There’s no doubt that new medical cannabis patients can be amazed by the variety of products available. Learning the differences between different cannabis products takes time, but once you know which one is the best fit for you, it’s a rewarding journey.
Cannabis-infused edibles have a wide range of options available to patients to treat numerous conditions. But with so many edible products in stock, you may be wondering which ones are worth your time.
In this article, we’ll discuss what types of edibles are available, what makes them stand out from the rest, how they work, and give tips on using them safely.
What Are the Advantages of Edibles Over Other Cannabis Products?
Medical cannabis edibles range from baked goods, drinks, soft chews to capsules and tinctures. Depending on the product type, each product contains a specific amount of cannabis digested in the stomach or absorbed through the gums.
Although there are many varieties, all edibles are created through a process known as decarboxylation. This process is required to activate the medicinal properties of the plant material.
Edibles numerous advantages include:
- Most edible products are simple to transport and administer when a patient requires medication. They can be tailored to fit your individual needs as they come pre-packaged and offer dosage control.
- They are an affordable way of administering cannabinoids, meaning that patients can enjoy the benefits at a reasonable cost, as the production of edibles tends to be cheaper than other cannabis products.
- The gradual digestion of edibles provides long-lasting symptom relief and therapeutic effects.
- Edibles provide a discreet way to medicate without attracting attention or emitting the odours associated with smoking or vaporization.
THC & CBD Potency in Edibles
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are the principal cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, meaning that medical cannabis edibles commonly fall under the THC or CBD category.
CBD is well known for its potential health benefits and therapeutic effects. It has been shown to help with various conditions, including:
THC is best known for its psychoactive effect known as a “high,” but it also has anti-inflammatory, anti-spasm, anti-nausea, analgesic, and other therapeutic properties. It also can help stimulate appetite and relax muscles.
These two compounds can have low or high concentrations in edible cannabis products, resulting in different effects when ingested.
If this is your first time trying edibles, proceed with caution and start with low doses of THC. Because the effects can take up to two hours to manifest, wait before taking another small amount, even if you believe the first dose was ineffective.
How Do Edibles Work?
Edible products allow cannabinoid content to enter the bloodstream via digestion in the gastrointestinal tract, unlike cannabis products consumed through inhalation (vaporizers and joints). This is a much slower process than inhalation, but it has a lot of power.
The desired effect of medical cannabis determines which product or cannabinoid ratio (THC vs CBD) you should use. Cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids in cannabis and hemp have a powerful synergy.
Each component of the plant may have therapeutic value on its own, but when they’re combined, the entourage or ensemble effect is powerful as they interact with each other. This results in potent and longer-lasting effects than other cannabis products.
What Types Of Edible Products Are There?
Almost any food can be turned into a cannabis edible using a cannabis infuser, such as THC or CBD oil, for example.
Here are a few examples of the most common types of edibles available from licenced producers:
Gummies
Gummies are chewy, sweet treats that come in various flavours. They have the appearance and taste of candy. Cannabis-infused gummies are available in two main types: THC-infused ones with a psychoactive high and CBD-infused ones used to treat medical conditions.
Baked Goods
Baked goods are a popular type of cannabis-infused edible. You can buy cookies, cakes or brownies in almost any flavour.
The fun part about baked goods is you can easily make them at home by infusing your cannabutter or using cannabis oil. You can also bake pancakes at home with this easy recipe.
Cannabis Candy
Gourmet candy-like chocolate bars or caramels come in all sorts of flavours like white chocolate, dark chocolate, mint chocolate, or cookies & cream. Chocolate cannabis edibles allow anyone with a sweet tooth to enjoy their favourite sweet treat while also gaining access to the medical benefits of cannabis.
Hard candy like mints, lollipops and lozenges are designed to be absorbed through the cheek wall or under the tongue. This can result in a faster effect than lower-intensity oral edibles.
Cannabis Drinks
If you’re not craving anything sweet, cannabis drinks could be a great option for you. Cannabis beverages come in the form of seltzers, smoothies and shots. Just pour over ice and enjoy.
Cannabis infusers can also help you make the perfect beverage at home, like this strawberry banana smoothie.
How to Choose the Right Edible for You
Some of the things you may consider when choosing edibles are your taste preference and the kind of treatment you’re looking for. There’s a variety of options to choose from, but being mindful of your THC or CBD tolerance is of utmost importance.
It’s best to consult a licensed healthcare practitioner before purchasing any edibles on your own, as they can help determine the best course for your treatment.
Tips for Enjoying your Edible Experience Safely and Responsibly
- Be patient: It usually takes at least 30-60 minutes for edible products to take effect and up to 3 hours to peak. Before deciding whether or not to consume more, make sure you’ve given the product enough time to digest. Because you won’t feel the full effect right away, increasing your dosage during that time can easily lead to “greening out.”
- Monitor the effect: The physical sensation may differ slightly from what you’re used to. Do not plan on driving or engaging in any other activities that could put your safety at risk. An edible dose’s effect lasts for several hours in most cases.
- Know your dose: A starting dose of 2.5 mg to 5 mg is commonly recommended by experts. If you’re new to edibles, this is the maximum amount you should consume. Take note of the potency listed on the packaging, and consult your doctor on your perfect starting dose.
- Consider different product types: Some edibles work differently than others. For example, products digested in the stomach, such as baked goods, will take longer to take effect than tinctures that are absorbed under the gums.
To Wrap Up
The popularity of cannabis-infused edibles demonstrates the wide range of treatment options available to patients with various medical conditions. When used properly, these products provide intense symptom relief with long-lasting effects, giving many patients the comfort they’ve been looking for.
If you are considering using cannabis for any purpose, our cannabis educators are here to help and answer any of your edibles questions. Call 1-888-797-9374 or email [email protected], and we’ll get back to you shortly. You can also book a virtual appointment here.
