What Are Marijuana Edibles?

Cannabis edibles are foods and beverages infused with active cannabis extracts. THC and CBD edibles are a smoke-free and vape-free alternative to consuming dried cannabis flowers. Edibles contain a higher concentration of cannabinoids (the active THC and CBD) than dried flowers and it can take longer to feel its effects, but the effects last longer (up to several hours) than smoking or vaping dried cannabis.

How Do Marijuana Edibles Work?

The active cannabinoids (THC and CBD) are absorbed into the body through the digestive tract. The THC and CBD then enter the bloodstream where they travel to the liver to be metabolized and then released back into the bloodstream. Then, the THC and CBD molecules enter the brain and the rest of the central nervous system, potentially producing an effect.

How Do Edibles Differ From Other Cannabis Products?

The main difference between cannabis edibles and other kinds of weed products is how the body processes the active cannabis ingredients (THC and CBD). Cannabis users have reported that edibles are capable of producing the same effects as those produced when cannabis is smoked or vaped. When cannabis is inhaled, its THC and/or CBD are absorbed through the lungs into the bloodstream and quickly travels to the brain, producing almost immediate effects, sometimes as quickly as within minutes. However, when edibles are consumed, the effects will likely be delayed anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours — some have reported that it can take up to four hours to feel the full effects.

As with consuming any form of weed, the intensity and duration of its effects depend on several factors such as your weight and sex, how much food you’ve eaten that day and how quickly your metabolism works.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Consuming Edibles?

Because the onset of effects can be delayed, there is the potential for overconsumption when ingesting edibles. To minimize the risk of consuming too much, start with a very small amount (2.5 mg of THC or less), especially if you are trying a new product, and wait at least two hours to see how it affects your body.

The effects may also be stronger and last longer when weed is consumed (12 hours or more) rather than inhaled (six hours or longer). However, edibles are a smoke-free alternative to inhaling dried marijuana, which can come with potential risks to lung health.

How to Buy Edibles Online in Canada

First, be sure to read the label or description of the cannabis-infused edible. If you’re just starting out, look for products that have a low potency; you won’t need to ingest as much to feel the effects of the weed and it’ll reduce the likelihood of overconsumption.

Examples of edible treats that we carry with a low THC potency include:

• Our Vegan Chewy Double Chocolate Cookies come in a pack of two cookies, each containing 30 mg of THC or 60 mg for the whole package.
• Our variety of Gummy Candy Bags each contain three gummies, each gummy contains 40 mg of THC or 120 mg for the whole package.

Examples of CBD edibles include:

• Our Gummy Candy Bags CBD comes in a pack of nine gummies, each with 40mg of CBD or 360mg for the whole bag.
• Our CBD-Infused Tea contains 10 bags with 7mg of hemp CBD in each tea bag.

So, it may be best to start with a small chunk of a cookie or gummy candy.

CBD vs. THC

Cannabidiol (CBD) is the most common cannabinoid in marijuana, and although it can affect both the mind and body, it has little to no intoxicating effect. It’s found in the trichomes, small crystal hair-like structures on the leaves and buds, on the flowers of many weed strains, including hemp. It may aid in the reduction of the effects of anxiety and physical pain, without intoxicating the mind.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the one principally responsible for the psychoactive and intoxicating effects of weed consumption, of the more than 100 cannabinoids in the weed plant. THC is intoxicating and can produce a variety of intended effects, but consuming too much or choosing a product with a high potency potential can produce harmful or negative side effects, so considering the amounts of THC is crucial.

Sativa vs. Indica

Cannabis Sativa is the original strain of weed. Users have reported experiencing an energizing high (a high that gives your body energy without clouding your mind as much). Cannabis Indica is a substrain of Cannabis Sativa with users reporting relaxing high (a high that usually renders you couch-locked and cozy). You can also buy hybrids, which are a customized combination of Sativa and Indica strains.