What you should know before you try edibles

Legal cannabis edibles have more variety than ever in terms of quality, taste and potency. Our Dacanna, Hamilton Weed Dispensary provides edibles that are a very popular way of consuming cannabis since they don’t have any odours or unpleasant taste. However, with edibles, it can also be extremely easy to overdose yourself, even with the most experienced cannabis smokers. So there are certain key points to keep in mind when you delve into the cannabis edibles.

Strawberry Soft Chews

Best alternative for smoking

If you want to try cannabis in our Hamilton Weed Dispensary Store but smoking the flower just isn’t your cup of tea, then the edibles are the best route to take. With smoking, you have to suffer through the smell and the carcinogens along with the smoke. You might even need accessories to smoke the flower, such as a smoking pipe or bowl. In addition to this, you might also need to learn how to roll, even though pre-rolled joints can now be found easily. Keeping in mind on how to consume cannabis responsibly.

When considering all the options available for Cannabis, edibles seem like the perfect option. There is no smell that lingers that can give you away, and you get a huge variety of flavours and formats of food. The best part with edibles is that they are a much healthier way of ingesting cannabis as there is no smoke from the plant filling your lungs.

Mango Pineapple Soft Chews

Difference between smoking and edible Cannabis

While both smoking and edibles get you high, there are some differences that should be taken into account.

When smoking Cannabis, the vapours contain THC that pass directly into your bloodstream and go straight to the brain to produce their effect. You instantly begin to feel the result of the cannabis, and they reach their peak effects within 30 min. of consumption. It is mainly a 2 step process where the plant produces THCA that is converted to THC by the lighter or vaporizer and then smoked by the person.

On the other hand, eating Cannabis products doesn’t take them directly to the brain. It firstly goes to the stomach, where it is then taken to the liver. From the liver, it enters the bloodstream, which is then taken to the brain. The liver converts the THC to a stronger form which, when combined with the original form of THC, adds to the intensity of the high. You begin to feel the effects of the edible within 30min- 2hrs after consumption, and the high reaches its peak at about 4hrs after consuming. With edibles, there is a 3 step process that comes into play. The THCA from the plant is converted to THC using an oven or distillation. It is then eaten, where it passes the stomach and goes into the liver where it is converted to a stronger form, ultimately going to the brain to produce a “high.”

Go slow and steady with edibles

It is for this reason that it is recommended to go slow with the edibles. One common mistake that most newcomers make is underestimating the potency of the cannabis-infused substance. After consuming their edible, they think that the edible didn’t work when they don’t feel anything for the first hour after consumption. At this point, they have more of the edible. At this time, the effects of the first edible kick in, and they begin to feel it. By the time the dose kicks in, they have already overdosed themselves with more edibles.

All people have different digestive rates, and those with slower digestive rates might have to wait longer than others for the Cannabis effect. You will also have a delayed high if you had a large meal prior to taking the cannabis. Since the cannabis is absorbed through the stomach, it will first process the food before the Cannabis. People with liver issues also report that they do not get any effects of cannabis; however, there is still research being conducted on it.

Longer lasting high

Another aspect that is different in edible Cannabis is that it passes through the liver. When it passes through the body and goes back to the liver, it is converted again to a fourth substance called 11-nor-9-Carboxy-THC. This 4th substance is not psychedelic and does not elevate the high; however, it does have a long half-life. This means that you will be high for a longer period of time with edibles than with smoking. Effects of the edibles can last up to 12 hours after use which is why you should avoid operating heavy machinery or driving after eating edibles.

What to do if you have too many Cannabis edibles?

When having edibles, you have to remember that you cannot undo the effects. A major misconception is that you can subdue the effects of a cannabis brownie by having a greater amount of non-infused brownies. Once the brownie is in your system, it will take its due course; thus, it is best to stay calm and wait out the high.

A good tip is to surround yourself with company in a comfortable and relaxed environment. You should distract yourself with tasks or music but ensure it is a low stimulus activity. Make sure to keep yourself hydrated and try not to get into negative thought loops. Time is the only cure for an edible overdose, so you will just have to wait it out.

How to prepare yourself for an edible experience?

When preparing for an edible experience, there are a couple of tips you should keep in mind:

Pair your edible with a meal containing fats. The fats will help activate the edible and create an enhanced high.
Remember to dose yourself responsibly. This means starting out with a lower dose and waiting till you feel the full effects of your first dose before taking another one.
Drink plenty of water. Dehydration can cause you to feel dizzy or light-headed.
If you feel that you are feeling “too high” a CBD tincture can curb some of the psychoactive effects of the THC.

In conclusion, it is possible to get enjoyment and a pleasurable experience from edibles that last for a longer time. Edibles are a great alternative for consuming Cannabis without having to smoke. The important thing to remember with edibles is to go slow and steady and be responsible when having edibles.