Edibles... What's the Worst that can Happen?

As legalization efforts become more successful around the world, the availability of cannabis products becomes more widespread. I've seen and heard from folks who have ingested far too much THC and had some rather unpleasant experiences. THC “overdose” is not the same as an overdose other drugs which are life-threatening. Although the symptoms are unpleasant, there's never been a single confirmed death caused by cannabis or THC consumption. To avoid some embarrassment, a panicked 911 call, or a potential trip to the Emergency Room, please take the time to read this information before you set out on your edibles journey.

Plan your experience in advance: This means choose your setting and your cohorts wisely. You want to be someplace that feels happy to you with people who are uplifting and pleasant to be around. Pick some place safe... outdoors is great, it's nice to have ambition, but rock climbing isn't safe if you're high on edibles for the first time ever, just sayin'. Bring plenty of water, stay hydrated, don't drink alcohol or mix any other recreational drugs into your experience. Do not plan to drive, operate machinery, or do anything else potentially dangerous for at least several hours until you know how your body will metabolize edibles. Just in case you don't plan to follow my directions and find yourself suffering from overconsumption: Here are some suggested ways to come down: Stay calm, meditate, drink water, take a nap, listen to music, watch a calm, feel-good movie, eat something light, if none of that works, suck on or sniff some peppercorns, or try some CBD oil to help reduce the effects of the THC. Smoking vs. Edibles... the 411: Inhaled Cannabis (by smoking/vaping) is the fastest delivery method available, different from edible cannabis, the dose is also significantly lower when smoked versus when ingested. Inhaled cannabis becomes "Delta9-THC or Δ9-THC" in your bloodstream, this is what makes you high when you smoke or vape your flower or concentrates.

Eating cannabis can produce much stronger effects than smoking, however, the onset is less predictable. Some folks feel the effects in 30 minutes or less, most within one hour, and many take more than 2 hours. When cannabis is digested, the THC that is metabolized is not the same THC you get when you inhale cannabis. Ingested THC becomes "11-Hydroxy-THC" in your liver and gets you high. Sativa vs. Indica with Edibles: When dosed properly, edibles are generally more relaxing than smoking. The reason for this is that digested cannabis does not retain it's Indica or Sativa value. There are products marketed as Indica or Sativa, but if you research a little deeper, you'll realize this is generally based on added terpenes or additional ingredients that produce a more uplifting or sedating effect. My experience has proven this:

• If you are sedentary, edibles may lock you down like an Indica.

• If you are active, edibles may compliment your activity like a Sativa.

Edibles can come in many forms: Tinctures - absorbed sublingually generally offer the quickest relief.

Candy - sucking on candy rather than chewing may offer similar results to tinctures.

Drinks - could deliver similar results to candy or tincture. Warm drinks may be faster.

Capsules - are meant to be swallowed and digested, therefore might take time. Cookies/Brownies, etc. - may take the longest, the more complex carbs, the more work your system has to do to break it down.

People generally make edibles with canna-butter or a cannabis oil that was made from plant material. However most dispensary edibles today are made from concentrated plant extracts into distillate oil which is significantly stronger (up to 9x stronger) without the extra fat, calories, or restrictions of using a butter or oil in a recipe.

Empty Stomach vs. Full Stomach:

This is one of those arguments that I feel is answered as, "Neither". Cannabis is fat soluble. This means that it rides through your system better when the track is greased. If you are full, your body is working so hard to break down the food, it could take hours before you feel the effects of the weed. I suggest a bit of fat with a little protein, nothing too heavy. Also worth noting: Abdominal distress, ulcers, digestive issues, (including consuming alcohol, causing your liver to work harder) may also contribute to delayed onset or even prevent absorption altogether in some people.

Beginners, Start Here: It is so important to me that you have a positive experience, please use this information as a guide.

1. 50mg might mean 10 pieces at 5mg each. Edibles purchased legally should have a label that illustrates the actual THC from the lab testing* for that product. It's important to know how much you are to be taking in, rather than jumping in to the experience blindly and recklessly. * If the place you purchase in doesn't have a law requiring testing of cannabis products, you are at the mercy of the dispensary. While some pay to test their products, others do not. Always let the budtender know your relationship to cannabis before you choose your edibles, they may have some guidance to offer.
   

2. 5mg is a very common, low-moderate, introductory dose. Some people choose to start with half that amount, 2.5mg if they are nervous about being high for the first time. Some like to start with a whole 5mg or even up to 10mg, which is not likely to cause any unpleasant effects, an average first-time, starting dose will be between 2.5mg and 10mg. Remember: It could take an hour or more for the full effects. As you become more comfortable with cannabis in your system, feel free to experiment with higher doses.
   

3. Your cannabis dose might not be the same as what your friends tell you, you don't have to "keep up" to be cool or to have fun. Finding your perfect dose, doesn't always happen the first time. The guidance you will receive from someone who cares about the quality of your experience is, always start low, go slow!
   

Most importantly... Enjoy!