Cannabis edibles have long been a staple in the marijuana culture, dating back to the iconic pot brownie. Initially used as a discreet method of consumption, edibles have since evolved into a sophisticated and widely accepted alternative to smoking, particularly in the wake of growing legalization. With more states allowing medical and recreational cannabis use, many consumers—especially those new to cannabis—are exploring non-smoking options for health and lifestyle reasons.
Why Edibles Are Different
Traditional cannabis consumption methods, such as smoking or vaping, deliver cannabinoids like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) through the lungs, producing rapid onset of effects—typically within minutes. However, this method also exposes users to combustion byproducts, including tar and potentially harmful carcinogens (Moir et al., 2008).
Edibles, on the other hand, are ingested and processed through the digestive system. As the body breaks down the edible, cannabinoids are metabolized in the liver. This process converts THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, a more potent and longer-lasting compound (Huestis, 2007). As a result, the experience of consuming edibles differs significantly from inhalation in several key ways:
- Onset Time: Edibles take longer to take effect—typically between 30 and 90 minutes—due to the digestive process.
- Potency: Though edibles have lower bioavailability (the amount of THC that reaches the bloodstream), the liver’s conversion of THC to 11-hydroxy-THC can intensify the psychoactive experience (Grotenhermen, 2003).
- Duration: The effects of edibles can last anywhere from 4 to 12 hours, much longer than inhaled cannabis, which usually wears off within 2 to 3 hours.
- Experience: Many users report a more intense, sometimes disorienting high with edibles, especially at higher doses.
Metabolism, body weight, diet, and even the fat content of the edible can influence the strength and duration of the high. For example, THC is fat-soluble, meaning that edibles made with oils or butters (commonly referred to as “cannabutter”) can lead to stronger effects (Zgair et al., 2016).
Potential Side Effects of Cannabis Edibles
While cannabis edibles are generally safe when used responsibly, they come with their own set of risks—primarily due to their delayed onset and longer duration. Common side effects include:
- Dry mouth and eyes
- Altered visual and time perception
- Impaired short-term memory
- Drowsiness or sedation
Unlike smoking, where effects can be felt quickly and dosages can be adjusted in real-time, the delay in feeling the effects of edibles often leads users to consume more than intended. This increases the risk of overconsumption.
Between 2005 and 2011, states that decriminalized marijuana saw a 30% increase in marijuana-related calls to poison control centers—many of them due to accidental or excessive ingestion of edibles (Wang et al., 2014). Overconsumption can lead to acute symptoms such as:
- Severe anxiety and panic attacks
- Paranoia and hallucinations
- Nausea and vomiting
- Psychomotor impairment
This type of adverse reaction is often referred to as “greening out.” Although it’s not life-threatening and typically resolves within a few hours, it can be deeply unpleasant and disorienting.
Staying Safe with Edibles
To minimize the risk of adverse effects, consider the following tips:
- Start Low, Go Slow: Begin with a low dose—commonly 2.5 to 5 mg of THC—and wait at least two hours before considering more.
- Know What You’re Eating: Only purchase edibles from licensed dispensaries that clearly label THC content.
- Avoid Mixing with Alcohol: Combining cannabis with alcohol can amplify impairing effects.
- Keep Away from Children and Pets: Edibles often resemble candy or baked goods and can easily be mistaken for regular snacks.
Final Thoughts
Cannabis edibles can be an enjoyable, smoke-free way to experience the effects of marijuana—whether for medical or recreational purposes. Their long-lasting effects and discrete nature make them attractive to a wide audience. However, their potency and delayed onset require careful and informed use. By understanding the differences between ingestion and inhalation, and by consuming edibles responsibly, users can avoid unpleasant experiences and maximize the benefits of cannabis.
New Dimensions Can Help
Cannabis can cause side effects such as impaired cognitive functions with memory, attention span, and decision making. Additional side effects include altered senses, anxiety, panic, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and nausea and vomiting. If you find you are having side effects from cannabis edibles or find yourself compulsively seeking the drug despite these negative side effects, New Dimensions can help! Give us a call on 800-685-9796 or visit our website at www.nddtreatment.com to set up a free assessment today.
References
- Grotenhermen, F. (2003). Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of cannabinoids. Clinical Pharmacokinetics, 42(4), 327–360. https://doi.org/10.2165/00003088-200342040-00003
- Huestis, M. A. (2007). Human Cannabinoid Pharmacokinetics. Chemistry & Biodiversity, 4(8), 1770–1804. https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.200790152
- Moir, D., Rickert, W. S., Levasseur, G., Larose, Y., Maertens, R., White, P., & Desjardins, S. (2008). A comparison of mainstream and sidestream marijuana and tobacco cigarette smoke produced under two machine smoking conditions. Chemical Research in Toxicology, 21(2), 494–502. https://doi.org/10.1021/tx700275p
- Wang, G. S., Roosevelt, G., & Heard, K. (2014). Pediatric marijuana exposures in a medical marijuana state. JAMA Pediatrics, 168(7), 630–633. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2013.140
- Zgair, A., Wong, J. C., Lee, J. B., Mistry, J., Sivak, O., Wasan, K. M., & Knaus, E. E. (2016). Dietary fats and pharmaceutical lipid excipients increase systemic exposure to orally administered cannabis and cannabis-based medicines. American Journal of Translational Research, 8(8), 3448–3459. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4996881/