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Written and Fact Checked by: S. Zulfiqar
There are a variety of ways to enjoy cannabis. One of the most popular is by eating them as edibles. What’s not to like about being able to combine the potent nature of ingestible THC and the delicious nature of tasty treats? Weed edibles come in various forms, from pot brownies to weed gummies and even THC syrups and sauces.
One note is that THC edibles are very different than other cannabis products that you smoke or vape. This post will go over the many effects of weed edibles and outline just how different they are from regular buds.
How Safe are THC Edibles?
As long as you buy your edibles from a trusted marijuana dispensary, Health Canada regulates edibles and is, therefore, relatively safe. However, if you consume more than the recommended dose or you buy edibles from a shady person or store, you are risking your safety.
Another area of concern is that edibles can often look like regular food. That can lead to accidentally consuming way more than the optimal amount. Because of this, if you make or buy edibles, you must keep them sealed in a hard-to-reach place, not accessible by anybody. That is especially true if you have children in your home. Large doses of THC can be especially detrimental for children, and for that reason, you must keep all edibles and THC products in a child-proof container—that’s the law in Canada.
You should also take extra precautions if you have pets in your home because they can also have adverse side effects on your pets.
Overall, when used properly, edibles are safe. But, when misused or in the wrong hands, the THC edible’s effects can be detrimental. It is therefore a good idea to do your due diligence when looking for a wee dispensary. A good place to start are reliable review sites such as Cannabis Ontario and Leafly.
Weed Edible Effects
The most common THC edible effects include:
- Feelings of happiness or euphoria
- Uncontrollable laughter or giggles
- Feeling relaxed
- Sedation
- Lethargy
- Munchies
- A sudden boost in creativity or inspiration
- An uptick in general mood
It’s important to note that these are the most common side effects on the average user. Depending on the strain you consume, the number of cannabinoids, your tolerance level, and your metabolism, you may experience different weed edibles effects.
Medical Benefits of Cannabis Edibles
The medical benefits of marijuana are the primary reason that marijuana became legal in Canada. However, recreational marijuana users are not the only people who consume edibles. Older Canadians suffering from terminal illnesses can consume edibles to alleviate a wide range of symptoms and conditions. Edibles are the preferred marijuana consumption method of most older adults because they are discreet, easy, and comfortable to administer. You can easily control the dose for the desired effects, from mild to intense.
Common medical benefits of cannabis edibles include:
- Alleviates anxiety and stress
- Helps with insomnia
- Reduces inflammation
- Stops feelings of nausea
- Mitigates the effects of Glaucoma
- Fights feelings of depression and low mood
- Relieves aches and pains
- Controls muscle spasms
- Assists with PTSD
- Helps control epilepsy
- Used in HIV/AIDS patients
- Boosts appetite
Potential Side Effects of THC Edibles
As we mentioned, when used appropriately, cannabis edibles are safe. But, there are some potential side effects of edibles, mainly impairment. Cannabis use can lead to impaired hand-eye coordination, speaking, and general coordination. That can make it extremely hazardous to drive after consuming edibles. Some people think that weed makes them better drivers, but this is simply not true. Weed affects your coordination and your reaction time— two things that are key to safe driving. Never operate a vehicle or heavy machinery after consuming cannabis in any form.
There are some possible adverse side effects of cannabis. However, they are short-lived and minor and usually happen when a user overuses or mixes cannabis with alcohol or other substances. Some of the adverse effects of THC in these circumstances include:
- Impairment
- Coordination difficulties
- Red eyes
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Memory loss
- Chest pain
- Increased heart rate
- Drowsiness
- Lethargy
- Headaches
- Paranoia
- Dry mouth
- Lowered blood pressure
In Conclusion on the Effects of THC Weed Edibles
Cannabis edibles are a completely different beast than traditional marijuana flowers, so you should take them with care. You also want to go for quality when choosing your edible products. Browse through our edibles shop and find some of the freshest and hottest weed edible brands in Canada. Find some of the best deals and save big on your next cannabis edible purchase.
Interesting Reads
The Beauty of the Blunt, Joint vs. Bongs: The Battle Rages On, Rolling Papers: The Ultimate Guide
References
- Hartney, Elizabeth. (2020, July 22). What is THC? Very Well Mind. Available at: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-thc-in-marijuana-4080556
- Government of British Columbia. (2019, December 17). Edible Cannabis Affects People Differently ‘start low – go slow’ Fact Sheet. Available at: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/public-safety-and-emergency-services/public-safety/cannabis/cannabis-edibles-safe-use-fact-sheet.pdf
- Department of Justice. Cannabis Act (2018). Available at: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-24.5/
- Leonard, J. (2020, March 12). What are the effects of cannabis edibles? Medical News Today. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/effects-of-edibles
- American Addiction Centers. (2019, December 23). The Real Dangers of Consuming Marijuana Edibles. Available at: https://americanaddictioncenters.org/marijuana-rehab/risks-of-edibles