When it comes to using cannabis, the two most common methods are smoking and eating. Despite both methods technically achieving the same result, they differ quite a bit. Many consider smoking cannabis the classic, go-to method. It’s quick, easy, and it allows you to feel the effects quite quickly. However, as of late, more and more people are becoming interested in consuming marijuana edibles, whether it be a weed brownie, cannabis gummies, chocolate bars, or even mints. Edibles are certainly a unique way to enjoy and feel the effects of cannabis. Unlike smoking cannabis, consuming edibles takes some more time for people to feel the effects. This is because the body takes its time digesting, metabolizing, and absorbing the chemicals within the medicinal plant. The other factors that come into play include metabolism, body weight, and whether or not you have food in your stomach. On average it can take as long as an hour before the effects of edibles are noticed.
If you’re planning on taking a marijuana edible—and especially if you’re new to edibles—we’ve created a guide to help you ensure that you’re going to have a great experience.
How to Eat Edibles
An important lesson that first-time users have to learn when it comes to edibles is to exercise patience. Both first-time users of marijuana or edibles, in general, should begin with a small amount instead of consuming everything in the package all at once. The first step in knowing how to eat edibles is to understand how many milligrams of THC are included in the total package, as well as individual pieces within the packet (if gummies or mints, for example). There are many edibles, and there is wide variation in the amount of THC they have. For example, while a single mint may only contain 5 milligrams of THC, a full chocolate bar can contain 100 milligrams or more of THC. Because edibles take longer to feel, many people make the mistake of taking more without allowing enough time to pass to feel the effects of what they initially consumed. Always start slow and be patient!
There are some cannabis edibles that don’t have any THC—they only have CBD, which does not give you the sensation of being high and is primarily used for medicinal purposes. Other products, however, exist that include both THC and CBD. Choose the product that is best for you, and never hesitate to ask questions to the experts if you have questions. The friendly staff at CCA Silverlake is always ready to provide you with helpful information so that you can make an informed purchase and maximize your enjoyment.
What Happens When You Eat Edibles?
“How do edibles work?” is a question that many people who are new to the world of cannabis edibles often have. As mentioned previously, you won’t feel the effects of edibles immediately after consuming them. How long it takes to feel the effects depends on many different factors, including the number of milligrams of THC you consume, if you’re on an empty stomach or have had plenty to eat, how much you weigh, and more. Just as with any other food or medication, the THC contained within the edible is absorbed through the walls of the intestine. Ultimately, it will be a bit different for each person depending on all of these factors. Consuming edibles on an empty stomach, for example, may likely make you feel the sensation sooner, but in turn, it can upset your stomach. Most people, on average, feel the effects of the edibles after about an hour, but for some people it may take up to two or three hours.
While desirable effects of edibles include relaxation and ease, negative effects can rear their ugly head if overindulgence occurs. Edibles consumed in excess, just as with any other medication, can result in feeling bad. For edibles, the common symptoms of consuming too many edibles are feelings of panic, fast heart rate, and anxiety. If not properly managed, these reactions can be quite severe. The full effects of mist edibles can last for at least six hours and perhaps longer. The strongest effects are often felt within three hours of ingestion. We always recommend having a friend around to hang out with you and be able to provide in the case that you begin to feel ill.
Effects of Edibles
Before taking that first bite, it is important to know what edibles do to you. Edibles that contain THC often result in the same feelings of relaxation and euphoria that comes with smoking the compound. Many prefer edibles to avoid harming their lungs while others prefer the high that comes with an edible. Cannabinoids can be used to treat several conditions like chronic pain, inflammation, opium addictions, PTSD, loss of appetite, and anxiety, among others. Edibles contain cannabis products that are not toxic and have been lab approved to ensure safety. Despite that, it is possible to ingest too much and that can lead to unpleasant side effects.
Conclusion
Edibles are a great alternative when it comes to THC consumption. It provides a safe alternative all the while providing maximum benefits. If you play it safe, ask questions, and do some research, you’re well on your way to having a great edible experience.
