Cannabis edibles have gained immense popularity as a discreet, flavorful, and potent way to enjoy the benefits of THC. However, diving into the world of edibles can be daunting for beginners. How much should you take? How long do edibles last? Are they better than smoking? This guide will answer all your burning questions and help you navigate the exciting world of cannabis edibles with confidence and ease.

What Are Cannabis Edibles?

Cannabis edibles are food or drink products infused with THC or CBD, the active compounds in cannabis. Unlike smoking or vaping, edibles are ingested and processed through the digestive system, resulting in longer-lasting and more intense effects. One extremely popular attribute of cannabis is that, while smoking may primarily differ in flavour and potency, edibles offer more variety in attributes. Not only does it have different flavours, but it can also have different food types, textures, shapes, sizes, and more. It can come in so many different forms making it something for everyone. 

How Do Edibles Work?

When you consume weed edibles, the THC is metabolized by the liver and converted into 11-hydroxy-THC, a compound that produces stronger and more prolonged effects compared to smoking. In contrast, edibles containing CBD, a non-psychoactive compound, won’t make a “high” but can offer calming and therapeutic benefits. However, both THC and CBD edibles take longer to kick in. Note though factors like metabolism, body weight, and whether you’ve eaten recently can influence how long it takes for edibles to hit.

How Long Do Edibles Last?

One of the biggest advantages of THC edibles is their longevity. On average, the effects can last anywhere from 4 to 12 hours, and some even up to 24 hours. 

Types of Edibles: Choosing What’s Best for You

Because of how edibles can come in a wider variety of forms, there are slight variations between each of the edibles as well. So when you are choosing, it will be helpful to become familiar with the differences in effects they all have. 

Gummies

Popular for its candy-like form (which makes it less intimidating for new users) and its convenience in consumption. However, they take a little longer for the body to absorb and break down, which would delay the time it takes for the effects to occur. Despite this, the length of the effect is not affected, since its effects last a similar amount of time as a faster-absorbed form like chocolate. 

Baked Goods

There are many instances of noticeable differences in effects from cannabis-infused baked goods, but they are definitely by far the most popular made-at-home DIY option for edibles. This is because, unlike other products such as chocolate and gummies, it is easier and more common to have something baked at home than making gummies or chocolate from scratch. All you need to do is infuse your desired cannabis dose into your home-baked goods, and you’ll be set.

Drinks

Similar to baked goods, drinks don’t exhibit significant differences in their effects but are an excellent option for those who prefer a beverage over chewing or eating. They’re perfect for unwinding, offering the comfort of a relaxing drink, like a cannabis-infused cocktail, after a long day at work.

Chocolate

Because chocolate contains fat, it facilitates the body’s ability to break down cannabinoids more effectively, increasing their absorption and enabling stronger effects overall.

It’s one thing to read these effects on paper, and another to experience these differences yourself. If you want to try any of these effects for yourself to better grasp your preferences, cheap edibles online are a fantastic cost-effective and convenient way to safely experiment. 

How Much Edibles Should You Take?

Dosing is crucial when it comes to weed edibles, especially for first-timers. A standard beginner dose is 2.5–5 mg of THC. Always check the packaging for dosage information and start low. When it comes to the dosage of edibles, remember that eating more does not always translate into greater health because it simply raises the possibility of unpleasant side effects like nausea or anxiety.

If you’re wondering how to tell if edibles kicked in, pay attention to your body. Subtle changes like relaxation or mild euphoria are good indicators that the effects are starting. And don’t rush, don’t start taking more than you would’ve just because you haven’t felt anything yet. The effects take time to set in, so by doing so you may be accidentally taking more than what you intended as a result.

Edibles vs. Smoking: Pros and Cons

There is no good or bad between edibles and smoking, but there are differences between the two that make one more preferred over the other depending on the individual. 

Pros of Edibles

It’s very convenient. For some, it’s more convenient than its smoking form.

One popular advantage of cannabis edibles is their convenience. Unlike smoking or vaping, edibles are discreet use and easy to carry with little to no effects on their surroundings (e.g. smoke, smell), allowing you to enjoy them without drawing attention. They also often come pre-dosed, eliminating the need to measure quantities yourself, saving you the hassle of precise edibles dosing.

Its effects are longer-lasting

Another significant advantage of cannabis edibles is their long-lasting effects, making them ideal for users seeking prolonged relief or an extended experience. Many people feel that edibles are better than “bang for their buck” because they can enjoy the product longer than their non-edible counterparts. 

Cons of Edibles

You will have to wait longer for the effects to onset

Unlike smoking or vaping, where the impact is almost immediate, edibles can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in. This is because they must pass through the digestive system before the THC is metabolized and enters the bloodstream. For beginners, this waiting period can lead to impatience and, in some cases, overconsumption, which may result in an unpleasant experience. Being aware of how long it takes for edibles to hit and starting with a low dose can help mitigate this con.

Some people cannot adjust to the taste

We all have the standard taste of “gummies” and “chocolate” ingrained in us due to many of us growing up with these snacks. So some people would struggle with consuming these with the unusual weed flavour embedded into them. For those sensitive to flavour changes, exploring milder options or choosing edibles infused with strong complementary flavours, like peppermint, can make the experience more enjoyable. If the taste remains an issue, beverages or baked goods may be better alternatives to consider.

Where To Get Edibles

In-person stores are still great especially if they are accessible to your location, but the convenience of buying edibles online in Canada cannot be overstated. Online stores offer a wide selection of THC edibles, from cheap edibles online to premium high-THC edibles, making it easy to find something that suits your preferences and budget. Explore multiple stores to compare delivery options, prices, and reviews to find the one that best suits your needs.

Cannabis Edibles May Seem Intimidating At First, But They Are Worth Exploring

Cannabis edibles offer a unique and enjoyable way to experience the benefits of cannabis, especially for beginners. It may be very overwhelming at first when you are just trying to figure out what edibles are, looking for the best edibles, or even trying to learn how to make edibles at home. It’s okay to go slow and one step at a time. Start by identifying the best dosage, then choosing the right type of edible, and finally purchasing from reputable sources. Following this step allows you to enjoy a safe and satisfying journey into the world of edibles.