Cannabis Edibles: Buyers and Users Guide

Edible cannabis products are a popular way to ingest cannabis and feel its effects. They’re particularly good for those that cannot or don’t want to smoke the product or for people that don’t like the taste of cannabis. However, it can be easy to forget that these THC edibles are potent and therefore carry a certain amount of risk. 

It’s wise to educate yourself on the strength and effects of these products before you consume them. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide that covers everything that you need to know about weed edibles.

 

What are THC Edibles?

cannabis edibles

 

THC edibles is a broad term that describes edible products that have been made with the cannabis flower or its concentrates. Nowadays, cannabis can be added to just about any edible product you can think of; however, the most popular forms of edible are THC gummies, candies, cooking oils, and baked goods.

Cannabis-infused edibles are another way of describing the same product but the term is a bit broader in definition. The process of creating cannabis edibles involves infusing the product with cannabis. The difference is that the infused product may only contain CBD (cannabinoid oil), which won't make you high like a product containing THC will. If you’re looking for a CBD only edible you might consider Lunchbox Alchemy CBD gummies which is a reputable brand from Oregon who has been manufacturing THC and CBD edibles since 2014.

 

How Are THC Edibles Made?

THC edibles are made using cannabis distillate, pure cannabinoid crystals, or hashish. They're processed into an oil or fat, which is then used to infuse the product into the edible format that you desire. The type of cannabis extract used to make the edibles will impact the taste of the product and psychoactivity one can expect.

In order to activate the psychoactive compounds in edibles a process called decarboxylation must take place, the process involves heating the cannabis to convert THCA into THC - the stuff that gets you high.

 

What Do Edibles Do to You? 

 

effects of cannabis edibles

 

Edibles are consumed orally via the mouth and then metabolized through the stomach and liver, signaling the brain and then effects or the ‘high’ from the edible takes place. This process tends to be slower than other methods of consumption and the onset of effect typically takes 45 minutes to an hour to take effect.

 

Why Do Edibles Hit Harder?

The high you get from edibles is related to dosage, your body chemistry, and other factors like whether or not you've eaten. In contrast, smoking cannabis tends to build up the effects gradually; with edibles, you're taking it all in one go. Therefore, you need to be mindful of the dosage and adjust it accordingly.

An edible high typically lasts anywhere from 4-6 hours.

 

How Long for Edibles to Kick In?

Because edibles have to go through the digestion process, it can take anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours to kick in. Therefore, it’s wise to wait the full two hours before increasing your dosage.

 

Are THC Edibles Legal?

Edible marijuana candy is legal wherever the consumption of cannabis and marijuana is legal. However, whether it's legal or not depends on why the user wants to consume them. Some states have legalized the use of cannabinoid oil for medicinal purposes only. Others have legalized the use of marijuana products for recreational use.

 

Which States Sell THC Edibles?

where are cannabis edibles legal

 

THC edibles for recreational use are currently legal in 18 states:

  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • California
  • Colorado
  • District of Columbia
  • Illinois
  • Maine
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Nevada
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • Oregon
  • South Dakota
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington

 

All states where recreational use of marijuana and cannabis is legal should sell edible weed treats.

 

What THC Edibles Are Good For

THC edibles and medical cannabis edibles are being studied for their ability to support a number of things, including:

  • Easing chronic pain
  • Promoting relaxation
  • Anxiety relief
  • Insomnia relief
  • Muscle spasm control
  • Controlling and reducing seizures
  • Lowering blood pressure

 

Can THC Edibles Help With Pain?

Cannabis products are popular as a method of potentially reducing or easing pain, and edibles are no exception to this.

 

Can THC Edibles Lower Blood Pressure?

The relaxation properties of the weed edibles may help lower blood pressure.

 

Are THC Edibles Safe?

THC edibles are safe as long as you take the care and time to administer the proper dosage. 

 

Are THC Edibles Addictive?

All types of drugs can cause someone to become addicted. THC edibles, if used irresponsibly, can create an addiction. Therefore, always use THC edibles with respect.

 

What Are the Cons of Edibles?

With edibles, it's easier to take a larger dose than desired. Especially when consuming products like baked goods where the cannabis may not have been evenly distributed throughout, the effects of edible products can also last a lot longer than inhalation and hit a person harder.

 

Do Edibles Affect Your Health?

Yes, regular use can affect your health. Depending on whether the use was responsible or not, the effects can be either beneficial or harmful.

 

Do Edibles Damage Your Brain?

Research suggests that long-term use of cannabis products, including edibles, can have an adverse effect on your memory, cognition, and mental health.

 

Are Edibles Healthier Than Smoking?

As long as you take the proper dosage. Edibles do not carry any of the harmful effects associated with smoking.

 

Can Edibles Hurt Your Lungs?

Not at all. 

 

Can THC Edibles Cause Stomach Problems?

If too large a dose is ingested, it could cause the user to have an upset stomach.

 

Can THC Edibles Make You Nauseous?

Side-effects vary greatly between individuals. Some people may experience nausea, especially if they consume a high dose.

 

Does Eating Edibles Affect Your Liver?

Studies on how eating edibles affect the liver are very limited; however, there is some evidence to suggest that adverse effects are limited.

 

Where Can You Buy THC Edibles?

If you live in a state where the recreational use of THC edibles is legal, you can buy them from a licensed store or online.

 

Where Can You Buy THC Edibles Online?

Check out District Edibles for high-quality THC gummies and retail locations where they can be purchased throughout the United States.