An Expansive World of Weed Edibles

Cannabis edibles are an incredibly versatile and customizable way to experience the therapeutic effects of cannabis. There’s something for everyone, with options ranging from gummies in all shapes and sizes to baked goods and beverages. The key to a successful experience with edibles is finding the correct dose for your needs and tolerance levels. Ask a budtender, call the store, talk to your friend, all can be pivotal. Go shopping at a place with people you can trust. We saw an example of each and every one of the below at Mountain Annie’s Cannabis in a recent outing to Cortez, CO.

Tinctures

Tinctures are a cannabis-infused alcohol solution that can be consumed sublingually. They are available in various potency levels and often have a dropper marked for easy dose-measuring. Tinctures, for example, are great for people who prefer not to smoke due to respiratory issues or health concerns. Reading the label carefully and following all dosing instructions when using tinctures is essential. It is also a good idea to use the correct measuring device and always start with a small dose and increase as needed. Both edibles and tinctures should be stored in a dark, cool place and can last long if properly maintained. Always check the label for storage instructions and expiration dates. Always consult your doctor before consuming any edible or tincture, especially while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Baked Goods

The first marijuana edibles to hit the market were baked goods like pot brownies. These edibles are valued for their ability to deliver high doses of cannabinoids to the body without the need for smoke or vapor. Baked edibles are fat-soluble, and the active cannabinoids must pass through the digestive system before they enter your bloodstream. Depending on the product and your body’s reaction, this can cause a delayed effect that may peak several hours after consumption. Baked goods can also be a good source of low-dose THC for microdosing throughout the day. Other types of edibles include hard candies and lollipops, which offer a quick-hitting effect that can last a few hours. You can also find cannabis-infused beverages like tea, coffee, kombucha, and non-alcoholic shots consumed orally.

Gummies

Gummies are a popular choice because of their variety of flavors and ease of dosing. They are small enough to fit in a purse or pocket and don’t produce the same lingering aromas as baked goods. The gummy fats help the THC bind to your system more effectively than water-soluble cannabis compounds. They are sometimes infused with distillate rather than whole-plant extract to reduce the THC’s potency and provide more consistent effects over a more extended period. Like all edibles, gummies should be consumed with care. Reading the label and understanding what each gummy contains and how it will affect you is essential. The effects may take a little longer to kick in than expected, so be patient!

Oils

Cannabis must be infused into fat to be absorbed through the stomach and liver, so people often infuse butter or oil with weed before making edibles. Medicinal and recreational dispensaries offer a wide variety of these products, from gummies to chocolates to drinks. Many people like edibles because they avoid the need to smoke, saving lungs from carcinogens and eliminating issues with stigma. They also can be more discreet and easy to transport. Unfortunately, the industry still struggles with quality control. A recent study found that the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content of 83 percent of medicinal and recreational marijuana edibles sold at dispensaries did not match their labeled potency. A lack of standardization, insufficient testing, and inconsistent manufacturing may have caused this.

Capsules

THC edibles that come in capsule form are an increasingly popular choice. These small cylindrical containers are hermetically sealed and look like the Aspirin bottles you might find in your medicine cabinet, making them easy to conceal and use discreetly. Edibles require your body to digest and metabolize the cannabinoids before they take effect, unlike smoked marijuana which enters your lungs directly. Because of this, the effects of edibles tend to kick in more slowly and can last longer than smoked marijuana. Many people use cannabis-infused products to manage chronic symptoms such as pain, sleeplessness, and anxiety. They can be easier to administer than smoking and may offer a more discrete option for those with limited mobility or respiratory conditions like COPD.