Edibles 101: A Beginners Guide

While smoking flower and dabbing concentrate oil are still the two most popular ways to consume marijuana today, the popularity of THC infused edibles is on the rise!

Due to the negative implications associated with smoking, many people have decided to eat their cannabis as a healthy alternative. This has led to the emergence of a massive edible market where businesses hope to be able to vend their products in every state that allows recreational marijuana.

Currently, there are nine states with legal weed and more on the way!

In this article, you will learn how to consume edibles safely, while still receiving the medicinal benefits you are seeking.

Over the years, there have been numerous accounts of first time marijuana users eating edibles and absolutely destroying themselves because they did not know what they were doing.

One of the most famous cases involves an off duty Michigan police officer who made pot brownies out of marijuana he had confiscated while on the job. After consuming the brownies with his wife, the officer then called 911 while in the midst of a “bad trip”.

When used properly, edibles can deliver the appropriate effect and be useful as a medication or for recreation. However, if you make a mistake and ingest a larger dose than you intend, you could end up being miserable.

Here are some of the most important things to consider before eating anything infused with cannabis:

Can you overdose on THC?

While there has never been a death associated with a marijuana overdose, the symptoms of THC overload can be quite uncomfortable and include nausea, profuse sweating, dizziness and paranoia.

According to Neil Young in his 2014 interview with Howard Stern, “Try black pepper balls if you get paranoid”. A trick he claims will reverse the negative effects of too much pot.

Where do people go wrong?

One of the biggest reasons first time users end up consuming the wrong amount is because of the way edibles are packaged. A chocolate bar could be 10 doses, or 1, so it is important to read the packaging carefully!

Another mistake first time users make is deciding to eat more because they haven’t felt the effects after 30-45 minutes.

Don’t be this person!

It can take up to an hour before you even start feeling an edible, so be patient and give it time to work! Remember that you can always take more if you end up starting with too low of a dose!

What is a normal dose of THC?

Everybody is different and not everyones body processes THC the same way. For this reason, it is very important to start with a lose dose until you know your limits.

A Normal dose for THC edibles is 5-10mg.

In this range, you will experience the feeling of being stoned without any overwhelming negative side effects. Most of the states who have passed legalization laws limit individual edibles to 10mg in an effort to curb people from making themselves sick.

Once you have figured out your “sweet spot”, you can devote your time to the fun part, eating and enjoying them!