If you’ve studied cannabis before, then you’ve probably come across the term “edibles”. This term, which comes from English, is understood to mean foods that contain cannabinoids. It is irrelevant whether it is marijuana extracts with THC or CBD concentrates. Probably the most famous but by no means the only options include infused brownies and lollipops.
However, there are a few things to consider before choosing edibles. That is why we will show you below how they affect the human body.
Effect of edibles
In contrast to smoking or vaping, it takes longer for the effects to set in. This is because the cannabinoids like THC or CBD have to be metabolized by the liver first. This converts the cannabinoids into active metabolites.
In the case of the cannabinoid THC, in particular, you notice the consequences relatively well, as its effect intensifies. In contrast, when you inhale cannabis, the body handles it differently. This is because the cannabinoid doesn’t have to get through the stomach, but goes straight to the brain. Because of this, the effect sets in faster, but it does not last as long as with edibles.
In contrast to the classic biscuits or cakes, there are now also candies or lollipops, which of course also count among the edibles. However, since these are not swallowed straight away, but kept in the mouth, the body already absorbs the cannabinoids through the oral mucosa, which is why the effect is faster.
Know what to eat
You should be aware of these different modes of action before you decide to consume your dose of THC or CBD in the form of edibles. Because too often, people are not patient enough and therefore decide to eat another piece. This can have unpleasant effects, especially when it comes to THC, as the “high” of the first consumption can collide with the later onset of the “high” of the second time. Although you cannot overdose on THC, it can lead to an uncomfortable “high” that can be felt to be too strong for a while.
Although CBD has no psychoactive effect, you should also remember that the time until the onset of the effect is longer with CBD edibles and consume accordingly.
Manufacturing
To make edibles, one usually uses highly concentrated cannabis or industrial hemp. There are basically three options available for the cannabinoids to get into the food: concentrates such as hash oil, infused butter or oils.
In theory, you can add cannabinoids to all foods with these three options. Classically, however, the focus is on cookies, cakes, muffins, gummy bears or lollipops.
Although cannabis can now be legally prescribed by prescription in some country, things are a little different when it comes to food. Because, in contrast to other countries, such as the USA, you have not yet been able to get a prescription containing THC-containing edibles and therefore theoretically have to make them yourself. In order for this to change, the Narcotics Act (BtMG) would have to be expanded.
Apart from that, THC-containing marijuana falls under the BtMG and is therefore illegal. Accordingly, you cannot buy edibles with THC content in shops.
In contrast, CBD is legal as long as the products contain less than 0.2% THC. Nevertheless, there are not too many providers in this country who sell edibles. Here, too, it becomes clear that this form of CBD consumption is also not as popular as in other countries. In the USA, for example, you can even buy ice cream with CBD content.
What to look for in edibles?
So, if you’ve decided to give edibles a try, there are a few things to watch out for.
Dosage
Probably the most important aspect is the amount of CBD or THC that is in the edibles. While a person’s endocannabinoid system interacts with the cannabinoids, our tolerance levels differ significantly from one another. Various factors play a decisive role here, such as body size, genes and metabolism. If you haven’t had any experience with edibles, then you should opt for smaller concentrations. It is important to read the amount of CBD or THC stated on the product or to weigh it correctly and distribute it evenly if you are making the product yourself.
Effect
As described at the beginning, with edibles it can take many times more than inhalation before the effect sets in. Therefore, one should be patient. If you eat cookies, for example, it can take up to two hours for the effects to fully take effect. It is therefore advisable to note the time at which you consumed the edible.
Different working times
Edible is not always the same. Note the shortened time to the onset of the effects, for example if you consume lollipops or candies that have been mixed with CBD.
Eat
Before you enjoy an edible, you should have at least one snack, but preferably a decent meal. However, you should not do this again if you are waiting for the effects to set in. This is because the fats in the food can further enhance the effects of the THC or CBD. The reason for this is that cannabis needs a fat (except when smoking, of course) so that the body can absorb it appropriately.