If you want to try edibles for the first time – or have recently started – you may be concerned about how much to eat or dose.
Cannabis-infused foods can be extremely beneficial for treating certain symptoms, but have the potential to be extremely potent. So, for first time users, it’s important to exercise caution as you explore cannabis edibles.
To make sure you’re comfortable with edibles, here’s your edibles 101 guide. Read on to get all the marijuana edibles information you need as a beginner.
How do edibles affect you?
Since many edibles include a cannabis concentrate component, they tend to be pretty potent.
They typically offer patients a “body high” and are ideal for those who suffer from pain, nausea, and lack of appetite.
How quickly do you feel the effects of edibles?
Typically, the effects of smoking or vaping medical marijuana are almost immediate, but that isn’t the case for edibles.
Depending on the type of edible marijuana product you’re using, the results will vary. For instance, some cannabis-infused foods (like mints) are quicker to metabolize because they are absorbed in the mouth. Others need to be processed by the liver and have a much slower effect.
In addition, your individual metabolism and how recently you ate will have a big impact on how long it will take to feel the effects. You may feel nothing at all for quite a while, then suddenly feel the full effects of what you ate.
So start low and go slow when it comes to edibles as a first-timer.
How much should you dose?
Speaking of starting low and going slow…it’s incredibly important to take your time when dosing with edibles. Since they tend to take time to take effect and can have effects lasting for a while, it’s vital you don’t overdo it.
A typical dosage for edibles is 10 mg, but similar to drinking alcohol, 10 mg for one person could feel like 1 beer and like 5 beers to someone else.
If you’re a beginner, always eat prior to trying an edible. Dosing on an empty stomach will cause the cannabis to hit your system quickly and more intensely than you might intend.
How to find the right edible for you
Determining the dosage and right portion size for that dosage is one of the most important factors in finding a great edible. Look for labels that clearly define both.
You can also work with a trusted dispensary who will help you find the right edible for your needs. It’s part of the job of a great budtender to assist patients with finding the right product fit and answering any questions along the way.
Now that you’re more comfortable with all that edibles will entail, try them out and let us know which one is your favorite.
At Hive Medicinal, we’d love to help with your medical marijuana needs as your local Maine dispensary. Take a look at our current products or, better yet, stop by in person!
