Marijuana Edibles: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to consuming cannabis, edibles offer a unique and convenient option. However, with so many different types and brands of edibles available, it can be tough to decide which is right for you.

In this guide, you will learn all about the world of cannabis edibles!

• What Are Weed Edibles?
• How Long Do Edibles Take To Kick In?
• Which Types Of Edibles Are There?
• How Much THC is in an Edible?
• How Many Edibles Should I Eat?
• Edibles FAQs

What Are Weed Edibles?

Weed edibles are food products that have been infused with cannabis. They can be consumed orally or absorbed under the tongue or through the cheek. Edibles usually contain THC, but they can also feature other cannabinoids like CBD or CBN. 

How long do edibles take to kick in?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how long it takes for edibles to take effect. It depends on the type of edible you’re using, as well as your individual physiology. Each person is unique in how their body processes cannabis. 

Chewable Edibles (e.g. gummies, chocolate, etc.)

Cannabis edibles are absorbed into the bloodstream through the digestive system and filtered by the liver before reaching the brain. This process can take 30-90 minutes, which is longer than other methods of consumption like smoking or vaping. However, the effects of an edible last longer as a result. 

Sublingual Edibles (e.g. mints, lozenges, etc.)

The mucosal membranes in your mouth absorb sublingual cannabis products rather than moving through your digestive system. The substance is then immediately absorbed into the bloodstream, causing a much faster onset than chewable edibles. 

Nano THC (e.g. gummies, drinks, etc.)

Because nano-emulsified THC particles are delivered directly into the bloodstream upon ingestion, nano-THC edibles may work faster. As a result, cannabinoids are absorbed into the body before they are transported through the gastrointestinal tract and liver.

Which Type of Edibles Are There?

State-by-state, edibles at dispensaries may differ, but here are some tried-and-true favorites in the edible world!

• Gummies: Cannabis gummies come in all shapes and sizes, with varying dosages of THC. Gummies can be a great way to consume cannabis, but it’s important to be mindful of your dosage to avoid any unpleasant side effects. Start with a low dose and increase gradually as needed. Enjoy your gummies responsibly!

• Baked Goods: The cannabis industry has expanded to include a wide variety of products, including baked goods made from marijuana. These treats can be a great way to get your herbal aid on the go, depending on your state regulations, of course. Some people consider these treats a delicious way to medicate, while others simply enjoy the flavor and experience. No matter what your reason for trying them is, cannabis-infused baked goods are becoming increasingly popular and easy to find.

• Mints & Hard Candies: Cannabis-infused mints and hard candies are created using the same methods as regular candy; however, they are infused with THC distillate. These types of edibles are designed to be absorbed through the cheek or under the tongue, which can cause a quicker and more intense effect than oral edibles.

• Chocolate: If you’re a fan of chocolate, there’s a good chance you can find cannabis-infused chocolate that suits your taste. Whether you prefer white chocolate, dark chocolate, mint chocolate, or cookies & cream, there’s likely an edible option out there for you. Cannabis-infused chocolates provide those who enjoy sweets with a way to indulge in their favorite treat while experiencing the psychoactive effects of marijuana.

• Cannabis Drinks & Mixes: As cannabis becomes more mainstream, people are looking for new and innovative ways to consume it. Cannabis-infused beverages are one of the latest trends, with everything from seltzers to weed tea now available. If you prefer to make your own drinks, there are also drink mixes that can help you create the perfect beverage at home.

• Infused Condiments: If you’re looking for a fun and unique way to add some excitement to your cooking, why not try cannabis-infused recipes? From cannabutter to infused BBQ sauce, there are plenty of ways to incorporate cannabis into your adult-only meals. So get creative in the kitchen and see what delicious dishes you can come up with!

• Savory Snacks: Do you find yourself constantly craving savory snacks instead of sweet ones? You’re not alone! Many people prefer the taste of salt and savor over sweetness. Luckily, there are plenty of savory snack edibles available that can give you the psychoactive experience you crave. From doughy pretzels to cheesy biscuits, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

How Much THC is in an Edible?

Cannabis edibles come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and potencies. In Michigan, you can find edibles that contain anywhere from 2.5 to 200 milligrams of THC. When purchasing an edible product, be sure to pay close attention to the dose recommendations. For example, a cannabis chocolate bar might have a total THC content of 100 milligrams, but each individual piece may only be 10 milligrams.

Can I Eat Too Many Edibles?

You can definitely consume too many edibles, in fact, most cannabis consumers can recall an experience of them entering the void. Determining how many edibles to consume involves many factors. Medical patients should always consult their referring physicians for recommendations on dosage amounts. For adult recreational users, there are additional considerations to take into account. Each person’s body responds differently to edibles depending on their sex, weight, metabolism, diet, and cannabis tolerance. Start off with a single dose. If the dose you started with isn’t giving you the desired effect after 90 mins, take another dose. If you have reached your desired effects, remember to write down how many edibles you ate for the next time you want to consume them. Remember, you cannot reverse the effects of an edible once it has entered your bloodstream. You can always eat more, not less.

Edibles FAQ

As a cannabis contract manufacturer based in Michigan, we receive a lot of questions & feedback from our loyal customers. Here are the most common questions we are asked about edibles.

Do edibles taste like weed? 

Many people who are curious about edibles also ask themselves whether they taste like cannabis, but the answer depends on the edible. For instance, if your edible is a distillate gummy, you might not taste the cannabis as much as hash rosin gummies. Also, edibles that contain a high dosage of THC tend to taste more like marijuana. For newbies to edibles, we suggest starting out with a low dosage and gradually increasing the dose.

Can I eat weed raw? 

The answer is yes…but it won’t do much. THCA, not THC, is the active ingredient in raw cannabis flower, and it does not produce any intoxication. THCA turns into THC through a process called decarboxylation. Dispensaries sell edibles that contain THC and are ready for consumption. However, if you are making your own weed tea or edibles, you’ll need to decarboxylate your flower ahead of time.

Sativa vs Indica Edibles? 

This topic is a bit more complicated than many consumers realize. When it comes to edibles like gummies, chocolates, lozenges, etc, these cannabis products contain THC distillate, which is extracted from fresh frozen cannabis material leaving behind almost pure THC with little to no terpenes or other cannabinoids. Therefore, it’s difficult to compare edibles to cannabis flower. 

how long do edibles last?

With edibles, the effects or “high” can kick in as fast as 10 minutes to two hours and peak at about four hours. The effects can last up to 12 hours and residual effects can last up to 24 hours, so you could be affected the next day. Consume edibles with caution.

What Type of Edible Should You Try?

That’s the beautiful thing about the world of edibles, your options are endless and entirely up to you! Do you have a sweet tooth? Gummies might be your go-to! Have a higher tolerance? Try some full-spectrum hash rosin gummies! Whatever edible choice you decide to go with, make sure you consume responsibly.