How to Consume Marijuana Edibles Safely?
In cannabis legalized states, edibles are common among consumers. Unlike smoking, marijuana-infused foods and beverages are safe to consume.
Since edibles have a slow onset, they have a high potential for overdose. Thus, learning how edibles work and dosing them is important. This post provides you in-depth information about these things. Also, we will discuss getting recs from medical marijuana doctors in New Jersey.
How Edibles Work?
When you smoke marijuana, its cannabinoids enter the bloodstream instantly. In other words, smoking delivers you quick medicinal effects such as pain relief.
But, when you eat cannabis, the cannabinoids are absorbed differently. They enter the stomach first, and then reach the bloodstream. Thus, edibles take 30 minutes to 60 minutes to kick in. Some edibles may take even longer, depending on their cannabinoid profile.
However, the onset time depends on many factors. Firstly, the concentration of THC and other cannabinoids matter. Edibles with high levels of THC will kick in faster than the ones containing low THC concentration.
Additionally, amount of edible you consume per dose, diet, metabolism rate, sex, body weight, age, and your tolerance to marijuana greatly influence marijuana effects on your body.
Major Risks Associated With Edible use
Since effects from ingested marijuana take between 1-2 hours, chances are more you end up consuming higher amounts, thinking it’s not working. In other words, ingesting marijuana has a higher potential of overdose than smoking.
Some of the major negative effects associated with edibles are—impaired motor ability, paranoia, panic attacks, and hallucinations.
According to a 2017 review, CBD edibles are linked to diarrhea, tiredness, and changes in weight & appetite.
Here are Some Tips to Safely Consume Cannabis-Infused Edibles
Check The Label
The concentrations of THC and CBD impact marijuana’s medicinal effects on your system. High-THC edibles can make you high along with anxiety relief, pain management, etc. High-CBD edibles allow you to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of marijuana without experiencing psychoactive effects.
When buying marijuana edibles, it’s necessary to check the label on gummies, brownies, teas, cakes, etc. so that you get what’s right for your condition. And, always read the guidelines on the package to prevent negative effects.
See How Much You Are Consuming
Cannabis users, especially beginners, often consume higher amounts of edibles. This happens due to the fact that edibles aren’t processed instantly.
So, when using edibles, make sure you start with lower doses initially. This will help you analyze how cannabinoids are interacting with your system.
Edible products usually have dose intervals, 5mg, 10mg, 15mg, etc. You can begin with 5mg. Wait for 2 hours and notice the effects. If you didn’t get relief, take another dose, and so on. This way, you are able to determine the appropriate edible dose for managing your symptoms.
Eat Something Before You Take Edibles
What you have eaten before consuming edibles impacts the effects. In fact, cannabinoids such as THC, are absorbed faster in the fasted state. Researchers have found that food can delay the effects of marijuana on the body.
So, avoid consuming marijuana edibles on an empty stomach. Eat a meal before you eat marijuana-infused edibles. Drink plenty of water—to prevent side-effects such as dry mouth. Following these strategies, you can enhance the bioavailability of phytocannabinoids, thus getting maximum medicinal potential.
Find a Comfortable Space to Consume Edibles
Cannabis can be unpredictable, and for many, location plays an important role in the effects they receive. Some medical marijuana doctors recommend consumers to stay in a comfortable environment when using edibles.
Most importantly, do something to stay in the zone while consuming cannabis edibles. You can listen to music, play indoor games with your friends, or watch Netflix. Never eat marijuana in front of children because they can experience overdose effects such as anxiety, panic attacks, dizziness, weakness, etc.
Getting Recs From Medical Marijuana Doctors in New Jersey
If you want to get marijuana evaluations in New Jersey, you must be diagnosed by a medical condition approved by the state. The NJ MMJ qualifying conditions list is-
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Anxiety
Cancer
Chronic Pain
Dysmenorrhea
Glaucoma
Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease
Intractable skeletal spasticity
Migraine
Multiple sclerosis
Muscular dystrophy
Opioid Use Disorder
Positive status for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
Seizure disorder, including epilepsy
Terminal illness with a prognosis of fewer than 12 months to live
Tourette Syndrome
To get recs, you need to get evaluated by a 420 doctor. At Online Medical Card, you can see a cannabis doctor in New Jersey online through telemedicine technology. Here’s the complete process-
Sign up for an account online
See a medical marijuana doctor via video call
Receive recs in PDF format via email
Covering it up, edibles have a slow onset, thus you need to be careful with the dosage. Start with lower amounts and increase gradually if needed. Eat a decent meal and drink plenty of water before eating edibles. Eat edibles in a comfortable space (away from children) and do some recreational activities while consuming. Get a rec from medical marijuana doctors in New Jersey to buy high-quality edibles from state-licensed dispensaries.
Since when have you been using edibles? Do you remember your first-time edible consumption experience? What strategies do you prefer to get the most out of edibles? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Source: https://mdganja.com/blog/how-to-consume-marijuana-edibles-safely/