Cannabis edibles have taken the wellness world by storm, offering a delicious and convenient way to enjoy the benefits of cannabinoids. Whether it’s a gummy, a brownie, or even a cannabis-infused beverage, edibles provide a discreet and long-lasting alternative to other forms of cannabis consumption. But diving into the world of edibles comes with its own set of questions: How do you choose the right type? What’s the proper dosage? How can you enjoy them safely while ensuring you’re getting the most out of your experience?
In this article, we’ll explore the different types of edibles, guide you on dosing, and share tips for consuming responsibly so you can snack, chill, and fully embrace the relaxation these treats have to offer.
More Than Just a Tasty Treat
CBD edibles offer far more than just a delicious way to enjoy cannabis—they come with a range of practical benefits that make them a favourite among both new and experienced users. Whether you're looking for a discreet way to consume CBD, a longer-lasting effect, or an easy way to control your dosage, edibles provide a convenient and enjoyable solution.
Discreet and Convenient
One of the biggest advantages of CBD edibles is their discretion. Unlike smoking or vaping, edibles don’t produce any noticeable smell or require special equipment, making them easy to consume anywhere without drawing attention. Whether you're at work, travelling, or simply relaxing at home, popping a CBD gummy or sipping on a CBD-infused beverage allows you to enjoy the benefits of CBD without disrupting your surroundings.
Precise and Easy Dosing
Dosing CBD can sometimes be tricky, but edibles take the guesswork out of it. Each edible—whether it's a gummy, chocolate, or capsule—comes with a pre-measured dose of CBD, allowing for precise and consistent consumption. This is especially helpful for beginners or those using CBD for therapeutic purposes, as it enables controlled intake without the risk of overconsumption.
CBD edibles are more than just a tasty way to enjoy cannabis—they offer a practical, effective, and enjoyable way to incorporate CBD into your lifestyle. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, relief, or just a more convenient alternative to traditional consumption methods, edibles deliver a smooth and reliable experience with every bite.
What Are Edibles?
Did you know that cannabis-infused food and beverages date back as far as 1000 B.C.? Simply put, edibles are foods that contain cannabis, whether in whole form or as an extract. Edibles have become increasingly popular over the years as an alternative to smoking cannabis, with some going as far as to release cookbooks on how to prepare your favourite snacks. The two main components that work in edibles are THC, tetrahydrocannabinol, and CBD, cannabidiol.
Edibles come in a wide array of snacks, baked goods, and even beverages. Some notable ones include gummies, candies, chocolates, sodas, beers, and brownies, to name but a few. If making your own canna-butter sounds too complicated for you, don’t worry - we have you covered.
How Do Edibles Work?
Edibles have the same effects when consumed as other forms of weed, but there are a few things to consider. The cannabinoid compounds in weed work with the endocannabinoid system in the human body. After consuming the edible, your body starts to absorb the compounds into your bloodstream. The rate of absorption is affected by a few factors that will influence its high. Unlike smoking a joint which will get you high relatively quickly, it takes a while for the THC in edibles to be absorbed.
How Long Do Edibles Take to Work?
CBD edibles may take longer to kick in than other consumption methods, but their effects are known to last significantly longer. When you eat an edible, the CBD is processed through your digestive system and metabolized by your liver, resulting in a slow, steady release of cannabinoids into your bloodstream. This means you can experience relief for several hours, making edibles a great option for managing symptoms like chronic pain, stress, or anxiety throughout the day.
It can take anywhere from an hour to three hours to start feeling the effects of edibles, with the high lasting as long as 12 hours. This is why it’s so important not to double-dose. The type of edible you eat and how much food you’ve eaten before it will impact how fast it’s absorbed.
THC is a fat-soluble molecule, which means it dissolves with other fats. This is often the reason edibles are goodies like cookies and brownies that are baked with higher quantities of fats and oils.
Safety Concerns
Keep in mind that there is a way to consume these snacks safely because overdosing could be dangerous. Because of the staggered time it takes to have an effect, people often think they haven’t taken enough and will go back for seconds. Overindulging can lead to symptoms like anxiety, a spiked heart rate, nausea, and feelings of panic.
Additionally, the strength and dosing can be difficult to determine unless you’re a practised hand, which means that there can be variation even in one set of brownies baked from the same cannabutter.
Another thing to keep in mind is that these snacks and drinks should be stored in such a way that an unknowing person doesn’t accidentally eat them. This could mean clearly labeling something if it’s stored in a common area like a fridge, or keeping it out of reach of kids and pets.
Potential Therapeutic Benefits of Edibles
As with other forms of consuming cannabis, we look to edibles for their long list of health benefits. A few recorded benefits include:
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Pain relief
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Lowered anxiety and depression
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Overall elevated mood
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Improved sleep
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Decreased inflammation
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Decreased pain
What to Look for When Buying Edibles
Always read the label when buying edibles. Make sure you understand what the ingredients are, and what main cannabinoids are featured, and have a look at the dosing recommendations. Something that contains 100% CBD will not have psychoactive properties, so it’s not going to get you high. If that’s what you’re looking for, reach for something else.
Edibles vs. Other Consumption Methods
If you want to know how edibles compare with other methods like smoking, taking capsules, or applying topicals, you can learn from our recent blog post, Beyond the Joint. The main takeaway is that edibles take longer to kick in, but high is also present for a much longer period.
Conclusion: Why Edibles Might Be Right for You
If you don’t want to inhale fumes or swallow capsules, but you’re looking to kick back, relax, and enjoy the high, then edibles might be the way to go. You can check out our range of yummy cannabis-infused snacks here.
Edibles offer a flavourful and versatile way to enjoy the calming benefits of CBD and the high of THC, whether you’re looking to unwind, manage stress, or simply enhance your wellness routine. By understanding the different types of edibles, how to dose them properly, and tips for safe consumption, you can make the most out of your experience. With a little patience and awareness, edibles can be a relaxing addition to your day, helping you snack, chill, and feel your best. So, take a bite, sit back, and let the calm roll in—on your terms.
Keep an eye out for the Hey Bud Team’s favourite edible snack roundups, and reach out if you need a suggestion for your next tasty high.
Stay lifted, stay curious, and enjoy the journey.
— The Hey Bud Team
Sources:
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/eating-weed
- https://zebracbd.com/blogs/cbd-education/cbd-edibles
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/negative-side-effects-of-cbd-gummies
- https://www.drugs.com/lifestyle/cbd-gummies-health-benefits-3515165/
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/effects-of-edibles
- https://www.eatingwell.com/article/7591435/heres-what-happens-to-your-body-when-you-eat-edibles/