Edibles are one of the easiest forms of consumption.
And the yummiest too!
Edibles are cannabis-infused drinks or food.
They generally deliver the cannabinoids to the body through the mouth to the digestive system.
These are generally an alternative to vaping or smoking cannabis.
But does that mean you can have it just like any edible?
Well, no!
Even the marijuana edibles require legal permissions.
So, do not forget to obtain a medical marijuana card from My MMJ Doctor.
About Edibles
Edibles comprising THC cause a similar euphoric or high effect as smoking. And indeed, in some manner, these are definitely a potent way to deliver cannabinoids to the body.
Even the research [1] states that the effects of the edible take up to around one hour to get in but can last for more than 6 hours, whereas the effects generated through smoking last for 1 to 4 hours only.
And the best part is that edibles do not even carry the risks associated with smoking methods, including cough and phlegm production. However, it is always essential to get familiar with the amount of cannabis you consume. Discovering the same can be tricky, but a medical doctor can help you with this.
However, while trying an edible, it is essential to begin with a lower dose to check how the body responds.
Do not forget to keep reading the blog till the end to get a complete piece of information about it.
How to make Edibles?
To begin with the process of making edibles with weed, several elements are required to be prepared.
And as suggested, if you want to get a weed high, you actually need to cook it so that you will do it right only and not even waste it.
The boiling temperature for the THC component is 314 degrees Fahrenheit.
Do you know that overheating cannabis for a longer time will lower potency?
However, the process is pretty straightforward. Let us get acquainted with the process of making weed edibles.
- Preheat the oven to 240 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Break down the cannabis leaves into more manageable pieces.
- Place the pieces on a cookie sheet
- Remember not to overload the cannabis so that the pieces are on top of each other.
- Put this cookie sheet in an oven
- Monitor it for 30 to 40 minutes
- Look for the golden-brown color
- Take it out of the oven
- Let this toasted cannabis cool
- And then put in food processor
- Pulse it and ground it coarsely
- Now that cannabis is ready to be used with the general ways to consume.
One of the best ways to use it as an edible is by making a Cannabutter from this prepared weed. Follow the simple and easy steps with this “How to make Cannabutter” recipe.
Make it, spread it over a piece of bread, and consume it all with a delicious taste!
How do the Edibles kick in?
A cannabis-infused edible generally takes 30 to 90 minutes to kick in the body of consumers.
However, this may vary based on the
- Edible type
- A person’s gender
- Age
- Food intake
- Metabolism.
While compared to the smoking or vaping methods, edibles generally show a little slow progress in producing the effects.
However, a study [2] suggests that some edibles like hard candies begin to absorb when consumed, and the effects may appear a little faster. Usually, the hard candies may take 15 to 45 minutes to kick in, while the other edibles require 60 to 180 minutes.
How long do the Effects of Cannabis Edibles Last?
Edibles generally take a longer time to get in than the vaping or smoking consumption methods, but they also tend to last much longer. On average, an edible dose can last for six or more hours, with the strongest effects appearing after 3 hours of ingestion.
But do not forget that this all depends upon the several factors, including:
- Dosage
- Metabolism
- Tolerance levels
Consuming higher doses with potent THC levels can lead to a longer and stronger high because the body takes time to process THC out of the body system.
Dosage Adequate for Edibles Consumption
It is pretty challenging to know the dosage of edibles just like that. It is hard to identify the dosage with the diversified range of marijuana products and their varied potency levels.
But it is essential to understand that edibles come in doses as low as 0.5 mg THC only and may even contain 2.5 to 5 mg of THC levels.
An average edible usually contains 10 to 15 mg of THC levels that are generally effective for people who are used to cannabis consumption and want to feel its effects for a few hours.
And the dosage amount not only ends here for the people who prefer higher doses, beginning with around 20 mg of THC. Doses with this high THC amount are usually good for the immediate effect but can increase the chances of associated risks.
Here’s a THC mg dosage chart to give clarity over the dose content.
| THC content per dose | What can you expect? | Right for! |
| 1-2.5 mg | Mild pain relief, stress and anxiety mitigation, enhanced creativity and focus | Microdose First-time consumers |
| 5 mg | May impair the coordination and alter perception Euphoria Stronger symptom relief | ·Restless sleepers Patients with persistent symptoms Recreational users |
| 10 mg | Strong Euphoria · New users may experience adverse effects · May impair coordination and alter perception | High THC tolerance consumers |
| 20 mg | Extremely potent euphoria · Likely to alter perception and impair coordination | Patients with decreased GI absorption · Users with significant THC tolerance powers |
| 50- 100 mg | Severely impaired perception and coordination · Can also lead to unpleasant side effects including pain, rapid heart rate, and nausea | High tolerance THC and experienced users |
Doses may vary from person to person according to their debilitating condition’s requirements. So, it is highly required to get a clear piece of information on the edible’s dosage accurately for you from a licensed medical doctor only.
Effects of Edible Consumption
The THC content’s edibles cause a similar high, relaxed feeling and euphoria to smoking cannabis. This high effect may vary depending on the cannabinoid type and its potency. People often prefer edibles over smoking and vaping as it doesn’t cause any harm to the lungs.
Risks involved
Generally, cannabis products are nontoxic, creating a very low risk of overdose. But it is still possible to ingest much THC, which can cause discomfort and several other associated effects.
The research [3] mentioned in the International Journal of Drug Policy states that THC overconsumption is more likely with the edibles and more unlikely with smoking. This doesn’t let the body show any of the warning signs, so risks are obviously involved.
Side Effects of Edibles
Cannabis overconsumption can also lead to several side effects, including:
- Short term memory loss
- Impaired attention
- Inability to concentrate
- Very low blood pressure
- Nausea
- Rapid heart rate
- Muscle contractions
- Rapid breathing rate
- Severe anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Slurred speech
- Hallucinations
- Delirium
- Mood swings
Essential to Note!
Accidental THC consumers who have no prior history of using THC products are more likely to cause severe reactions.
Health Benefits of Edibles Consumption
Edibles are the simplest way of adding CBD or THC to the body. However, the research body on cannabis consumption is growing with its decriminalization of it in various parts. However, people discovered that cannabinoids could help in treating a wide range of health conditions, including:
- Inflammation
- Chronic pain
- Opioid addiction
- PTSD symptoms
- Appetite loss
- Nausea
- Glaucoma
- Anxiety
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Epilepsy
- Sleep issues
- Symptoms resulting from cancer therapy
- Multiple sclerosis
Bottom Line!
Edibles can be beneficial if consumed correctly, and this may also depend on a person’s capability of cannabis consumption, its tolerance, and the dosage taken.
So the edible dosing must be identified by licensed medical doctors.
However, overdoing it may rarely cause a severe concern, but this obviously needs to be identified by a medical doctor.
References
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5010515/
[2] https://www.praxis-suchtmedizin.ch/praxis-suchtmedizin/images/stories/pdf/PIIS0953620518300049.pdf
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5010515/