Edibles are food items made with cannabis flower or concentrates. Edibles are absorbed through the digestive system, which results in delayed onset as compared to inhalation and sublingual delivery (administered underneath the tongue). While it can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 3 hours to feel the effects, edibles provide a longer duration of effects when compared to other consumption methods.

Cannabis concentrates are much stronger than cannabis flowers. They are made by separating the tiny crystals that sit on the surface of the plant called trichomes from the underlying, inert vegetable material. Concentrates are available in many different forms including shatter, wax, rosin and sauce.

Cannabis concentrates are consumed through a portable device or stationary “dab” rig that vaporizes the concentrate at very high temperatures. They can also be mixed with flower to supercharge a bowl or pre-roll.

Due to their high potency, concentrates are often reserved for a more experienced cannabis consumer. By current California state law, adult-use customers are allowed to buy up to 8 grams of concentrates per day.

Flower is the trimmed and cured bud of a female cannabis plant. There are different varieties of cannabis flowers, which we call strains. Each strain has a unique flavor and combination of active ingredients that provide a unique effect. Explore different strains to find out which best suits your needs. There are two major strain types to consider:

Aside from traditional flower smoking, alternative methods of consumption of cannabis items have become increasingly popular in recent years.

Cannabis concentrates, such as shatter, wax, and oil can be ingested through vaporizers or dab rigs, with users inhaling the product through a water pipe and heated nail or bowl. Additionally, tinctures are available for discreet oral ingestion of cannabis without any smoke inhalation.

Edibles are an increasingly popular form of cannabis consumption that is generally ingested orally in food products such as candy, cookies, brownies, gummies or beverages like tea and soda.

Topicals provide another option for localized cannabinoid relief without any psychoactive effects. The array of alternative methods allows consumers to choose how they wish to medicate or indulge in cannabis products. With the right product and method, anyone can find a way to incorporate cannabis into their lifestyle.

Cannabis substance abuse can lead to physical, psychological and social consequences.

Signs and symptoms of cannabis abuse include changes in sleeping patterns, such as sleeping too much or having difficulty falling asleep; increased appetite; red eyes; poor concentration; lack of motivation; irritability; anxiety or depression; mood swings; impaired judgement; relationship problems with family or friends due to neglecting their responsibilities, or becoming overly defensive when asked about their use of substances. In addition, cannabis users may experience intense cravings, withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, headaches and agitation when trying to quit, tolerance to the drug’s effects requiring them to take larger doses over time in order to achieve the same result.

Long-term abusers may also develop physical and psychological dependence, resulting in a need for continued use of the cannabis substance to avoid withdrawal symptoms. If you or someone you know is showing any signs or symptoms of cannabis abuse, seek professional help immediately.

It is important to get timely treatment and support so that the individual can live a healthy, fulfilling life without relying on drugs.

New Jersey is committed to providing sustainable and comprehensive substance abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery services for those struggling with addiction. The state has a variety of programs available that provide individuals with the opportunity to participate in education, counseling, and other support services. Programs such as Drug Free NJ offer early intervention strategies to help prevent substance abuse in youth. Other programs like Mental Health Services Administration focus on providing mental health counseling to those affected by substance abuse.

For those seeking addiction treatment, there are numerous rehabilitation centers throughout the state funded by SAMHSA/CSATG grants that provide medical detoxification, individual therapy, group support meetings and educational workshops designed to aid in long-term recovery from substance abuse. These programs strive to promote healthy living through community-based initiatives, as well as providing help and support to those affected by addiction. With the right resources available, individuals in New Jersey have the chance to obtain a successful recovery from substance abuse.

• Breathing problems. Marijuana smoke irritates the lungs, and people who smoke marijuana frequently can have the same breathing problems as those who smoke tobacco. These problems include daily cough and phlegm, more frequent lung illness, and a higher risk of lung infections. Researchers so far haven’t found a higher risk for lung cancer in people who smoke marijuana.8
• Increased heart rate. Marijuana raises heart rate for up to 3 hours after smoking. This effect may increase the chance of heart attack. Older people and those with heart problems may be at higher risk.
• Problems with child development during and after pregnancy. One study found that about 20% of pregnant women 24-years-old and younger screened positive for marijuana. However, this study also found that women were about twice as likely to screen positive for marijuana use via a drug test than they state in self-reported measures.9 This suggests that self-reported rates of marijuana use in pregnant females is not an accurate measure of marijuana use and may be underreporting their use. Additionally, in one study of dispensaries, nonmedical personnel at marijuana dispensaries were recommending marijuana to pregnant women for nausea, but medical experts warn against it. This concerns medical experts because marijuana use during pregnancy is linked to lower birth weight10 and increased risk of both brain and behavioral problems in babies. If a pregnant woman uses marijuana, the drug may affect certain developing parts of the fetus’s brain. Children exposed to marijuana in the womb have an increased risk of problems with attention,11 memory, and problem-solving compared to unexposed children.12 Some research also suggests that moderate amounts of THC are excreted into the breast milk of nursing mothers.13 With regular use, THC can reach amounts in breast milk that could affect the baby’s developing brain. Other recent research suggests an increased risk of preterm births.27 More research is needed. Read our Marijuana Research Report for more information about marijuana and pregnancy.
• Intense nausea and vomiting. Regular, long-term marijuana use can lead to some people to develop Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome. This causes users to experience regular cycles of severe nausea, vomiting, and dehydration, sometimes requiring emergency medical attention.14

• temporary hallucinations
• temporary paranoia
• worsening symptoms in patients with schizophrenia—a severe mental disorder with symptoms such as hallucinations, paranoia, and disorganized thinking