Cannabis 101: Tips for People Using Edibles for the First Time

Cannabis is now legal in New York. The new law has laid down a number of provisions which includes allowing the use of cannabis products which were earlier banned for consumption. That’s good news for all those who have been wondering what edibles taste and feel like. You are now legally allowed to buy and consume cannabis edibles.

But wait!

Before you use your New York medical card and visit a dispensary to explore the new edibles in store, you must learn how to buy the best quality edibles and also use them effectively. That’s the only way to have the best experience with edibles.

We can give you a hand. Just read along to find some really useful tips that can help you buy and use cannabis for the first time.

Tips to Buy Cannabis Edibles

When buying cannabis edibles for the first time, you need to be careful about the products you buy. All you need to do is remember a few steps before making your first purchase. So, let’s go through each one by one.

Always Buy From Registered Dispensaries or Online Stores

Never buy cannabis edibles from a source you do not trust. Buying cannabis edibles or any other products from unregistered sellers can be a call for trouble. You must always go for state-registered dispensaries or reliable online stores to buy cannabis edibles. The reason behind choosing registered sellers is the fact that they always sell quality products from reliable brands.

Cannabis edibles are a little tricker to dose. Only proper companies and brands have access to expert personnel and instruments that can create cannabis edibles as per the instructions. These registered brands can offer a huge range in terms of doses with each edible. And the most important part is that you can rely on the dose they claim to have in their edibles.

Otherwise, you can end up with contaminated or unreliable doses in edibles bought from unregistered sellers.

Read the Labels

The next most important step is to read the labels. When buying edibles from a registered source, you will find proper labels on every product. Take the time to read it because it will help you understand the quality of the product and also compare different edibles to find the best one for yourself.

Check the cannabinoid strength especially the THC and CBD ratio, the production process, and manufacturing and expiration date and other certifications. The labels will also give you an idea about the additional ingredients that may be used in the production of the edible to give you a heads up about any possible allergens or ingredients that you wish to avoid.

Always Check the COA

In addition to the labels, you can also get a better idea about a product from its certificate of analysis. It’s a certificate issued by a third party testing laboratory that undergoes several tests on every batch of a brand’s products. From microbial analysis, residual solvents to moisture content, everything is tested and mentioned in the COA to ensure transparency of the safety of the edible.

Tips For Consuming Edibles For the First Time

While edibles is one of the many methods of administration, it works differently from the other methods. This is the reason why you need to be extra careful when taking your first bite. Here’s how you can keep caution from your side.

Don’t Overestimate Your Dose

The taste and appearance of edibles can often make people forget that they are infused with medical marijuana. But do not let yourself be swayed by the deliciousness. Because it can lead to overdosing.

Also, dosing with edibles is not a herculean task since most brands have only a specific concentration of cannabinoids in an edible. And generally, the amount is very low which allows easy microdosing. However, you need to be careful with the total amount you are consuming in a day.

A high dose of edibles may be more intoxicating than smokables or other methods.

Have Patience

One characteristic feature of cannabis edibles is that they have a slow onset. Since the effects vary from person to person, the onset can also vary according to the individual characteristics of the consumer.

So, you can expect the edibles to kick in anywhere within 30 to 90 minutes. If you are a beginner, keep that in mind. Do not be hasty. If you think that an edible is not working, try increasing the dose the next day by a very little amount and wait.

Stay In a Safe Place

When using cannabis edibles or any cannabis product for that matter, beginners should always stay in a safe place. Also, avoid taking part in any activity that requires alertness or can cause risk to your safety or that of others.

Edibles can turn out to be more potent than you would expect. In some people, THC can turn into a more potent 11-hydroxy-THC which can cause more intense intoxication. This is one of the reasons why all doctors advise patients to microdose and be very careful when using edibles.

Learn to Deal With a High

Overdosing with edibles is very common among beginners. In case that happens with you, you must be able to deal with it in an effective manner.

First of all, you must realize that cannabis overdoses are very rarely fatal. In most cases, proper rest can wash off the effects. You can also try other tips and tricks like hydrating yourself or consuming healthy food.

Sometimes, CBD can also help negate the psychological effects of THC.

In any case, it’s best to have a doctor or professional on speed dial so that you can have expert help immediately. The best option is to always consume edibles in the presence of someone trustworthy.

Having gone through these points, you will now be able to have a great first experience with edibles.

May 18, 2021May 18, 2021

Understanding Cannabis Edibles as a Method of Administration

With the cannabis market growing every day, patients with a New York medical marijuana card now have a wider range of products to choose from as their method of administration. Choosing the right one can take some time but it’s essential to pick one that perfectly fits your needs and requirements.

So, this blog is all about giving you a little helping hand with the same.

Cannabis edibles are one of the many forms of methods of administration. But, before you go ahead and pick a pack of gummies or chocolates, it’s important to get an in-depth understanding of the types of edibles, the right dosage, the way they work in the body and all other basics. If you’re ready, just read along to learn everything about cannabis edibles as a method of administration.

What Are Cannabis Edibles?

Cannabis edibles are not a fancy or complicated cannabis product. It’s essentially food or anything that you can ingest which is infused with cannabis or its derivatives as an active ingredient.

These edibles are very carefully made to help patients deal with their medical conditions better. Each of these edibles is infused with only a specific amount of cannabis compound in order to deliver consistent effects.

Each edible is properly labeled to give an idea of the concentration of cannabis as well as other ingredients in it. So patients can go through the labels to ensure that it’s a perfect match for them. The quality of edibles will be better if you buy yours from state-registered dispensaries.

How Do They Work?

Edibles are totally different forms of methods of administration which is why the way they work in the body is also very different from other methods.

Cannabis edibles are consumed by ingestion just like normal food. So, it goes through the same process as any other food or beverage you consume. This means that the process involves your body’s digestive system.

So when you consume cannabis edible, they enter your stomach, pass through the liver and every other organ that’s a part of the digestive system. So, it is only when the entire process of digestion is complete that the cannabis edibles fully metabolize and enter the bloodstream. It is only then that you feel the effects completely.

This long process is the reason why edibles have a long onset time of about 30 to 90 hours. In some cases, it may take even longer for the body to metabolize and deliver the cannabinoids in the bloodstream.

Types of Edibles

How many types of edibles exist? As many as you can think of.

Gummies are the most common types of edibles. These come in different shapes, flavors and types. So, whether you like assorted flavors or a vegan variety, there’s a box for everyone. Lollipops fall in the same line of sweet cannabis candies. From blueberry to mint, you can find every flavor.

Brownies and chocolates are probably the most well-known cannabis edibles. The varieties of flavors in each category are also astonishing. You can also try to make them at home if you wish.

Nowadays, there are other varieties too like popcorns, cupcakes, beef jerky, etc. You can even find beverages that start from as basic as water to more sophisticated ones like wine. And if the market is not able to give you what you want, you can also try making edibles at home. All you need to remember is to measure, decarboxylate and test before eating.

Honestly, the types of edibles have grown by leaps and bounds over the years and it may not be possible to name each and every type here. So, all you have to do is visit your nearest dispensary or find a legit online store and choose your edible.

How to Dose?

When using edibles, one thing to remember is that they can turn out to be stronger than any other method that you may have used or heard of. So, cannabis edibles may have a late-onset, but the potency can be stronger than you think.

The high potency is a result of the digestive process, specifically the liver that converts THC into 11 hydroxy THC which is a more bioavailable and potent type of THC.

In addition to the conversion of THC, cannabis edibles can in general be more potent for beginners. A higher dose can cause intolerable effects and turn the experience into a nightmare.

So, if you are using edibles for the first time, always remember to microdose. It’s the process of starting with the lowest dose, observing the effects and increasing or decreasing the amount according to the effects and needs.

It’s essentially hit and trial but it is a very safe and preferred way of finding the right dose for your medical condition.

Tips For Proper Storage

The proper storage of cannabis edibles is very important for a number of reasons. It not only ensures that the edible retains its quality for a long time but also ensures the safety of you and others around you. So, here are a few tips that can help you store cannabis edibles properly.

Store it in an airtight container to increase shelf life and avoid mold formation.
Keep homemade edibles and ones with easily degrading ingredients in the refrigerator.
Make sure to put labels on homemade edibles to help differentiate them from regular food.
Carefully store your edibles in a locked space to avoid accidental ingestions by non-cannabis users.
Do not leave your edibles unattended if you live with pets or children.

So, are edibles your perfect match? Well, with all the basic knowledge, you can go ahead and find it out for yourself.

September 17, 2020April 4, 2022

What Happens If a Kid Accidentally Eats an Edible?

Take These Steps if Your Child Accidentally Swallows an Edible

If you have cannabis edible in your house, there’s a chance your kid could eat them. With the rising popularity of cannabis also comes along a wave of questions, doubts, and uncertainties. These uncertainties point out at the loopholes in the existing legal structure and most questions concern the research aspects of the cannabinoids. What’s more interesting is that despite discrepancies cannabis sales continue to skyrocket. Plus, recreational and medical cannabis users constantly use state MMJ programs to get a medical marijuana card in New York and other cities and counties.

However, rising cases of kids being admitted for accidental cannabis consumption in hospitals requires immediate attention. After all, the legal and research battle will continue until the authorities come up with a concrete solution. For now, we will focus on the steps you can take if your child accidentally swallows an edible. Let’s begin.

Find Out What Did They Ingest?

First and foremost, you need to find out what did your child ingest? If you caught your child in the act, you are most likely to figure out everything easily. However, in other case scenarios, you have to politely ask your child to share information. Once you know the root cause of the problem, act accordingly. For instance, CBD edibles are non-psychoactive in nature, so worry about how much your child must have ingested. In contrast, THC edibles have strong intoxicating effects. So, you have to be sure about how many edibles were consumed and what was the THC ratio per serving. If you saw your kid eating a handful of THC gummies, the situation is not life-threatening, but you have to act immediately.

Try to Stay Composed

It will be hard for you to stay focused and calm during an uninvited situation. However, you have to keep in mind that nobody died after eating marijuana. So, panicking during a crucial time will not only make things worse for your child, but you won’t be able to pay attention to the vital details. You see, edibles show their effects after the process of digestion is complete. So you have to be patient for a few hours and closely notice any unusual changes in the behavior. The best thing you can do is tuck your child and provide them with a blanket and a comforting environment. They will help your child and you stay calm while you figure out what to do next. Also, if you see your child going off to sleep do not wake them up as long as they are sleeping soundly.

Work Out a Plan

This step basically caters to the requirements of parents who do not know about cannabis. If your child consumes cannabis edibles, take a pen and paper and note down everything. You have to jot down the symptoms, amount of edibles ingested, and the time period from the moment you saw your child to the appearance of symptoms. You also have to note down the type of edible ingested and THC content per serving. Details like these will help you a lot during the evaluation process.

In addition to this, do not forget to look for critical signs and symptoms. For instance, lethargy and lack of balance are quite common signs but nausea, vomiting, or difficulty breathing requires immediate medical attention. In the former case, you as a parent have to ensure that your child drinks a lot of water and sleeps for a few hours. The latter requires you to take your child to the ER or a nearby hospital.

Talk to Health professionals

If you feel the situation is getting out of your hand. The first thing you can do is call poison control operators. Follow the instructions given by them carefully and don’t forget to write down everything the operator says. Depending on the situation, you as a parent have to decide whether or not to take your child to the ER, if you are concerned about something in particular. For example, your child has an underlying medical condition or your child is sensitive to cannabis. You have to keep all the nuances in mind before taking your child to the hospital. Once you enter the ER the medical health professionals will take care of the situation.

Also, before you take your child to the ER, carry the notes that you made. These notes will help the doctor evaluate your child’s medical condition properly. More vitally, don’t forget to drive carefully. Rushing to the hospital will complicate the situation and prevent you from reaching the destination. So, drive safely and once you meet the doctor tells him or her everything. You can also hand over the notes if you feel a little hesitant.

What To Do if My 3 Year Old Ate an Edible?

If your 3 year old ate an edible, your first action should be to get a hold of them, make sure that they are in their senses, and call the poison control. Here are some tips that you can follow if your 3 year old ate an edible-

Talk to your toddler and get as much information as you can. For example, how much they consumed, what type of edible they ate and the amount of THC the edible contained.
Call 911 for poison control immediately.
Be around your kid and see how they are feeling.
Do not panic and try to calm your toddler down too.
If they are feeling nauseous, dizzy, or experience shortness of breath, take them to a hospital.

Children of different ages will experience different effects and at a different level so when it comes to a toddler, taking action and getting help as soon as possible to ensure safety is recommended.

What’s More

It’s natural to be hesitant and protective of your child. We are sure things like child protective services will come across your mind once you reach the hospital. However, you don’t have to worry about a possible CPS interrogation. It’s highly unlikely for medical health professionals to call child protective services for an accidental cannabis ingestion case, of course, unless you sell illegal cannabis. If child services are contacted, do not panic or create a scene because they will only ask a few questions. Answer all the questions honestly and you will be good to go.

How to Recognize Severe Intoxication?

In order to identify the symptoms associated with acute cannabis intoxication, you have to closely notice the behavioral activities. You can do the same by taking a look at the following symptoms:

Increased heart rate
Shortness of breath
Dizziness
Paranoia
Confusion
Red eyes
Fatigue
Vomiting
Loss of focus and balance

These symptoms will largely appear in overdose situations. Ideally, a normal to mildly ranged dose will cause lethargy and relaxation. So, keep track of the dose ingested and ensure that you look out for all the symptoms while taking care of your child.

Is Cannabis Dangerous for Children?

If a child accidentally swallows an edible, I think you don’t have to worry about the long term effects. The short term effects will range from lethargy to nausea and all these symptoms go away as soon as the toxicity levels deteriorate. The things that you have to be worried about include situations that go out of our hands. And it’s unlikely to come across such situations. So, stay relaxed and do not panic. Also, remember that marijuana is said to have long term negative effects on individuals who smoke or vape cannabis regularly. They can suffer from cognitive dysfunctions.

Some studies suggest that early and regular use of cannabis can cause long-term effects on the brain. In fact, teenage cannabis use is often associated with cognitive function failure. This is why parents have to be extra careful while using cannabis edibles around children and teenagers.

You Are Not a Bad Parent

You might get a medical marijuana card in New York and purchase high-end edibles form state-licensed cannabis dispensaries. And you might accidentally keep them in plain sight. That doesn’t make you a bad parent. Yes, more and more kids are easily attracted to edibles such as candies and gummy bears, but if you are careful nothing will go wrong. Things happen sometimes and handling the situation is crucial than blaming yourself.