How to Choose the Right Legal THC Edibles for Your Needs

Gummy edibles are popular because they taste good and they’re discreet. But they can also be dangerous if not used correctly.

THC takes about an hour to hit the bloodstream after consuming an edible. That can make the user wait around while feeling nothing and may lead to overdosing.

Dosage

Choosing the proper dosage for your needs is one of the most critical aspects of edibles. Since everyone’s body metabolizes THC differently, finding the perfect dosage for you can take a while. It’s best to start small and slowly increase your dosage until you reach the desired effect.

Edibles typically contain a combination of psychoactive THC and CBD, which produces relaxing effects and mediates the experience of THC. Generally, most edibles are slightly higher in THC than smoking or vaping cannabis. As a result, they can have a more potent high that lasts longer.

A low dosage of 5 mg is usually enough for a first-time edible consumer with a mild tolerance. This dose will produce a pleasant euphoria, alter perception, and improve mood. It may also impair coordination and cause drowsiness, but it is unlikely too strong for most people.

Those with higher tolerances can enjoy more powerful edibles, which will induce an intense high that lasts a few hours. However, it is essential to remember that a hefty dose of edibles can create adverse side effects such as paranoia or a rapid heart rate. For this reason, it is not recommended to consume edibles above 100 mg in a single dose. The effects of this level of consumption can be overpowering and even dangerous for some people.

Flavor

Edibles come in many forms, from sweet gummies and cookies to tinctures and cannabis. The best way to find the right edible is to talk to a budtender. They can help you understand what to expect with each edible and how quickly it can take effect. To start, tell them what kind of experience you want. Are you looking for something to relax with or need something more energetic and refreshing? Sativas are known to give energy, while indices can help with pain and stress. Hybrids are a good option for those with mixed needs.

Another essential factor to consider when choosing an edible is the flavor. Some edibles taste like marijuana, while others don’t. The flavor of an edible depends on how it is made. For example, if the edible is infused with a THC distillate, it will taste clean and clear. In contrast, if the edible is made from whole cannabis flowers, it will have a distinct marijuana flavor.

Edibles also take longer to kick in than smoking or vaping. It’s easy to over-consume when using edibles, so it’s a good idea to start with a small serving and wait a few hours before eating more. You can also ask for a lower dosage to begin with.

Preparation

The world of legal THC edibles is vast and continues to grow, with new products being introduced rapidly. The options include gummies, brownies, cookies, hard candies, drinks, capsules, and dissolvable tablets. Choosing the right one for you can be challenging because edibles take much longer to work, and a person’s experience with them can vary widely. This is mainly because a person’s body chemistry and tolerance levels play a role.

Also, the terpenes and other cannabinoids in an edible can affect its potentiation. For example, a Sativa might give you energy and be a good choice for socializing, while a hybrid might relieve relaxation and stress.

Finally, it takes a while for THC to work when consumed through an edible. Smoking cannabis works almost immediately, while an edible can take 30 to 60 minutes to have any effect.

Aside from these factors, how a person eats an edible can also impact the effects. For instance, consuming it with food can slow the results, while drinking it on an empty stomach may speed up the onset. Also, the amount of THC consumed can influence how long it takes to feel any effect. For these reasons, starting low and going slow with edibles is best.

Safety

With legal cannabis in many states, edibles have become a popular and safe method of consumption. They last longer than smoking, allow a more discreet experience, and don’t force smoke into sensitive lungs. But edibles are not suitable for everyone—it’s essential to understand the risks of too much THC and how different factors like food and stomach sensitivities, weight, tolerance levels, and environment can affect how an edible will hit you.

The first thing to consider when choosing an edible is what effect you hope to achieve. This can be tough to figure out on your own, so it’s helpful to ask a knowledgeable budtender what they recommend. Then, make sure you read the product’s label closely to know how many milligrams of THC each bite contains. Most budtenders recommend starting low (2.5 to 5 mg) with edibles—even if you’ve smoked before and are a seasoned cannabis connoisseur.

Then, consider how you want to feel—research shows THC edibles can reduce anxiety and insomnia, while other research points to their connection with pain management. Finally, remember that THC edibles can take 30 to 60 minutes to hit you. When you feel the effects, try to find a calm place to relax—and don’t drive for at least four hours afterward. Also, communicate with your healthcare providers about using any cannabis products you’re consuming—cannabis can interfere with certain medications, including blood thinners and some anxiety meds.