Everything you ever wanted to know about cannabis edibles

Marijuana gummies, cookies, and other cannabis-infused edibles can be found in almost any dispensary nowadays. While edible cannabis products may seem new, they’ve actually been around for thousands of years, dating back to the traditional bhang of India, not to mention Mary Jane “Brownie Mary” Rathbun’s homemade brownies for AIDS patients in the 1980s.

The popularity of edibles has lasted this long for good reason. Consuming cannabis in edible form comes with unique benefits, including therapeutic properties that can be felt for several hours at a time.

Understanding the benefits of edible marijuana can help you choose the best cannabis consumption method for your needs. But, you’ll only get so far in finding relief if you don’t know how to dose and consume them properly.

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Are edibles better than smoking? 

Each method of cannabis use has its pros and cons. While most people immediately think of smoking weed when it comes to consuming cannabis, it may not be the healthiest choice for everyone — particularly for medical marijuana patients with respiratory conditions like asthma.

Inhaling hot smoke and combusting plant matter can have adverse effects on respiratory health. Even for moderate users, the inflammation of the air pathways can take a toll. Meanwhile, edibles offer a smoke-free alternative to those seeking to avoid the potentially harmful effects of inhaling weed smoke while still enjoying all the medical benefits cannabis has to offer.

There’s also the matter of convenience. Edibles can be more travel-friendly, and they can be consumed in places where smoking isn’t permitted. Besides that, edibles don’t leave behind a cloud of smoke and a lingering odor.

However, the effects of edibles are different from smoking cannabis, especially when it comes to dosing, onset time, and duration of effects, which is important to keep in mind – more on that later.

Health benefits of cannabis edibles 

Yes, edibles offer a smoke-free alternative, but are they actually good for you? Like anything, moderation and mindful consumption are key. When consumed properly, you can enjoy the many positive health effects cannabis, such as:

• Pain relief, including chronic pain and neurological pain
• Reducing cancer-related symptoms and delivering anti-tumor properties
• Neuroprotective properties, helping prevent epileptic seizures and muscle spasms, and potentially protecting against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s
• Managing diabetes symptoms and controlling digestive response
• Managing inflammation and conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia
• Relief from anxiety disorders and insomnia

In general, cannabis delivers the same therapeutic benefits regardless of the consumption method. However, marijuana edibles come with the unique advantage of having the longest-lasting effects. Many users report feeling the benefits of cannabis for six to eight hours. On the other hand, the onset time is the longest out of any method, roughly 30 to 90 minutes.

Many cannabis users note that edibles produce a heavier sedative effect as well. While this is anecdotal, users often report that THC edibles make them sleepier than smoking marijuana. This could be helpful if you’re using medical cannabis to treat insomnia.

And, as always, there are variables that will determine your exact experience. These include milligram strength, dosage amount, and formulation. For example, CBD edibles are non-psychoactive, as cannabidiol does not cause intoxication. THC edibles, however, will produce a high due to the psychoactive effects of tetrahydrocannabinol.

On a similar note, full-spectrum edibles contain a variety of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids which work together to produce the entourage effect, potentially enhancing the cannabis plant’s overall therapeutic value.

Pros and cons of edibles 

As stated earlier, each cannabis consumption method has its pros and cons. Before choosing the right consumption method for your needs, it’s important to weigh these factors carefully.

Here are some of the pros of edibles versus other consumption methods:

• Healthier for the respiratory system than smoking or vaping, particularly for those with breathing issues or respiratory conditions like asthma
• May lead to a stronger and more sedating experience than other consumption methods
• Longer-lasting effects than other consumption methods; good for people using cannabis for pain who are seeking extended relief
• Creative, tasty, and enjoyable way to consume cannabis, with lots of formulas available, along with recipes for making homemade edibles
• Discreet consumption

On the other hand, cannabis edibles may not be the ideal consumption method for everyone. Here are some cons of eating cannabis:

• Dietary restrictions and added ingredients, such as high amounts of salt, sugar, or fat, are important to consider when choosing edibles, especially for those following a diet or with allergies
• Edibles do not offer immediate relief, making them unsuitable for those needing quick symptom management
• Delayed onset of effects, typically taking 30-90 minutes, which can lead to accidental overconsumption
• Risk of overconsumption due to appealing flavors
• Unpredictable effects for beginners, as factors like body weight and metabolism can cause varied experiences
• Higher risk of paranoia as a side effect, which may last for hours due to the long-lasting effects of ingesting cannabis

For many, the advantages of marijuana edibles outweigh the disadvantages, but this is a personal decision you should make in conjunction with your doctor. At the same time, by taking the proper dosage, you can reduce the risk of experiencing unwanted negative side effects.

Tips for consuming cannabis edibles safely

Know your types of edibles

You may opt to purchase pre-made cannabis edibles from a licensed dispensary, or to make your own tasty marijuana treats at home by buying or preparing raw ingredients like cannabis oils or butter.

Here are some types of edibles you will typically find in a cannabis dispensary:

• Gummies
• Cookies, brownies, muffins, and other baked goods
• Liquid extracts, flavored syrups, and tinctures
• Chewable tablets
• Pills and capsules
• Hard candies/lozenges
• Cannabis-infused drinks like fruit juice and sparkling water
• Powder to mix into a drink, salad dressing, or sauce

One thing that all these types of cannabis edibles share in common is the possibility of a very potent cannabis experience. Regardless of whether you nibble on a marijuana gummy or drink a THC-infused seltzer, you should dose wisely to avoid overintoxication.

Start slow and dose with care 

You’ve probably heard horror stories of edibles infused with mystery doses from homemade recipes. Fortunately, with the expansion of legal markets across the US, licensed cannabis producers sell precisely dosed edibles in a wide variety of flavors, recipes, and cannabinoid profiles. It’s simple to purchase edibles from your local dispensary and trust you’ll receive generally the same experience every time.

Even if you are used to consuming by smoking, the basic rule of thumb when trying out cannabis edibles is to start low and go slow. “Low” refers to the THC levels, which contribute to the potentially intense “high” effects of cannabis edibles.

In general, a low THC level for a novice user would be 5 milligrams (mg) or less, but this number may vary depending on factors like body chemistry and body mass index (BMI). An individual weighing 200 pounds, for example, might fare better with 5 mg of THC than someone weighing only 100 pounds.

Because of the longer onset time of edibles, it’s common for beginners to take a second dose rather than wait for the effects to eventually begin, which can lead to overintoxication and negative side effects. That’s why it’s important to give the edible time to metabolize. Take a wait-and-see approach, allowing several hours to pass before consuming more cannabis.

Finally, if you have consumed too many cannabis edibles, stay calm. Remind yourself that cannabis alone is not lethal, and that any negative feelings should pass within no more than a few hours.

The bottom line: Cannabis edibles come with lots of benefits, when taken the right way 

Cannabis edibles offer a high-potency, convenient, and precisely dosed method for experiencing cannabis’ many therapeutic properties. They allow users to get creative with consumption options, from ready-made treats like gummies to home-cooked cannabis-infused meals. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, pain relief, or other health benefits, edibles offer an effective, customizable solution.

The key to reaping the full benefits of cannabis edibles is dosing properly, and being mindful of their delayed onset to avoid negative side effects. Of course, for more personalized guidance on dosage, you should speak to your physician.

If you’re curious about how cannabis edibles can potentially improve your wellness, connect with Leafwell to meet with a licensed medical marijuana doctor and get an MMJ card.

Frequently asked questions

Do edibles cause more negative side effects than other delivery methods?

In theory, no. But, due to the heavily sedating effects some users feel, along with the delayed onset which can lead to overconsumption, many people report higher instances of paranoia and anxiety than with other consumption methods.

Keep in mind, too, that recreational cannabis users purchasing outside of dispensaries are consuming at their own risk. Black market edibles may contain harmful ingredients and excessive levels of cannabis extracts.

Will I get more high from marijuana edibles?

No matter the consumption method, THC use comes with psychoactive effects. Some people may perceive edibles as more intoxicating because of how they metabolize in the body, and possibly produce stronger sedating effects. If you’re trying to avoid getting too high from THC use, stick to a low dosage.

Are THC gummies good for pain?

All marijuana products have the potential to relieve pain, as the plant itself has pain-relieving properties. But, cannabis users who experience chronic pain may prefer edibles because of their long-lasting effects compared to other methods. If you’re treating chronic pain, daily cannabis use with edibles may be the most effective for maintaining relief.

Resources

• Perceptions of Safety of Daily Cannabis vs Tobacco Smoking and Secondhand Smoke Exposure, 2017-2021: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10422186/
• Marijuana and Pain: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK224384/
• Tasty THC: Promises and Challenges of Cannabis Edibles: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5260817/