The expansive universe of cannabis-infused edibles is ever-expanding, encompassing brownies, cookies, gummies, mints, beverages, hard candies, capsules, and dissolvable tablets. Exploring these options can be a fun adventure, but edibles can also be intimidating because their effects last much longer than when cannabis is inhaled, and once you’ve ingested them, there’s no turning back. Here’s what you need to know before diving in.

1. Start Small

When creating cannabis-enriched goods, don’t replace all the oil or butter with the infused version immediately. Instead, opt for a 50-50 blend or even less. This means your final product will be half as strong, providing a milder effect and reducing overconsumption.

Over time, you can gradually increase the amount of infused oil or butter in your recipe as you become more familiar with your tolerance levels. Similarly, when purchasing premade edibles, start with the smallest serving size and gradually increase (for instance, start with half a gummy or truffle).

CBD or THC cannabinoids both deteriorate over time, meaning that edibles have an expiration date. The infusion of cannabis does not alter the aging process of food. For instance, a baked good will spoil faster than hard candy, regardless of the cannabis content. To prolong the shelf life of your edibles and avoid spoilage, consider storing them in the refrigerator or freezer.

2. Marijuana Edibles Come in a Variety of Forms

Before heading to your preferred Boulder cannabis shop to replenish your supply of marijuana edibles, bear in mind that sometimes less is more. Be prudent when using cannabis, particularly if you’re a novice user or trying a new product for the first time.

Initiating with a minimal dosage can help prevent any undesirable effects. Newcomers should consume no more than 2.5 mg of THC initially. You can choose any form of THC, be it Delta 11 or Delta 10. If you’re considering increasing your dosage, do so incrementally by no more than 2.5 mg if you don’t sense any effects a few hours after consumption. Determining the perfect dosage for your requirements might demand some patience. You’ll eventually establish a comfortable regimen if you heed your body’s signals.

3. Allow At Least Two Hours

The onset of effects from edibles requires digestion and can vary in duration. Factors such as your food intake for the day, body size, metabolic rate, among others, can influence the speed at which you start experiencing the effects.

Generally, it may take two to three hours to fully perceive the effects of most edibles, which can persist for six hours or longer. Peak side effects typically manifest within three hours after consumption. As a safety precaution, starting with a minimal quantity and waiting for at least two hours before consuming more is advisable.

4. Ingestion Has Longer-Lasting Effects Than Inhalation

The initial euphoria experienced from consuming cannabis edibles can persist for up to 12 hours, followed by residual effects that may last another dozen hours. In contrast, the effects from inhaling cannabis usually dissipate after two to four hours.

The onset of effects from ingesting cannabis is slower than inhalation. While THC from smoked or vaporized cannabis is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to the brain, cannabinoids from edibles must go through the digestive process and metabolism first.

This is why waiting two to four hours before consuming additional edibles is advisable. Overconsumption in a short time frame could lead to a more intense high than anticipated once the THC eventually takes effect.

Endnote

Edible cannabis is a revolutionary way to get THC’s effects without facing the dangers of smoking marijuana. Not only does edible cannabis carry significantly fewer health risks, but it also offers just as much potency and flavor as other cannabis forms. If you’re looking for an easy and effective way to get your daily THC fix, edible cannabis may be the perfect option.