Beginner’s Guide: How to Safely Consume Edibles

As a consumer who is new to the wonderful world of edibles, you might have some questions as to which edibles are right for you. Look no further. We answer your questions in this article as well as offer up tips to consume safely and responsibly.

Cannabis edibles have evolved greatly. The days of mixing up a big batch of old school “bud brownies” seem like they are in the rear-view mirror. The market for cannabis edibles is a multi-million dollar industry, with the likelihood of that figure being in the billions very soon.

Beverages infused with the cannabinoids THC and CBD are quickly becoming one of the most popular ways to consume cannabis. As we touched upon in a previous article, a big part of this popularity is because many health-conscious consumers are shying away from the sugar-laden edible treats like “bud brownies.”

There are amazing brands like Wana who are doing their part to support the safe consumption of edibles, with each accurate and honest packaging information like THC and CBD content as well as ingredients. We love seeing companies like Wana succeed. With all of this buzz (no pun intended) surrounding edibles, there’s a good chance you will want to try some as a newbie. To have a pleasant time, pay close attention to choosing consumables that are right for you, prepping for your edible experience and selecting the right dosage.

Preparing for Your Experience With Edibles

Unfortunately, hearing horror stories about getting too high on edibles are far too common - feeling like you’re dying while lying on the bathroom floor for hours. This is because the consumer ingested too much, either because the edibles weren’t labeled properly. In previous articles, we discuss the various types of edibles as well as how to choose the dispensary that’s right for you. We highly recommend reading these articles as well as this one before embarking on your edible experience. In addition to the right dosage (see below) and the right dispensary, here are some other helpful tips to maximize your chances of having an enjoyable edible experience.

• Always choose a reputable dispensary that sells legitimate lab-tested edibles. Ask as many questions as you can before you purchase, and never buy anything that isn’t clearly labeled with the exact milligram (mg) contents.
• Look for a treat you’ll enjoy with no more than 10mg of THC. Consider purchasing 2-3 edibles with 5mg and eat the first one.
• Clear your schedule and relax at home or in a comfortable environment. We always recommend spending time with a sober friend or someone you trust.
• DO NOT DRIVE, PLEASE!
• If you don’t feel anything after 90 minutes or so, you might want to eat a second one. It’s generally recommended that most newbie cannabis consumers don’t exceed more than 10-15mg for their first experience.
• If you end up feeling “too high”, drink plenty of water and eat a healthy meal if you’re able to. Meditate, listen to comforting music, and always remember - this too shall pass. Check out this article for more tips on what to do when you feel too high.

Correct Dosage is Key

When smoking or vaping, THC and other cannabinoids are absorbed through the lungs. When consuming edibles, it’s like eating or drinking - the edible is absorbed in the lungs, passes through the intestines, and is eventually broken down in the liver. THC is broken down differently in the liver than it is in the lungs, which can make an experience on edibles much more psychoactive than smoking or vaping.

Additionally, the function and sensitivity of everyone’s endocannabinoid system is different. All of these factors add up to the feeling after consuming edibles being highly volatile. This is why we always recommend starting small, as previously mentioned. For in-depth information on the functionality of the endocannabinoid system, be sure to check out this article here. With this in mind, there is a general consensus that different dosages tend to lead to relatively similar experiences, with the caveat being that, of course, everyone’s system is different. With this in mind, here’s a general overview of what you can expect with specific doses of edibles.

1 - 5 mg With a dose like this, which is on the lower side, you’ll find mild euphoria, a spark in creativity as well as slight pain and anxiety relief. This is the ideal dose for newbies and micro-dosing.

10 mg At this dose, most consumers seem to feel a higher level of pain and anxiety relief. It can also be good for socializing or for helping you get a good night’s sleep.

15 - 30 mg This is approaching the dosage where newbies might have a negative experience. Coordination and balance can be impacted. This dosage is recommended for experienced consumers or medical patients who have built up a tolerance. Significant pain relief and sustaining sleep are common at this dosage.

30 - 50 mg Very strong feelings of euphoria and loss of balance are common at this dosage. Perception is often altered. This dosage is mostly for consumers with high THC tolerances or patients who have difficulty absorbing cannabinoids.

50 - 100 mg Any dose this high is often referred to as a hero dosage, especially eating more than 100mg. We recommend that only experienced cannabis consumers ingest this much. Even with the best experience, you will almost certainly be launched into outer space and rendered unable to function. Rapid heart rate is common at this dosage and is only recommended for the most experienced consumers or patients in need of significant pain relief.

Always Take it Slowly

We can’t stress enough that everyone is different. One cannabis consumer might feel great off of ingesting a 10mg edible, while other more experienced consumers might need up to 50mg to feel anything. It’s imperative that you take it slowly and never overdo it. Also, if you’re taking medication, always talk it over with your doctor as edibles could have a negative reaction with your other medication.

Disclaimer:

The content on this page is provided by HashDash for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for professional healthcare advice. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat any medical condition or ailment on your own. Always consult a physician or qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions about treatment. The information and products mentioned herein have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition.

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