What are edibles?

Edibles are cannabis-infused foods. Since many of us are new edibles, we fall victim to the same mistake: we eat too much. Edibles are a great choice when consumed responsibly; they’re potent and body-focused, meaning they’re perfect for people who suffer from pain, nausea, or lack of appetite.

After eating an edible, your body needs to digest and metabolize the food before you feel the effects. Something like a truffle needs to be processed by the liver before it affects the consumer, that means slower absorption time and more of the THC will be filtered out of your system.

The amount of time it takes for the effects to kick in also depends on your metabolism. People with faster metabolisms may feel medicated after an hour, yet people with slower metabolisms may not feel the effects for two hours or more.

The different types of edibles

While cannabis brownies and cookies are probably the most popular types of edibles, Mendo patients have so many more options to choose from. In fact, there is almost a limitless number of different types of edibles. Each type has its own characteristics and use, so it’s good to experiment to find the right one for you.

Cannabis Infused Food

Cannabis chocolates and gummies fall under the food category of edibles. This is, of course, the most popular type. Cannabis-infused foods can take on almost any form, including baked goods, candy, pasta sauces, bacon, and even potato chips. Virtually any food that contains butter, oil, milk, or even sugar or flour, can be turned into an edible. This makes it an incredibly versatile and diverse type of edible.

Cannabis Infused Beverages

Edible companies have been experimenting more and more with different types of cannabis-infused drinks, including teas, sodas, coffee, and even alcohol. Like cannabis-infused foods, the THC in these drinks is also metabolized through the stomach and can be just as potent as eating a cannabis chocolates or gummies.

Tinctures

Tinctures are considered a type of edible because they’re meant to be absorbed through your mouth and tongue. These potent, alcohol-based cannabis extracts are typically placed under the tongue using a dropper. The tincture is then absorbed into the bloodstream. Alternatively, tinctures can also be added directly to foods or drinks. Ingesting a tincture gives you more control over your dosage than cannabis-infused foods and drinks.

Dissolvable Cannabis Powder

Dissolvable cannabinoid powders are relatively new on the edibles scene. They’re tasteless and odorless, which makes them an attractive option for people who don’t enjoy the taste of cannabis but still want to benefit from its medicinal properties. Because these powders are dissolvable, they’re very versatile. You can turn just about anything into an edible. Just mix the powder into your favorite tea, juice, smoothie, or protein shake. You can also bake or cook with it.

CBD Edibles

Not all edibles have to be psychoactive. CBD gummies or chocolates are infused with all of the cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and fatty acids found in the hemp plant, except for THC. Some CBD edibles contain less than 0.03% THC. CBD edibles are an excellent choice if you want the medicinal benefits without the psychoactive effects of THC.

How to consume edibles

Besides getting plenty of liquids, experts also recommend eating a meal before taking edibles. Edibles are processed much faster when taken on an empty stomach, but some people have reported upset stomachs or uncomfortable highs. Many users prefer taking edibles after a meal of high-fat foods.

Trying edibles for the first time can be intimidating, but it’s all about taking it low and slow. Here are the key takeaways for an optimum edibles experience:

Try edibles with both THC and CBD
Start with 2 mg of THC or less
Shop for products that you would enjoy consuming
Wait at least two hours before consuming more, preferably 24 hours

The effects of edibles

How many mg of edibles should I consume?

Discover the effects of THC edibles

For some people, the effects of edible cannabis can be more intense than inhaling a similar dose of dried cannabis. This intensity is partly because when you ingest THC, your liver turns it into a stronger form. With edible cannabis, both the THC from the original product and the stronger form of THC produced by your liver can influence the intensity of the high. Individuals who are new to edibles or cannabis should look at the THC content of the product and start with edible cannabis products containing no more than 2.5 mg of THC. It is best that your first few times using edible cannabis be with trusted friends or family members who have experience with them.

Start low by eating a cannabis edible with no more than 2.5 mg of THC.

How long will the effects last?

Understanding the effects of edibles

It depends on the strength of the edible, how much you consume, how much food is in your stomach, and your metabolism. Metabolizing cannabis makes the effects much stronger. Edibles are typically made with highly concentrated cannabis, be it in actual concentrate form (hash oil), cannabis-infused butter, or infused oil. This means that it’s incredibly easy to overdo it. Between the time it takes for the cannabis to kick in and the highly concentrated levels of THC found in many edibles, finding the correct dose can be quite the chore.

In most cases, 10mg is a ‘dose.’ Consider this like one beer; this amount will affect some people a lot, and others not at all. Take your time and learn what is right for you.

With edible cannabis, the intoxicating effects or “high” do not kick in for about 30 minutes to two hours and peak at about four hours. The effects can last up to 12 hours after use and residual effects can last up to 24 hours, so you could be affected into the next day.

Tips for the overconsumption of edibles

Dealing with the effects of THC edibles

While no one has ever reportedly died from cannabis overconsumption, ingesting too much cannabis can mean that what was once a pleasant evening can turn into a pretty bad time. Eating the entire cannabis-infused edible may seem like a good idea, but many times a single product may actually be considered two or more doses. When it comes to edibles, it’s best to taste and wait for a while before gorging yourself on potent and delicious treats.

Another important factor is whether you consumed the edible on an empty stomach or after you’ve already eaten. An empty stomach will feel the effects much more quickly, while a full stomach won’t hit you as hard. In order to avoid feeling uncomfortable when eating an infused product, you may want to take this advice: Eat a meal, and then try an edible. Not vice versa. Food doesn’t have the same effect for edibles as it does for alcohol. If you feel like you have taken too much, eating a meal can actually push more into your system rather than dilute what’s already there. Also consuming CBD will counteract the effects of THC.