The Effects of Cannabis Edibles: What You Need to Know

Cannabis edibles are becoming more popular, with an estimated 1 in 14 adults having tried them. Unlike smoking cannabis, edibles are either eaten or drunk, which makes them a more discreet and smoke-free way to consume it. But just because it doesn’t involve smoking does not mean it’s risk-free.

Their effects can take longer to kick in, last much longer and be harder to predict. In this blog, we’ll explain how cannabis edibles work, potential risks and what you should know before using them.

What are Cannabis Edibles?

Cannabis edibles are any kind of drink or food product that contains cannabinoids – which are chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant.
Some of the most common types of cannabis edibles can come in a few different forms.

Baked goods and chocolate

Usually come in brownies, chocolate bars, cookies and cakes. These can be hard to dose accurately, and the THC can be spread unevenly (one bite might have a much more concentrated amount compared to another).

Gummies

Cannabis edible gummies look like sweets. They’re easier to dose, as one gummy is typically a single dose.

Oils

Oil drops have a fast onset but typically do not taste pleasant. They’re taken by using a dropper on the tongue.

Tablets

You can get cannabis tablets either over the counter or through a prescription. It’s a slow-release form, most consistent and has no taste to it.

Drinks

Cannabis drinks are usually infused fizzy drinks that can have THC, CBD or both. Cannabis drinks bypass digestion and usually give people a relaxed or calming effect.

THC and CBD in Edible Cannabis Products

The cannabinoids found in edibles are THC and CBD. When you consume these, they provide effects similar to those of smoking or vaping cannabis but the experience is often more intense and lasts longer, whereas with edibles it tends to be a slower reaction that builds.

THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects, producing the high associated with cannabis. CBD is non-psychoactive, which is why it’s used for its potential therapeutic benefits. It can help alleviate chronic pain and symptoms such as anxiety, pain, and inflammation – but it can also cause dry mouth, drowsiness and diarrhoea when taken in large quantities

How Do Cannabis Edibles Work?

When you eat cannabis-infused edibles, they’ll be digested and metabolised by your liver. So, unlike smoking, which goes directly into the bloodstream through the lungs – edibles are processed by the digestive system. This process converts it into a more potent compound, resulting in stronger effects.

This process also takes longer, so the effects of edibles are usually felt within a couple of hours after consumption and can last anywhere from 4 to 12 hours.

Cannabis Edibles Vs Smoking or Vaping Cannabis

With smoking cannabis, the effects are usually felt instantly. It’s easier to control how much you’re consuming, and it wears off within a couple of hours typically. However, it’s harsh on your throat, bad for your lungs, and the peak is quick, which is what can lead to consuming more.

Vaping is healthier than smoking cannabis, and its effects are faster than edibles, but it’s also harsh on the throat and lungs, and it can cause inflammation and tissue damage to your lungs if you vape it regularly.

With cannabis edibles, you don’t have to smoke, and the effects last longer. But it’s hard to dose accurately, easier to overconsume, effects last a much longer time, and it’s a more intense high.

Cannabis Edibles Tolerance and Why You Might Need More Each Time

The more you consume cannabis, the more you might need to feel the same as you did the first few times because your body can get used to the THC.

Adverse Effects & Risks Associated With Cannabis Edibles

Recreational and medical cannabis has somewhat of a reputation for being completely harmless. This isn’t the case, no matter whether you’re smoking cannabis or eating it.

When you consume edibles, there are some unique risks and effects that can happen that don’t tend to occur when smoking cannabis. This includes:

• Delayed onset: It can take a while to feel the effects, which may lead to consuming too much
• Difficult to dose: It can be challenging to find the right dose, especially for beginners. This is why cannabis overdose can happen
• Longer duration: The effects last a lot longer, which can be uncomfortable if you take too much

The Delayed Effects of Cannabis

When you consume an edible it takes longer for the effects to kick in compared to smoking or vaping. This delay can range from 30 minutes to 3 hours. Because of this, some people might consume more because they think it’s not working.

Overconsumption can lead to an overdose, which is not typically fatal (although not impossible) but can be extremely uncomfortable and alarming.

The effects of edibles last much longer than those from smoking or vaping. While the high from smoking may last a couple of hours, the effects of an edible can last anywhere from 6 to 12 hours.

Variable Potency

The potency of cannabis edibles can vary even within the same product batch. This variability makes it difficult to predict the exact effect of a particular dose. Some edibles might contain higher concentrations of THC than others, leading to unpredictable effects.

Digestion Issues

Consuming cannabis edibles can upset the stomach, sometimes causing digestive issues such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea. The high sugar and fat content in many edible products contributes to this.

Impact on Overall Mental Health

There is ongoing research about the long-term effects of cannabis on mental health. Some studies suggest that frequent use of cannabis, including edibles, might contribute to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety disorders, and even psychosis in vulnerable individuals. The risks appear to be higher for those who start using cannabis at a young age and for those with a family history of mental health disorders.

Why Young People Need to Be More Careful With Cannabis Edibles

Our brains are still developing until we’re 25, and cannabis can impact this. It can affect our learning, our memory, and some studies even suggest an impact on IQ and the risk of developing anxiety or depression. If someone already has a risk of psychosis, then cannabis can also heighten it.

What to Do If Someone’s Had too Much

If you’ve only taken cannabis, then having a fatal overdose is exceptionally rare. But it can be very uncomfortable and take hours for it to wear off. You’ll likely feel very sleepy and groggy after.

The most common signs that someone’s had too much are that they’re very anxious and paranoid, experiencing hallucinations, feeling nauseous and sweating. They also might have a fast heartbeat and become unconcious. If that happens, lie them down in the recovery position (unless they’re vomiting), reassure them and call 999 for help. They won’t judge you and are there to help.

Being Cautious with Cannabis Edibles

Cannabis isn’t harmless, and neither is smoking. But there are things you can do to reduce the harm.

Start slow, never drive after eating cannabis edibles, don’t use them alone and make sure you’re with someone you trust. If it’s starting to control you instead of the other way around, it might be worth considering support. People get help all of the time, and it works.

Getting Support for Cannabis Addiction

Cannabis use disorder is increasing in the UK, and 3 in 10 people who use cannabis casually and frequently will go on to develop an addiction.

Signs of cannabis addiction can include using way more than you planned to, finding it hard to cut down even when you try to, spending a lot of your free time using, and craving it when you’re not using. This is because THC affects dopamine and your brain learns to expect it, so without it you might find yourself feeling low.

If you’re worried you might have developed a dependency on cannabis, we can help. Call us on xxx to speak to a member of our team.