Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is becoming popular for both recreational and medicinal purposes. Many people use it for inducing feelings of relaxation as well as for pain management. Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the most studied and widely used compounds.
One of the most popular ways to consume cannabis is through edibles. They come in a variety of forms. That said, knowing what to do and what not to do before using cannabis edibles is important. Let’s take a closer look at what cannabis edibles are and what you should remember before taking them.
What are Cannabis Edibles?
Edible cannabis products (edibles for short) are products containing cannabinoids that you eat or drink. THC is known for promoting a feeling of high, whereas CBD is non-intoxicating and can have some therapeutic effects.
Cannabis edibles can be in the form of:
- Baked goods
- Gummies
- Candies
- Chocolates
- Asteroids
- Lozenges
Since edibles pass through your digestive system, they are more likely to have a potent and prolonged effect. Edibles can be consumed without the tell-tale smell and paraphernalia associated with smoking or vaping, offering a more private experience.
While smoking is the most common way to consume marijuana, edibles are becoming popular due to their low risk and discreet nature. Cannabis edibles are infused with fruit flavors, ensuring a much more pleasant experience.
Read the Label Carefully
The dosage is the most important feature of a cannabis edible. High doses of THC and CBD can have adverse physical and mental effects. This is why it’s important to read the product label carefully.
If you’re new to cannabis or have never consumed an edible, make sure the dosage of THC is no more than 2.5 mg. Experts also recommend doing a bit of homework to thoroughly understand how cannabis impacts your brain and bodily activity. You should also read the instructions for use mentioned on the product label.
The bad news? Many products contain more THC than labeled, and first-time consumers are caught off guard by its strong effects. The best thing you can do is buy your cannabis edibles from a reputable dispensary. Scour the internet for a highly rated dispensary San Diego California. Dispensaries like Catalyst Cannabis are great options.
Cannabis Edibles Have a Delayed Onset
The effects of cannabis edibles take a while to settle in. The average time is 30 minutes to two hours. When you take edibles, they travel through your stomach and liver before making it to your bloodstream. This results in a delayed onset. Don’t consume more cannabis within this time period.
Similarly, the effects of edibles can last for much longer compared to other forms of cannabis. You might feel the effects for up to 12 hours, with residual effects lasting up to 24 hours.
Cannabis Edibles Shouldn’t be Mixed
Alcohol and similar products can exacerbate the intoxicating and impairing effects of cannabis. Cannabis intoxication can result in:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Anxiety
- Panic
Therefore, never mix cannabis edibles with other substances.
