There’s no use trying to hide it; I love edibles. They get me where I need to be, they don’t require smoking, and in the legal cannabis environment that 78 million Americans are blessed with today, properly prepared cannabis edibles are just around the corner. There is, however, a lot of controversy and misinformation surrounding the effects of edibles. I’d like to clear some of that up today.
What Effects Can I Expect from Edibles
There will always be some variation, depending on the strain, strength, and type of edible. In general, though, all edibles will produce a stronger body high than smoked or vaporized cannabis. The following are some of the main effects you’ll feel from properly dosed cannabis edibles:
- Relaxation: You’ll feel a whole-body high, which leaves you with very little muscle tension.
- Relief from stress: Anxiety and stress will often melt away after eating cannabis.
- Appetite stimulation: This is one reason cannabis edibles are popular with those undergoing cancer treatments. Cannabis edibles do give you the munchies, just be careful that you don’t reach for more medicated snacks, as it’s easy to consume too much!
- Drowsiness: Depending on the strain and size of the dose, drowsiness could occur with cannabis edibles. This is dose-dependent, though, as with very low doses, some users feel slightly energized. However, edibles can be a great treatment for insomnia.
There’s also quite a delay in the onset of the effects from CBD edibles. When you smoke or vaporize cannabis, it enters your bloodstream immediately. Within seconds you feel the effects, and peak effects are usually reached within twenty minutes of toking. With edibles, it may be two hours before you even feel the effects. Furthermore, the effects might not wear off completely until eight hours or more.
What if I Eat Too Much
Edibles are great. I certainly don’t want to scare anyone away from them, but none the less it’s important to point out that overconsumption of cannabis through edibles is possible and rather unpleasant. Right after cannabis was legalized in Colorado, a whole slew of “Reefer Madness” style headlines hit the papers, usually surrounding edibles. This drove legislation in legal cannabis states surrounding proper labeling, dosing, and packaging of cannabis. With homemade edibles in the past, you never knew how much you were getting. Those weed brownies I had in college that did nothing. They were made by someone who had no idea how to make edibles. (Hint: dumping a quarter ounce of bud straight into a box of Betty Crocker brownie mix is not how you make special brownies.) What dispensaries sell today, is potent and effective. What does it feel like to have too much? You’ll get dizzy and nauseous. You’ll be hungry and sleepy, but the sleep won’t feel quite right. You can experience extreme paranoia, and your heart will likely be racing. The good news, though, is that cannabis is non-toxic. These symptoms will pass with time, and with today’s proper labeling and testing, a little common sense is all it takes to get your dose just right.
I am a CBD Edibles’ Guy
It’s true, I love edibles. Now that dispensaries are popping up like mushrooms after a rainstorm, I can get my edible fix easily, without having to “know a guy.” My hobby is running, so it’s not surprising that I don’t smoke. However, like most runners, I do feel lots of aches and pains. I have a stressful job, and I’m not really big on drinking. Edibles are perfect for me. Personally, I usually prefer liquid edibles or hard candies that you hold in your mouth, as the effects come on more quickly and they provide a bit more of a “head high” than brownies and chocolate bars. However, they still provide the relaxation and pain relief that edibles are known for. So, if you’re new to cannabis, or if you’re a seasoned smoker looking for something different, try edibles. With the variety on the market today, I’m sure you can find an edible that meets your needs.
