New cannabis consumers often approach edibles with a mixture of excitement, fear, and caution. We get it – edibles have an interesting reputation. But they shouldn’t. Our cannabis edibles basics will ensure you have the best experience – every time.
When it comes to cannabis edibles, there’s an element of mystery that can make taking the first bite of that infused chocolate bar (or oat bar, marshmallow crisp, or cookie in a jar) a nerve-wracking experience. How do you know the correct dosage? And what effects will you experience?
Unlike more familiar forms of cannabis, like flower and vape cartridges, it’s hard to make a visual assessment of the perfect amount (and variety) of cannabis edibles to suit your needs.
That’s why we decided to sit down with our favorite professional Patient Consultants to learn the ins and outs of cannabis edibles and how new consumers can ensure a perfect experience every time.
What are cannabis edibles?
Let’s start with the basics: what are cannabis edibles, and how do they work?
Put simply–a cannabis edible is any cannabis-infused food product that contains either THC or CBD. Some cannabis edibles enthusiasts prefer them for their convenience, while others like the relief of not worrying about the impact of smoking on their lungs.
These days, edibles come in many forms beyond the familiar pot brownie, from beef jerky to breakfast cereal! With the world of cannabis edible brands growing by the day, it’s easy to find a product to suit your palette (and dosage and effects requirements).
How long does it take cannabis edibles to kick in?
Edibles tend to take longer to kick in than inhalable cannabis products. Typically, you can expect to wait between 30-60 minutes to experience the effects of cannabis edibles. Many factors can affect the timing of cannabis absorption via edibles. Let’s go over a few:
- You might feel the effects of high dosage THC edibles more quickly than a lower dose product.
- Edibles you consume by sucking on them (like lozenges, lollipops, and gum) kick in faster since they’re absorbed directly through your saliva (they’re sublingual).
- Chewable edibles (like gummies, cookies, or that oat bar we talked about earlier) take longer to kick in since they have to be digested before your body absorbs the THC or CBD they contain.
- Other factors, like how empty your stomach is and your sex, weight, and cannabis tolerance, can affect how quickly your body reacts to edibles.
If you’ve consumed an edible and don’t yet feel the effects, have patience! Our Budtenders recommend waiting 24 hours before taking a second dose to avoid consuming too much. Instead, try eating something else to kick-start your digestion.
How do edibles make you feel?
One advantage of edibles is the intensity they offer compared to other cannabis products. Cannabis edibles create a more powerful high than some other consumption methods, and you’ll feel the effects longer than inhalable cannabis products.
That’s why it’s so important to read your labels and consult your budtender before embarking on a novel cannabis experience. Make sure you pay attention to serving sizes–what sounds like a reasonable dose for that chocolate bar you’re chowing down on might just represent the THC content of a single square!
The bottom line: whether you’re brand new to the world of edibles, or a seasoned pro, starting low and going slow is always the best advice. Taking a mindful approach to cannabis edible consumption will ensure you have a blissful, relaxing experience that’s 100% DC Budtender approved.