The Science behind Edibles
For those who are new to the world of cannabis, edibles are a form of cannabis consumption that involves ingesting marijuana-infused food or drinks. Unlike smoking, the effects of edibles take longer to kick in, usually between 30 minutes to two hours, but can last much longer, up to 12 hours.
The reason for the delay is because THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana, is metabolized differently when ingested compared to when it is smoked. When inhaled, THC travels directly to the lungs and enters the bloodstream quickly, leading to a rapid onset of effects. However, when ingested, THC is absorbed by the liver and converted into a more potent form, which takes longer to have an effect.
The Importance of Dosing
One of the most important things to keep in mind when consuming edibles is proper dosing. Because the effects take longer to kick in, it can be easy to consume too much, leading to an uncomfortable, overwhelming experience known as a “green-out” or “weed coma.”
Therefore, it’s essential to start with a low dose and wait for the effects to kick in before consuming more. The recommended starting dose is usually between 5-10 mg of THC, depending on personal tolerance and experience.
Decarboxylation
Another important aspect of making edibles is decarboxylation. THC and CBD, the two main compounds in cannabis, are present in the plant in their acidic forms, THCA and CBDA, respectively. These acids are not psychoactive and must be converted into their active forms through a process known as decarboxylation.
Decarboxylation involves heating the cannabis at a low temperature for a prolonged period to activate the compounds. This process is crucial when making edibles because it ensures that the THC and CBD are in their active forms and can produce the desired effects.
Types of Edibles
Baked Goods
One of the most popular forms of edibles is baked goods, such as brownies, cookies, and cakes. These are typically made by infusing butter or oil with cannabis and using it as a replacement for regular butter or oil in the recipe.
When making baked goods, it’s essential to keep in mind the dosing and decarboxylation processes mentioned earlier. It’s also crucial to properly mix the cannabis-infused butter or oil to ensure that the THC is evenly distributed throughout the baked goods.
Beverages
Another form of edibles is cannabis-infused beverages, such as tea, coffee, and soda. These are typically made using tinctures, which are concentrated cannabis extracts that can be added to beverages.
When making cannabis-infused beverages, it’s important to properly dose the tincture and mix it thoroughly to ensure that the THC is evenly distributed throughout the drink.
Gummies
Gummies are a popular form of edibles that come in a wide variety of flavors and shapes. These are typically made using cannabis-infused syrup, which is then poured into molds and left to cool and set.
When making gummies, it’s important to properly dose the cannabis-infused syrup and mix it thoroughly to ensure that the THC is evenly distributed throughout the gummies.
Conclusion
Edibles can be a great way to experience the benefits of cannabis without the harmful effects of smoking. However, it’s important to keep in mind the proper dosing and decarboxylation processes when making edibles to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Remember to start with a low dose and wait for the effects to kick in before consuming more. And always remember to mix the cannabis-infused ingredients thoroughly to ensure that the THC is evenly distributed throughout the edibles.
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the benefits of edibles while avoiding the unpleasant effects of consuming too much.
