Edibles come in a wide variety of forms, each with its own advantages, disadvantages, and unique characteristics. Here are some of the most common types of edibles outlined in a table for you:

All types of Edibles [Table]

Type of Edible	Description	Advantages	Disadvantages
Brownies & Baked Goods	Iconic edibles usually made with cannabis-infused butter or oil	Familiar, easy to make, tasty	Inconsistent dosages due to uneven cannabis distribution
Gummies & Candies	THC or CBD-infused gummies, hard candies, or chocolates	Convenient, discrete, easy to dose	High sugar content, risk of overconsumption
Tinctures	Liquid extracts for sublingual use or in food/drinks	Fast-acting, precise dosing	Strong herbal taste, alcohol-based versions may not suit everyone
Drinks	Cannabis-infused teas, sodas, and alcohols	Easy to consume, refreshing	Slower onset, hard to gauge consumption
Capsules & Pills	Pre-measured cannabis oil in pill form	Precise dosing, long-lasting effects	Slow onset, not as enjoyable as other forms
Savory Snacks	Chips, pretzels, etc., infused with cannabis	Non-sugary alternative, delicious	Uneven cannabis distribution like in brownies
Oils & Butters	Cannabis-infused oils or butters for cooking	Versatile, usable in various recipes	Challenging dosing, preparation time
Specialty Items	Unique items like cannabis-infused olive oil or gourmet chocolates	Novelty, high-quality ingredients	Often expensive, limited availability

Choosing the right type of edible depends on several factors such as your experience level, dosage requirements, and personal preferences. Always read labels carefully, start with a low dose, and consult with healthcare professionals if you have medical concerns.

How Do Edibles Work?

The science behind how edibles work involves a fascinating journey through the digestive and metabolic systems, culminating in the effects that you feel, which can vary depending on multiple factors including dosage, your metabolism, and even what else you’ve eaten that day. Here’s a closer look:

Ingestion and Digestion

When you consume an edible, it goes through the digestive system. Unlike smoking or vaping cannabis, where cannabinoids like THC are rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs, edibles must first be broken down in the stomach before entering the small intestine, where they are then absorbed into the bloodstream.

Metabolism in the Liver

Once in the bloodstream, THC is transported to the liver, where it undergoes a process called “first-pass metabolism.” Here, enzymes transform THC into various metabolites, including 11-hydroxy-THC, which is particularly potent and has a longer-lasting effect than THC. This is why the effects of edibles can feel more intense and last longer than the effects of smoking or vaping cannabis.

Interaction with the Endocannabinoid System

After metabolism, the cannabinoids enter the bloodstream and interact with the endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors spread throughout the brain and body. This system regulates various physiological and cognitive functions, including mood, appetite, and pain sensation. Cannabinoids like THC and CBD interact with these receptors to produce their effects.

Delayed Onset

Due to the digestive and metabolic process, edibles have a delayed onset compared to inhalation. It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to start feeling the effects. This delay can be influenced by various factors like your metabolic rate, whether you’ve eaten recently, and the type of edible you’ve consumed.

Duration of Effects

The effects of edibles usually peak around 2 to 4 hours after consumption and can last up to 8 hours or more, depending on the dosage and individual factors like metabolism. This long duration is another reason why dosing accurately is crucial with edibles.

Individual Variability

People react to edibles differently based on their metabolism, tolerance, and sensitivity to cannabis. Factors like age, body weight, and general health can also impact how edibles affect you.

Understanding the science behind edibles can help you make more informed decisions about dosing and what to expect. As always, if you are new to edibles or have health concerns, consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Dosage: How Much Is Too Much?

Determining the correct dosage for cannabis edibles is a crucial step in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Taking too little may result in no effects, while taking too much can lead to uncomfortable or even harmful experiences such as paranoia, anxiety, or physical discomfort.

Standard Dosage Guidelines [Table]

Dosage Category	THC Amount (mg)	Best For	Common Uses	Notes
Microdose	1-2.5 mg	Beginners or for medicinal use without psychoactive effects	Light relaxation	Lowest dosage, minimal to no psychoactive effects
Low Dose	2.5-10 mg	Those relatively new to cannabis or looking for mild effects	Mild relaxation, slight euphoria	Less likely to cause negative side effects
Moderate Dose	10-20 mg	Regular users comfortable with cannabis effects	Moderate pain relief, appetite stimulation, sleep aid	Suitable for those familiar with their tolerance levels
High Dose	20-50 mg	Experienced users familiar with their tolerance	Acute pain relief, strong psychoactive effects	Increased risk of intense psychoactive effects or side effects
Very High Dose	50+ mg	Those with extreme medical needs and high tolerance	Severe medical conditions requiring high THC content	Not recommended for general public, medical supervision advised

Factors Influencing Dosage

1. Tolerance: Regular cannabis users may require higher doses to achieve desired effects due to built-up tolerance.
2. Metabolism: Individuals with faster metabolic rates may process cannabis more quickly, potentially reducing the duration of effects.
3. Body Weight and Composition: Those with higher body mass may require larger doses compared to individuals who weigh less.
4. Type of Edible: The type of edible can also influence how quickly it takes effect. For instance, tinctures may act faster than brownies or gummies.
5. Presence of Other Foods: Eating edibles on an empty stomach may result in quicker onset and more potent effects, which could be overwhelming for some people.
6. Individual Sensitivity: Some people are more sensitive to THC and may require lower doses.
7. Desired Effects: Are you looking for relaxation, pain relief, or euphoria? Your intentions can guide your dosage.
8. Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions may influence how you metabolize THC, and you may need to adjust your dose accordingly.

Always start with a low dose and work your way up (“start low, go slow”) until you find the amount that works for you. If you’re new to edibles or have specific health concerns, consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.