Weed edibles are a tricky business.
Edibles, as the kids say, hit differently.
We spoke with three industry professionals to get all your newbie questions answered.
What exactly are edibles?
Whats the difference between sativa and indica?
The terms describe two primary strains of cannabis.
I always think of sativa and indica as high and stoned [respectively], says Hawkes.
Sativa is more functional, uplifting, and energetic.
Its a head high, more creative and goofball inducing.
Then I always tell people that in the couch is a great way to remember the effects of indica.
Its more of a body high.
What jot down of edible should I try if its my first time?
There are a lot of people who already take gummy vitamins or supplements, says Hawkes.
And who doesnt enjoy chocolate?
Any unusual ones, or favorites, to recommend?
Dez Kane, another Denver-based budtender, is particularly fond of the cannabisstroopwafel.
It has like no hashy taste whatsoever.
you’re free to even smell them and theyre kind of a cinnamony caramel.
Its thick-cut strips of sweet-and-spicy- or teriyaki-flavored goodness.
The flavor isnt overpowering, and you might still taste the bison meat, he says.
As far as edibles go, its pretty much the only savory option thats out there.
Everything else is sugar-based.
I went to the dispensary, purchased some edibles and Im ready to give this a try.
Kane and Hawkes both share the same advice: go low and slow.
10mg is considered a single serving for an adult.
5mg is a reasonable first-time starting dose.
[…] Once that 5mg kicks in, it will not be overwhelming.
(Its worth noting that states differ on their dosing recommendations.
If it does kick in, you might then decide whether to ingest more or not.
Its really important, Dr. Gedde adds, to think about the numbers.
Its not like smoking where you get instant gratification.
Why is figuring out the correct dose of edibles so tricky?
All the ways of getting cannabis into the body can be separated into two categories, says Dr. Gedde.
The first group, which is where edibles fall, metabolizes through the liver.
When THC from the second group hits your bloodstream, you feel the high within minutesand can adjust accordingly.
But liver processing takes time.
If you take an Ibuprofen, or Aspirin, it will kick in in like 20 minutes or so.
Right off the bat, the cannabinoid metabolism is much slower, she explains.
It usually takes roughly an hour to take effect.
Somewhat counterintuitively, your edibles may be more effective if you take them on a somewhat full stomach.
Otherwise its kind of hard to digest the cannabis oil.
So theyll be like, Nothing happened.
But then I ate later and all of a sudden I was stoned.
The whole thing will take longer to kick in and longer to wear off.
(Edibles are often a top choice for those taking cannabis for medical reasons because of this longer-lasting effect.
They can offer better daily coverage, for instance, for someone treating or preventing chronic pain.)
Its not something that I would recommend, says Hawkes.
I dont typically mix marijuana and alcohol together.
Some people do it.
Some people have a great time with it.
Theres no need to go to the emergency room.
A friend gave me some of her homemade pot brownies.
Are they OK for me to eat?
Holy crap, I think I ate too much of my edible.
What should I do?
Find a mellow place to hang out, because it will wear off.
Drink water if you’re free to.
Definitely dont combine with alcohol.
That will make it all worse.
And be reassured that theres no danger, she adds.
Theres no need to go to the emergency room.
All I can do is suffer through it?
If you do feelreallyterrible, theres one more option Dr. Gedde offers: taking CBD to counteract the THC.
CBD, of course, is the one thats famous for not having the psychoactive effect.
People have moved across state lines to get it for their kids.
Its an easy way to hack your high, Dr. Gedde says with a laugh.
