A Comprehensive Guide Edibles: Effects, Dosage, and What to Expect

Introduction

Edibles are items one can eat. However, in this context, it refers to food items that contain marijuana or other mind-altering substances. For instance, gummies, candies, chocolates, teas, and oils, all these are certain edibles sold legally and even illegally. While they have health benefits, they also come with some unwanted effects.

In this blog, we shall comprehensively seek to understand what edibles are, their effects, and what one can expect from them.

What Are Edibles?

Edibles, in some contexts, mean food items that contain marijuana or other similar mind-altering substances. Marijuana, which also goes by the name of cannabis or weed, has an active ingredient called THC or tetrahydrocannabinol; delta-9 THC to be more precise. It also contains cannabidiol (CBD). It gives rise to a “high” or “euphoria,” which means a rush of pleasurable feelings. This makes it a very popular recreational drug. It is usually smoked or vaped, but with edibles, marijuana can be eaten as well.

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Types Of Edibles

Marijuana edibles or THC edibles seem like a recent innovation. However, this is quite far away from the truth. Edibles have been in use since 1000 B.C. However, while marijuana gummies or weed gummies have become more popular, back then, foods and drinks with cannabis were more popular. For instance, Bhang, a very famous Indian beverage containing the leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant is a very popular drink during the festival of Holi, a festival of colors.

Today, there are different types of edibles:

• Drinks

• Oils

• Tinctures

• Candy

• Chocolates

• Gummies

• Lollipops

With these THC edibles, one can eat or drink marijuana, whereas smoking and vaping have been the general ways of consuming marijuana.

Apart from THC edibles, there are also mushroom edibles, which go by the names of magic mushrooms and shroom edibles as well. They contain a mind-altering substance known as psilocybin psilocin. It leads to psychedelic and sedative effects, like hallucinations and relaxation. However, on the flip side, they can lead to panic attacks and psychosis as well.

What Are The Effects Of Edibles?

While eating raw cannabis does not give rise to the mind-altering effects commonly associated with marijuana, as it does not contain THC, the effects of edibles are a different story:

Gives a high, or a rush of pleasurable feelings

• Induces relaxation

• Reduces anxiety

• Reduces sleep difficulties

• Reduces chronic pain

However, in the long term, THC edibles can lead to more devastating effects. They can lead to cognitive difficulties, like problems with thinking, attention, learning, and memory.

They can also have adverse impacts like anxiety, and depression, and impact the overall well-being of a person.

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How Do Edibles Work?

As edibles contain THC, it binds to the cannabinoid receptors in the brain and affects the activity of the nerve cells. In doing so, it gives rise to a high – rush of pleasurable feelings, and can also induce feelings of relaxation and sleepiness. On the flip side, it can lead to dry mouth, depersonalization, paranoia, and anxiety.

The effects of THC edibles kick in within 30 minutes and peak at 4 hours. These effects can last anywhere between 12 – 24 hours.

Edibles Dosage Guide

While THC edibles come with their effects and side effects, it might be difficult to refuse or give them up. So, knowing the THC dosage in milligrams (mg) and effects at a given dosage will help remain on the safer side:

I. 1.5 mg – 2 mg: This is known as microdose. It helps in reducing feelings of nausea, pain, and anxiety, however, at this dosage, one does not feel any intoxication.

It is available in cannabis-infused mints.

II. 3 mg – 5 mg: This is a low dose. It helps with pain, inflammation, and sleep difficulties. New users may feel intoxicated, however, others may not.

It is available in cannabis-infused gummies or honey sticks.

III. 10 mg – 15 mg: This is a moderate dose. It can induce a high, relaxation, and also manage pain. However, for new users, this may be a little too high and overwhelming.

It is available in cannabis-infused gummies, baked goods, snacks, and some beverages.

IV. 20 mg – 30 mg: This is a high dose. It can give rise to strong feelings of euphoria and alter perception. It may also help in treating chronic pain and insomnia. However, it also impairs perception and coordination.

It is available in cannabis-infused chocolate bars and condiments.

V. 50 mg – 100 mg: This is known as an acute dose. It is only for experienced users that it can provide some benefits, for instance, in the treatment of chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, and some unwanted effects of cancer treatment. However, this dosage is not generally recommended.

It is available in cannabis-infused baked goods.

VI. 100 mg – 500 mg: This is known as macrodose. It is only for those who have problems with GI absorption or going through cancer treatment. Others can experience very adverse effects.

It is available in cannabis-infused shots and sodas.

THC Edibles vs. Smoking or Vaping

THC edibles give rise to the similar effects of euphoria as smoking or vaping. However, on the flip side, they can also quicken heart rate, increase anxiety, and induce hallucinations when compared to smoking or vaping.

THC edibles are low on sales when it comes to cannabis-related products, with smoking and vaping being the more popular choices. What is interesting and even dangerous is that with THC edibles, there is a greater likelihood of an emergency room visit compared to smoking or vaping. As per a 2019 study, “Acute Illness Associated With Cannabis Use, by Route of Exposure: An Observational Study,” despite their low sales, THC edibles make up 9.3% of emergency visits pertaining to cannabis use.

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Potential Risks and Safety Tips

There are potential risks associated with marijuana edibles. They can lead to changes in personality, increase anxiety, lead to substance misuse, and hinder overall well-being.

Moreover, with older adults and people suffering from neurodegenerative disorders, heart diseases, cancer, or AIDS, it can be considered to be risky to consume marijuana edibles.

Therefore, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Some safety tips toward the same are:

• Consume edibles in low doses – stick to a microdose.

• Read the information on the edible labels so as to be aware of the dosage.

• The effects of edibles take some time to kick in, at least 30 minutes, so do not consume higher doses within this time.

• Only consume edibles under safe and controlled conditions, like with a trusted family member or friend.

• Do not mix edibles with any other substances.

Legal Status of Edibles

While medical marijuana is legal in 36 states of the U.S., recreational marijuana is only legal in 16 states, 2 territories, as well as the District of Columbia. Cannabis is a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act, as it has a high potential for misuse.

Therefore, it is always essential to check the laws of the state one is in before consuming THC edibles to be on the safe side of the law. It is also always advisable to purchase any THC edibles from a legal, licensed dispensary. This is also safe health-wise, as licensed dispensaries always test their products for safety.

Edibles and Medical Use

THC edibles are being considered for medical use, however, there are still knowledge gaps and more research is required. Nevertheless, some aspects of medical use are:

• Anxiety relief

• Chronic pain management

• Reducing seizures

• Multiple sclerosis treatment

• Reducing the unwanted effects of cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is THC in edible form?

THC in edible form can be eaten. It comes in the form of candies, chocolates, gummies, lollipops, oil, tinctures, and drinks.

Do edibles make you very high?

Higher doses of edibles produce strong euphoric effects.

What THC is used in edibles?

Delta-9 THC is commonly used in THC edibles.