The Complete Guide to Vegan Edibles

Not too long ago, vegans had few options when it came to edibles. But now, with the edibles space offering a wide range of options, that isn’t the case. Today, vegans can enjoy store-bought edibles or make their own at home, providing them with a world of ways to enjoy infused edibles.  

What are Vegan Edibles?

Vegan edibles are smokeless cannabis-infused food products free of any animal-derived ingredients. They allow vegans to enjoy potent, plant-based treats like any other vegan product without compromising their dietary principles. 

Since edibles are among the most popular products in dispensaries, including gummies, chocolates, and beverages, a few options are tailored to specific dietary needs and preferences. Various vegan options are available, including vegan brownies, caramels, drinks, and food oils. 

The options expand even further when they enter the DIY realm, where home chefs can create their own infused vegan edibles however they like.

What Makes an Edible Non-Vegan?

Any food item containing animal products or byproducts is considered non-vegan. That means any items with meat, eggs, dairy, or other common animal products or byproducts are off the list.

When shopping for vegan items, edibles, or other products, consumers need to keep an eye out for a long laundry list of products that contain animal-derived components. They include:

1. Gelatin: Derived from animal collagen, it is often used in gummies and marshmallows for chewiness.
2. Dairy: Milk, butter, casein, whey, and other dairy ingredients are common in baked goods.
3. Eggs: Egg whites, yolks, and/or dried egg powder are also frequently used in baked goods for their binding capabilities.
4. Honey: Honey is a bee by-product used in some edibles for added sweetness.
5. Dyes: Some food colorings are derived from insects.
6. Bone Char: Most cane sugar in the US is processed using animal bones. To avoid this, look for products that either use organic sugar, coconut or beet sugar, or are certified vegan.

Vegans, or anyone preparing vegan food, should know this list of potential ingredients and processes to watch out for. Those mentioned above are just a fraction of the list, with PETA providing one of the more extensive collections of all possible concerning components. 

What to Look for in Vegan Edibles

Vegan edibles do not contain any meat, eggs, dairy, or other common animal products or byproducts. It's best to carefully check labels and other sources before purchasing. Steps to ensure this doesn’t happen include:

Read the Ingredient List 

Reading is always a great place to start. If any components like gelatin or milk powder are mentioned, it’s safe to assume the item isn’t vegan. Alternatively, when searching for vegan gummies, look for ingredients like pectin, a common vegan swap for gelatin. 

Check for Certifications or Labels

Look for certifications or labels on the packaging that demonstrate a product is animal-free. 

Allergen Warnings

Allergen warnings mentioning milk or eggs signal that the edible contains one or more of those ingredients or was processed in the same facility.

Reputable Brand Websites and Reviews

Word of mouth is key. If the brand has a negative reputation, consider shopping for another item. Check the brand’s website and third-party sellers, and if possible, ask friends or fellow consumers for feedback.

Whether buying vegan edibles, trying a friend’s home creation, or making them yourself, the rule remains: be informed about all possible non-vegan ingredients and double-check with the chef before consuming.

Common Vegan Swaps for Edible Recipes

Making vegan THC gummies, baked goods, and other infused items is a rather straightforward process. It just calls for the occasional ingredient swaps to ensure the recipe is animal-free. Some of the common plant-based substitutions used to make vegan edibles include:

Cannabutter 

Vegans can use a plant-based cannabutter or try coconut oil, olive oil, or vegan margarine.

Plant Milks

Many non-dairy options are readily available, including almond, soy, and oat milk. However, keep an eye out for flavorings. While not vegan, these milk alternatives can significantly alter a recipe's taste. Stick to plain unless the recipe calls for a specific flavor. 

Eggs

Flaxseed meal, applesauce, or aquafaba can all serve as egg replacements, binding a baked good’s ingredients.

Chocolate

Rather than milk chocolate, consider a dairy-free dark chocolate or carob. 

Do you need to brush up on the basics before baking or cooking? NuggMD’s beginner’s guide to making marijuana edibles offers some entry-level tips. 

Top Vegan Edible Brands

The spread of legalization opened the door for a wave of edible brands, many of which offer some or all of their products in vegan form. A few of the most well-known and commonly purchased brands include:

Good Tide

These gummies are vegan, made with real fruit, and infused with hash rosin. Sustainably produced and packaged in recyclable, compostable materials. Available in several states in the US in 6 different flavors, including mango, guava, pineapple, grapefruit, kiwi strawberry, and passionfruit.

Wana Brands

Wana is a major US player that touts its commitment to vegan, melt-proof products derived from cannabis and hemp. These gummies are not only vegan but also organically sweetened and terpene-enhanced. Available in a few states, they offer an extensive menu of products with various flavors and effects.

PLUS

PLUS's new portfolio of gummies is entirely vegan and infused with a solventless hash for fast-acting effects. They are available in several states in 3 flavors: Island Maui Haze, Rainbow Kush, and Grapes n' Cream.

Big Pete's Treats

Big Pete's Treats, a California-based cannabis company, has a vegan line of gummies in 3 options, including THC-rich strawberry-watermelon and pineapple-guava, and a sleepy-time, cherries-and-berries variation infused with CBN.

Caminos Sour Gummies

Part of Kiva's extensive edible menu, their Camino Sour Gummy lineup is all vegan and comes in several flavors and formula variations. You can find these gummies in several states.

No matter the item, consumers should always check the company’s website and packaging and/or ask a budtender to confirm whether a product meets vegan standards.

Can CBD Edibles Be Vegan?

Yes. Be it CBD or THC, most infused edibles can be made with a vegan recipe and process. The cannabinoid featured in the recipe won’t impact its vegan status, as cannabis is plant-based.

Are Delta-8 Gummies Vegan?

Some delta-8 gummies are vegan. Like with any infused edibles, the vegan status all depends on the brand’s recipe, not its cannabis content. 

No matter the cannabinoid, always verify the product’s contents before purchasing. Additionally, some hemp-derived delta-8 and other minor cannabinoid products are made with limited oversight, highlighting the importance of third-party lab tests. In both cases, confirm the product’s contents before purchasing and/or consuming. 

Do Vegan Gummy Bears Exist?

Yes, but not often in infused forms. States typically ban edibles that resemble traditional children’s candy. As such, edibles producers generally avoid shapes and figures that might appeal to minors. If a seller has infused gummy bears, these items likely came from an unlicensed producer.

Are Pure Edibles Vegan?

‘Pure edibles’ is a term used to identify products with minimal ingredients, such as single-origin cannabis-infused coconut oil or a simple tincture. Many products labeled as pure are inherently vegan, but that isn’t always the case, as some may contain honey or dairy flavorings.

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.