Since becoming legal, many people have come to the Purple Leaf looking to try edibles. We’ve helped many first-timers choose the right edible for them, but others may be on the fence. Here are the five things you need to know about weed edibles before trying one!
Edibles Take Longer To Kick In Than Other Forms
It takes longer to feel the effects of an edible than smoking cannabis because the THC of an edible passes through your liver and digestive system. Inhaling THC, on the other hand, creates an almost immediate high because it enters the bloodstream through the alveoli, the millions of small air sacs in your lungs.
This means that, when taking an edible, there’s no exact timeline or expectation. The strength of the dosage, the food and drink you’ve consumed, and your unique metabolism all affect how long it takes for the effects to start. It could be as little as 30 minutes or as long as two hours, so remember to give the edible enough time to take effect. Everyone is different, so don’t rush it – and don’t let others rush you, either.
Edibles Are Stronger And Longer-Lasting Than Smoking
Did you know that about 60 percent of the THC in cannabis is lost when heated or combusted? When you consume an edible, though, the THC is metabolized in the liver. This makes a more potent compound called 11-hydroxy-THC, giving the edible much more intense effects than other forms of cannabis.
You Can’t Overdose, So Don’t Panic
Edibles can be a real experience for first-timers and those not used to consuming them, so the feeling can be overwhelming. But you can’t overdose on marijuana like with alcohol or illegal narcotics. This is important to keep in mind because many people start to panic when the unfamiliar effects take effect.
Don’t fret if the edible feels too intense; lie down on the couch or in bed, distract yourself with a familiar and comforting TV show, and drink plenty of water. You may have a longer and deeper sleep that night, but you will be fine!
If It’s Your First Time, Try A Low Dose
To avoid the situation above, start with a low dose. People who aren’t regular consumers or haven’t tried edibles yet should try 2.5 milligrams to 5 milligrams as a starting dose. If you bought an edible that is 10 milligrams per serving, it’s recommended to break it in half or cut off a piece and gauge how your body will react.
After registering how much the low dose affects you, you can work your way up to a full serving of 10 milligrams. This is a recreational dose for most experienced adults.
No Type Of Edible Is “Better” – It’s All About Taste!
When you’re browsing through our selection, you’ll see a lot of options: gummies, cookies, brownies, and chocolate bars are the most common, but energy drinks and tinctures are becoming popular, too. Other than the dosage amount, though, no specific edible is “better” than the others. Try the edible you like the best as a non-cannabis product!
We should add a sixth item to this list: edibles can look very appetizing, so keep them away from children and pets. Try and preserve them in the original packaging, too – you don’t want any guests accidentally ingesting them!