Where to Buy Marijuana Edibles?

Marijuana edibles are foods and beverages infused with cannabis. Though they’ve risen in popularity recently, edibles aren’t exactly new. There’s a long history of humans incorporating cannabis into their diets, ranging from traditional drinks in India to the humble pot brownie in the US. Now, thanks to advances in infusion methods, you can find a wide selection of cannabis-infused baked goods, gummies, seasoning packets, cooking oil, chocolates, breath strips, mints, sodas, and countless other items.

The benefit of consuming cannabis-infused edibles is the ability to feel the effects of cannabis without having to smoke flower or vaporize concentrates. Consuming is easy and intuitive — we all know how to eat and drink.

What’s not easy or intuitive about edibles is the fact it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours for the effects to kick in. Because the cannabis within the edibles has to go through your digestive system before entering your bloodstream, the effects may take hours to set in and the strength of effects gradually builds to a peak. The duration of your high can then last anywhere from a couple of hours to a full day depending on how much you consume.

“Edibles” is the umbrella term for cannabis-infused products, which can include beverages, cotton candy, dissolvable strips, gummy candies or baked goods. And topicals are products which can include lotions, balms, and oils absorbed through the skin for relief of pain or inflammation, according to Leafly. They’re typically made with cannabis oils or dried flowers and can be a good option for consumers looking to avoid inhaling the smoke from joints or pipes. However, the cannabis effects in edibles can be more potent and affect users for longer periods of time. Health Canada also notes the latency period after consuming edibles can range from half an hour to four hours before the effect fully kicks in. This was the “most profound difference” to other cannabis products, Adine Fabiani-Carter, chief marketing officer at cannabis company Tilray, told CTVNews.ca over the phone. “If you’re not feeling an immediate effect, don’t just consume more.”

How to try edibles for the first time

Trying edibles for the first time can be intimidating, but it’s all about taking it low and slow, as we’ll explain in a four-step process. Here are the key takeaways for an optimum edibles experience:

• Try edibles with both THC and CBD
• Start with 2 mg of THC or less
• Shop for products that are easy to dose 
• Wait at least two hours before consuming more, preferably 24 hours

How Do They Work?

According to the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, THC and other active ingredients in edible cannabis products are absorbed into the body through the digestive tract. They enter the bloodstream and travel to the liver, where they are metabolized and released back into the bloodstream. These active ingredients then enter the brain and the rest of the central nervous system, potentially producing an effect.

How Are Edibles Different from Other Types of Cannabis?

The main difference between edibles and other forms of cannabis is in how the body processes the active ingredients. It has been reported that when cannabis extract is ingested, it can produce effects that are similar to those experienced when cannabis flower is smoked or vaped. When cannabis is inhaled, its THC is absorbed by the blood in the lungs and moves quickly to the brain, producing an almost immediate effect, possibly within minutes. However, when cannabis is digested, the effects will likely be delayed — from 30 minutes to 4 hours or more. It can take up to 4 hours to feel the full effects.

As with consumption of any form of cannabis, the intensity and longevity of the effects depend on many factors, such as your weight and sex, how much food you’ve eaten that day and how quickly your metabolism works.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Consuming Edibles?

Because the onset of effects can be delayed, there is the potential for overconsumption when ingesting edibles. To minimize the risk of consuming too much, start with a very small amount (2.5 mg of THC or less), especially if you are trying a new product, and wait at least 2 hours to see how it affects your body.

The effects may also be stronger and last longer when cannabis is consumed (12 hours or more) rather than inhaled (six hours or longer). However, edibles are a smoke-free alternative to inhaling dried cannabis, which can come with potential risks to lung health.

Finding the Correct Edible Strength

As edibles are the easiest way to experience the benefits of cannabis, they are available in a variety of different strengths. Each person will have a unique biological makeup that will impact the way an edible interacts with their body. It is important to understand that a marijuana edible can impact two people in entirely unique ways. Several factors will alter how your body reacts to the edible including history of cannabis use, gastrointestinal health, and the function of your endocannabinoid system.

Understanding how edibles can impact your body is important, so use the following dosage chart as an outline before consuming your next cannabis product.

2.5  – 5 mg THC Edible  

Mild doses of cannabis edibles will typically contain between 2.5 and 5 mg of THC. As the smallest dose available, effects are correspondingly mild. This strength is commonly used for micro-dosing to increase creativity and focus.

• Ideal For – Addressing mild pain relief, anxiety, and stress.

5  – 15 mg THC Edible 

The standard dose for regular consumers, edibles in the 5 to 15 mg range will provide tangible and longer-lasting effects for the user.

• Ideal For – Strong relief for anxiety and pain, helps against insomnia. Consumers will experience cognitive impairment and perception as well as euphoria.

30 – 50 mg THC Edible 

For experienced consumers only. Edibles in the 30 – 50 mg range will provide significant euphoric effects as well as impaired cognitive function.

• Ideal For – Individuals with a high tolerance for THC and those seeking a stronger and long-lasting elevation.

50 – 100 mg THC Edible 

The strongest edibles on the market will typically not exceed 100 mg THC. These edibles are to be used only by experienced consumers who have a high tolerance for THC.

• Ideal For – Individuals with a high tolerance for THC, consumers battling cancer, inflammatory health disorders, or other similarly serious health conditions.

Tips For Consuming Edibles Responsibly

While consuming a marijuana edible is an accessible way to enjoy the benefits of cannabis, there are still considerations that need to be made. Inexperienced cannabis users frequently will cite edibles as having caused a negative incident. In order to offset the potential for a bad experience, consider a few of the following tips.

• Wait An Hour – Due to the unique body composition that we all enjoy, edibles may impact users at different rates. Wait at least one hour before assessing the state of your edible. Consider eating a small snack to assist the digestion of your cannabis.
• Drink Water – Cannabis can cause your mouth to reduce the production of saliva.
• Treating Over Consumption – Emergency medical care is almost never needed when discussing cannabis edibles unless the user has a pre-existing medical condition such as heart disease. Consuming a dose of CBD and drinking water can help to combat feelings associated with the overconsumption of edibles.