Since the legalization of recreational marijuana in Colorado in 2014, producers and dispensaries have been getting creative with new ways to consume cannabis. Nowadays, you can get cannabis flowers, vape juice, topical creams and more. But perhaps more popular than any of these are edibles.
What are Edibles?
Edibles are food, candy and beverages that are infused with marijuana.
They provide cannabis users a new way to consume marijuana as an alternative to smoking. Edibles come in all different shapes, sizes, flavors and dosages, and are sold to both medical and recreational cannabis consumers.
Determining Edible Dosages
Whether you’re a regular marijuana user or not, you should be careful when trying edibles for the first time. Since the THC is ingested, it affects your body and brain differently than it does when smoked.
The THC content of edibles may range from 10 mg to 100 mg, but in Colorado all labeling is required to define a dose as 10 mg. This means that a candy bar, for example, may contain 100 mg of total THC, which equates to 10 doses or portions.
How your body processes edibles depends on your tolerance and metabolism. A 10mg portion may be enough for one user, while another may require 30mg to feel an effect. The most important thing to remember when trying edibles is start low, go slow.
It takes your body a while to break down the THC found in edibles. Because of this, the time it takes the user to feel anything is longer than it would be if they had smoked. It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours to feel the effect of an edible. Starting with a small dosage and waiting several hours to see how it affects you is the best way to pinpoint how much you should take.
Tips for Consuming Edibles
Now that you understand how much THC is in edibles, check out these additional tips about how to consume them in a way that’s safe for you and others:
- Keep edibles separate from other snacks/candy. There have been countless news reports of children and adults accidentally consuming edibles because they look like regular snacks. If you store edibles in your house, keep them in a secure location so they don’t get confused for non-marijuana foods. If you are making your own edibles, label them appropriately.
- Don’t mix edibles with alcohol. Drinking while under the influence of marijuana enhances the effects of both substances. If you’re taking edibles, avoid drinking alcohol until the effects of the marijuana have worn off.
- Don’t eat edibles on an empty stomach. Doing so can make the edibles more potent. Eat a balanced meal beforehand to limit any unpredictable effects an edible may have.
- Don’t drive or operate heavy machinery. Consuming marijuana in any form affects your perception of reality, making it unsafe to drive or use heavy equipment.
- Have non-marijuana snacks available. If there’s one thing cannabis is known for, it’s giving you the munchies. When consuming edibles, you’re bound to get a little hungry, so it’s a good idea to have some non-medicated snacks available to satisfy your cravings.
- Pick up some CBD capsules beforehand. CBD is the non-psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, and the one that can help with a variety of medical ailments. It can also decrease the paranoid feelings some users experience when taking edibles, so having some to take if you’re not feeling so great is a good idea.
- Never prank anyone with edibles. It may be tempting to give someone an edible without telling them what it is, but it’s very dangerous and just plain not nice.
- Only take edibles in a comfortable environment. Make sure you’re somewhere safe and cozy to limit potential risks to yourself and others.
- Know that consistency can vary slightly. While the THC in edibles is measured by milligrams, it may not be exact. Different products, and even products within the same brand, can have slightly different potency levels.
- Be patient. It can take a while for the effects of edibles to kick in. Be patient and wait for it instead of taking more.
Remember, marijuana affects everyone differently. If you try edibles and don’t feel good, remain calm. The effects of cannabis are temporary and will wear off with time. If you don’t feel well, try closing your eyes and laying down, watching a relaxing TV show, listening to soothing music, or calling a close friend to come sit with you until you feel better. And, if you are seriously worried about the reaction you’re having, there’s no shame in seeking medical attention.
If you find yourself facing marijuana-related criminal charges, the Denver defense attorneys at Wolf Law LLC are here to help protect your rights. Please call us at 720-479-8574 or contact us online to arrange your free consultation.
