THC Edibles

What are edibles?

Edibles are food or drink products that have been combined with the psychoactive component of marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Edibles can contain CBD, THC, or a combination of both, however, for the sake of this article, we'll focus on THC edibles. The THC is extracted from the plant in the form of oil, extracts, distillates, isolates, and/or resins and then mixed with other ingredients to create consumable products like food and drinks.

As the amount of THC in edibles can vary depending on where it was made and the concentration of THC used, different edibles can cause more intense reactions than others. Additionally, some edibles manufactured by drug dealers may be laced with other, more harmful, substances such as fentanyl or methamphetamine.

What types of edibles are there?

In recent years, edibles have gained increased popularity across the United States and Europe and are now available in a wide range of food and beverage products.

Some of the most popular common forms of edibles include:^[1]

• Baked goods (brownies, cakes, muffins, cookies)
• Hard candies
• Gummies (Like CBN gummies or HHC gummies)
• Chocolates
• Popcorn
• Beverages (tea, coffee, sodas)

While these are some of the most popular commercial forms of edibles, chefs and home cooks are constantly coming up with new recipes that use THC as an active ingredient. In states where marijuana is legal, there are restaurants where the entire menu is based around cannabis and edibles, such as Popcultivate in LA, The Heart of Chicago Bakery in Chicago, and Big Bad Wolf, which is a fine-dining pop-up hosted around San Francisco. Some restaurants have even started using psilocybin edibles in microdose portions as they have been shown to greatly improve mood.

Related guide: How long does THC stay in your system?

Are edibles legal?

In short yes, depending on which state you are in.^[2] As with marijuana and other THC products in their pure form, certain states in the US have decriminalized weed and some have it available legally as a form of medication.

In these states (such as Colorado or California), consuming and purchasing edibles is completely legal, though some states have different laws regarding edibles not purchased from dedicated vendors.

In the UK and parts of Europe, purchasing and consuming edibles isn’t strictly legal, though many countries have more relaxed laws around them and harsh fines and prison sentences are rare.

How much do edibles cost?

The cost of edibles varies depending on the type of product, where it was made, and the strength of THC it contains.

In the USA, edibles can range in cost, starting as low as $5 and as high as $100 or more, depending on THC content and the quality of the other ingredients present in the edible. This means THC edibles can cost more than marijuana itself. This means that THC edibles can cost more than regular marijuana.

What are the effects of taking edibles?

Dosing edibles

Knowing the exact dose of edibles needed can be difficult to gauge for those new to cannabinoids, especially without having previously taken edibles or spoken with a cannabinoid specialist first. Dr. Jordan Tishler of InhaleMD had this to say on dosing edibles;

Edibles come in a wide range of doses that can vary between brands and types of products. 5mg is a general standard but higher doses may be available and often are hard to discern. In someone who has not developed a significant tolerance to cannabis already, doses between 2.5-20mg are likely to be successful. There is no truth to the idea that worse pain or more severe illness requires higher doses.
It has long been a mantra of proponents of cannabis legalization that patients need higher doses. This is simply not true. However, this assertion leads to higher allowances in medical programs that suit industry and heavy recreational users (who get themselves a card) just fine. In fact, patients, if given appropriate medical guidance, need less than recreational users. ^[4]

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Medical advisor

Dr. Jordan Tishler

MD

How long do edibles last?

The effects of edibles often come on within 1 hour of ingesting and will last between 2 and 12 hours but can have residual effects for up to 24hrs.^[3] In addition to the user's physical attributes, the strain of THC used in the edible can greatly affect how long its effects are felt, how intense they will be, and how long the edibles will stay in your system.

If the effects of an edible last longer than 12 hours or if you experience unusual side effects not typically associated with THC, it could indicate the edible was potentially laced with another substance. If you experience more severe symptoms please seek immediate medical attention by contacting emergency services.

Are edibles addictive?

Edibles, like other cannabis products, can be addictive for some people, especially those who use them frequently or in high doses. While addiction to edibles is not widely reported, some users may experience cravings, tolerance, or withdrawal symptoms when attempting to reduce or stop using them. Moderation, mindful consumption, and awareness of risk factors can help minimize the potential for addiction. Dr. Tishler had this to add;

Tolerance, in general, is not a good thing, and can lead to escalating dose, dependence, and even addiction. The best way to avoid increasing tolerance it to find the minimum effective dose with your cannabinoid specialist and stick to that regimen unless instructed otherwise. ^[4]

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Medical advisor

Dr. Jordan Tishler

MD