The variety of cannabis edibles available is vast and constantly expanding, including gummies, brownies, cookies, candies, drinks, capsules, tablets, and more. While trying out different types can be an enjoyable experience, edibles can be intimidating due to their longer-lasting effects compared to smoking.
Once consumed, there is no way to reverse their effects. To make an informed decision before trying edibles, here is some vital information to remember. Some people promote edibles to enjoy themselves and cope with health concerns, primarily pain and sleep problems. Research shows that cannabis may be useful in these areas.
A thorough report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in 2017 found strong evidence that cannabis can decrease chronic pain symptoms and moderate evidence that it can help with short-term sleep problems in certain health conditions. [1] However, this report doesn’t refer to particular ingestible cannabis products currently available.
Knowing the CBD and THC content of edibles is also very compulsory. THC and CBD are the two primary cannabinoids present in cannabis, which is responsible for its effects. This blog post will provide more information on the types of edibles and the benefits and risks associated with their consumption. So let’s dive in.
What Are Edibles And Their Different Types?
Well, cannabis edibles are food products that are infused with cannabis. These edibles can be based on any food item, from candy to baked goods to drinks.
In addition, they come in a variety of formats, such as solids (cookies, gummies, bars), liquids (tinctures and beverages), and powders (capsules). Edibles are the new variation in the cannabis industry and are gaining recognition more than ever.
People prefer edibles over smoking as they are pretty discrete and less harsh on the lungs. But this doesn’t mean they have no side effects. Edible cannabis can take up to two hours to take effect and last much longer than smoked or vaped cannabis. Some popular types of edibles are: [2]
Regarding cannabis edibles, gummies are probably the most popular type. These come in various shapes and flavors, from bears to fruit slices. Gummies are sweet and offer an easy way to ingest cannabis without smoking or vaping. Gummies are the favorite among consumers, not because of their taste but because of the ease of dosing.
Brownies And Other Baked Goods
Baked goods are also quite popular, especially brownies and cookies. Every standard recipe can be easily modified to include cannabis, allowing anyone to enjoy their favorite treats with an added boost. These are perfect for those who want a delicious dessert without smoking or vaping.
Baked goods are also quite popular, especially brownies and cookies. Every standard recipe can be easily modified to include cannabis, allowing anyone to enjoy their favorite treats with an added boost. These are perfect for those who want a delicious dessert without smoking or vaping.
Drinks
Cannabis-infused drinks have become increasingly popular due to their convenience and discretion. People often discuss THC-infused beverages like sodas, juices, and teas. These products can be found in numerous flavors and are available from various companies.
Capsules And Tablets
Cannabis tablets and capsules are usually made with oil or powder from cannabis extract mixed with other ingredients to form a pill. These can be taken orally and are sometimes flavored to mask the taste of cannabis. Sometimes these capsules and tablets are referred to as “edibles” but are not the same as typical food items.
Dosage And Consumption Guide For Beginners
Have you ever heard the saying “Start low, go slow”? It applies to cannabis edibles. Many people think that because edibles take longer to take effect, they should consume a higher dose. But this is not true and can lead to an unpleasant experience, so it’s best to start with a low amount and increase as needed.
A1 Terps genuinely understand the importance of the dosage, clear instructions, and information about the amount of each edible. Here are some cannabis edibles dosage recommendations that might be useful when starting:
Start With A Low Dose
A pivotal guideline is, to begin with a low dosage and gradually increase it. Starting with 2 mg of THC or less is recommended for those new to edibles. Once you understand the impact of edibles on your body, you can raise the dosage to 5 mg or beyond. [3]
To make sure that your experience with cannabis is enjoyable, it is suggested that you try a strain with both THC and CBD to balance out the effects and reduce any potential intensity. Additionally, it is essential to wait for at least 2 hours before taking more, and if possible, wait 24 hours. This cardinal rule will help you have a pleasant time with cannabis. [3]
Start Taking First Doze In the Evening
Yes, you read it right, evening is the best time to take cannabis edibles, as it can make you sleepy. Also, if you are taking edibles for medical purposes such as pain relief or insomnia, then it is recommended that they be taken at night before going to bed.
If you want to manage symptoms such as pain, stress, or anxiety and still be able to do activities, it’s best to take the edible earlier in the evening when you have no plans for later. Eating something before consuming any edible is essential to ensure it works properly and gives you the desired effects.
Wait About 2 Hours Before Taking More
To get the most out of cannabis edibles, it’s crucial to be patient and understand that the effects may take up to 2 hours to kick in. This may be a new experience for those used to smoking or vaping cannabis.
But increasing the dosage before the 2-hour mark will likely result in an unpleasant experience. Stick to a consistent approach and rely on your body’s signals to determine the correct dose. [3]
Dont Mixup With Alcohol
Never combine cannabis edibles with alcohol or other substances. This can increase the risk of adverse effects and doesn’t allow you to assess each substance’s effects properly. In some cases, consuming cannabis edibles along with alcohol can even lead to an unpleasant experience.
It is best always to be aware of what you are ingesting, and it is always safer to consume cannabis edibles on your own.
Some Risks And Challenges That Might Come With Cannabis Edibles
Every product, whether edible or otherwise, has risks and challenges. As cannabis edibles are becoming more popular, knowing their potential risks and challenges is essential. These risks and challenges don’t always need to appear, but one should remain aware of them. Some of them are: [4]
Delayed Effects
Cannabis edibles take a longer time to have an effect compared to smoking or vaping. This can be dangerous as some people mistakenly think it isn’t working and then ingest more, resulting in an overdose. When consuming edibles, it is essential to be aware of the delayed effects and wait at least two hours before taking more.
Unpredictable Effects
The effects of cannabis edibles can vary significantly from person to person due to different metabolism and tolerance levels. It is important to start with a small dose and increase gradually based on your experience. Additionally, the effects of edibles tend to last longer than other forms of cannabis consumption, so it is important to be aware of this before consuming them.
Accidental Consumption
Some cannabis edibles can look like regular food items, making them potentially attractive to children. If you have kids around, ensure all cannabis edibles are properly labeled and stored out of reach from curious hands. It is always advisable to never leave edibles within reach of children and save them accordingly.
Wrap Up
Whether you’re new to cannabis edibles or an experienced user, it’s crucial to grasp the fundamentals of their consumption. It’s advisable to research and keep up-to-date on dosages, effects, and possible risks before trying them out. Considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about consuming edibles.
A1 Terps is one of the top-notch quality cannabis edible manufacturers in Canada. We ensure all our edibles are correctly dosed and labelled for your convenience. All our products use the best ingredients, and we take pride in providing great-tasting, safe-to-consume cannabis edibles.
So, if you are probing for the perfect cannabis edible, A1 Terps has you covered. Make your journey into the world of edibles a pleasant one with us. Contact us for more information.
FAQs
1. Do edibles taste like marijuana?
Some edibles indeed have a taste of marijuana, but not all of them. The taste of your edibles is determined by how they are made. When THC distillate is used, you will only taste the food because THC has no flavor. On the other hand, if your edibles are made with flower, cannabutter, or full-spectrum oils with terpenes and flavonoids, they will taste like marijuana.
2. Can I make edibles at home?
Certainly! There are several methods for making cannabis edibles. For those who prefer freshly baked treats such as cannabis cookies and brownies, look at our guide on baking with cannabis. Making your gummies at home is an excellent option if you prefer edibles with a candy-like texture.
3. Can I eat raw marijuana?
Raw cannabis flower contains THCA, which is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid. Therefore, heating or decarboxylating is necessary to convert THCA into THC. The edibles bought from a dispensary already contain THC and are ready to eat. To make your edibles, decarboxylate the flower before using it.
4. Why do edibles take so long to kick in?
When smoked or vaped, cannabinoids are absorbed quickly by the lungs and move directly into the bloodstream. When ingested orally, cannabinoids must pass through the digestive system before entering the bloodstream. This is why it takes much longer for edibles to start working than other consumption methods. Eating something before or with your edibles can help speed up the process.
References:
[2]https://www.self.com/story/cannabis-edibles
[3]https://www.leafly.ca/news/cannabis-101/what-is-tetrahydrocannabinol