What are cannabis edibles?
Any food or beverage that’s been infused with activated cannabis concentrate is considered a cannabis edible. Health Canada differentiates them by saying “edible cannabis solid” and “edible cannabis beverage.” If you can eat or drink it and it contains cannabis, it’s classified as an edible.
How are they different?
Unlike the traditional of consuming cannabis by smoking, you eat them. Cannabis edibles offer an alternative to inhaling for anyone who wants to avoid it. Another thing that’s different is how the cannabis is activated. When you smoke or vape cannabis, you’re decarboxylating the active compounds (which means heating them up), and that’s what activates them. When you’re ingesting a cannabis edible, these compounds have already been activated, so all you need to do is pop it in your mouth and you’re well on your way.
How do they work?
Cannabis that’s been ingested is processed differently by your body than cannabis that’s been vaped or smoked. When you inhale cannabis, the active compounds are absorbed right into your bloodstream through the lungs, which is why effects could begin within seconds to minutes. On the other hand, ingested cannabis needs to travel through your digestive system and get processed by your gut and liver, so it takes a little longer to feel the effects (between 30 minutes and 2 hours).
Different types of edibles
Chocolate
For those with a soft spot for sweets, one popular type of cannabis consumables is chocolate.
Gummies
For those who aren’t interested in chocolate, there are also cannabis-infused gummies. They’re similar to cannabis-infused chocolate in that they’re carefully measured and made with cannabis distillate.
Oil & butter
If you want to try your hand at making your own cannabis edibles, you don’t have to know how to do CO2 extraction and short-path distillation. You can make your own cannabis-infused butter or cannabis-infused oil at home, even though it might be a little finicky.
Consuming Cannabis Edibles Responsibly
Everyone loves chocolate, however you need to make sure you’re not getting carried away with the taste and consume it wisely.
Onset of effects
Because cannabis edibles are processed through your gut and liver, it takes a little longer for their effects to kick in. It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours for you to feel the effects of a cannabis edible, which is why it’s so important to start low and go slow.
Duration and effects
Once you start feeling the effects of a cannabis edible, they can last up to 12 hours. In some cases, the effects can last as long as 24 hours, so make sure you’ve got enough time set aside to ride out whatever effects come your way.
Store away from kids and pets
This should go without saying. While these treats look tempting, they are intended for adults ONLY. Make sure you keep them out of reach and locked up.
Don’t drive high.
Like alcohol, driving high is illegal. Do not drive during or after ingesting cannabis edibles.
