Edibles are THC-infused cannabis foods or drinks that serve as tasty alternatives to smoking or vaping cannabis. Because of modern-day science and technology, virtually every type of food or drink can be made into an edible.
Unlike smoking or vaping, the THC in edibles is absorbed into the bloodstream after being metabolized through the digestive system. This affects the amount of time it takes these products to kick in.
Edibles are different from other methods of cannabis because they are processed through the digestive system and into the bloodstream. When cannabis is smoked or vaporized, the THC and CBD are absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs and delivered to the brain within minutes. When cannabis is ingested by way of an edible, the substance must be metabolized through the digestive system and liver before it enters the bloodstream. Depending on your body and the edible product you ingest, this may take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours, whereas smoking or inhaling cannabis or vaping provides you with an almost instant high.
When it comes to weighing your options, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Edibles are more discreet and have longer-lasting effects than other methods of consumption. THC and other cannabinoids are metabolized by the liver and then released slowly into the bloodstream over an extended period of time (think several hours). Because of these factors, edibles are known to be more unpredictable when it comes to effects on the human body.
This way of ingesting cannabis can also be measured and dosed more exactly when compared to other forms of consumption. Because of this, you’re able to be knowledgeable and in control of how much you wish or need to take which is ideal for medical use. Lastly, for those concerned about the health risks associated with smoking marijuana, taking edibles does not require users to inhale any type of smoke or vapor.
When it comes to types of edibles, the sky really is the limit! But to give you an idea of what we are talking about, the most common types include candy, foods and baked goods, beverages, capsules and pills, and tinctures.
Candy edibles are available as gummies, chocolate bars, mints, and nearly anything in between. Certain sweets, like hard candies, can have demonstrated effects much sooner than other types of edibles because they are dissolved in the mouth and ingested sublingually as opposed to through the digestive system. Although they are delicious and especially tempting for those with a sweet tooth, it’s important to remember that golden rule of moderation when enjoying them (remember: start low and go slow!).
Virtually any food can be made into an edible. Because they have to pass through the digestive tract for the cannabinoids to enter the bloodstream, food-based edibles usually take a bit longer to show their effects than their candy-based counterparts that are absorbed sublingually.
Visit our in-store locations and speak with one of our Muses to discuss our pre-packaged food-type edibles, as well as our ingredient and tincture selection.
Cann-amateurs will often try to make their own edibles by grinding up flower and tossing it into foods like brownies and cookies. This will not get you high, nor will it taste very good.
To successfully make edibles, you need to use a specially-formulated oil or butter in the cooking process like the ones we offer here at Reverie 73. Questions? Reach out and ask one of our Muses for advice or even recipe suggestions. They’d love to help.
When it comes to types of edibles, the sky really is the limit! But to give you an idea of what we are talking about, the most common types include candy, foods and baked goods, beverages, capsules and pills, and tinctures.
Check the packaging to find how much THC and CBD are in your chosen products as it can vary greatly. Tolerance goes hand-in-hand with dosage—regular cannabis use can increase one’s tolerance to THC, similar to alcohol. You should also have a baseline of how much of these active ingredients affect you.
Because everyone’s body metabolizes cannabis differently, the effects of edibles can vary greatly from person to person. Factors that can affect metabolism include age, weight, and overall health.
Different strains of cannabis can have varying levels and strengths of THC and CBD, which can affect the overall experience of consuming edibles.
How and when edibles are consumed can affect the onset and duration of the effects on your body. Keep in mind that a 5mg chocolate may not feel the same as a 5mg pill, for example.
Because they are usually produced to contain relatively high levels of THC, edibles, like other concentrates or delivery systems besides flower, should always be consumed slowly. Unlike other concentrates, edibles take much longer to show their effects, as they have to first pass through the digestive system before the cannabinoids can enter the bloodstream. This is why the catchphrase “start low, go slow” is helpful. It can take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes before the full effects of edibles take hold. Edible highs also last much longer than the high you get from smoking or vaping, usually between four and eight hours in total. Don’t take more of an edible until you see how the first dose fully affects you.
Some of the most popular edible options include baked goods and desserts, candies, soft drinks, and condiments like sauces or dressings. You can also craft your own edibles at home by adding a drop or two from your THC or CBD tinctures or by using cannabis-infused ingredients (like oils or butter) when preparing your meals.
At Reverie 73, we are always happy to help guide you to the best edible for your journey! Our muses are super knowledgeable and we love to educate, so please be sure to ask lots of questions. We look forward to chatting with you soon!
