The edible weed industry is continuously expanding from the production of gummies and baked products to other edible forms like mints, beverages, capsules, and dissolvable powders. 

We’re going to talk about everything you need to know about cannabis edibles. This includes its history, effects, legalization, products, and more.

What is a Cannabis Edible?

A cannabis edible, often known as a cannabis-infused food or just an edible, is a food product that contains decarboxylated cannabinoids from a cannabis plant. The term edibles can apply to either a meal or a drink. There are also cannabis-infused drinks that may be referred to as liquid edible or drinkable.

History of Cannabis Edibles

The usage of cannabis in cuisine has been traced back to 2000 B.C. in India. Bhang, a cannabis-infused drink prepared with yogurt, almonds, spices, and rose water, is an official drink of Holi. 

Holi is one of the most widely cherished and revered holidays observed by Hindu community members. The ancient Indians were aware of the oil-solubility of cannabis extracts. Hindus began consuming it as food and drink as early as 1000 B.C. 

Another early kind of edible, known as majoun or cannabis jam, was initially developed by the nomadic Berber tribes of North Africa around the 11th century. The original recipe for Majoun asks for cannabis extract, seeds from the Datura plant, honey, nuts, and sometimes dates and figs. 

The first recipe for a cannabis-infused edible product was published in the US in the early 1960s, written by Alice B. Toklas. This dish, referred to as “Hashish Fudge,” was given by Alice’s close friend, Brion Gysin.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INGESTING EDIBLES AND SMOKING CANNABIS?

Consuming cannabis as edibles is one way to enjoy weed, aside from smoking marijuana. The primary distinction between marijuana edibles and smoked cannabis is the length of time it takes for you to feel the effects of the substance.

Cannabis edibles may reach their full effects from two to three hours after consumption and continue for six to 20 hours. Thus, their effects are longer-lasting. 

On the other hand, smoking cannabis causes cannabinoids to enter the bloodstream much faster, reaching their peak in about 10 minutes and wearing off in a couple of hours.

EFFECTS OF EDIBLE CANNABIS USE

Both cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can be found in edibles. Some edibles have a trace amount of THC, but the cannabinoid that often predominates in them is the non-psychoactive CBD. CBD has the benefits of cannabis but without the psychoactive qualities of THC. 

Both recreational and medicinal users use edibles. Compared to the effects produced by inhaling or smoking cannabis, those ingested may be more potent and long-lasting. 

The rate of cannabis digestion and its effects varies from person to person.

POSSIBLE BENEFITS FROM EATING EDIBLES

Possible health benefits of using edibles include:

• Pain relief
• Decreased inflammation
• Decreased muscle stiffness
• Anti-seizure 
• Relaxation
• Lowered levels of anxiety

Related: What are the Best Weed Strains for Anxiety?

WHAT HAPPENS WITH TOO MUCH THC IN EDIBLES

Some people who use too many THC edibles have reported experiencing adverse effects. Edibles with significant amounts of CBD or THC content can produce various adverse side effects such as:

• Tiredness
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Euphoria 
• Derealization
• Hallucinations
• Paranoia
• Panic attacks
• Increased levels of anxiety
• Disorientation
• Overdose

Marijuana-infused products may also cause impairments in coordination and balance. This can increase the risk of falling, especially in older users. 

Using a high dose of edible marijuana in the long-term has increased dangers. These include adverse effects on brain development, operation of the heart, memory, and cognition, as well as the state of psychiatric health. 

Short-term impairments in cognition, memory, alertness, coordination, and balance can also be present.

ARE CANNABIS EDIBLES LEGAL?

The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 categorized marijuana as a Schedule I substance. This means it is not recognized for use in any therapeutic applications. 

However, the number of people buying cannabis edibles has skyrocketed in areas within the US where the drug is now legal. And it is now legal for recreational use in Missouri! 

From The Earth dispensaries cater to recreational and medical cannabis use.
Stop in and see us in one of our five locations.

Most states in the US that have legalized medical or recreational marijuana require that the dosage information be included in the product label of packaged edibles. 

The details should include THC and other cannabinoid amounts in milligrams per serving, servings per package, and total amount per package in milligrams.

RESERVATIONS IN THE LEGALIZATION OF CANNABIS

Some people are worried about the potential risks that edible cannabis products provide to young people and others who are new to using cannabis. Since 2008, there has been a significant rise in the number of calls made to poison control centers for dogs eating edibles. 

Since users of cannabis edibles may not immediately experience the effects of the product, they frequently eat more in an attempt to compensate and end up absorbing an unsafe amount of THC. Since it is hard to quantify the dosage of THC or CBD in edibles, marijuana overdose is possible.

Laws require a minimum age to purchase recreational cannabis, similar to age restrictions on alcohol. It should be noted that many edible cannabis products are packaged in a way that could appeal to children. 

Cannabis edibles have been the cause of several emergency room visits related to children’s accidental consumption of cannabis. Thankfully, none of these incidents resulted in death.

8 TYPES OF EDIBLE INFUSIONS

Here are the edible infusions you can use to enjoy edibles’ potential benefits and effects. You can also find them in the best and most reputable dispensaries around your area, such as From The Earth dispensary.

1. FOOD

Any food item that consists of butter, oil, milk, or any other fatty material is capable of being transformed into weed edibles. Gummies, baked treats, candies, potato chips, and other snacks are some examples of foods that have cannabis-infused them. 

Cannabinoid-infused baked products tend to have a subtle greenish hue and often give off a slight aroma of cannabis. It may be difficult to distinguish between regular baked goods and those with cannabis. 

A grassy flavor could be noticed if large quantities of cannabis are used. Cocoa solids or pot brownies and chocolates are also some popular cannabis edibles.

2. DRINKS

A cannabis-infused drink is a liquid that contains THC. It can be just as strong as cannabis-infused food. Cannabis tea is an example of this. Many beverages, such as coffee, soda, and even alcohol, may have cannabis-infused them.

3. TINCTURE

Tinctures are concentrated extracts of cannabis made with alcohol. They are classified as edibles since they are intended to be consumed via the mouth and tongue. 

Tinctures are often administered by placing a dropper full of the liquid beneath the tongue, which can then be absorbed into the bloodstream. They may be added to any food or drink. 

Compared to cannabis-infused food or beverages, tinctures give you more control over the amount of cannabis you consume. 

4. DISSOLVABLE CANNABIS POWDER

Cannabinoid powder is tasteless and odorless, but it can still evoke the effects of cannabis. It can be used with a wide variety of meals and beverages. 

Due to its solubility, dissolvable cannabinoid powder is easily absorbed through the digestive tract and produces effects in as little as 20 minutes.

5. CBD EDIBLES

CBD products do not produce psychoactive effects and do not cause intoxication. However, they do contain varying levels of THC. These edibles deliver the benefits of cannabis without the high that comes from the psychoactive effects of THC.

6. CANNABIS CAPSULE

Since they are also digested in the gut, cannabis capsules are classified as edibles. It is simpler and easier to ingest cannabis in the form of capsules.

7. CANNABIS OIL

Canna-oil or cannabis oil is a product made by combining cannabis with any edible oil. It can be used in baking or combined with other ingredients to create sauces or dressings. You can incorporate cannabis extracts with olive oil, avocado, walnut, or coconut oil.

8. CANNABUTTER

Cannabis butter or cannabutter combines unsalted butter, cannabis, and water. The buds should be cleaned and dried before soaking in melted butter or oil. Any baking recipe can benefit from the use of cannabutter.

10 CONSIDERATIONS WHEN USING EDIBLES

Exploring various cannabis edibles may be an exciting journey, but take note that their effects linger for a considerably more extended period. There is no going back once you have taken them into your system. Thus, ensure you conduct in-depth research on the product before going further.

1. FIGURE OUT WHY YOU WANT EDIBLES

Some people use edibles to enjoy the experience. If that’s the case, you should check out the best edibles to try before watching a comedy.

On the other hand, edible cannabis products can also be beneficial for managing specific health issues. Take note that these products might not be suitable for everyone.

The first step is to get the assistance of your primary care physician or a cannabis expert. This way, you can figure out whether consuming edibles is the most effective approach to accomplish your goal.

Even if the use of cannabis for medical purposes is permitted in your jurisdiction, it is normal that you might not feel at ease discussing the topic with your doctor.

If you think your doctor is not equipped to discuss cannabis medication, you can try finding a list of licensed doctors to certify cannabis patients in your state’s health department. Such physicians can offer helpful advice on the use of cannabis in your particular case.

DO YOU NEED A MARIJUANA MEDICAL CARD?

Sign up for From The Earth’s medical card so you can purchase, grow, and consume medical marijuana legally within Missouri. Schedule your appointment now to get in-store discounts and credits.
You can now also enjoy recreational cannabis!

2. DECIDE WHY EDIBLES VS SMOKING OR VAPING

There are several reasons why you should opt for edibles versus choosing to smoke cannabis instead. Inhaling cannabis through smoking or vaporizing will allow its compounds to act quickly, but they will only last for three to four hours.

On the other hand, edibles are the complete opposite. Once you digest them, they will continue to work for a significantly longer time. Due to this, those who require the effects of marijuana to last for a more extended period (struggling with chronic pain or sleeplessness, for example) may choose to ingest cannabis rather than smoke or inhale it. 

Edibles are probably not the greatest option if you want immediate relief from problems such as headaches. In addition, edibles may be safer for patients with impaired lung function. Another benefit to edibles is that consuming edibles is often more discreet than smoking or vaping.

3. CANNABIS MAY CAUSE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS TO NOT WORK PROPERLY

There is a possibility that using products containing cannabis might cause adverse interactions with other drugs you currently take. This is why you must first get the advice of a medical professional or a pharmacist before you decide on using edibles or any cannabis products.

There are specific interactions in which the use of cannabis can either boost or reduce the effectiveness of other drugs a person is taking. For instance, CBD relies on the liver to be broken down. If you take other pharmaceuticals that use the same path, it might influence how the body processes both drugs.

Both CBD and THC have been shown in laboratory studies to affect specific enzymes that are usually involved in processing many types of medications. Such medications include antidepressants and blood thinners. So, it is possible that cannabis could alter the functioning of these medications.

It is vital to speak with either your primary care physician or a medical professional specializing in cannabis treatment before using marijuana.

4. START WITH A LOW DOSE

The most important thing to remember when using edibles is to start slow and low. This means you should begin with the lowest dose and wait before consuming any more.

When trying new products or using edibles for the first time, you should start with an amount that is possibly even lower than what you are used to.

A low dosage of THC in edibles is commonly believed to be 5 mg. If you are sensitive to chemicals like this or just nervous, you can start with something as little as 1 to 2.5 mg.

On the other hand, the moderate dose would be between 10 and 15 mg, while a high dosage would be greater than 20 mg. Most users may receive the effects they want between 5 and 10 mg of cannabis. More experienced cannabis users may need to consume 20 to 30 milligrams to acquire the same results.

In the end, a dosage is simply a starting point, and it may take some trial and error to figure out which cannabis products are best for you.

5. READ THE PRODUCT LABEL CAREFULLY

Choose a product that comes in that specific dose. Such products may be anything like a gummy or a capsule, as opposed to something like a chocolate bar that you would have to split into separate dosages manually.

To ensure you consume the appropriate quantity of THC, the product’s packaging should make the amount of THC present evident. Before being sold at dispensaries, cannabis products must be subjected to regulated testing before they can legally be purchased. The specific restrictions vary from state to state, so make sure to check yours before buying.

Check out edibles with complete details on their product packaging at the nearest dispensary around your area.

6. TAKE YOUR FIRST DOSE IN THE EVENING

Cannabis is known to have several effects, but two of the most frequent are relaxation and drowsiness. People who want to use cannabis to control the symptoms of an illness but at the same time be able to function normally can benefit from this.

If you are using an edible cannabis product for the first time, the best time to sample it is in the evening. That way, it won’t be a problem for you if you do need to go to sleep. You can also modify the dose appropriately on the next bite, so it’s easier to stay up.

7. WAIT AT LEAST TWO HOURS BEFORE TAKING ANOTHER DOSE

It is known that edibles take a considerable amount of time to produce effects, sometimes at least two hours. The golden rule is to always go slow. This could be difficult for you to get used to if you often consume cannabis through other methods, such as smoking or vaping.

If it has been a few minutes and you still do not feel any better, this does not indicate that you should increase your dosage. You could start feeling bored and take another dose since you believe the last one was ineffective. Once the first and second doses take effect, you will be in a dangerous situation.

Those just starting should not take more than one dose within 24 hours. If you take your first dosage at night and do not experience any effects, you should skip that dose and try the following morning again.

8. DO NOT PANIC

Cannabis contains several chemicals, including THC and CBD, that exert their effects through interacting with the endocannabinoid system that is naturally present in the human body.

This system comprises many types of cannabinoid receptors responsible for a wide range of vital biological activities such as hunger, mood, memory, and the control of body temperature.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), when these systems get overloaded due to eating a lot of cannabis brownies, a person may experience confusion, anxiety, dizziness, and nausea. You may also experience a rapid heart rate at large dosages and may even be susceptible to developing auditory or visual hallucinations.

Despite how unpleasant these effects may be, they are just transient and are not expected to pose problems in the long run. While you wait for the effects of the drug to wear off, drink water, shower, practice deep breathing, and get some sleep.

9. PREPARE YOUR SNACK FOOD BEFORE INGESTING CANNABIS

Since there is such a wide selection on the market, you should have no trouble finding an edible cannabis product suited to your preferences. Due to its THC, it is attractive to consume more treats than you are prepared for. 

In addition, the fact that cannabis has been shown to stimulate hunger makes it much more challenging to consume only one-half of the chocolate bar.

Thus, make sure to choose an edible with a lower level of flavor or complement your edible with a snack that does not include the active ingredient of the edible.

10. KEEP YOUR EDIBLES IN A SAFE, SECURE LOCATION

If you want to have edibles in your house regularly, make sure to store them in a secure location that is out of the reach of children, pets, and guests who might not be aware of what is in the items.

Even though consuming excessive cannabis won’t necessarily harm you, the experience may be somewhat unpleasant, particularly if it comes as a surprise.

GET YOUR MEDICAL CARD

Schedule an online appointment and get your medical card at From The Earth today. We have partnered with Elevate Holistic to ensure our medical card holders can legally buy, grow, or consume medical marijuana. 

All you have to do is sign up and book an appointment. You will receive in-store credits and discounts during our first and second visits.

JOIN FROM THE EARTH’S LOYALTY REWARD PROGRAM

Receive more in-store credits and discounts when you sign up at From the Earth’s Loyalty Reward Program! Enjoy special deals and offers exclusive to our members. 

For every dollar spent, you’ll get 1 point which you can save up or redeem for custom merch and products.

Find a Missouri dispensary near you!

 

Note: This article is not medical advice. Please consult with your doctor for treatment for any medical conditions.

Blog updated on February 23, 2023.