The market for weed edibles is increasing, and if market analysts are correct in their predictions, this demand will only grow in the coming years. With the upcoming legalization of weed edibles, this market could potentially become a billion-dollar industry. Cannabis edibles are becoming the “in” thing right now. It’s quickly replacing the trend of smoking weed. In a recent Deloitte research, a recent report showed that smoking cannabis is becoming a dying trend, what with its numerous health risks associated with smoking in general.
With people getting health-conscious, they’re looking for healthier ways of consuming and enjoying cannabis, one of which is cannabis edibles. This is actually one of the reasons why the demand for weed edibles is increasing and will only continue to increase as its legalization draws near. Cannabis edibles are a convenient, discreet, and healthier way of consuming weed.
What are weed edibles?
Simply put, weed edibles are any food item that contains cannabis. Cannabis edibles come in many forms like brownies, cookies, gummies, candies, jellies, chocolate bars, milkshake, hot chocolate mixes, as well as tea. They can be found in many food or beverages as well.
If you’re after getting high, then choose weed edibles that contain THC. In addition to this, you also need to look at its label. Cannabis edible products derived from Sativa strains give more of a mental high than a body high. They have a more energizing effect that helps improve focus and creativity. Cannabis edibles derived from Indica strains, on the other hand, give a stronger body high, than a mental high. While both types produce euphoric effects, weed edibles from Indica strains have a more relaxing effect. But if you’re after a more balanced mind and body high, then choose edibles made from Hybrid strains.
Now, if you’re only after the therapeutic effects of weed edibles, then choose those that contain only CBD. CBD offers the same therapeutic effects of THC, but it won’t make you high. You can also buy CBD+THC edibles if you want stronger symptom control.
What are the common rookie mistakes in taking weed edibles?
It’s common to make mistakes, especially if you’re new to cannabis edibles. These mistakes can make your experience unpleasant, but they are completely avoidable though if you know what to do,
Too much, too soon
Yes, the brownie is mouthwateringly delicious. But it doesn’t mean that you have to eat it all in one sitting. The proper thing to do is to cut them into smaller pieces and eat one small piece. Microdosing gives you control over your dosages.
Not waiting for about a couple of hours
Weed edibles have to processed first by your stomach and the liver before the cannabinoids join the bloodstream. The whole process can take anywhere between half an hour to a couple of hours, so be patient. The effects will kick in soon, and if they don’t, then eat a bigger piece the next day.
Eating on an empty stomach
This is a rookie mistake many make. If you don’t want to experience stronger side effects, then eat weed edibles on a full stomach. You should also not consume cannabis edibles with alcohol.
How do you dose weed edibles?
Dosing with cannabis edibles can be confusing, especially since you have to rely on what’s stated on the label. The CBD, THC, and CBD+THC content of cannabis edibles can range anywhere from 1 mg to 100 mg, so it’s important to look at the label and see how much they contain.
Now, let’s say for example you bought a brownie that contains 10 mg of THC. Because you want to start low and go slow, you need to divide it into 8 equal parts. Each small piece will give you, more or less, 1.25 mg of THC. This is a good starting dose for rookies.
Edible Dosage Chart
THC Content | Symptoms It Can Treat | Recommended for |
1 mg to 5 mg of THC | Mild symptoms of pain, inflammation, anxiety, stress, sleep problems, and mood problems | Beginners to weed edibles
* This is a good starting dose for microdoses. |
5 mg to 10 mg of THC | Moderate symptoms of pain, inflammation, anxiety, stress, sleep problems, and mood problems | Occasional cannabis users
* This is also a good starting dose if you want to get a little high. |
10 mg to 15 mg of THC | Chronic, severe, and persistent symptoms of pain, inflammation, anxiety, stress, sleep problems, and mood problems | Experienced and veteran cannabis users
* This is a good starting dose for those who have a higher THC tolerance. |
Of note, for chronic medical problems such as cancer, epilepsy, Crohn’s Disease, among others, please visit a medical cannabis doctor for proper dosing.
How long does it take for weed edibles to kick in?
The effects of marijuana edibles typically kick in after about 30 minutes to a couple of hours. Your digestive system and liver will process them first before the cannabinoids can join the bloodstream. But once the cannabinoids are in your bloodstream, you’ll start feeling the onset of effects, which can last anywhere from four to six hours. If you don’t feel any effect after two hours, then increase your dose the next day. On the other hand, if you developed adverse side effects, then decrease your dose when you take it next.
Ingesting marijuana edibles, compared to smoking cannabis, produces more potent effects. This is because when the liver processes THC, it breaks THC down into its smaller form or metabolite, which produces stronger and longer-lasting effects.
Can marijuana edibles cause an overdose?
For cannabis to be lethal, one has to consume a large amount of cannabis, say 1,500 pounds, in about 15 minutes. Weed edibles don’t contain this much. It is a common misconception that cannabis overdose can cause death. Moreover, cannabinoids only have a small number of cannabinoid receptors to bind to in the brain region responsible for your lung and heart functions. So even if you accidentally took a large dose, it won’t significantly affect your breathing and heartbeat patterns.
Eating too much in one sitting though can cause unpleasant side effects. Although they typically disappear after rest and lots of water, the side effects can be pretty uncomfortable. This is why you have to learn how to dose your weed edibles properly.
Can you test positive on a drug test if you consume cannabis edibles?
If you consume weed edibles that contain THC, then you’ll most probably test positive on a drug test. THC can remain detectable anywhere between a day and up to three months. How soon your body gets rid of THC depends on several factors:
- The amount of THC you have consumed
- The number of times you have consumed marijuana edibles
- The length of time you have been consuming marijuana edibles
- Your metabolic rate
Drug tests are sensitive to THC metabolites, and they can detect even small amounts of THC in your system. But if you’re only consuming CBD edibles, then rest assured that you won’t fail a drug test. They are not sensitive to CBD and its metabolites.
Final Thoughts
Dosing weed edibles can be pretty tricky, especially if you’re new to edibles and don’t know how to dose them properly. Take too much and you risk developing side effects. Take too little and you risk not benefiting from it at all. Through our dosing chart, you will learn how to dose your cannabis edibles properly, depending on what you need it for. Dosing your cannabis edibles correctly can help you avoid unwanted side effects.