As medical cannabis grows in popularity and its applications, so too are people discovering the different ways to administer the medicine. Cannabis edibles are a popular option for patients as it allows them to enjoy the benefits of the medicine without having to administer the medication by smoking it, which can be intimidating to patients or even detrimental to their lungs. All that said, let’s dive into cannabis edibles 101, so you can better determine if they are right for you.

Below, we’ll cover all the basics things you’ll need to know if you’re thinking of trying medical cannabis edibles.

What Are Cannabis Edibles

They are just as they sound: cannabis that is edible, or in other words, that you can take by eating it. Usually, these products contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) only, cannabidiol (CBD) only or those that contain a combination of both. While THC edibles are the most common, new CBD only options or combination options are becoming more popular as well.

There are various types of cannabis edibles, such as gummies, candy, and baked goods.

Cannabis Edibles and Health

Essentially, cannabis edibles provide all the same benefits as other methods of consumption, but of course, is often more comfortable for patients (you may, after all, have never enjoyed smoking any substances, but you’ve certainly had experience eating).

These benefits include:

• Pain reduction for a variety of conditions
• Stress relief
• Muscle relaxation
• Generalized anxiety disorder support
• Insomnia
• And more

Tips for Consuming Cannabis Edibles

Let’s now cover some common questions and concerns as we continue on with our cannabis edibles 101.

Edibles Are Better Than Smoking but Determine Suitability First

For many, edibles are a far more comfortable place to start for patients. As mentioned before, smoking can be dauting as well as potentially harmful to the patient’s lungs.

What’s more, edibles often have a delayed reaction and can be consumed far easier and faster than, say, smoking. As such you have to be more measured and careful at first with edibles. The effects also tend to last longer compared to smoking. Also, due to the slow on-set of edibles, the rule of thumb is to “start low and go slow” as it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours for some individuals to feel the effects of an edible. 

Feel free to experiment with a variety of medical cannabis consumption methods when trying to find the right one for you.

Edibles Can Interfere with Some Medications

Edibles—and all other cannabis medications—can interfere with other medications.

For instance, CBD is broken down in the liver, which could impact other medications that are also processed the same way by the body.

THC and CBD have also been shown to effect enzymes that can also impact how your body processes medications like blood thinners and antidepressants, potentially impacting them.

There hasn’t been too much evidence one way or the other regarding cannabis and its impact on other medications, but it’s always wise to consult a medical professional regarding your medications and how they interact.

Review Product Labels Thoroughly

The product label will give a whole host of useful information—consult often!

Start Low and Slow

When consuming cannabis edibles, start slowly with a low dosage. See how you feel when you take them. And gradually adjust how much you take based on your doctor’s guidance, how you react to the medication, and its effect on your symptoms.

If you ever find yourself in a situation where you have taken too much of an edible and are experiencing adverse effects such as anxiety, then there are some ways you can attempt to counteract the edibles effect or more accurately the THC’s effect.

• Take CBD. CBD, for some individuals, can balance out the effect of THC and help reduce the “high” feeling.
• Black peppercorns. Chewing on a whole black peppercorn for some can also help reduce the THC effect and level off how you are feeling.
• Take a nap. Sleep can help give your body a chance to process the THC and level out.

Pick the Right Cannabinoid – THC, CBD, or Combination

THC, CBD, and a combination of the two can produce different effects on the body. Try out a variety to find the right one for you.

Pick Your Preferred Edible Type

If you like cookies, try cookies! More of a gummy person? No problem. Feel free to try the type you like the best—the effects are more based on the molecular composition, not the type of food.

Take in the Evening

Due to their delayed and, at times, pronounced effects, it’s often best to take edibles later in the evening.

Cannabis Edibles Storage: Can They Go Bad?        

Edibles do go bad over time, much like other foods.

If the food is more prone to going bad (like a type of bread, for instance) that will go bad sooner compared to a gummy or cookie.

Many cannabis edibles will have expiration dates that can help you determine when these medications need to be consumed.

Having said that, the active molecules themselves (THC, CBD) don’t expire, but do degrade over time in effectiveness. The longer you wait to take your medication, the different effects it will produce, so it’s advisable to take these medications within the suggested time frame.

When it comes to cannabis edibles storage, it’s best to keep your edibles in a cool, dark, dry place. Sun, oxygen, and other elements can accelerate degradation.

Medical Marijuana Consulting Services in Canada

If you’re ready to try medical cannabis, then get in contact with us at Medical Marijuana Consulting (MMC).

We are a top-tier cannabis clinic that’s dedicated to providing Canadians with deep expertise on medical marijuana from professionals. Receive guidance from a team of physicians, psychiatrists, and nurse practitioners that can provide a prescription, help connect you with coverage for your prescription costs (if eligible), refer you to a licensed producer, and help you apply for the ACMPR license.

At MMC, it is our goal to help every patient that could benefit from medical cannabis get access to the medication. Join our Ambassador Program and receive $15 for every person you refer to MMC that becomes a patient. To learn more about Medical Marijuana Consulting and how you can secure a prescription as part of your personalized medical cannabis treatment plan, book a consultation online, contact us at 844-312-5143, or email us at patientcare@medmc.ca.