Edibles are a delicious and convenient way to consume cannabis, but they can also be tricky for beginners. With so many different types of edibles to choose from, and with the effects of THC varying depending on the strain, it's important to know what you're getting into before you take your first bite.
In this guide, we'll explore the different types of edibles available, discuss how different strains of cannabis can affect you, and provide tips for consuming edibles comfortably and responsibly.
Let’s jump right in!
Types of Edibles
There are many types of edibles to choose from, and whether you are looking for a spicy snack, a sweet baked good, or a hot tea, there is something for everyone.
- Baked Goods- Baked goods are one of the more commonly found edibles and come in various forms. Brownies, cookies, rice crispy treats, cakes, and granola are a few examples.
- Candy- Candy edibles are found at every dispensary since they have a long shelf life and offer great flavor. Examples include gummies, chocolate bars, suckers, taffy, mints, chocolate-covered raisins or peanuts, hard candies, and chocolate truffles. Most dispensaries also carry branded candies like Skittles, Sour Patch Kids, Nerds Rope, and more.
- Drinks- You can now have cannabis-infused drinks without having to process plants on your own at home. At the dispensary, you can pick up hot tea bags, iced tea, soda, seltzer water, coffee, and even alcohol. Many of these drinks come in low-calorie options, which offers the perfect edible solution to those worried about overindulging.
- Savory snacks- These edibles are not as easy to get your hands on, but they are worth the hunt if you’re interested. Examples of these savory snacks include beef jerky, chips, condiments, and popcorn.
- Butter and Oil- if you want to cook your own edibles without having to spend hours decarbing your bud, you can pick up some cannabutter or oil. Butter and oil can be used in any recipe that calls for it. Mac n cheese, pot roast, brownies, toast, chicken, and pastries are just a few examples. Cannabutter and oil go especially well with savory meals since they have a herby flavor.
How Different Strains Affect You
If you are new to the world of edibles, you may want to take some time exploring the effects each strain has on a person’s mind and body.
When looking at edibles, you may notice that some are labeled as sativa, indica, or hybrid. These are strain types, and they are important to pay attention to since each provides a completely different experience.
- Sativa-Sativa is known for its uplifting effects. When consuming this strain, you can expect to feel a small boost in energy, creativity, and mood. Sativa strains also provide a euphoric experience and increase in alertness.
- Indica- Indica is known for its sedative effects. When consuming this strain, you can expect to feel relaxed and possibly tired. Indicas are great for pain relief and stress relief.
- Hybrid- A hybrid is a mix of both sativa and indica. These edibles or products will give you the best of both worlds without one effect being too overwhelming.
Consuming Comfortably and Responsibly
When consuming a cannabis product for the first time, you likely don’t know what to expect. There are precautions you can take to ensure a good experience.
- Get the dosage right- Eating too much of an edible will result in you getting much higher than you had anticipated. This can be an uncomfortable experience for new consumers, so it's best to take it easy on the dosage to begin. Here, you can calculate the proper dose.
- Consume in a safe environment- Choose a setting where you feel comfortable and at ease, where you won't be disturbed by outside factors. Feeling safe and secure can help you relax even more.
- Plan ahead- Edibles can last for several hours, so make sure you have enough time to relax and enjoy your experience without having to worry about other commitments.
- Eat a snack- Eating a light snack before taking an edible can help prevent an upset stomach and may make the edible take longer to kick in, allowing you to ease into the experience.
- Stay hydrated- Drink plenty of water while you're enjoying your edible to stay hydrated and avoid dry mouth, a common side effect of cannabis.
- Relax- Take a deep breath and get ready to relax and enjoy your edible experience. Sometimes high doses of THC can cause anxiety or paranoia, so it's important to stay calm. Listen to calming music or do some deep breathing exercises to help you relax.
- Be patient-Edibles can take up to two hours or more to kick in because the THC needs to be digested. Don't take more if you don't feel anything right away. Wait until you're sure the edible has fully kicked in before deciding whether to have another.
