A Guide To Cannabis Edibles: What You Need To Know

This article was originally published on The Cannabis Community and appears here with permission.

Cannabis edibles are food products made with ingredients infused with either tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), two active compounds found in the cannabis plant. If you’re looking for a discreet and convenient way to consume cannabis, edibles offer an attractive option. Depending on your preference, there are a variety of edible products available, from brownies to mints. 

By the end of this guide, you should have a better understanding of what makes up a cannabis edible and how it may affect your body differently than other forms of consumption. We’ll also discuss potential health considerations and tips on how to choose the right edible product for your needs. So let’s get started by taking a closer look at what makes up a cannabis edible.

What Is a Cannabis Edible?

What are cannabis edibles?

A cannabis edible is an edible product made from the cannabis plant. Edibles can come in many forms and typically contain either CBD or THC or both. Some newer cannabis edibles brands are also introducing products with other cannabinoids. The effects of cannabis edibles can vary widely depending on the individual and the type of edible consumed. 

Cannabis edibles have been around for centuries. The earliest edible products were made from cannabis-infused tinctures in the 1800s. These tinctures were added to food and drinks to make them more potent. In the early 1900s, cannabis-infused substances such as oils and waxes were developed, which enabled manufacturers to produce a variety of edible products. 

Today, there are many different kinds of cannabis edibles available on the market. Cannabis edibles are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience, discreetness, and potency. They can be consumed in a variety of ways, including eating or drinking them directly or using them as a topping on food or in beverages. Cannabis edible products are an effective way to enjoy the benefits of cannabis without having to smoke it.


Edibles are becoming increasingly popular among cannabis consumers because they provide a longer-lasting and more potent high than other forms of cannabis. Buying cannabis edibles is legal in most areas where marijuana has been legalized for recreational use. However, there are limits on the amount of THC that can be in edibles.

Regulations vary from state to state, so it’s important to check with your local laws before purchasing any type of cannabis edible. In general, edibles must contain less than 0.3% THC by weight in order to be legally sold and consumed. 

What Are The Different Types of Cannabis Edibles?

There are different types of cannabis edibles available. These can include: 

  • Candy
  • Chocolates
  • Cookies
  • Gummies
  • Brownies
  • Drinks 

Depending on your state laws and dispensary, you’ll find many types of edibles available. You can also learn to infuse any recipe with cannabis oil and cannabutter.

Different edibles may contain different amounts of THC and CBD. Some edibles, for instance, may have higher THC content than others, and the effects may also vary depending on the dosage used. 

It is important to be aware of the content and the type of any cannabis edible before consuming it as the effects can range from mild relaxation to intense psychoactive experiences. It is also essential to consult a physician first if you have any pre-existing health conditions or take any medications.

Are Cannabis Edibles Safe?

Cannabis edibles are a popular option for those who want to enjoy the effects of marijuana without smoking. However, it is important to remember that cannabis edibles are not without risk. 

Edible products vary in potency and quality due to differences in dosage, labeling requirements, and even ingredients used. It is important to use caution when consuming cannabis edible products as they can have stronger effects than expected. 

Overall, edibles can be a safe and fun way to enjoy the effects of cannabis if they are used responsibly.

What Are the Effects of Using Cannabis Edibles?

The psychoactive effects of edible cannabis use are largely determined by the amount of THC present in the product. Generally speaking, edibles with higher amounts of THC will create more pronounced psychoactive effects compared to those with lower amounts. 

There can also be adverse effects associated with using edibles due to the nature of their ingestion process, so it is important that users exercise caution when using edibles and determine an appropriate amount of THC for their needs. Edibles come in both THC-only and CBD-only varieties, so users should be sure to read labels carefully before consuming any product or using edibles responsibly.

How Long Do Edibles Take To Work?

Edibles take longer to take effect than smoking or vaping cannabis. Generally, it can take up to two hours for an edible to take effect, but some people say that they can feel the effects of an edible in as little as 30 minutes. The effects of edibles usually last much longer than other methods of ingestion, with peak effects lasting 4-6 hours and lingering effects for up to 12 hours. Everyone’s body reacts differently to edibles, so it is important to start small and wait at least two hours before taking more. 

Eating fatty foods before taking edibles may speed up the onset of the effects, while drinking alcohol may slow down absorption and delay how long edibles take to work. As with any form of cannabis consumption, be sure to use caution when taking edibles. The effects of edibles also tend to be stronger than smoking or vaping because they are absorbed through the digestive system and metabolized by the liver before entering the bloodstream. So while it may take a bit longer for edibles to work, they can provide lasting relief compared to other forms of administration.

How Much Cannabis Edible Should I Take the First Time?

Cannabis edibles containing THC tend to sneak up on you. Until you know how edibles will affect you, you should increase your dose very slowly.

If you’re looking to try a new edible, it’s important to know what type of edible you’d like first. You can find different forms of cannabis edible at a dispensary near you. While edibles are often associated with THC, they don’t always contain the chemical. Many edibles are made to give users the same effect without the high levels of THC. Depending on your needs and preferences, you can decide which edible is right for you. You can start with something simple like a brownie or gummy that has low levels of THC so that you can get used to the effects before trying something stronger.

The recommended dosage for first time users is 5 mg of THC per edible. If you are buying edibles from a dispensary, you’ll be able to select from edibles — such as gummies or chocolate bars — that each have 5 mg of THC per serving. If you feel comfortable after consuming the initial 5 mg edible, you can increase your dose up to 10 mg for your second edible session. Remember to start with a low dose and gradually work your way up as needed. This will help you determine an effective and safe amount of edibles for consumption for you.

Go to a dispensary and ask the staff for advice. They can help you decide on what type of edible you should try and give you insight on how much THC or CBD it contains. 

What Should You Do and Not Do With Cannabis Edibles?

When it comes to edibles, there are certain things that one should do and not do. 

DO: Follow the Dosage Instructions Provided

The dosing guidelines provided by your dispensary should be followed closely as consuming edibles may cause different effects than merely smoking or vaping cannabis products. With proper understanding and guidance on how to use edibles safely and efficiently, you will be able to enjoy their benefits without any adverse reactions.

DO: Properly Store Cannabis Edibles 

Store edibles away from children or pets and in a cool, dark place. Edibles should be stored in airtight, opaque containers that are kept away from heat, light, and moisture. Labels should be clearly visible and include the date of manufacture and expiration date. Whenever possible, edible products should also be refrigerated or frozen to maintain freshness. 

It is important to make sure edibles are out of reach of children and pets, as well as sealed securely so that their contents remain safe from contamination or spoilage. Additionally, edibles should not be stored near cleaning supplies or other chemicals as these can affect the taste or safety of the product. Finally, it is best practice to check all edibles before consumption for signs of spoilage, such as unusual odors, discoloration, or mold growth.

DO NOT: Mix Edible Cannabis With Other Products

Avoid mixing different edible products together as this could lead to an unexpected reaction or even an overdose. Mixing different cannabis edible products can be dangerous and unhealthy. Consuming too many edibles can lead to adverse side effects such as confusion, paranoia, and anxiety. 

Different edibles may contain different levels of THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. Mixing edibles with different concentrations of THC can cause an unpredictable high, which could be overwhelming and potentially dangerous. 

It is also important to remember that cannabinoids can build up in the body over time, so eating multiple edibles at once may lead to a more intense experience than expected. For these reasons, it is best to avoid mixing different cannabis edible products for your safety and well-being.

DO NOT: Share Cannabis Edibles

Cannabis edibles are not meant to be shared because of their potency. Although the exact effects vary from person to person, cannabis edibles can produce stronger and longer-lasting effects than smoking, vaporizing, or ingesting marijuana. This means that if someone else consumes your edible, they may experience different levels of intoxication than you expected or intended. 

Cannabis edibles often contain high levels of THC and other cannabinoids that could lead to unwanted side effects such as paranoia or anxiety in some people. It is difficult to accurately measure the amount of THC in an edible product, making it difficult for you to know exactly how much THC will be consumed by the other person. For these reasons, it is best to keep cannabis edibles to yourself and not share them with others.

Knowing what to do and not do with cannabis edibles can help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

How Long Do Edibles Take To Work?

Generally, it can take up to two hours for an edible to take effect, but some people say that they can feel the effects of an edible in as little as 30 minutes.

How Many Milligrams of THC Edible Should I Take the First Time?

The recommended dosage for first-time users is 5 mg of THC per edible. Remember to start with a low dose and gradually work your way up as needed. This will help you determine an effective and safe amount of edibles for consumption for you.

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