Cannabis Edibles: How are They different?
As recreational marijuana becomes legal in many states across the US, many questions arise: can it be added to homemade cookies? How safe is it? Are there any health risks? A lot of questions are answered in the article below.
How did cannabis edibles begin?
The production of edible cannabis dates back to 2000 BC when Hindi people began using the weed in their food and drink. They drank a liquid called bhang, which is cannabis-infused and made with various spices and nuts, yogurt, and rose water.
In Europe, edible cannabis was first mentioned in 1465, and in the US, the first cookbook to mention cannabis recipes dates back to the early 1960s. The recipe itself was “Hashish Fudge” which was a simple brownie “with extras”. Most edible-based cannabis products contain a significant amount of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which can have a variety of effects, including euphoria, increased appetite, anxiety, and relaxation. Since edible marijuana has to pass through the digestive system, it takes longer for the effects to kick in and the effects last longer. Buckle up!
People suffering from cancer have had incredible results from consuming edible forms of cannabis, such as oils, pills, and even gummy bears, as it relieves their pain and increases appetite.
Salt, pepper, cannabis
Cannabis in its raw form, however, is not directly usable. To eat it, it must first be prepared. Once the weed is broken into small pieces, it must be pulled into the oven as soon as the temperature reaches 240°F. After a short time, it will turn golden brown, then it needs to be cooled. To soften it, it is advisable to put it in a food processor for a second or two. You can then infuse this into butter and voila, you have cannabutter.
With the legalization of cannabis, you can now take the guesswork out of edibles. Because cannabis products go through rigorous testing and industrial processes, cannabis products come marked with the THC content right on the label, helping to ensure that you can dial in the best dosage for you.
Edible cannabis is available on the market in many forms: cookies, chocolate, brownies, gum, butter, syrup, and even in the form of drinks!
The serious bit
If you have children or adolescents around, it is really important to make sure no cannabis products are accessible to them. If you are new to edibles, take a small dose. When you consume edibles, the THC passes through the stomach, into the bloodstream, and into the liver, which changes the chemical compound of THC. When compared to inhaling cannabis, the effects of edibles are much stronger and last significantly longer (up to 6 hours). Similarly, because the cannabis has to be digested to begin feeling the effects, the onset of the high takes much longer (so don’t make the mistake of eating more because you don’t think it’s working). Wait up to 2 hours to feel the full effect.
Even though cannabis is now legal, it is more important than ever to use it wisely. Although it has benefits, you should also be aware that it can also be an intense experience, so, like any new adventure in life, you need to approach it carefully and one step at a time. Enjoy the ride, but buckle up!
