Edibles Education: 6 Tips for The Right Dose
So, you are ready to try edibles! Edibles is an extremely unique cannabis experience. The difference is in how your body processes edibles, versus marijuana that is smoked or vaped. While traditional methods of consumption feed the cannabinoids (THC, CBD, etc) directly to the bloodstream, edibles are processed through the liver. As a result, the human body actually produces a stronger version of THC - 11-hydroxy-THC. The unique thing about 11-hydroxyTHC, is that it is more bioavailable to your body than typical THC. While inhaling produces a bioavailability of between 2% and 56%, depending on if it is a joint or vape pen, it is estimated that 100% of THC is processed through the liver. This produces a far more powerful high! So, to ensure that you have a good edibles experience, here are 6 tips for getting the right dose and having a positive experience:
1. Body Awareness Smoking effects most individuals on the same relative scale, however edibles are quite different. You might be surprised at how much fatty cells can affect the body's relationship with THC when it is ingested. Regardless of how much you smoke or vape, your body may react entirely differently to edibles. Ask your local budtender what they recommend for your body type, age and gender.
2. Never on an Empty Stomach One key is to never take edibles on an empty stomach - this is similar to the rule of never drinking on an empty stomach. While more experienced users may experiment with this, beginner's should ALWAYS take their edibles with food. I know it seems strange since “aren’t edibles food anyway?�, but having a pot brownie for dessert after a nutritious dinner will ensure you have a much better evening experience!
3. Start Small Edibles are measured in milligrams. Most "doses" are considered to be 10 milligrams of THC. For beginners, 5-10 milligrams is usually more than enough to begin with. While some dispensaries offer 5 milligram gummies, in some areas smaller doses can be harder to come by. Most local or online cannabis dispensaries offer larger edibles, such as 100 milligram chocolate bars or 50 milligram gummies. Providing you only have ONE 10 milligram square of chocolate, or cut the gummy into small pieces, it will be safe to start with. Trust us, starting slow will guarantee that you have a more positive edibles experience.
4. Be Patient As edibles are processed differently in the body, they can take up to two hours to kick in. A good rule of thumb is to wait a minimum of 45 minutes to see how you feel, before you
consider upping the dosage. Remember, you can always have more edibles later but you cannot go back and take less.
5. Different Brands = Different Recipe Similarly to store bought cookies or brownie mixes, each brand will have a unique recipe - this means that different edibles might affect you differently. In addition, some consistencies of edibles (chocolates vs. gummies) will have different effects on the body. Some individuals even find that chocolate edibles are faster working and harder hitting than their gummy bear counterparts. Fair Canna Care is an online cannabis dispensary that is branching into edibles. Currently they carry Sativa and Indica gummies in 50mg and 100mg. Plus, they make it easy to buy weed online!
6. Counteracting an Intense High So, you didn’t read this article before you tried edibles and ended up getting a little carried away your first time. That’s okay, it happens! The key here is not to panic. No, you are not dying (even if you feel like you are). Taking a few deep breaths and having a glass of water can help you feel more relaxed and get a grip on your high. Click here for more tips on counteracting an intense cannabis high. If you are still nervous about trying edibles, you can find more information on marijuana edibles safety online at Fair Canna Care. Otherwise, have fun! Sources: https://www.thecannabist.co/2014/04/02/edibles-getting-the-right-dose-infused-marijuana-colorado/8543/ https://herb.co/marijuana/news/happens-liver-eat-edibles