8 Things to Know Before Trying Ingestible Cannabis Products

8 Things to Know Before Trying Ingestible Cannabis Products

The world of cannabis edibles is vast and ever-expanding, with products ranging from gummies and brownies to drinks and capsules. While exploring these options can be exciting, the effects of edibles last much longer than inhaled cannabis, making them intimidating for some. Once ingested, there’s no turning back. 

Did you know cannabis has been used in cuisine since 2000 B.C. in India? Bhang, a drink made with cannabis, yogurt, almonds, spices, and rose water, is a staple during Holi, a Hindu holiday. Cannabis extracts were also used in food and drink by ancient Indians as early as 1000 B.C. The nomadic Berber tribes of North Africa developed majoun, a cannabis jam, around the 11th century. Alice B. Toklas published the first recipe for a cannabis-infused edible product in the U.S. in the early 1960s, known as “Hashish Fudge,” given by her close friend, Brion Gysin.

What Are Ingestible Cannabis Products?

Also called weed edibles, cannabis-infused edibles include cakes, biscuits, sweets, chocolates, drinks, and shakes. They contain THC and CBD and can be either store-bought or made at home using oils, butter, brownies, cookies, and ice cream. While edibles are a popular method of consuming cannabis for medicinal and recreational purposes, it’s important to note that their potency is not always accurately labelled and cannot be determined just by their appearance.

Ingesting Edibles VS Smoking Cannabis

Apart from smoking cannabis, one way to enjoy weed is by consuming it as edibles. The major difference between the two is the time it takes to experience the substance’s effects. When it comes to cannabis edibles, it may take two to three hours after consumption for the effects to fully kick in and can last for six to 20 hours, making the effects longer-lasting. Meanwhile, smoking cannabis enables cannabinoids to enter the bloodstream much faster, reaching their peak within approximately 10 minutes and tapering off in a couple of hours.

Top Five Popular Types of Cannabis Edibles

Cannabis edibles can come in various forms, containing THC, CBD, or both. The combination of THC and CBD creates the “entourage effect,” which results in a more well-rounded experience. Here are the top five most commonly enjoyed types of cannabis edibles:

Gummies

Chewy and available in different shapes, colours, and fruity flavours, cannabis-infused gummies are one of the most popular edibles.

Baked Goods

While marijuana brownies are often the first thing that comes to mind regarding ingestible cannabis, cannabis can also be incorporated into cookies, muffins, cupcakes, and other baked goods.

Chocolates

Cannabis-infused chocolate is another delicious and easy-to-consume way to enjoy the THC/CBD effect. Some companies even collaborate with luxury chocolatiers to create gourmet cannabis chocolate bars and bonbons.

Hard Candy

Cannabis-infused hard candies, suckers, lollipops, and lozenges are dual-absorption products that take effect after around 20 minutes. Depending on the dosage, their effects can last anywhere from two to six hours.

Beverages

Cannabis-infused drinks, such as sodas, teas, coffees, and cocoas, offer another way to enjoy cannabis. Tinctures, or liquid extracts, can also be added to beverages or placed directly under the tongue for quick absorption.

Things to Consider When Trying Ingestible Cannabis Products

As a consumer, you’ll have to make many choices about which products to use, and though the trial-and-error process may seem daunting, it can also be enjoyable and educational. Whether you’re a newcomer or returning after a break, it’s essential to know what to expect before trying ingestible cannabis products.

Determine whether edibles are right for you

Regarding using cannabis for managing health conditions, edibles can be a particularly useful option for some people, but it’s not necessarily the best choice for everyone. It’s important to consider what you want to achieve with cannabis and whether edibles are the best way to achieve that, possibly with the help of a doctor or specialist. However, it can be difficult to talk to your doctor about using medical cannabis. Still, you can find a list of doctors licensed to certify cannabis patients on your state’s health department website.

While inhaling cannabis provides quick effects, edibles have slower onset but longer-lasting effects. This makes them a better choice for people who need longer-acting effects, such as those dealing with chronic pain or insomnia. However, they may not be the best choice for people needing fast-acting relief from headaches.

In addition, edibles offer a more discreet option for consuming cannabis without the stigma associated with smoking. They also eliminate any issues with inhaling smoke or vapour, which can benefit people with compromised lung functioning. Ultimately, it’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of edibles and determine whether they are the right choice for you.

Be aware that cannabis can interfere with some medications

It’s important to be aware that cannabis products can potentially interfere with medications you may be taking. This is a significant concern for people who use cannabis without consulting a physician or pharmacist, as interactions can occur where cannabis use can either increase or decrease the potency of other medications.

Current knowledge about drug interactions with cannabis is more established with CBD, a component of cannabis that relies on the liver for breakdown. If you’re taking other medications that use the same pathway, it can impact how the body processes them. Studies have also shown that both CBD and THC can affect certain enzymes involved in processing various types of medications, including antidepressants and blood thinners, which could potentially alter their effectiveness.

However, the lack of research in this area means much is still to be learned. If you regularly take medications, you should check with a doctor or a cannabis medicine specialist before using marijuana to avoid any negative interactions.

Start with a low dose and look at the product label carefully

When it comes to cannabis, especially edibles, starting with a low dose and increasing it gradually is essential. For new users or those unfamiliar with edibles, it’s especially important, to begin with a lower dose than they may initially think.

Typically, 5 mg of THC is considered a low dose for edibles, but those who are more sensitive or anxious can start with as little as 1 to 2.5 mg. Choosing products that come in specific doses, such as gummies or capsules, is also recommended to ensure accurate dosing.

Moderate doses range from 10 to 15 mg, while higher doses can be 20 mg or more. Experienced users may require 20 to 30 mg, but most can achieve their desired effects with 5 to 10 mg. It’s worth noting that finding the right cannabis product and dosage may require some trial and error.

To ensure accurate dosing, it’s important to check the product label, indicating the amount of THC it contains. In most states, cannabis products sold at dispensaries must undergo formal testing before reaching consumers, though regulations and testing procedures may vary. Consumers can often find testing results via a barcode on the product to verify its contents.

Take your first dose in the evening to be safe

It’s important to remember that cannabis can cause drowsiness and relaxation in many people, which could benefit some but is not ideal for others who need to remain functional. 

To mitigate any unwanted effects, it’s recommended to take your first dose of a new cannabis product in the evening when you have some downtime. This way, it won’t interfere with your daily activities if you become too sleepy or relaxed. 

You can adjust the dosage the next time you use it to find the right balance. By starting with a lower dose in the evening, you can avoid any unwanted effects during the day and ensure a more positive experience with cannabis.

Wait at least two hours before taking more

The key to successfully consuming cannabis edibles is patience and waiting for the effects to kick in. Unlike smoking or vaping, edibles take longer to take effect, sometimes up to two hours. Despite feeling frustrated or impatient, it’s important not to take more.

The compounds in cannabis, such as THC and CBD, interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates various functions like mood, memory, and pain perception. Overloading this system by consuming too much can cause unpleasant side effects like confusion, anxiety, dizziness, nausea, and hallucinations.

To avoid these negative effects, waiting at least two hours before taking more is crucial. Even if you don’t feel any relief from your symptoms, taking more can lead to an overdose and worsen things. Remember that the effects of edibles can last much longer than smoking or vaping, so it’s important to be patient and start with a low dose.

If you love sweets, get a non-medicated version of your favourite treat

If you have a sweet tooth, choosing a non-medicated version of your favourite treat is recommended. While a wide variety of cannabis-infused edibles are available, it can be tempting to consume more of a delicious treat than you’re prepared for, especially since cannabis can increase your appetite. To avoid overindulging, consider opting for a less tasty edible or pairing your infused snack with a non-medicated treat. Remember that edibles are not just ordinary snacks but a form of medicine. If you’re craving a specific treat, purchasing the non-infused version is best.

Try using pre-made cooking and baking ingredients

If you’re looking to experiment with cooking and baking using cannabis, pre-made cannabis-infused ingredients can be a great option. When making homemade edibles, knowing the exact dose of THC can be difficult, but pre-made products typically have known concentrations.

Use pre-made cannabis-infused butter, oils, honey, or hot sauce to add a cannabis kick to your meals. You can also get creative and top non-infused cupcakes with frosting and chocolate to enjoy baking while still getting a predictable dose of cannabis.

Store your edibles safely

To ensure the safety of everyone in your household, it’s essential to store your edibles properly, particularly if you have kids, pets, or guests who may not be aware of their contents. Studies have shown that cannabis edibles are associated with an increase in emergency room visits, often due to accidental ingestion or unintentional overconsumption leading to adverse reactions such as anxiety and increased heart rate.

These days, it’s not just children who need to be kept away from edibles, but also friends and family who may not realize they are infused with THC. Therefore, it’s up to you as the consumer to store your edibles safely. Even though overdosing on cannabis is not lethal, it can be an unpleasant experience, especially if it happens unexpectedly. It’s essential to avoid any confusion by keeping your edibles secure and out of reach.

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FAQ

Cannabis edibles are a diverse and rapidly growing market, with many different types of products available for consumers to choose from. The most common types of edibles include baked goods like brownies and cookies, candies like gummies and chocolates, and beverages like teas and sodas. 

Other types of edibles include savoury snacks like chips and popcorn, infused cooking oils and butter, and even frozen meals like pizzas and lasagnas. Many edibles are also available in a variety of flavours, dosages, and packaging sizes, allowing consumers to choose products that best suit their preferences and needs. 

Cannabis edibles can be useful for a variety of purposes. They are often used for medicinal purposes, such as pain relief, anxiety reduction, and to help with sleep disorders. Edibles can also be used recreationally for their psychoactive effects, providing a different experience than smoking or vaping cannabis. Edibles can also be a discreet way to consume cannabis, as they do not produce the telltale odour associated with smoking. 

Additionally, edibles can be a preferred method of consumption for those with respiratory issues or concerns about the long-term effects of smoking. However, it is important to note that edibles can be unpredictable, and their effects can last longer and be more intense than other consumption methods, so using them responsibly and cautiously is important.

An edible high can feel different for different people, and the experience can vary depending on the type and potency of the edible, the person’s tolerance, and other factors. However, some common effects of an edible high include relaxation, euphoria, and heightened sensory perception. Some people also report feeling more creative or introspective when influenced by marijuana edibles.

At higher doses, an edible high can feel more intense and may be accompanied by physical sensations such as a tingling or buzzing feeling in the body, dry mouth, and red eyes. Some people also experience an altered perception of time, difficulty with memory or concentration, and in rare cases, paranoia or anxiety.

While edible cannabis can provide a longer and more intense high than smoking or vaping cannabis, they also come with some potential cons. One of the biggest cons of edibles is the delayed onset time, which can take up to two hours to start feeling the effects. This can lead to people taking more than they need because they assume the first dose didn’t work, resulting in an overwhelming and unpleasant experience.

Another potential con of taking an edible cannabis product is the difficulty in dosing. Since the effects can take a while to kick in and last several hours, knowing exactly how much to take can be challenging. Additionally, the effects can vary greatly depending on factors such as the individual’s metabolism, body weight, and tolerance to cannabis.

Finally, it’s essential to remember that edible cannabis products can be much stronger than smoking or vaping cannabis, and the effects can last much longer. This can be particularly challenging for people who are not experienced with cannabis or have a low tolerance for its effects. Overconsumption of edibles can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, paranoia, rapid heart rate, nausea, and vomiting.

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