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An Essential Guide to Cannabis Edibles

Cannabis edibles are defined as any form of cannabis meant for eating or consumption. The cannabis plant material or extracted oils are heated and chemically altered into activated psychoactive substances that are easily digested by our bodies. It is an effective and discreet way to absorb cannabis without the health hazards of inhalation. It provides a whole different experience making edibles a favorable option as opposed to inhaling the herb. Both forms can lead to a feeling of ‘high’ or have psychoactive properties. However, edibles are more potent, offer a body-centric experience, and provide relief to stress, anxiety, pain, and other health benefits.

An Essential Guide to Cannabis Edibles

Photo by Margo Amala on Unsplash

As the world is beginning to embrace cannabis use with more tolerant laws, there are endless options for products, such as brownies, chocolates, jelly bombs, pastries, sauces, and cannabis-infused drinks. Edibles can be purchased pre-made from a reputable cannabis dispensary or produced at home by knowledgeable cannabis patrons. They are a whole new genre of cannabis consumption gaining in popularity, as some people prefer a more pleasant manner of consumption to the traditional way of smoking cannabis to get the desired high.

For first time users, the potency of cannabis-infused edibles can take one by surprise, so, to help, we have listed below an essential guide on everything you need to know so you may find the right edible that best works for you. You can actually buy cannabis related products online and have it delivered on the same-day weed Vancouver offers.

How are edibles made?

Compared to home cooking, cannabis-infused food is not as simple as sprinkling cannabis buds into your pasta sauce. It requires a process that incorporates a cannabis compound such as Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to be infused with oil or butter used in traditional cooking.

Decarboxylation is the method of converting tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that is prevalent in cannabis flowers, into THC, or the psychoactive element that produces that ‘high feeling’. The essential factors of decarboxylation are time and heat. Drying the marijuana plant over a certain length of time will cause a partial decarboxylation that works for consumers who chose to vape and smoke their cannabis.

Edibles are generally infused with cooking oil or cannabis-infused butter, olive oil, coconut oil, and milk. Oils are introduced to cannabis by using very low heat over long periods of time.  Dried cannabis or marijuana can also be activated in the oven using extremely low temperatures, not above 340°F. This ensures that the cannabis materials are not open to burning, leaving the edibles inactive for use. Various cannabis product manufacturers are creating delicious ways to ingest cannabis ranging from the Twisted Extracts jelly bomb, to the Mix & Match gummies, the Adorable chocolates, as well as many other baked goods and drinks infused with THC which are all readily available on the market today.

An Essential Guide to Cannabis Edibles

Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

Find the Right Edible for You

It’s important to know the right way to ingest cannabis before making any purchases. Consult with a reliable local cannabis dispensary to seek assistance on what edible will help your body most. A friend’s recommendation may also lead you in the right direction. Not all cannabis-infused products are created equally. Some products can taste better than others or use a more efficient way of concealing the taste of cannabis.

Health-conscious consumers or those using edibles for medical purposes may skip edibles that are heavy on sugar. Take into consideration your personal preference and needs. Remember to start in small doses before working your way up. Beginners can try an edible dosage that consists of 5mg of THC or lower. Medical cannabis users however may sometimes need larger doses, so it is imperative to consult with a doctor to determine the appropriate treatment.

After doing your research, shop for products that fit your desired taste, price range, and produce the level of results you are looking for.

Advantages

There is a greater chance for consumers to try cannabis by eating, as they would from smoking because it offers a healthier option than having to expose their lungs to smoke. It also provides the following benefits:

  • a controlled or measured dose
  • does not require the purchase of gear
  • longer-lasting effects and body ‘high’
  • a more palatable way of consumption, without the burnt taste of smoking

Health Benefits

Edible cannabis products provide the basic benefits that other forms of marijuana give. Edibles can help in relaxation, anxiety, sleep-related problems, or treat certain medical conditions that cause chronic pain. THC can have calming effects while CBD has anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies prove that medical cannabis consumers living with chronic pain found their condition to improve after consuming cannabis-infused products.

Medical conditions people treat with cannabis edibles:

  • Arthritis
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Gastrointestinal issues
  • Insomnia
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Pain associated with cancer, or the effects of cancer treatment
  • Anxiety, stress, and depression

Potency and Efficiency

Cannabis edibles may take longer to feel any effects, but the results can last longer than six hours when used the right way.

Points to consider when consuming edibles:

  • Know the dosage per portion before eating,
  • Begin with an edible that consists of 5-10mg of THC
  • Be patient, it will take between 1 hour to 1.5 hours to feel the effects of an edible
  • If you want a milder experience, do not eat it on an empty stomach
  • Take edibles with caution, only add to your dosage a minimum of 1.5 hours after your first dosage, remember you can always eat more to heighten the effects

An overdose on cannabis edibles is not injurious to your health, however, it might cause several hours of paranoia, drowsiness, and discomfort. Do not panic if you have ingested a high dose, go for some soothing music, get some fresh air with a friend, or lay down and rest. Time is the best cure.

In Closing

Cannabis edibles are a discreet and satisfying way to consume marijuana. It does not present the health risks of smoking. Take care and start with low dosages before increasing. Be patient to wait for the effects as it may vary for each individual. What is good for someone else, might not be good for you.

Follow the recommended dosage and seek a doctor’s prescription if you plan to use it for medical purposes. Always source your cannabis from a reputable dispensary and choose an edible that not only tastes great but fits your budget and works best with your body’s needs.


Read more:

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