Getting Started with Edibles

Edibles have come a long way since those pot brownies you had back in the day.

Cannabis-infused foods have become a big business, and since the legalization of marijuana in 2018 in Canada, edibles of all kinds have been popping up, from gummies to drinks, to chocolate and hard candies.

At first glance, edibles are a less intimidating option than some other methods of consuming cannabis, and for those who are new to it, they can carry less stigma than smoking or vaping.

While edibles are a fun (and delicious!) way of enjoying cannabis, there are a few things you should keep in mind when taking them.

Timing: How long does it take an edible to kick in?

If you’re vaping or smoking cannabis, you’ll feel the effects right away. But edibles are more complicated. When you eat an edible, it takes time for your body to digest, metabolize, and absorb the cannabinoid compounds. Depending on your metabolism, body weight, and a number of other factors, it can take an hour or two (or longer) before the effects are noticeable.

Another factor that can have an effect is the type of edible you take. It’s much faster for the body to break down tiny THC molecules suspended in drinks than it is to digest the sugars and other ingredients in a baked good. And some THC is often absorbed through the mouth when people drink infused beverages or suck on infused candies.

A person’s prior experience with cannabis can also play a role in tolerance or determining how long it will take for the effects to kick in, though even experienced smokers are sometimes surprised at how hard edibles hit them.

Dose - How much should I eat?

Be sure to look carefully at the dose of an edible. While it may look small, a single gummy bear can contain a lot of THC, so read the packaging carefully and be sure to take the right dose for the experience you want. If you’re new to edibles, don’t be afraid to cut the edible in half (don't worry, it will still be good later!)

As a rule of thumb, 2mg of THC is considered a low, or ‘micro-dose’, while 5mg is a standard dose. For more experienced edible consumers, 10mg is a strong dose that can offer great pain relief and relaxation if needed.

Looking for an edible that offers therapeutic effects without the high? Try one with higher CBD and lower THC.

Patience is A Virtue with Edibles

Edibles can offer a more intense high, especially when compared to smoking cannabis, but patience is a necessity when you’re eating edibles. To avoid a bad high that lasts for hours and hours, or to avoid taking too much and getting slammed, we recommend starting with a low dose, and be patient. The effects of an edible can kick in within 10 minutes or they can take hours to feel.

Have more questions about getting started with edibles? Get in touch! Our experts are on hand to help.