We’re almost certain you’ve heard of edibles before. Perhaps you’re interested in trying them and you landed on this post to get some more information. Even if you’re no stranger to edibles, there may be some things that you still don’t know or are unclear about. If you can relate to either of those situations or just want to learn more, then keep reading. 

What are edibles?

Edibles are cannabis-infused food products. Traditionally, they take the form of gummies or baked goods such as cookies and brownies. However, as the market and demand for edibles continue to increase, a wide variety of products can now be found including beverages, snacks, and desserts.

Edibles are usually infused with 2 of the chemical components found in cannabis. Mostly tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and at times cannabidiol (CBD). While THC has the effect of the ‘high’ that many users refer to, CBD produces a more calming effect and is therefore often used to treat health conditions. 

What about full-spectrum edibles? 

Apart from those listed above, at times you may also come across an edible labeled as ‘full-spectrum’. What does that mean? These are edibles that contain a variety of compounds from the cannabis plant in addition to CBD and THC. However, the amount of THC is usually low. Full-spectrum edibles may have a stronger effect than pure CBD and are generally used for muscle spasm relief, anxiety as well as pain relief, or as an antioxidant. 

How does consuming edibles differ from smoking or vaping? 

If all 3 methods consume the same substance then what's the difference, right? Here are the main considerations for deciding which method to choose. 

When smoking and vaping, the smoke containing the chemicals is inhaled and enters the bloodstream via the lungs producing an effect almost instantly. The effect usually lasts for 1 to 3 hours. On the other hand, edibles are digested and the chemicals have to be broken down by the liver before entering the bloodstream. That’s why it takes longer, between 15 minutes and 2 hours, to feel the effects after consuming edibles. The effect also lasts longer, between 4 to 6 hours or more depending on the potency and dose.

Additionally, some also prefer edibles as a more discreet way of consumption as opposed to smoking or vaping.

Determining the dosage 

We mentioned that the effect of edibles is dependent on the potency and dose. So what is potency? Potency refers to the strength of the edible and is calculated by how many milligrams of THC or CBD are in each edible. 

If you’re new to edibles, the best option would be to purchase edibles with clear labeling so you can easily see the potency and serving size. There’s usually no one size fits all dose but we can provide some general guidance and advice.  

Start slow, you can always increase later on once you know how your body responds and based on your intended goal. 

• Micro-dose (2.5mg THC): A great dose for beginners. You’ll experience a decreased level of anxiety and an increase in focus.  
  

• Low dose (5mg THC): A dose of this size should produce more uplifting, energizing effects. You might also experience a boost in creativity or sociability.
  

• Regular dose (10mg THC): This is recommended as a standard dose and the effects can last for up to 6 hours.  
  

• High dose (25mg+ THC): The more you ingest edibles is the greater your tolerance level will be. In these cases, a higher dose can be taken. This may also be recommended for medical use in order to achieve the desired effect.  

Why does everyone respond differently to edibles? 

Now that you understand potency and dosage, it’s important to know that your body’s response to edibles is also be determined by other factors. These include:  

1. The type of edible: Liquids digests faster and therefore a liquid edible will produce an effect faster than other edibles such as cakes and brownies. 
   

1. Your tolerance level: Those who try edibles for the first time will be less tolerant to the effects when compared to an experienced user. That’s why it’s encouraged to start slow and increase as you go. 
   

1. How much you eat: Edibles are digested before being absorbed into the bloodstream. Taking edibles on an empty stomach therefore means they will be absorbed faster and have a stronger and more lasting effect. 
   

It’s a common mistake to overdose when taking edibles for the first time. That’s because of the difficulty in discovering your ideal dose along with the many factors that influence your body’s response to the edible. At times, it can take up to 2 hours to feel the effect. If you consume more before then in an attempt to get the ‘high’, you can potentially set yourself up for over consumption. It’s better to start slow, wait it out, and adjust your dosage the next time around.  

What to do if you’ve ingested too many edibles? 

It can be scary once you realize that you’ve consumed too many edibles. You can experience an increased heart rate, paranoia, and confusion.  It’s important that you stick to the dosage recommendations above and listen to your body the first few times you try edibles. 

Nonetheless, it’s good to know what to do if you ever find yourself or someone else in such a situation.  

Here are some tips to manage the overconsumption of edibles: 

• Try to remain calm, understand that your body has to go through the motions and that everything will be okay. 
• Distract yourself with music or a TV show to quell anxious thoughts and fears
• Drink lots of water. 
• If you have pre-existing medical conditions or experience severe symptoms, seek medical attention.
  

We hope this post answered a lot of your questions or provided more clarity on the things you already knew. If you’re interested in trying edibles for the first time or experimenting with a new product, Friend Jen and Co. can help with that. We’ve got the Wonder Bar, a fruity, Krispy treat in various THC doses as well as Buddies, full-spectrum gummies available in a variety of doses. Visit our product page to check them out. 

One last thing! Ensure that you always consume edibles responsibly. 

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