Cannabis Edible Safety

What are cannabis edibles? 

Cannabis edibles are food or drink products that contain cannabidiol (CBD) or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the two main active compounds in the cannabis plant. When consumed, these compounds interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate various bodily functions, including sleep, appetite, and mood. Cannabis edibles come in a wide variety of products, including brownies, gummies, chocolates, and drinks. There are also many different edible strengths, so it is important to check the label for the potency of THC and CBD and to follow the recommended serving size to avoid overconsumption and unwanted effects.

How do cannabis edibles work? 

When cannabis edibles are consumed, they are absorbed into the bloodstream through the digestive system, rather than through the lungs like when smoking or vaporizing cannabis. This process takes longer than inhalation, with onset time usually ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours, and can last much longer, up to 6-8 hours. You also want to make sure that you have eaten before you take an edible as they require something fatty to bind to, thus allowing it to activate. The effects of cannabis edibles can also vary based on the individual, their tolerance to cannabis, and the dose consumed. A low dose of THC in edibles, for example, may result in a mild, uplifting effect, while a higher dose may result in stronger, potentially overwhelming effects. CBD, on the other hand, does not produce the intoxicating effects associated with THC and is often used for its potential health benefits, such as reducing anxiety and pain.

How to enjoy edibles safely? 

It’s important to note that dosing with edibles can be tricky, as the effects can take longer to come on and may be more intense and longer-lasting compared to inhalation. This is because when consuming edibles, the compounds are metabolized in the liver, which can increase the potency of THC products and result in longer-lasting effects. It is recommended to start with a low dose and wait at least 2 hours before consuming more, as the effects may not be felt immediately. It is also recommended to be in an environment that you feel comfortable in to lessen the chance of any paranoia and anxiety. 

How to properly dose edibles?

The key to a great high is taking the dosage that is right for you. The big issue with this is that this varies greatly from person to person as well as edible to edible, as everybody’s chemical makeup is different and will respond in various ways to different dosages and edible types. Factors such as consumption method, frequency of cannabis use, the strain of cannabis, current mood, existing mental health conditions, and environment can all play a major part in how one reacts and feels. This process can be very similar to trying alcohol for the first time and figuring out how much you can handle and what you personally enjoy best. 

Check out this edible dosing chart by Leafly to get an idea of the different dosages and what can be expected from each.

10 milligrams of THC per serving has been the standard set by the industry and many state regulators, but there has been a big shift towards microdosing. Microdosing is using cannabis in small and low amounts. 2.5 milligrams can be a good place to start off with for a first time user, then eventually bumping it up to 5 milligrams if that feeling was enjoyable. It could also be a good idea to try an edible that is a combination of both THC and CBD. This could help to keep your high on the more mellow side and also help keep anxiety and paranoia to a minimum. Be sure to pay attention to how each different dosage affects you, like the length and intensity of your high.

How to store edibles safely?

It is important to store your edibles in a safe place away from where children would be able to access them. The best way to store your edibles would be in an airtight container that is kept in a cool, dark place. It is very important to avoid storing edibles in heat, near light, and where air can get to them. These environmental factors can cause edibles to degrade, lessening their quality and potency, and may even cause someone to get sick. Minimizing exposure to these environmental factors will help to keep your edibles fresh until you are ready to enjoy them. With store-bought edibles, be sure to also check the expiration date on the package and consume them before that date. 

Where can I get edibles? 

At Nurse Wellness we have edibles starting at 1mg of THC a piece and range all the way up to 100mg a piece. Your experience, tolerance, and personal preference will determine what type of edible will be best suited for you. We carry a wide variety of edibles like mints, gummies, chocolate bars, cereal treats, syrups, drinks, and more! Most of our edibles will contain terpenes making them more of either a sativa strain, hybrid strain, or indica strain. For those just starting out, we would suggest taking a look at our microdose gummies which come in at 5mg of THC per piece, and one option also contains 5mg of CBD for a more relaxing effect. For someone who is a regular consumer, we have 12mg and 15mg gummies available in 4+ strains. Then for the experienced consumers, we have our 30mg and 100mg gummies. We always like to say it is important to start off low and slow as you can always take more but never less!