We all see the memes and hear the stories. Some people steer clear and others can’t get enough but edibles are products everyone loves to hate.
They can be a bit tricky for those not properly prepared but they win over many with effects lasting much longer than traditional methods.
Contrary to popular belief, edibles still pretty confusing to even some regular users. Those crazy stories you hear of “That one time I had an edible..” usually come from the same issue; new and old alike.
It’s dosing.
It’s a common misconception but, eating an infused item is a much different experience from smoking a joint. For you to digest and feel the psychoactive effects, marijuana needs to be go through the decarboxylation process. During this process, THCA (‘unactivated’ THC) needs to be heated and convert it to THC. If this process isn’t done before infusing foods, the bud will have no effect. If you know someone who ever had an edible and felt nothing, this was probably why.
Edibles can be some of the most difficult items to make because of the decarboxylation process; it’s a vital step. No matter how good the bud you had was, if it wasn’t heat-activated before you mixed it, it’s worthless now.
This, as well, is the reason eating an edible is so tricky.
Your tolerance for bud will not be the same for infused items. As it’s heated, the compounds change so that they can withstand the travel through your digestive system. In addition, simply not seeing the bud as you are eating can cause one to forget just how much they have consumed
When marijuana is decarboxylized, you are getting more bud than you think.
Smoking is one things but now, your body has to digest it.
That is not a fast process.
Infused items take about 1-2 hours to initially feel because of the digestive process. Some edibles, such as tinctures and drinks, can be felt faster as they are digested differently. Once the THC starts to kick in, the length of your high depends entirely on the person.
Do Edibles Work On Everyone?
Because they affect everyone differently, we can’t give a straight answer. In our years of experience however, they don’t. A number of things factor into why someone has a certain reaction to an edible from daily marijuana consumption, weight, diet, and water intake are among of those things.
No matter if it’s your first time or the 100th, edible highs can be hard to decipher. It goes without saying to not overdo it. You can always eat more later but you can’t uneat something. I say this confidently, as I’ve had my fair share of edible adventures.
To help you avoid any unwanted experiences, we’ve put together some edible guidelines to help you dose yourself.
**These are single doses. Everyone reacts differently. Choose a dose that you feel comfortable with considering your lifestyle and activities planned. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery when consuming.**
1-5 mg
This dose is perfect for those who have never tried Cannabis in any form or have and had a bad experience.
You want to avoid revisiting a bad feeling or creating one for a first time user. Go with the smallest dose possible and add as you go; remember to wait at least 1 hour in between doses your first time. This way, one can find what their personal dosage actually is.
10-15 mg
For casual smokers who have never tried edibles or those who do small edibles once in a while. This amount is what you usually equate to an eighth of flower. Not a lot but, if made well can be sufficient in having a steady high. Most casual smokers can handle this amount and still go about their day.
15-25 mg
For heavy smokers who don’t take edibles or those who take small edibles on a regular basis. This dose can stump a few. It’s enough to get the coveted “high” for many but still pretty relaxed for anyone using edibles for medical reasons. Don’t expect to be going out anywhere.
25 mg-Up
For heavy smokers who eat edibles regularly or medical users. Any dose higher than 25mg can typically knock a newbie out for the day. If someone is using edibles for a medical concern, however, the dosing would be perfect to manage intense chronic pain throughout the day.
Edibles can vary in dose and range from 5 mg to 1000 mg. Depending on your state, those numbers can change; consult with your state to find out what edible dosing limits are, if they have any.
If it’s your first time, try to stay somewhere you feel safe with an experienced friend nearby. Stay hydrated and always remember to consume responsibly.
