THC edibles are cannabis products containing a high concentration of the psychoactive component tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC-infused edibles produce an altered state and can relieve stress and anxiety, pain, and euphoria. When it comes to choosing and using THC edibles, consumers should understand the effects of each product. Reputable edible manufacturers include dose information on their products’ packaging.
Safety
Legal THC edibles are generally considered safer than smoking or vaping cannabis because the THC enters the bloodstream via the digestive system rather than being inhaled into the lungs. However, edibles can affect the user differently than other forms of cannabis, especially if they contain higher amounts of THC. In addition, consumers often don’t understand how to interpret information on the package labels regarding THC content and dosing. THC is fat-soluble, meaning it dissolves in fats to be absorbed in the intestines. This makes it easier for people to ingest too much THC when consuming an edible. This can lead to a delayed onset of the effects and cause problems with concentration, thinking, and coordination.
In addition, edibles can interact with some medications, including psychiatric drugs like antidepressants and anxiety medication. This can intensify or prolong the effects of the drug and cause side effects such as nausea, dizziness, or stomachaches. One of the biggest safety concerns with edibles is that consumers don’t know how much THC is in each serving. The standard edible serving size in regulated states is five milligrams of THC, but it can be easy to overdose by consuming too many edibles. It is important to read the label carefully and ask for a Certificate of Analysis, which contains the results of third-party testing for THC content and other information.
Potency
THC edibles offer a convenient and less-detectable alternative to smoking marijuana. These edibles can be found in many forms, including brownies, cookies, gummies, tablets, and beverages. They can be purchased from dispensaries; some choose to make their own. Edibles can be very potent and take a few hours to take effect. The time delay between consuming and feeling the effects of an edible is one reason that it’s important to read the labeling on these products carefully. Since THC is fat-soluble, it must dissolve in the fatty tissue of the edible before it can be absorbed into your system. This can cause uneven dosing and cause some people to consume a much higher dose than intended, leading to unpleasant side effects. If you’re new to THC edibles, starting with a 2.5mg dose is recommended. You can increase the dosage slowly until you find a dose that produces the desired effects. Taking too large of a dose can result in nausea, dizziness, or paranoia. It is also important to wait at least two hours before eating another edible.
Dosage
Getting the right dosage of THC from an edible is tricky because everybody responds differently. This is a common reason why people have bad experiences with edibles. The chart above gives a general idea of what effects can be expected from different doses, but it is important to remember that these are only approximates. The type of cannabis used, your tolerance to THC, and your metabolism also play a role. In addition, the onset and duration of the effects are highly individualized. Another factor affecting an edible’s experience is how long the THC absorbs. This is because THC needs to be dissolved in fats, and edibles typically contain some form of butter or oil. This process, called decarboxylation, is necessary to achieve the desired THC effects. Since edibles must go through your digestive system before they take effect, it can take half an hour or more for the THC to kick in. This is why many new consumers need help with their first edible experience. To avoid this, you should always consume a small amount of edible. Eating something else with your edible is also a good idea, as this can help speed up absorption. In addition, it is crucial to choose an edible containing Indica strains if you are looking for relaxation and sativa strains seeking energy.
Onset time
Regarding onset time, edibles take longer than smoking or vaping because the cannabinoids must pass through the stomach, intestines, and liver before entering the bloodstream. This is because the body breaks down THC into different metabolites that attach to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and produce psychoactive effects.
Edible onset times vary from person to person but are typically within 30 minutes to an hour. The format of the edible will also play a role in the onset time. For example, mints and hard candies start to work while they’re in the mouth, and drinks and capsules kick in much faster because they bypass the digestive system entirely. The duration of the effect will depend on many factors, including the dosage and your metabolism. However, the high from edibles usually peaks two-to-three hours after consumption and then begins to fade. A high that lasts too long can cause negative side effects, such as paranoia or dry mouth. Some individuals have a delayed onset from THC edibles, which can result in them eating a large amount and becoming highly intoxicated. This can cause hallucinations and delusions, putting them at risk of harming themselves or others. Eating edibles on an empty stomach and consuming them with something like coffee or green tea that can boost metabolism and speed up digestion is important.
