Have you heard about how crazy powerful edibles can be?
If you‘re a first-time edible user, the thought of consuming any type of edible could be overwhelming.
What will it do to me?
How can I find the perfect edible dosing for my body and tolerance?
We‘ve answered all these questions and more.
What is an Edible?
An edible is any cannabis product made for oral consumption that contains cannabinoids. They most often contain THC, but you’ll find CBD and all other kinds of minor cannabinoids like THCV in edibles as well. Shop for edibles at Blue Oak.
There are many different types of edibles, including gummies, brownies, mints, lozenges, cookies, drinks, tinctures, and countless other forms.
Which Cannabinoids Are In Edibles?
THC is the most common cannabinoid you’ll find in edibles, but that’s only part of the story.
CBD edibles are also quite popular. You’ll find products with a high CBD ratio that balance out the heady and cerebral effects of THC. Wana Classic 20:1 CBD: THC edibles are a great example.
Other popular cannabinoids in edibles include Cannabinol (CBN) and Cannabigerol (CBG). CBN is marketed for sleep since it has deeply relaxing effects. CBG is often associated with focus and mental clarity.
CBN edibles for sleep available at Blue Oak include:
- iIncredibles Snoozzzeberry gummies, which contain 10 mg THC and 2 mg CBN per serving
- Camino Sleep gummies, which contain 5 mg THC and 1 mg CBN per serving
- Oria Midnight Moon gummies, which contain 10 mg THC and 5 mg CBN per serving
Cannabis products that contain CBG include:
- The Healing Rose 1:1 CBG:CBD tincture (1,200 mg bottle)
- incredibles Sour Blue Razzberry 1:1 THC:CBG, which contain 10 mg THC or 10 mg CBG per serving
- Gron Pearls Blueberry Lemonade gummies, which contain 30 mg CBG and 10 mg THC per serving
How Do Edibles Function in Your Body?
You take edibles orally, and your digestive system processes them, metabolizing them through the liver.
The onset of edible effects is much longer since your body has to digest and metabolize them before you notice any difference in how your body feels. The slow release provides a more prolonged, sustained impact.
Why Edibles?
- They’re discreet. No lighters or grinders here.
- They’re easy to measure. You’ll know exactly how much you’re taking.
- They’re unique. There are fun flavors and product types that abound.
Edibles vs. Smoking: What’s the difference?
The primary difference between edibles and smoking cannabis lies in how they affect the body and the duration of their effects. When you smoke or vape cannabis, THC is rapidly absorbed into your bloodstream through the lungs, leading to a quick onset of effects, usually within minutes. You can feel the impact almost immediately, but the high tends to be shorter-lived.
In contrast, edibles must be digested through and metabolized through the liver before the THC enters your bloodstream. The liver converts THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, which can be more potent and last longer than the THC from smoking. It typically takes longer to feel the effects of edibles but they can produce a deeper, more prolonged effect.
Why Is It Harder to Dose While Vaping or Smoking Cannabis?
Dosing with smoking or vaping can be challenging because the effects are felt almost immediately. This rapid onset can make it difficult to gauge how much you’ve consumed and how it will affect you, leading to the possibility of overconsumption. Since the effects hit quickly, adjusting your intake in real time is harder.
That’s what makes edibles so appealing. You’ll know precisely how much THC and other cannabinoids you’re consuming.
How Long Does The Edible Experience Last?
It takes 1-2 hours to feel the full effects of edibles, and the full effects last for several hours. You may feel them for as little as 3 or 4 hours, or for as long as 8 to 12 hours or more. The duration depends on your edibles experience, how much you took, your body’s makeup, and more.
Understanding Edible Dosing
Your body is unique, which means edible dosing is not a one-size-fits-all process. With that being said, there are some basic guidelines to consider.
1-2.5 mg THC
- What to expect: Subtle relief, with a mild boost in creativity and focus. You may not feel any impairing effects at all on this dose.
- Who it’s best for: Beginners who are very sensitive to THC, and those who want to microdose.
5 mg THC
- What to expect: Mild to moderate effects, depending on your body’s chemical makeup. You may feel impaired at this dose if you are sensitive to THC.
- Who it‘s best for: This is a solid starter dose that allows you to gauge how your body responds to THC without overwhelming effects.
10 mg THC
- What to expect: Noticeable effects include more pronounced relaxation, euphoria, and relief from symptoms. You’re likely to experience some impairment unless you have a very high THC tolerance.
- Who it‘s best for: Consumers who want a full cerebral experience or who have a higher tolerance and are comfortable with stronger effects.
20+ mg THC
- What to expect: Intense effects, including strong relief, significant euphoria, and noticeable impairment of coordination and perception.
- Who it‘s best for: Very experienced consumers with a high tolerance. High doses should always be taken with caution.
What Affects Your Edible Dose?
- Body composition: Factors like weight, body fat, and metabolism can influence how you process THC. Generally, individuals with varying levels of body fat may metabolize THC differently.
- Experience level: New consumers often need lower doses to achieve the desired effects, while experienced users may have a higher tolerance and require more.
- Metabolism: Your metabolic rate affects how quickly your body processes THC. People with faster metabolisms might feel the effects of edibles more quickly and intensely.
- Diet: Eating a meal before consuming edibles can slow down the absorption of THC, leading to a more gradual onset of effects.
- Cannabis strain and product: Different strains and products have varying levels of THC and other cannabinoids, which can affect dosing. Edibles with high THC concentrations will require careful dosing.
How Do You Know Which Dose is Right For You?
- Don’t jump in: Always begin with a low dose, especially if you are new to cannabis.
- Consider your experience and tolerance: Your experience with cannabis, as well as your tolerance levels, will help guide you.
- Assess your goals: Consider what you want to achieve, such as relaxation, pain relief, or enhanced creativity.
- Track your effects: Keep a journal of your dosages and the effects you experience to help you find your ideal dose over time.
First–Time Edible Dosage — Dos & Don‘ts
Dos
- Start low, go slow: Begin with a low dose (2.5 mg-5 mg THC) and wait up to 2 hours before consuming more.
- Read the label: Pay attention to the dosage information to consume the right amount. You can cut a higher-dose edible into smaller pieces (microdosing) to best support your desired experience.
- Store safely: Keep edibles out of the reach of children and pets.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water.
Don‘ts
- Don’t overconsume: Taking too much could lead to discomfort.
- Don’t drive: Don’t drive while under the influence of THC.
- Avoid public spaces if it’s your first time: Until you know how THC will affect you mentally and physically, keep yourself in a safe, comfortable environment.
- Don’t assume immediate effects: Edibles take longer to kick in. Be patient.
What To Do If You Took Too Many Edibles
If you find yourself in a situation where you’ve consumed too much cannabis, staying calm is crucial. Remember, the effects are temporary, and panicking can exacerbate discomfort. Drinking water and eating food can help alleviate some unpleasant effects that make you feel uncomfortable. You can also try finding a quiet, comfortable place to rest.
Still Have Questions About Edibles?
There are so many types of edibles on the market it can be challenging to know where to start.
If that’s you, we want to help.
Our staff at Blue Oak Dispensary are eager to walk you through your options and guide you to the best strains for edibles and your experience.
Visit us in-store to learn more about edibles, and browse our menu to find the perfect product for you.
