extract, are created using various materials from numerous harvests and strains. Redemption’s single-source, strain-specific options are some of the best-tasting and most consistent edible oils on the market and are a good pick for folks with a high edible tolerance or those looking to treat specific ailments like cancer, insomnia and extreme or chronic pain.

Sweet Justice hemp-infused sodas

 $6/5 or 10 mg

The Botanical Co.

3535 Capital City Blvd., Lansing

In August, Canadian brand Sweet Justice partnered with Lansing craft operator Franklin Fields to bring its line of infused sodas to Michigan. Much like Redemption, Franklin Fields works to help achieve progress toward various criminal justice reforms involving cannabis. Aside from supporting a good cause, the sodas come in a variety of flavors that range from elderberry-pomegranate and Pacific Island Punch to regular and cherry colas and a Michigan classic, ginger ale. I like that this line offers something a little different and something that’s pretty easy to dose out. I’ve really enjoyed drinking these sodas in social settings and believe these types of products will become more and more popular as consumer tastes evolve.

Michigan Organic Rub Granola Bites

 $10/200mg

Pincanna

1234 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing

The owner of Michigan Organic Rub was super excited about releasing this new product, and I have to say, I share his enthusiasm. This is the company’s first non-topical product, and it’s been a great start, to say the least. It’s been a huge hit around my house: The taste is great, and the individual bites make sharing and dosing a breeze. The folks at Michigan Organic Rub and Pincanna put a lot of time into developing this product and have used some of the best possible ingredients to ensure it’s consistent and top-notch. I can’t wait to see what new Michigan Organic Rub products will follow down the line.

Funky Extracts cinnamon-roasted almonds

$15/200mg

Pincanna

1234 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing

Created by caregiver-era brand Funky Extracts, which also offers Funyuns- and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos-themed edibles, this product is another great example of producers looking to expand their offerings to appeal to consumers who are purchasing based on taste in addition to dosage and price. I really enjoyed this product — the crunchiness of the almonds paired with the sweetness of the cinnamon coating made the package hard to put down. In addition, eating just a few almonds is a great option for microdosing, although the entire bag makes for a pleasant-sized and protein-rich snack that definitely packs a punch.

As consumers start to move away from flower and into more processed products, I think we’ll see more variety and high-end options like we do in Colorado or California, where more mature markets have brought about many more product segments. Until then, these are some great options for folks who are tired of seeing gummies dominate retail shelves. The more people try options like these, the more producers will create new, unique products for all of us to try.