Cannabis edibles are gaining in popularity with the legalization of marijuana in many areas. They come in a variety of forms, including cookies, brownies, gummies, and even chocolate bars. Edibles are an interesting and convenient way to consume cannabis, as they can be eaten discreetly and without the need for smoking. However, it is important to understand the effects of consuming cannabis edibles before trying them. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of cannabis edibles, their effects, and what you need to know before consuming them. We’ll discuss the different types of edibles, the science behind their effects, and the potential risks associated with them. Hopefully, by the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of cannabis edibles and will be able to make an informed decision on whether they’re right for you.
What are Cannabis Edibles?
Cannabis edibles are food products that contain cannabinoids. The most common cannabinoids in edibles are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Both THC and CBD are found in the cannabis plant and are known for their psychoactive effects. THC is the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis. CBD, however, is non-psychoactive and is thought to have a variety of medical uses. Cannabis edibles are typically manufactured by extracting cannabinoids from the cannabis plant and infusing them into food. This is a process known as decarboxylation, or decarbing for short. When cannabis is heated up, the carboxyl group, CO2, is removed from the THCA and CBDA molecules, converting them into THC and CBD. This process is necessary for the cannabinoids to become bioavailable, or able to be absorbed by the body. The THC and CBD extracted from the cannabis plant are then infused into certain foods, such as butter or oils, and then added to the final product. In order to avoid activating the cannabinoids too early, they are often added near the end of the recipe. This ensures that the cannabinoids are activated only during the digestion process, when they will be absorbed by the gut and transported to the rest of the body.
How Do Cannabis Edibles Work?
Edibles are absorbed by the digestive system and enter the bloodstream. From there, they’re transported to the rest of the body and can produce a wide range of effects. When eaten, the effects of cannabis take much longer to set in. This is because the THC and CBD must first travel through the digestive system, be absorbed into the bloodstream, and then be transported to the brain. In comparison, inhaling cannabis results in a quicker onset of effects as the substance is quickly transported to the brain through the lungs. The effects of eating cannabis, however, are longer lasting than smoking it. This is because it takes longer for the THC and CBD to be absorbed into the bloodstream and reach the brain. Eating cannabis edibles can produce a high that’s felt for 4-6 hours, while smoking cannabis may only last 1-2 hours.
Different Types of Cannabis Edibles
- Baked goods such as brownies and cookies – These are some of the most common types of edibles. They can be made in a variety of ways, including using cannabis butter or oil.
- Gummies – These are very easy to make and are easy to consume. The most common type of gummies are sour gummies, which are infused with a combination of cannabis and artificial sweeteners.
- Chocolate Bars – These are made using a variety of different methods, depending on the recipe. However, they are typically made using cannabis butter or oil infused with cannabis.
Effects of Cannabis Edibles
The effects of cannabis edibles vary depending on the person and their standard of health. However, they are often stronger than smoking and last longer. The effects of eating cannabis edibles can last anywhere from 4-6 hours. They are also likely to induce a stronger body high as well as a milder mental high. These effects are due to the THC being absorbed in the gut and then being transported to the blood stream, and subsequently, to the brain.
Potential Risks of Cannabis Edibles
Like any other form of cannabis, there are potential risks associated with consuming cannabis edibles. They are described below:
- Unclear Labeling – Many cannabis edibles are not clearly labeled and their THC content can vary. This can be particularly risky for inexperienced consumers who don’t know how much they’re consuming.
- Slow Metabolism – The effects of eating cannabis can take longer to kick in and last longer than smoking it. This can cause inexperienced consumers to accidentally overindulge in edibles.
- Higher Rate of Side Effects – In comparison to smoking cannabis, eating it can cause a higher rate of side effects such as vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea.
- Impairment – Eating cannabis edibles can increase the risk of impairment, particularly among inexperienced consumers.
Conclusion
Cannabis edibles are a great way to consume cannabis, as they can be eaten discreetly and without the need for smoking. They come in many different forms and are a very different experience to smoking or vaping cannabis. The effects of edibles are stronger and longer-lasting than other methods, so it’s important to understand them before consuming them. Edibles are more likely to cause vomiting, but this also means that they are a much slower, more gradual form of cannabis. It’s important to be aware of the risks associated with edibles, as they can lead to overconsumption and overdose symptoms. Check out Lowpricebud.co online dispensary for a selection of cannabis edibles.
