Cannabis edibles are growing in popularity and are now in high demand. While smoking marijuana has been one of the most common and traditional methods for consuming cannabis, eating it is now considered the latest trend.
While this is true, there is some archaeological evidence suggesting that consuming weed in foods dates back to 1000 BC. Also, cannabis as an edible was used for several centuries in ancient China and India before being introduced in Western medicine during the 19th century. It has now been used to treat an array of conditions like chronic pain and digestive problems.
The use of edibles saw an increase in the popularity of edibles during the 1960s. Today, these are still popular in the U.S. and worldwide because of all the benefits they offer. However, some still wonder what are cannabis edibles, and why should they use them?
GETTING TO KNOW THE TRUTH ABOUT CANNABIS EDIBLES
What are they? Edibles are types of drinks, foods, and other recipes that are made using some type of cannabis. It can be raw cannabis with higher levels of THC, CBD, or hemp. These are all popular for edibles. The actual term “cannabis edibles” is used for describing any type of cannabis-based product that was eaten, rather than being consumed as vapor or smoked.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF CANNABIS EDIBLES
There are all types of foods and recipes that contain cannabis. Usually, they are in the form of sweets or other baked goods, which helps to mask the earthy odor that cannabis usually has. A popular way to consume cannabis is through “weed brownies,” which are commonly seen in movies. Today, they are popular to get started with cannabis edibles.
WHY DO PEOPLE LIKE THEM SO MUCH?
There are quite a few cannabis users who prefer the edibles over vaping or smoking because they don’t want to inhale smoke or deal with the health problems related to smoking.
Smoking cannabis often has also been directly linked to respiratory issues, bronchitis, and may impair someone’s brain function. Instead, all these health issues can be eliminated by eating cannabis.
Another huge benefit offered by edibles is that they usually last longer than the effects of smoking. When cannabis is smoked, it will enter into the bloodstream right away, which means the effects are felt quickly, but not for very long. If marijuana is eaten, then the digestive system will work much slower by releasing cannabis over more extended periods. This is a huge benefit for anyone who takes cannabis for treating pain.
Not only do edibles taste great, but they are also discrete. When someone smokes cannabis, it is considered anti-social and can be noticeable because of the distinctive odor that it produces. This means that users would not be able to smoke in public if they did not want to be seen. When eating cannabis in someone’s favorite food, it may be done without others having to know.
WHAT IS THE EFFECT OF EDIBLES?
When compared to smoking a joint, edibles provide a much stronger high that is going to last longer. Sometimes it lasts for up to six hours; however, it does take longer to kick in. While the person will feel the effects of smoking in just minutes, they will peak at 30 to 60 minutes and taper off between two and four hours. However, when someone decides to smoke, they will be able to absorb more cannabinoids, which are the high-inducing ingredients found in weed, like THC – tetrahydrocannabinol – than what is provided by edibles. Many people wonder why an edible creates a high that is more potent and lasts.
How Are Edibles Different From Other Forms Of Cannabis?
Edibles are a more concentrated form of cannabis, so they can be quite potent. Due to the fact that you’re going to be eating it and not smoking it, edibles take longer to kick in than other forms of cannabis. This is because they go through digestion first before being absorbed into the bloodstream.
Edibles are more discreet to consume than smoking or vaping. You’re able to consume it quietly, and without any smoke or vapor, no one will know that you’re getting high! However you want to be careful with edibles, because consuming too much can make your high too intense, which may affect your behaviour in social situations.
The Onset Time Of Edibles
The onset time of edibles is the amount of time it takes for you to feel the effects. This should be taken into consideration when deciding what type of edible to consume, as well as how much you should eat at once. For example, if you have a busy schedule and don’t have time to wait around or plan ahead, it would be best to avoid edibles with longer onset times. The same applies if you’re looking for an immediate high that won’t last long—some people prefer edibles like this because they hit fast and disappear just as quickly. Here are some common types of onsets:
- Slow Onset Edibles: These are generally taken at night or when one is home alone so there’s no pressure on yourself to do anything else immediately after eating them. They typically take about an hour before kicking in fully but can last up until four hours after ingestion (or longer if combined with other substances). Some examples include chocolate bars (milk chocolate contains more THC than dark chocolate), brownies (using oil instead of butter has been known to speed up absorption), cookies, gummies (these will kick in faster because they’re such small pieces).
- Fast Onset Edibles: These are ideal if you’re looking for a high that kicks in quickly and lasts only 20-40 minutes. These edibles usually contain more fat than other types of edibles so they absorb into the bloodstream more quickly. Examples include hard candy, gummy bears, lollipops, and brownies using oil instead of butter.
The best way to avoid an unpleasant experience with edibles is to start low and go slow.
How Long Do The Effects Last?
How long the effects of edibles last depends on several factors, including your tolerance and body weight. The effects can last anywhere from 1-6 hours and up depending on the amount consumed. If you’re new to cannabis, start with one small dose that won’t cause any side effects—and then wait at least two hours before consuming more!
Why Are Edibles More Potent Than Smoking Or Vaping?
When you smoke or vape marijuana, the effects are felt almost instantly. You can feel high within minutes, and the feeling is typically short-lived.
But when you eat edibles, it’s a different story. The effects of edibles are delayed, meaning that it may be hours before you feel anything—and once those effects kick in (usually about an hour after eating), they last much longer than smoking or vaping would produce. The intensity and duration of the high experienced can vary greatly depending on what type of edible was consumed and how much was taken at one time.
WHEN TO USE EDIBLES
The question that some people have is when they should consume edibles rather than smoking or vaping. This is a good question, and for some, it comes down to personal preference. It is good to learn more about edibles and see if they are the right option for a person who wants to achieve the benefits offered by cannabis. Being informed is the best way to ensure the desired results are achieved.
Keep in mind, edibles may not be the right option for everyone. Sometimes a process of trial and error is needed to figure out if edibles are a preferable option for consuming cannabis.
