Edible Marijuana: Things We Need to Know Before Eating

For first-timers, it can be easy to lose yourself in the delicious shapes and forms that edible marijuana comes in, from cookies to candies to gummies. Take note though, that weed edibles are harder to handle than you think. When not properly used, they can get you too high and even have unpleasant effects. Here are some things to keep in mind before eating edibles.

1. Start small. It’s probably good to start with about 5 milligrams of THC. It takes a while for weed-infused foods to produce that high effect since it has to pass through your digestive system before being metabolized in the liver. Start small, and after a while if you feel that it‘s not enough, increase the dose.

2. Be patient. With smoked or vaporized marijuana weed, the high will immediately hit you. With marijuana edibles, you’ll have to wait for a little while. Since the edible will have to be digested, you might not feel anything for up to two hours. This is a bit of a downer, but the wait should be worth it.

3. Know the edible high. Take note that not all highs are equal. Because medical edibles are metabolized by the liver, it produces a kind of THC with a bigger punch than the kind of THC you get when you smoke pot. Also the high will last much longer, with some users claiming that it can last up to 12 hours.

4. Take your pick. Generally, weed edibles come in two categories: foods that are metabolized in the liver like cookies and candies, and products that take effect though the saliva in the mouth like gums and lollipops. The latter works faster, although the effects might not be as powerful and long-lasting.

5. Think hard about chasers. Edibles release the THC in the gastrointestinal tract, so it makes sense that you will feel a high much stronger on an empty stomach. Still, consider eating even before you feel high. However, go easy on the alcohol while waiting for the effects to set in to prevent any unpleasant results.

6. Know your source. The marijuana industry is still relatively new, so there’s little control on the quality of the edibles. Check if your product is made following a set of standards and if it comes from a trusted source, and read about what other people say about it. When it comes to edible weed, be smart and do your research.

7. Be in a safe place. You already know that the high that comes from edibles can be very powerful and long-lasting. If you’re looking to just get socially stoned, go with a vape or joint instead, and save your weed cookies for a place and time that’s comfortable and calm so you can make the most of the experience.

8. Separate your stash. It can be hard to find the difference between a pot candy and a regular one. Make sure that your edibles are out of reach from children and even pets. While marijuana can’t actually kill anyone, you wouldn’t want to get your kid stoned when all she wanted was a cookie.

With these tips in mind, get out there and have fun. Remember to be safe and follow any marijuana laws you might have in your area. Visit a medical marijuana dispensary in your area or any reputable edible cannabis online stores and check out some of the products they offer. Look for something that piques your interest and try it out!