We’ve all seen the movies where someone “accidentally” or purposely consumes a weed brownie and starts tripping. I’m not sure what’s in the brownies that Hollywood portrays, but I don’t think it’s just cannabis from the way the actors act. I promise you won’t see dragons eating cotton candy, or be laying naked in the middle of the road, or see crazy colours and hallucinations. Edibles have been around for thousands of years and are used for a wide array of occasions and ailments.
They can be overwhelming to start with, especially if you’ve never consumed them before.
So before you try edibles, let’s look at the magic behind them!
Edibles are cannabis-infused products that can be consumed orally, providing a longer-lasting effect than smoking. Edibles also offer a more discreet and convenient way to enjoy cannabis without having to roll a joint or prepare a bong/pipe, etc. They come in a variety of delicious forms, making them an appealing option for those looking for an alternative to smoking. Edibles are also easier to dose than other methods, as the effects tend to be stronger and longer lasting. This makes them a great choice for those who are new to cannabis or those who want to ensure they are getting the desired effects.
Contrary to popular belief, cannabis edibles do not kick in instantly. When inhaling weed, the effects kick in within moments and last from 1 hour to 3 hours roughly. When you consume cannabis edibles it can take from 30 minutes to 2 hours to feel the effects. This depends on the dosage, your metabolic rate, and if you ate the edibles on an empty stomach or not. The effects of edibles can last for up to 8 hours, and the high is usually more intense and longer-lasting than with smoking. This is why it is important to start with a low dose when consuming edibles and wait at least an hour to see how you feel before taking more.
It is recommended to wait two hours before taking more edibles. First-time users can make this mistake and end up "too high”.
If this happens, do not panic. Follow these tips to ease the high.
Get some fresh air. This will clear your mind a bit.
Go lay down in bed
Try some CBD. CBD counteracts THC
Distract yourself with a movie, music or friends!
A glass of cold water or chewing fresh peppercorns can counteract THC anxiety. (But let’s be realistic, most people do not keep fresh peppercorns in their house.
How long does the high last ?
A typical edible high lasts 6 hours, but the residual effects can last up to 24 hours, depending on how much you consumed. So please consume responsibly.
Around 4 hours into the high, it will typically peak and you will feel amazing. Edibles are a healthy, safe way to consume cannabis without smoking! However, edibles can be stronger than smoking due to the way they are metabolized by the body. It is important to start with a low dose and wait at least 2 hours to assess the effects before consuming more. This will help you avoid any negative experiences with edibles. For instance, if you are used to smoking a few puffs of cannabis, it may be best to start with a 5-10mg dose of an edible and wait for the effects to kick in before consuming more.
Why don’t edibles work for me?
Some people don't feel the effects even after waiting two hours and consuming more edibles.
Why is this?
"First-pass metabolism" is the term used to describe this phenomenon. This is a process when your body is so sneaky and effective at breaking down things. Compounds are not broken down and metabolized in the liver, instead they are flushed out and pass through your body without affecting you. First pass metabolism doesn’t just affect cannabis consumption, it also affects pharmaceuticals.It’s because of this phenomenon that you may not feel the desired effects of your edibles. You may also need a larger dose of THC. Wait two hours and see how you’re feeling
It is recommended to eat a small meal with your edibles, something fatty such as cheese, avocado, or another fatty food item. This will help minimize this effect and make your edibles more effective so you can reap the benefits. This is because the fats in the food help activate the cannabinoids in the edibles, and make them more readily available to the body. Eating something fatty before consuming edibles can ensure that you get the full benefits of the edibles. This is due to the fact that cannabinoids, the active components in cannabis, are fat-soluble. This means they are not able to be broken down and absorbed by the body without the presence of fat. Eating a fatty food with your edibles will help your body break down and absorb the cannabinoids, allowing you to experience their effects more fully.
Will eating raw cannabis get me high?
Once again this is a myth Hollywood has bestowed. Do you want to know something crazy? The raw, living, female cannabis plant has no active THC it, only THC-A. THC-A has no psychoactive properties until heated. THC-A stands for tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, the non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis. THC is released when heated by smoking, vaping, or baking! In order to experience the effects of THC, the raw cannabis must be heated to a certain temperature. This process, known as decarboxylation, activates the THC and allows it to interact with the body. So, the next time you hear someone say that you can get high just by touching the cannabis plant, you can confidently tell them that it’s just a myth.
The world of edibles is vast. Long gone are the days of only being able to find "pot brownies". Nowadays, there are countless edible products that cater to a wide range of dietary needs and preferences. Edibles can come in the form of gummies, chocolates, baked goods, sugar-free options , beef jerky , chips, drinks and MORE. They can also range from low-dose to high-dose, making them a suitable option for people of all cannabis experience levels. Additionally, edibles can be a discreet way to experience cannabis effects. In other words, you can now have your weed and eat it too!