The concept of edibles in the marijuana world is an item you can eat (or drink, although those are increasingly being called drinkables) that is infused with THC and/or CBD.
The types of edibles that are most popular include cookies, brownies, hard and soft candies, and of course, for the Canadians among us, Mac ‘n Cheese! With chefs all over the world experimenting with cannabis, the idea is expanding to include more sophisticated cuisine.
How Cannabis Edibles are Made
Most edibles are made currently by one of two methods, either by including cannabis-infused butter or cooking oil, or by adding a drop or two of a tincture to the food. Tinctures can be purchased from registered suppliers and are the simplest way of managing exact dosages, while chefs who know what they are doing often make their own cannabis oil or butter.
How Much to Consume
If you’re new to either cannabis or new to getting it in the form of edibles, it’s vital to “start low and go slow” until you know how it affects you and how much you need. Remember, edibles tend to take longer to work than smoking and some other methods of consumption, and it’s a common mistake to think it’s not working and swallow “just a bit more.”
For those new to this method, try something with 2 to 5 mg of THC to start with, and wait for at least two hours to pass before you have any more. It’s easy to eat more later, but impossible to un-eat it after you have too much! If you feel like you’ve overdosed, try and wait it out because the effects usually wear off in a few hours. If you get violently ill, though, head for the nearest emerge in case you develop complications.
Consumption Do’s and Don’ts
It’s best to avoid mixing your edibles with alcohol or any other type of hallucinogenic, which will result in a much stronger effect and could cause intoxication. Especially if you’re using cannabis for medical reasons, the last thing you want is to end up sick as a dog and hung over just from your medication!
Increase your intake of water and other fluids to prevent dehydration, and keep unmedicated snacks handy to eat when and if the munchies develop. Avoid driving after eating edibles, and make sure you’re in a safe environment in case you need a nap afterward.
Making Your Own Edibles
Until such time as you can buy cannabis edibles in your local bakery or restaurant, making your own is the best way to control the quality and quantity of CBD and THC in your food. Fortunately, for those among us who aren’t chefs-in-training, companies like Paracanna and The Baking Supply Co. make it easier with kits that help you produce specific types of edibles. Alternatively, you can find some great recipes online on websites like The Cannabist. Here’s one to get you started: