What are edibles?
You’ll experience immediate effects if you vape or smoke cannabis. Edibles are a little more complex: your body needs to digest, metabolize and absorb cannabinoid substances. It could take up to an hour for edibles to have any noticeable effects. This depends on many factors including your metabolism, weight and body mass and the type of cannabis edibles you choose.
The THC, which is activated when you heat the cannabis, and other non-intoxicating compounds are sent directly to the brain and bloodstream.
It was quick! Here’s a breakdown of how THC is absorbed by your body via edibles:
- The delicious food lands in the stomach after traveling through your esophagus.
- Acids and enzymes break down the edible into its constituent parts, including THC.
- THC is absorbed by the stomach lining and transported to the liver.
- THC is converted in the liver into 11-HydroxyTHC. This is super-THC. It is more potent, and it can cross the blood brain barrier more easily than THC inhaled.
Edibles can be slower, but they are also stronger.
How much food should I consume?
When eating THC edibles, patience is both a virtue and necessity. If you are new to cannabis or edibles in general, it is best to start small. Start by cutting the piece in half. Keep the remainder for later. We promise it will still taste just as good.
According to many people, 2mg is a low or “micro-dose” whereas 5mg is a standard dosage. 10mg of THC is an excellent starting dose for those who are familiar with edibles. It provides great pain relief as well as deep relaxation.
Try an edible with a high CBD content and low THC if you want to avoid getting high.
Edible F.A.Q.
What should I eat first before eating an edible?
It is important to have THC-free snacks on hand after you take edibles, especially because it’s hard to be satisfied with just one, a gummy or brownie. After taking edibles, it’s a good idea to keep THC-free snacks around.
What if I’ve never smoked before or vaped?
You shouldn’t avoid edibles if you have never felt the effects of THC. Some people prefer edibles over smoking or vaping. Start with the lowest amount of THC–2 mg if you are able to break down your gummy or brownie bite into small pieces. Then wait for up to 2 hours before experiencing the effects.
While you wait, drink water, snack on some snacks and relax. Listen to your body. Even if you’ve smoked or vaped in the past, edibles will have different effects. They are stronger but slower.
They are also delicious on the plus side.
What happens if I accidentally take more than I should?
It happens. It can happen at a bad moment. The next time, remember to keep it low and slow. (We repeat, you can always eat more but not less.) We are prepared, and sometimes over-prepared. So try to memorize these steps in case you become too high.
- Recite this mantra: It will pass. Stay away from the road, drink water and relax. It takes some time for the effects to fade.
- Try pure CBD if you can. Make sure your CBD source does not contain any THC. Try a small amount at first. CBD has been known to help temper the effects of THC, and can slow down that “racy feeling”.
- Drink water, preferably cold. Continue to drink iced water for at least 10 minutes in order to reduce the effects of THC and dry mouth. Additions such as ground black pepper and lemon zest can help to settle your stomach, while mint leaves and shredded ginger can also reduce the psychoactive effects.
- Netflix is a great way to relax. This may be easier said than accomplished depending on how you feel and what your personality is. This too will pass. You can distract yourself by finding a passive and comfortable activity.
- Sleep. Sleep. Drink water and get into bed. You will wake up refreshed. Though you may feel a bit groggy the next day, this will quickly dissipate. This is not at all like an alcohol-induced hangover.
I have a friend who swears by a certain edible. Does it work for you?
Sorry, but the same edibles containing the same amount of THC may affect different people in different ways. The bodies do not metabolize THC the same or for the same length of time. Treat every edible as an experience because it’s sometimes difficult to find the best edibles for you.
Edibles: Enjoy Responsibly
You made it! You made it!
The new generation has improved on the old ones, and they also taste better. The new edibles are better packaged and formulated for your lifestyle as an alternative to vaping or smoking. The THC can have a stronger effect once it reaches your bloodstream.
Every body processes THC differently, so there is no “one-size-fits all” with edibles. Follow the “start small and go slowly” method. Start by taking the lowest dose of THC your body is accustomed to consuming. If you do not feel any effects after two hours, take another dosage. It’s not the fastest method, but it is one of the most effective and enjoyable if you are prepared.