Cannabis Edibles – An Overview
Overview of Edibles
Edible cannabis products are types of food that are infused or coated with cannabis extracts. They may be homemade or prepared for commercial sale. Edibles include baked goods, candies and sweets, drinks, gummies, chocolate bars, lozenges, tablets, capsules, oils, sprays, tinctures, salves, lotions, creams, balms, ointments, patches, liquids, powders, granules, pills, and others. Some edibles contain just one cannabinoid, while others combine multiple cannabinoids.
The main ingredients used in making cannabis treats like THC edibles vary greatly between the type of product being prepared. Some of the more popular ingredients in baked goods are flour (or gluten free substitutes), sugar, cocoa butter, coconut oil, and salt. For products like gummies, you would most likely have some sort of tapioca syrup or gelatin, along with pectin and flavorings.
We have an excellent recipe for CBD Chocolate Lava Cake that will knock your socks off, as well as a number of other great recipes for your enjoyment. We also wrote a great CBD Oil Buyers Guide that even touches upon the sale of edibles for you to peruse.
Cannabis Edibles
After the legalization of cannabis, weed edibles have become very popular for recreational purposes, as well as for medical uses. They can be made from a variety of different strains of the plant. In fact, ALL of the cannabis plants can be used to make delicious cannabinoid rich snacks. There are a number of varieties of cannabis that have been developed to produce specific effects.
For example, some strains are designed to help you sleep at night, while others are known to increase your appetite, and yet others are more uplifting and energetic.
When it comes to choosing an edible cannabis product, consider what the desired effect it is that you wish to achieve. If you’re looking for something that will give you a relaxing effect, you may wish to choose a product that contains slightly more delta-9 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and more calming terpenes like linalool. These types of products can produce a psychoactive effect, and care should be taken if you choose a product with elevated levels of hemp derived THC, delta 8, HHC, etc.
On the other hand, if you’re looking something a little more energetic, then opt for products that are full of great proteins and complex carbohydrates, along with minor cannabinoids like CBDV or THCV. These products should provide you with a short burst of energy and focus. There are even some weight loss specific products that use THCV to help curb appetites.
If you’re new to using cannabis as medicine, then start slow. Start with small doses and work up to larger ones. You should never take too much of any product. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and do not exceed recommended dosages.
How The Body Processes Cannabis Edibles
As noted previously, edible cannabis products come in many forms, including baked goods like brownies or cookies; beverages such as sodas or juices; candies; chocolates; gummies; oils; tinctures; teas. There are different methods to ingesting edibles, including snacking, chewing, drinking, eating, and vaping. Each method has a unique set of pros and cons that you should consider prior to consuming cannabis edibles.
Edibles are typically consumed orally. This means that the body must digest it before it becomes absorbed into the bloodstream. When ingested, the effects of edibles can take anywhere from 30 seconds to several hours. They are usually slower acting than smoked products because some of the ingredients in edibles require digestion. Some people find that edibles have a delayed onset of action.
There are several ways that the body processes cannabis edibles. For example, some people prefer to chew or drink edibles to avoid having to swallow large amounts of food. Chewing slows down the absorption process, allowing the body to absorb less quickly. In addition, there is evidence that suggests that chewing affects how fast the THC enters the brain.
The most common way to consume cannabis edibles is to snack on them. Because snacks are generally smaller meals, they allow the body to digest the product faster while still providing enough energy to function throughout the day.
However, snacking on edibles may cause stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and dizziness. This might not be due to the cannabis, but may be due to the rest of the product. Contamination risks are always present, whether it be with some THC edibles, a CBD edible, or the sushi from your favorite restaurant. These symptoms can occur within 15 to 45 minutes after consumption.
Drinking cannabis edibles requires much larger doses than snacking. A typical serving size is one to three tablespoons. Consuming too much liquid can lead to dehydration and gastrointestinal distress. If you choose to drink edibles, make sure that you monitor yourself carefully during the entire experience. You might feel drowsy or nauseous, even though you are actually well hydrated.
What Are The Effects Of Edibles
Cannabis edibles are often used by patients who may need to manage their medical conditions, pain or concern without causing adverse effects. Many people also use edibles to deal with sleep disorders. Since some of these products could contain high levels of THC, they can produce powerful psychoactive effects.
Some people report feeling worrisome or paranoid when taking edibles. Others describe feelings of euphoria, relaxation, or increased creativity. It depends on the individual’s tolerance level for the cannabinoids found in your edible..
When using edibles, it is important to remember that the effects will vary depending on the dosage, or amount of cannabinoids consumed with your tasty delicacy. Therefore, it is best to start low and work up to higher dosages if you are just starting your marijuana edibles journey.
How To Use Cannabis Edibles Safely
Consumers should understand the potential side effects associated with consuming cannabis edibles. Although cannabis edibles can provide relief from certain health conditions, they can also pose serious health risks.
Consumers should only consume cannabis edibles under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Before beginning any new treatment or supplement regimen, consumers should consult with a physician about the benefits and risks involved.
It is recommended that consumers follow some guidelines listed below when consuming cannabis edibles:
- Do not eat more than two servings per day, unless directed by your physician
- Cannabis can interfere with some medications
- Wait at least two hours prior to consuming more
- Do not consume edibles in combination with alcohol
- Be aware of the time at which you take your dose
- Keep a log of the amounts of edibles taken and how your feel at various intervals afterwards to help you find your ideal serving size
- Know what foods you have eaten before taking your dose, and log that info as well
- If you are pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant, do not consult your physician
- Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how edible cannabis products affect you
- If you have food allergies, be aware of both the active ingredients and additional ingredients
- As with anything, the potential for abuse is present, and care should be taken to protect your health physically and mentally
If you feel that you may have eaten a tainted or contaminated product, you will want to contact your local poison control centers for guidance.
Conclusions and Recommendations
Edibles have emerged as a promising delivery vehicle for medicinal cannabis-infused foods. They are viewed as a safer alternative to smoking due to the fact that they do not produce smoke. This article provided an overview of edible cannabis products and discussed some of the benefits and cautions surrounding the consumption of cannabis containing products.
There is a great deal of opportunity for edibles to become a major component of the legal and recreational cannabis industry. However, there are several challenges ahead of us that must be addressed in order to make this happen. These include developing standardized methods for measuring potency, ensuring consistency (or addressing the lack of consistency) in dosage, and creating effective packaging and labeling strategies to ensure a safe and effectual usage.
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