What Are Edibles? A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re new to the world of cannabis, edibles can seem a bit daunting. What are edibles? How do you make them? And how do you know how much to eat?

There are a million questions out there when it comes to safely cooking with weed or even safely consuming weed. Your body is going to digest the THC in a much different way than it would if you smoke it, so edibles shouldn’t be looked at the same as other means of cannabis consumption.

Never fear, we’re here to help. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll answer all your questions about edibles, from what they are to how to make them at home. By the end, you’ll be an expert on edibles.

What Are Edibles and How Do They Differ From Other Cannabis Products?

Edibles are a unique form of cannabis construction. An edible is a food item that has been infused with cannabis, enabling people to consume cannabis in a more discreet and tasty manner than other traditional forms of consumption.

Edibles differ from other forms of cannabis consumption as edibles must be processed through the digestive system before the effects can take place. This process can take up to two hours before providing the user with their desired effect, and edibles also retain their effects for much longer than other products.

For a full look at the different ways cannabis ingestion gets you high, read: Does Cooking With Weed Get You More High?

Edible products come in a variety of shapes, forms, and flavors, giving users the ability to customize their experience.

How Do You Make Edibles, and What Are Some Popular Recipes?

Making edibles at home can be both a fun and delicious way to relax or unwind. For those never having ventured into edibles before, the process may seem intimidating – however, it doesn’t have to be! With the right information, edibles can become an enjoyable adventure. To make edibles, ingredients have to first be decarboxylated – where the THC is activated for the psychoactive effects. This step must always be done before baking edibles.

We have a full guide on the decarb process here: How and Why To Decarboxylate Weed – Weed Decarboxylation

People then typically bake edibles using cannabis-infused butter or oil, favorite recipes often include brownies and cookies but there are also tons of other recipes available such as cakes, fudge, yogurt, and more.

If you’re looking for a specific recipe you can find our full list of edible recipes here.

After preparing edibles, they should always be stored in an opaque container kept in a cool dry place away from children and pets.

How Long Do Edibles Take to Kick in, and How Long Do Their Effects Last?

If you’re trying edibles for the first time, you might be wondering how long it takes for edibles to kick in and how long their effects will last. The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including the person’s body size and tolerance, the type of edible being consumed, and even the strain of cannabis being consumed.

Generally speaking, edibles take between 1-2 hours to kick in.

It is important to note that edibles can stay in your system much longer than other forms of cannabis consumption like smoking, meaning edibles can remain active in your body for up to 12 hours depending on the dosage amount. Remember: everyone’s bodies are unique so when taking edibles, start low and go slow; what works for someone else may not work for you!

For the full scientific breakdown of how weed ingestion is different than inhalation, read: Does Eating Weed Get You More High?

What Are Some Common Side Effects of Consuming Edibles, and How Can You Avoid Them?

While edibles take much longer to kick in and the effects last much longer than other forms of consumption, it’s worth taking note of these side effects so you can know what to expect and how best to avoid them. Some of the most common edibles side-effects include an unpleasant taste, which can be avoided by opting for edibles with flavors you already enjoy, such as chocolate or gummies.

Additionally, edibles may produce bad headaches or dizziness if taken too quickly or in large quantities – this is why it’s important to start low and slow when consuming edibles – take small doses and wait for the effects before deciding whether or not to consume more edibles.

Finally, edibles can cause stomach upset in some people due to the sugar content – again drinking plenty of water helps mitigate this effect.

If you want more safety tips on cooking with weed, check out: Get the Perfect High Every Time With These Tips for Safe Cannabis Cooking

Are There Any Risks Associated With Consuming Edibles, and What Should You Be Aware of Before Trying Them Yourself?

Though edibles offer a unique opportunity to introduce cannabis into your system, they can also pose certain challenges. For instance, edibles can take up to two hours to kick in, requiring patience from users who must be careful not to overeat in the meantime. Users may also experience stronger effects than expected due to edibles’ ability to bypass the lungs and enter directly into the bloodstream and brain.

Before trying edibles for yourself, it is essential that you understand how your body may respond and adjust your dosage accordingly.

Final Thoughts: What Are Edibles?

By understanding what edibles are, how to make them and the risks associated with consuming them, you can be a responsible weed consumer. Remember to always start small when trying a new edible and give it time to kick in before consuming more. For more information on cooking with cannabis check out our ultimate guide on cooking with weed.