When you hear the word “edibles,” what’s the first thing that comes to mind? If you’re like most, you probably think of cannabis-infused brownies. While brownies are a popular edible, there are so many more options available for eating cannabis.
A quick online search will display a vast array of baked goods, gummies, hard candies, chocolates, infused beverages, and more. You can even find recipes to make your own cannabutter or cannaoil that can be used to make edibles at home. When it comes to eating cannabis, you have options.
Eating cannabis isn’t just about consuming a cannabis-infused food product, though. For the best experience, you have to do your research. Here are five tips for success with edibles.
Start Small
If you’re new to edibles, even if you’ve used other cannabis products before, start with a small dose. Begin with 2.5 to 5 milligrams of THC and wait. Microdosing is an excellent and safe way to find the correct dosage for you.
If you do take too much, you may experience undesirable effects. Should this happen, the best thing to do is remain calm, drink water, and wait. Take a few deep breaths and close your eyes. The feeling will eventually pass.
Pro tip: Keep a bottle of CBD only formula on hand, when taken it will counteract the psychoactive effects of THC.
Pay Attention to the Dose
It may be tempting to eat multiple gummies or chocolate squares, especially if you really like the flavor. You need to pay attention to the dose, however. When dosing an edible, calculate how much THC is in each serving. Doing so will help you to avoid consuming too much at one time.
Eating Cannabis on an Empty Stomach
Don’t consume edibles on an empty stomach. When your stomach is empty, the THC can travel through your system faster. It may also feel more potent. Have at least some food in your stomach before eating cannabis to avoid unwanted effects.
Make Sure You’re Somewhere Safe and Comfortable
Make yourself comfortable in a safe place, such as your home or your friend’s home. It takes a little longer to feel the effects of an edible than it does with smoking, vaping, or tinctures. These effects also last longer. As the experience can last several hours, being in a comfortable spot can help make it more enjoyable.
Be Patient
As mentioned above, edibles take longer to take effect. When you eat cannabis, the cannabinoids are processed through the liver first before entering the bloodstream. As a result, it may take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours before you feel anything.
Be patient. If you don’t feel anything right away, wait. If, after two hours, you still don’t feel anything, then try a second dose. You may not want to wait, but being patient is essential. You can always take more. If you eat too much, however, you can’t go back and take less. Waiting can be hard, but it’s necessary for a positive experience.
Edibles are an enjoyable and tasty way to reap the benefits that cannabis provides. As with any cannabis product, listen to your body during your experience. The more in-tune you are, the better your experience will be.