There are so many different types of edibles available in the local and online stores, but which one you should consume or not, it’s confusing. For this, we decided to create a guide that will help you to choose edibles.
What Are Edibles?
Edibles are a type of cannabis-concentrated food product that is either consumed orally or absorbed sublingually or buccally (under the tongue or through the cheek, respectively). There are a variety of different forms of cannabis edibles like candies and savory snacks available for both medical and recreational purposes.
What are the Different Types of Edibles?
The forms of edibles at dispensaries may vary from area to area, but this list compiles some tried and true favorites in the edible world.
- Gummies & Chews: They are sweet and chewy products that come in all different shapes and sizes like candy. They taste good. The dosage varies with edible, so whenever you try, you should take care with your dosage to avoid unpleasant effects.
- Chocolate: There are many options of edibles in chocolate form like white chocolate, dark chocolate, mint chocolate, cookies & cream. As per your choice, you can take your favorite sweet treat and experience the psychoactive effects of marijuana.
- Mints and Hard Candies: They are like normal candy, but they are infused with THC distillate. Most hard candy-like marijuana edibles are designed to be absorbed through the cheek wall or under the tongue. They show their effects faster than oral edibles that have lower intensity.
- Baked Goods: they are the most popular cannabis edibles types. They are available in different forms like cookies, pancakes, muffins, brownies, and more. You can also make your own cannabis baked goods at home.
- Drinks & Drink Mixes: Cannabis-concentrated beverages are popular among cannabis consumers for their social friendliness. There are lots of options are available like teas, coffee, juices, and more. And if you want to try something different, you can create the perfect beverage at home. Like other edibles, drinks and drink mixes can be absorbed through the cheek and under the tongue, to provide a unique experience.
- Savory Snacks: Not everyone likes sweet treats, some prefer salty and savory snacks. There is a variety of options in psychoactive concentrated snacks like cheesy biscuits, delicious pizza, doughy pretzels, barbeque sauces, popcorn, potato chips, crackers, and even peanut butter.
- Cooking & Baking Oils: Cannabis-infused oils are also available. If you want the taste of cannabis in your diet, you can use this oil for baking desserts, and stir-frying your favorite vegetables. You can even use it to make your salad dressings. You can purchase cannabis oil from a local dispensary or any online weed store.
What is the Most Popular Type of Edibles among Consumers?
Generally, product choices vary from area to area, however, you’ll find gummies and baked goods to be the most popular, mostly among new cannabis consumers. They are the tastier and more familiar option to consume weed. However, you should start with a small bite, and wait for at least 30-90 minutes to feel the effects.
What Type of Edible You Should Try?
There are lots of options in edibles available in the dispensary, but it is your choice, do you want your edible to be more of a snack, beverages, gummies, chocolate, or other? Cannabis beverages and baked goods are great options. If you’re still unsure, visit your local dispensary or any online cannabis store, their cannabis experts can help you to find the best types of edibles for you.
What are the effects of Cannabis edibles?
Edibles are one of the most popular ways to consume cannabis for both medicinal and recreational purposes. Many individuals consider edible to be a safe and heedful way to take cannabis. However, there are also risks that people should know.
Health Benefits of Edibles
Edible cannabis products give the same benefits as other forms of cannabis. After consuming them, certain effects are felt like relaxation, relief from chronic pain, and others.
The effects of edibles vary from person to person, depending on the dose a person takes, surroundings, and mood. However, consuming too much cannabis through edible is easy to do, and it can cause adverse effects, such as nausea and vomiting.
Here is the list of some Common Health benefits:
- Relaxation and anxiety relief
Cannabis contains THC, a chemical that is responsible for the psychoactive effects of edibles and other forms of cannabis. Many studies tell that THC can cause feelings of relaxation and euphoria.
Cannabis also contains the compound cannabidiol (CBD) which has anti-anxiety effects.
A study in 2019, reports that more than 79% of people with anxiety or insomnia, who took CBD experienced retaliation in anxiety over the course of the study.
- Relief from Chronic Pain
Cannabis also helps in relieving pain, studies tell that medical cannabis patients with chronic pain experience pain management when they consume cannabis products. Edibles help in conditions like arthritis, cancer pain, fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain
- Muscle Spasm Control
Medicinal cannabis also helps in treating muscle spasms. Research tells that edibles help in muscle spasticity and other types of pain.
- Antiseizure Effects
Cannabis edibles also have Antiseizure effects, which suggests it could be a potential treatment for epilepsy. A study reports that CBD had used to improve seizure control in those with specific epilepsy syndromes.
Side Effects of Edibles
With the many health benefits, they also have some health risks and potential side effects. The study tells that regular use can have adverse impacts on:
- Heart Health
- Brain development
- Memory
- Psychiatric health
Overdose is another risk of edibles, the concentration of THC is different in each cannabis product, so it’s very difficult to know the real strength of THC. The symptoms of overdose from edible may often be more severe than overdose symptoms from smoking cannabis.
An overdose from edibles can involve:
- Panic attacks
- Hallucinations
- Nausea
- Paranoia
- Impaired mobility
How do Edibles differ from Smoking?
People consider edibles to be safe, effective, and attentive in comparison to smoking cannabis. Consumers don’t experience any potentially harmful effects of edibles like smoking. Cannabis smoke and tobacco have similar levels of toxicity and contain various toxins and cancer-causing agents. Cannabis smoke is also responsible for lung inflammation and bronchitis while ingesting edibles does not appear to have these effects, which means they may be safer in these references. However, edibles have side effects and risks like overdose and accidental ingestion.
However, more research is required to know the full effects of edible use and how these compare to smoking cannabis.
Bottom Line:
Edibles are a safer way to consume cannabis and they are not as harmful as cannabis smoke. However, consumers should take precautions when using edible, especially beginners. People should also consider the dosage and stop ingesting edibles if adverse reactions occur. Long-term and frequent use of cannabis can also have negative effects on mental and physical health.