The Pros and Cons of Cannabis Edibles

If you are looking to consume cannabis without the negative side effects of smoking, edibles may be a good option for you. They don’t require combustion or inhalation, and they are safer for those with breathing complications.

However, they can be dangerous if you accidentally overconsume them, which is why it’s important to be aware of the pros and cons before trying them.

Pros

Cannabis edibles are becoming an increasingly popular way to consume cannabis, offering a convenient, discreet, and delicious method of consumption.

They come in a variety of forms, such as cookies, gummies, brownies, chocolates, and more. Some of these products are meant to give a boost of energy and clear your head, and others to calm you down.

These tasty treats can provide a wide range of benefits that make them attractive to many consumers.

Here are some of the main advantages of using cannabis edibles:

Variety of Products Available

There are a wide variety of products available for cannabis edibles. These include baked goods, chocolate bars, cooking oils and butters, gummies, mints, beverages, capsules, dissolvable tablets, and more. Many of these products are homemade or prepared commercially for dispensaries. They also include concentrates, tinctures, and topicals. Some of the most popular are:

Gummies

They come in various shapes, sizes, and flavors, making them a great option for those who want to enjoy the benefits of CBD without having to worry about measuring out doses or dealing with the taste. From vegan options to sugar-free alternatives, from those that give you a boost to those that make you calm, there are many high-quality, safe CBD gummies on the market today.

Chocolate Bars

CBD chocolate bars have become increasingly popular as a delicious way to incorporate CBD into your daily routine. With such wide varieties available, it can be hard to decide which one is right for you.

Whether you’re looking for something that’s sweet but not cloyingly rich or looking for something with superfood ingredients like activated charcoal or turmeric, there’s a CBD chocolate bar that’s perfect for you.

Beverages

CBD-infused beverages are a unique and convenient way to enjoy the wide range of benefits associated with CBD. These drinks come in a variety of different forms, including shots, teas, coffees, and more. Each beverage contains a precise amount of CBD, making it easy to enjoy your desired dose without having to measure or calculate.

Tinctures

CBD tinctures are one of the most popular and versatile products on the market today. They offer a convenient, fast-acting way to get your daily dose of CBD while also providing some additional health benefits.

Tinctures are made by extracting cannabinoids from hemp plants using a carrier oil like coconut or MCT oil. This extraction process creates a concentrated liquid that can be easily administered and absorbed by the body.

When choosing edibles, make sure to read the labels to know what you’re getting. There aren’t any federal labeling standards for cannabis edibles, so they may be different from place to place.

Edibles are usually absorbed through the digestive system, and it takes longer to feel their effects than inhaled cannabis. This is because cannabinoids need to be metabolized by the liver and then reintroduced into the bloodstream, a process that takes time.

While edibles are a great way to get the benefits of cannabis, it’s important to understand how they work so you can take them safely and responsibly. Edibles can be dangerous if they aren’t consumed properly or if too much is consumed at once, which can lead to an overly-intense high.

Longer-Lasting Effects

Eating edibles is a more natural way to consume cannabis. This is because THC reaches the bloodstream through the digestive tract rather than through the lungs, as it does with smoking or vaping. This can have positive effects, such as a more relaxed feeling and a longer-lasting high.

Another advantage is that they are generally safer than smoking or vaping. However, consuming too many of these products can lead to negative side effects and even potentially fatal consequences.

Easier to Control Dosage

It’s important to know how to properly dose a cannabis edible before you try it out. Start with a small dose and gradually increase it over time until you’ve found the optimal level for you.

There are a few things you can do to make sure your dosage is accurate, including reading the label carefully and eating in a relaxed manner. It’s also helpful to eat something else along with your edible to help your body absorb it more effectively.

One of the biggest mistakes consumers make when they’re trying to get high on cannabis is taking too much at once. The best way to avoid this is to take a low dose first and wait at least 45 minutes before taking another dose.

As with smoking or vaping, a person’s weight, metabolism, gender, and other factors play a role in the duration of the effects of edibles. Typically, the effects of edibles peak around 30 to 90 minutes after ingestion and remain in effect for about 2 to 4 hours.

Discreet Consumption

Edibles are a popular way for users to consume cannabis because they’re discreet and provide a “high” that is more relaxing than smoking. They also avoid the harmful toxins and health risks that are associated with smoking cannabis.

But consumers should be aware that edibles take longer to produce effects than smoking. This can result in an individual consuming larger amounts of the drug while waiting for the effect to kick in.

It’s also important to keep track of how much you consume. You can write it down or use a dosing calculator to help you determine the appropriate dosage.

Cons

As cannabis edibles are becoming increasingly popular among consumers due to their convenience and potency, it is important to mention drawbacks to these cannabis-infused treats that should be taken into consideration before consumption.

Hard to Predict Effects on the Body

Unlike smoking cannabis, the effects of edibles take longer to develop and can last for hours. That can make it easier for someone to overdose on these products, says Andrew Stolbach, M.D., a medical toxicologist and emergency physician at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore.

But this also means it’s hard to predict the exact effects of an edible, he explains. The onset of the effects will vary depending on how much of it a person ingests and whether other foods or medications are in their system at the time.

Another thing to consider is the type of edible. Some edibles, like gummies, are absorbed through the mouth, and those may have a quicker effect than traditional edibles.

Edibles that contain CBD (cannabidiol), however, can cause the body to metabolize them differently than THC-infused edibles. This can lead to a less psychoactive effect, but it’s still important to be careful about how much of these products you consume, particularly if they’re for children. Store them in a safe, child-resistant place and call poison control immediately if they’re consumed by a child or pet.

Risk of Overconsumption

Cannabis edibles can be a risky form of consumption, especially if you’re not familiar with them or don’t know how much you should consume. It’s important to start low and go slow and to be patient until you feel the effects.

The most common mistake is taking too much, either because you’re over your tolerance or because you’re not sure how much to take. Consuming too much can lead to adverse side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and increased heart rate.

According to a recent report, the number of medical visits due to intoxication from edibles is growing significantly. It’s a serious concern for both patients and healthcare providers, as it’s likely to increase the financial burden on both the hospital system and patients.

Edibles also comes with a range of risks for children and pets. Many of them look like candy or other appetizing foods, so they’re easy to misidentify and accidentally ingest.

Slower to Take Effect

The main reason that cannabis edibles take longer to take effect than smoking or vaping is that they have to be digested and metabolized in the digestive system. This can lead to a more potent experience, and this is why we recommend consuming cannabis edibles “start low and go slow.”

The onset time of CBD and THC gummies will vary depending on the type of food you eat and how your body responds to it. For instance, edibles like brownies and cookies are the most difficult for your digestive system to break down and metabolize, which means they will take a longer time to kick in.

However, mints, hard candies, drinks, and capsules will be more absorbed into the bloodstream quickly. Consequently, you can expect to feel the effects of a CBD or THC edible within 45 minutes to 2 hours after taking it.

The onset time also depends on your tolerance and whether you ate any other foods before or after the edible. If you eat something, it’s best to wait at least an hour before you take another edible, and even longer if you haven’t eaten in that time.

Potentially Dangerous for Children and Pets

The biggest downside of cannabis edibles is the potential for them to be ingested by curious children. Unlike cigarettes, which are legal to smoke at home and in public places, edibles can be easily stolen from their intended place of consumption or left out in plain sight on the living room coffee table.

As a result, cannabis-infused edibles can cause serious harm to both humans and animals. The best way to avoid an accidental overdose is to keep all edibles under lock and key in a safe or locked cabinet.

High-potency edibles are typically coated in sugary syrups and dipped in chocolate, both of which are toxic to pets. For example, the most powerful THC in a single gram of pot brownie is enough to cause significant problems, if not death. The most effective ways to prevent this type of poisoning are to keep edibles locked away and never leave them in a place where children can reach them, according to the American Association of Poison Control Centers.

Final Words

Cannabis edibles can be a great way to enjoy the benefits of cannabis without smoking. However, it is important to remember that they have their own set of risks and drawbacks.

Edibles are not for everyone and could potentially cause unwanted side effects or pose health risks when consumed in excess.

Those considering using cannabis edibles should consult their doctor or healthcare provider to ensure they are getting the most out of their experience.

With the proper precautions in place, cannabis edibles can be a great way to enjoy cannabis.