Marijuana Edibles: A Comprehensive Guide for Medical Marijuana Patients
Marijuana edibles, including gummies, mints, brownies, cookies, tinctures, beverages, and other food products, offer a discreet and long-lasting way to benefit from medical marijuana. When consumed responsibly and with proper dosing, edibles can provide a safe and effective method for managing various medical conditions.
However, consuming too much of a marijuana edible can lead to unpredictable and sometimes unpleasant effects. It is essential to understand how much you are taking and how it might affect you. While consuming too much of an edible will not physically harm you, it can result in an uncomfortable experience. Let us explore how to find the right dose for you and consumer medical marijuana edibles safely.
Discovering Your Ideal Medical Marijuana Edible Dose:
Determining the right amount of edibles to consume varies from patient to patient and depends on several factors:
Edible type: Different edibles can have different effects.
Dosage: The THC content in the edible.
Tolerance: Your body’s familiarity with cannabis.
Body weight: Heavier patients may require higher doses, than other patients who weigh less.
Metabolism: How your body processes medical marijuana.
Patients can react differently to the same dose of edibles. One patient might feel very high, while another might not feel much. Always start with a low dose and increase gradually to find what works best for you.
Guidelines for Dosage
Here is a basic guide to help you determine the right dosage, measured in milligrams (mg) of THC:
1 – 2.5 mg THC (Microdose)
Effects: Mild relief; increased focus and creativity. Most patients do not feel high.
Who it is for: New patients or those looking to microdose.
3 – 5 mg THC (Low Dose)
Effects: Greater relief; euphoria; may impair coordination and perception. This dose can make some patients feel high.
Who it is for: More experienced patients or those needing more symptom relief.
10 – 15 mg THC (Moderate Dose)
Effects: Effective relief; significant impairment of coordination and perception.
Who it is for: Experienced medical patients; new patients might experience negative effects.
20 – 30 mg THC (High Dose)
Effects: Strong euphoria; high chance of impaired coordination and perception.
Who it is for: Very experienced patients with specific medical needs.
50 – 100 mg THC (Very High Dose)
Effects: Severe impairment; possible side effects.
Who it is for: Only for very experienced patients with serious medical conditions.
100 – 500 mg THC (Extremely High Dose)
Effects: Extreme impairment; high chance of unpleasant side effects.
Who it is for: Very experienced patients or those with extreme medical condietions.
Tips for New Patients
If you are new to being a medical marijuana patient, start with a smaller dose, around 2.5 mg of THC. This microdose typically does not cause intense intoxication or negative effects. Here are some additional tips:
Check the Dosage: Ensure the dosage is clearly labeled. Edibles often come in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, or 10 mg doses, which can be easily divided.
Start Low, Go Slow: Take a small amount and wait at least an hour. If you do not feel anything or want stronger effects, take another 2.5 mg.
Be Patient: Edibles take time to kick in. Wait at least 45-90 minutes before taking more.
Onset Time for Medical Marijuana Edibles
Edibles usually take 20 to 60 minutes to start working, but this can vary based on your metabolism, what you have eaten, and your overall tolerance. Always “start low and go slow.” The most common mistake is taking more edibles before the first dose has kicked in, which can lead to an overwhelming experience once both doses take effect.
How Marijuana Edibles are Processed
Unlike smoking or vaping, edibles are processed through your digestive system and liver. The liver converts THC into a more potent form, leading to stronger and longer-lasting effects. This process can also lead to less predictable results since everyone’s liver processes THC differently. The liver produces an enzyme called CYP2CP that converts delta-9 THC to 11-Hydroxy-THC, which can be up to three times as potent as inhaled THC.
Duration of Medical Marijuana Edible Effects
The effects of marijuana edibles can last from 2 to 4 hours for most people, depending on your tolerance, metabolism, and the amount consumed. Some patients might feel effects for up to 6 hours or more.
For example, a 5 mg edible can last 2-4 hours, with the peak at around 1 hour. If you’re a patient with a high tolerance or fast metabolism, your high might wear off quicker. Some patients enjoy edibles at night and might wake up still feeling the effects, indicating a need for a smaller dose or earlier consumption.
CBD and THC in Edibles
Adding CBD to THC can enhance benefits while reducing unwanted side effects. For instance, a 1:1 ratio of CBD to THC provides relief with less impairment. Higher CBD ratios reduce the intoxicating effects even more.
For example, someone who feels impaired after taking 5 mg of THC will likely feel less impaired when taking 5 mg of THC with 20 mg of CBD. Many medical marijuana brands offer edibles with various CBD:THC ratios, such as 2:1, 5:1, 10:1, and 20:1, helping you tailor your experience to your needs.
Different Types of Marijuana Edibles
Different edibles have different onset times and effects. Hard candies and drinks are absorbed faster, leading to quicker effects. Chewy edibles like gummies and chocolates have a median onset time because they require some digestion but have simpler ingredients. Baked goods take the longest to digest, resulting in a slower onset.
Mixing Edibles with Alcohol
Mixing cannabis edibles with alcohol is not recommended. Alcohol can increase the effects of THC, leading to a more intense high that can be unpleasant or dangerous. Always be cautious when combining substances.
Safe Dosing Tips
If you do not feel effects after an hour, try eating a snack to help with absorption. Remember, even if you are a heavy smoking patient, edibles affect the body differently. Start with a small dose and wait to see how it affects you before taking more. It might take a few tries to find the right dose for your body.
Can You Overdose on Edibles?
While it is impossible to fatally overdose on cannabis, consuming too many edibles can lead to a very unpleasant experience. High doses can cause negative effects. Always start with a low dose and increase gradually.
Which Edible Type Gets You the Highest?
Different edibles have different ingredients and formulas, which can affect how they impact you. Hard candies and beverages often provide quicker effects because they are absorbed through the mouth. Chewy edibles like gummies are digested faster due to their simpler ingredients. Baked goods, being denser, take longer to digest and thus take longer to kick in.
Tips for Safe Consumption
Know Your Dose: Always check the label for THC content.
Start Small: Begin with a low dose and increase gradually.
Be Patient: Wait at least 45-90 minutes before taking more.
Keep Track: Note how much you took and how it made you feel to help find your ideal dose.
Cannabis edibles provide a unique and effective way to consume medical marijuana. By understanding dosing, onset times, and how your body processes edibles, you can have a safe and pleasant experience. Remember to start low, go slow, and always check labels for accurate dosing information.
Disclaimer: Green Dragon Florida does not provide medical advice and makes no medical claims. The information contained in this article is intended solely for educational purposes and is based on external research. Green Dragon Florida does not endorse or assume responsibility for the accuracy of the research presented.
