Beginner or not, it’s crucial to know the A to Z’s of weed before you indulge. Even if you claim to be a frequent weed smoker, you can still be taken by surprise when consuming marijuana goodies. It is best not to be too careless and learn what you can before you plunge into the world of weed consumption. Although cannabis is probably the safest psychoactive substance out there, the last thing you want is to ruin your experience for the first time. This mini yet helpful guide will help you maximize your experience and learn about their many benefits.
How It All Began… a weed edible history
Ethnobotanists believe that eating cannabis goes back 50,000 years ago — back when early humans were still wandering, experimenting, and stuffing their mouths with whatever they could find hoping it would make them feel full. One of our ancestors probably popped or licked the cannabis’ sticky resin and got high, and maybe shared this new, exhilarating, body buzzing experience with friends. Word spread and cannabis were cultivated among other plants.
Fast forward …
The Moroccans 1,000 years ago, spread the practice of making mahjoun – a weed-infused, no-bake treat made of kif, opium, dried fruits, nuts, and other spices. Mahjoun was an energy booster. It’s interesting to note that in today’s Morocco, cannabis is considered illegal. Ironically, Morocco is one of the world’s major producers of cannabis.
Then in India, around 900 CE, bhang became popular. It was a combination of milk, ghee shake, spices, and of course, cannabis. Bhang was mainly used as an appetite stimulant and a sleep aid. It was a celebratory drink as well and for ceremonial rites as well.
In the late 1400s, the Italians also enjoyed a drink of cannabis-nectar, where cannabis is infused with honey. Long-ago Egyptians also take cannabis because of its anti-inflammatory benefits. Mixed with honey, Egyptians enjoyed its antioxidant properties.
Then in the early 1900s, cannabis was introduced to the US via its neighbour – Mexico. The first person to use cannabis in food was the LGBT activist Alice B. Toklas. Even today, her cannabis brownies have a cult following.
From thereon, cannabis evolved and is used to make a wide variety of edibles – tinctures to truffles, chocolates to cola…you name it.
From thereon, cannabis evolved and is used to make a wide variety of edibles – tinctures to truffles, chocolates to cola…you name it.
What do weed edibles contain?
The effects after the ingestion of weed edibles are decelerated compared with other methods of marijuana consumption. Since most of the cannabis edibles are subjected to some form of heat during preparation, many of the dormant cannabinoids such as THCA and CBDA are then converted to THC, CBD, and CBN.
These are soaked up quickly by the alveoli – the minuscule air sacs found in the lungs that allow for rapid gaseous exchange, reaching your bloodstream really, really fast. On the other hand, weed edibles have to be digested before cannabinoids can work its magic and reach the bloodstream.
Cannabis consumption will affect you differently from smoking it. Exactly what effect edibles will have on you, depends on several factors: the type and potency of the edibles you use, your tolerance, your body chemistry, and even how much you have had to eat. The effects of eating an edible vary significantly from the smoking effects. A lot of first-time users are usually caught off guard by its potency.
The high THC levels found in edibles come together to produce an ideal treatment for many disorders/health conditions. Some of these include muscle inflammation and spasms as well as therapy for pain management. It is a documented fact that THC can alleviate nausea, treat insomnia, some forms of autoimmune disorders, and nervous system disorders.
Things to know before making weed edibles
There are some important points to consider before you go into the kitchen and pour a bag of weed into your favourite brownie mix. Again, remember that ingesting marijuana has a different effect from smoking it. For one, the high is more intense and lasts longer. The consequences of this method of delivery can last between four and six hours compared to the two to three hours for smoking.
It’s important to be patient, which also means that they do not eat more in an attempt to accelerate the effects. Doing so will just potentially expose you to unwanted consequences when the effects of weed do finally take hold. Start off small and experiment with quantity until you find the just the right combo which will give you the ride you’re looking for.
Another thing, if you’re just starting with weed, start small. Big portions aren’t always better at this point. The effects of having too much THC is not something to look forward to. Negative reactions such as nausea, paranoia, hangover, and anxiety may be felt. So don’t rush, take it easy at the start and only increase the amount you are preparing when you’ve gone through it a handful of times.
You also need to be careful in getting your ratios right. After all, concocting weed edibles is all about chemistry – it is essential to mix the components right. It is vital to get the quantities and measurements accurate when cooking weed so you do not over-medicate.
Storing cannabis edibles
Depending on the preparation methods, ingredients used, intended uses, and storage conditions, cannabis-infused products can have a significantly different shelf life.
So regardless of the cannabis is in a form of tincture, balm, salve, cooking oil, or edibles – ALL cannabinoids will quickly spoil if there is prolonged exposure to sunlight, heat, or oxygen. Moisture, humidity, mildew, and bugs are culprits as well.
Homemade weed edibles are particularly vulnerable to these types of negative outcomes because they usually don’t contain any kind of preservatives, unlike the pre-made snacks you buy at the dispensary. Also, always label your edibles and keep them out of reach from children!
The most effective method for storing your weed edibles consists of three things:
Make sure they are cold Keep them in a dark place Keep them airtight
And here are the things you would need:
Freezer Vacuum sealing bags and machine Parchment paper
Steps:
While 10 mg THC is considered a typical serving, those new to marijuana edibles should start with consuming a small amount of THC, between 2 and 5 mg.
Wait a minimum of two hours to gage the results before having another serving. If you have overindulged and start feeling uncomfortable, note that this discomfort is temporary. When this happens, you should –
Stay calm and try to even your breathing
Inform someone you trust to keep an eye on you
Alcohol and weed are not best buddies, and marijuana edibles are not an exception to this rule. No drinking of alcohol for a day as it can lead you to a bad trip. On top of that, if you take them all at the same time, you may not be able to distinguish the effect of alcohol and THC and CBD, which may impact your dosing in the future.
Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning that more urine is produced by the body. The body could become dehydrated over several hours. The mix of alcohol and cannabis edibles can intensify this reaction. Cases of cannabinoid hyperemesis are known to happen. Although rare, this is a syndrome where the body experiences vomiting, nausea, and severe dehydration.
Consuming edibles on an empty stomach can lead to overdosing. Eat a decent meal in advance, preferably one with some fat to induce the beneficial release of bile acid.
When THC hits the bloodstream quicker when the stomach is empty as opposed to a full stomach. However, with a full stomach, THC is more absorbed resulting in a longer high. Having a meal before consuming edibles helps the body’s digestive tract regulate the release of the benefits of THC. On an empty stomach, THC shocks the lower intestine and overwhelms the system.
The result – an unpleasant experience for you.
Think of your edibles as a form of medication. And as with any medicine, having a meal alongside with it is recommended.
Think of your edibles as a form of medication. And as with any medicine, having a meal alongside with it is recommended.
Cannabis edibles
Cannabis smoking
Marijuana products have flooded the market giving a plethora of options for weed lovers. Weed products including weed edibles are in abundance and choosing which one is for you can be overwhelming…and you can even mix and match!
So, edibles versus smoking – what’s the difference? At first glance, there doesn’t seem to be a lot. However, in terms of onset, potency, duration of effects, there is a significant difference.
Let’s have a look:
Inhalation
The vapour or smoke delivers THC into the lungs where it travels directly into the bloodstream. THC is being filtered into the lungs to some extent before it travels to the brain and crosses the blood-brain barrier making you high.
Edibles
Cannabis edibles travel to the stomach first then passing through the liver before it joins the bloodstream, and then finally, makes its way to the brain. The body’s liver turns THC into a more potent form. This and the original THC from the edible product adds to the intensity.
Inhalation
The effects are instantaneous when weed is smoked or inhaled. Depending on the strain and amount, the result could be an instant calm and relaxation or even euphoria within 30 minutes.
Edibles
Edibles require the body longer to process THC before its effects are felt. It can take between 30 minutes and 2 hours for the psychoactive effects to kick-in.
Inhalation
Vaping or smoking effects can last up to 6 hours from use. And related to how potent the weed is, residual effects can last up to 24 hours.
Edibles
Duration for edibles can last up to 6 hours; the residual effects may extend up to 24 hours.
If you have done nothing but smoke or vape marijuana, then it is probably time to try edibles. Likewise, if your original preference is edibles, why not try smoking, or dabbing, or vaping to see if you like it.
The many benefits
of edibles
Creative people shaped edibles like cookies, brownies, candy, and lozenges. And why, the health benefits of cannabis and its edibles are ever-growing, and wouldn’t it be convenient if you can just pop one into your mouth?
The CBD in cannabis impacts the brain in many diverse ways. Another plus, cannabis edibles, unlike vaping or smoking, is not as harsh to the heart and lungs. Here are just of the health benefits you get from edibles:
chronic pain relief
Cannabis contains hundreds of chemical compounds, many of which are cannabinoids. Due to its chemical composition, cannabinoids have been related to providing relief from chronic pain.
weight-loss support
Have a look around – regular cannabis users are seldom overweight. This is because cannabis is related to helping the body control insulin while efficiently controlling caloric intake.
diabetes prevention and regulation
The American Alliance for Medical Cannabis (AAMC) conducted studies that linked cannabis to stabilize blood sugar, lower blood pressure, and improved blood circulation.
alleviates depression and anxiety
Compounds in marijuana specifically endocannabinoids may be useful in reducing depression that results from chronic stress. This compound can help in stabilizing mood fluctuations.
Bone repair
The research in the Bone Research Laboratory in Tel Aviv showed that cannabis help reinforces the bone in the healing process.
There is more, much more. Cannabis therapy showed promise for those with autism, ADHD/ADD, and PTSD, CBD and THC also help arthritis sufferers from debilitating pain. Endocannabinoid’s anti-inflammatory properties are shown to fight brain inflammation that leads to Alzheimer’s disease.
How edibles
work on
the body
The edible journey tends to vary from other cannabis products. The “high” from edibles may feel more powerful, and it may last longer than the high that smoking brings.
Edibles often take a bit longer to kick in than smoking or vaping cannabis and the timing can be affected by several factors. Edibles typically take between 30 and 60 to kick in.
Firstly, it depends on the active ingredients. If there is a high dose or concentration of THC in the edible, it may take effect more quickly. The onset time depends on which part of the body the edibles are broken down and absorbed in the body.
Some edible products are ingested but not actually swallowed, such as lozenges, gum, and lollipops. In these situations, absorption takes place through the mouth’s mucus membranes. This is called sublingual absorption and the effects are felt faster.
Chewable edibles like weed gummies, cannabis cookies, and pot brownies can have longer onset times because in this case, the absorption first occurs in the digestive tract. Among THC-containing edibles, peak blood levels occur some three hours after administration. Duration is often affected by individual factors, such as metabolism, weight, and tolerance.
buying your
own weed
edible treats
You want to purchase your edibles. So, go inside a marijuana dispensary to select weed edibles off a shelf…or perhaps buy it from a trusted outlet online. And you’re blown away by the sheer variety of choices that is available. Either way, you need to do your homework beforehand. There’s more to buying edibles than meets the eye.
Here are a few tips before you go diving headfirst.
Get an edible that suits your lifestyle. If you need pain-relief, opt for high-dose capsules. If it’s just to relax, maybe pop chocolate. Remember, they’re stronger than you think!
It can take time to feel the effects. You need to be patient. Wait for half an hour to even 2 hours to feel things happening.
It should look professional, too. Needless to say, keep edibles out of the reach of children or pets
Know what your optimal dosage is. The activated cannabinoids should also be listed in milligrams.
Especially if you buy edibles online. The online menu on the website of a reputable dispensary will give you a good idea of what kind of edibles they carry. This should include description, potency, and suggested service portions.
Know that THC is infused in all the weed edibles and should always be consumed in moderation.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions in a cannabis dispensary where you buy the cannabis. Much of today’s marijuana sales professionals, or fondly called ‘budtenders’ are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable on the range of products. Even if you’re not a newbie, talking with a budtender about your experiences, state of mind can help make sure you get the right pick for you.
Therefore, it is extremely important that you choose a marijuana dispensary like WeedSmart that verifies, tests, and ensures the quality of all their products. In short, know your source.
