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.
