Edibles offer a unique experience and have broader appeal for those interested in cannabis but uninterested in filling their lungs with vapor or smoke to experience the sensations.
But whether you’re an experienced partaker or a newbie testing the waters, it’s important to understand some basic tips to have the safest and best experience.
1. Pick the Right Dosage
Next time you’re at a Tacoma dispensary, you may be tempted to buy those 200mg THC chocolate bananas because you love bananas “this much”.
But this may be way too much THC for some people, and that’s at least 10 servings. While a dispensary’s selection is intended to entice the eyes and make your mouth water, remember this is a potentially intoxicating substance.
Washington law limits THC to 10mg per serving for recreational use.
If you’re new to edibles, then the common recommendation is to start at 5-10 mg and wait to see how you feel. That leads us to our next tip.
2. Recognize the Delay
Edibles don’t hit you as fast as consuming through the lungs, so you may not feel anything for an hour or more. Don’t be tempted to consume multiple servings at once or eat another cookie 10 minutes later.
If you don’t start to feel something after about an hour, you can safely take another small (5mg) dose. Edibles work by delivering a delayed but more sustained experience that can last 2-3 hours or more.
3. Ask the Budtender Questions
Don’t be afraid to ask the budtender questions. And really, “There are no stupid questions.” They hear it is all and are here to help you find what you’re looking for.
4. Find a Comfy Seat
You already know that you shouldn’t be driving, but ideally, if you aren’t a regular edibles consumer, you should find a comfy place to have your experience. Have some water and some snacks, so you don’t feel tempted to make a midnight taco run.
You don’t want to be at work, the gym, or out in public. A friend’s house or small party is fine if you’re around people you trust unless you’re an old pro, then you know how you’ll react and have at it as long as you follow the law.
5. Know What It Feels Like to Take Too Much
The vast majority of edible experiences will be enjoyable. But like anything, you can take too much, especially if you’re not yet accustomed to how your body reacts to what dose, so it’s important to know signs of THC overdose:
- Extreme lethargy to the point you feel like you can’t move
- Increased heart rate
- Dry mouth
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
This can be a scary experience, but this isn’t like a heroin overdose or alcohol poisoning. It will pass.
Try sitting back and meditating for a few minutes. Drink some water. Eat some of your snacks. Sleep it off. Studies have shown the smell of black peppercorns can ease these symptoms.
If you’re alone, call a friend to come sit with you, so you have support. According to Healthline, THC overdose is only an emergency if you feel you’re a danger to yourself. That’s why your friend is here.
6. Choose the Right Experience
We could get into the variations between different terpenes and flavonoids, but the main plant substances to be aware of are Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
THC edibles cause highness. People use CBD edibles for pain and anxiety reduction. If your goal is to relax, then CBD may be the better option for you.
7. Buy or Bake: You Decide
THC edibles are very affordable, maybe two to three times the same type of snack without it. But many prefer to make edibles at home versus all the tasty culinary treats. You could have certain food allergies, intolerances, or sensitivities. Or maybe you already love to cook.
You can purchase a THC or CBD isolate powder or tincture. Then do the math to add the correct amount, be sure to mix thoroughly and portion consistently to avoid getting a mega dose in one cookie. You’re ready to make your masterpiece.
8. Know the Rules About Public Consumption
Some states and cities will have laws regarding public consumption of edibles. This includes sitting in your car in a public place, so be sure to check out the laws in your area.
9. Remember How You Feel and Experiment
Note how different types of edibles make you feel, the dosage and how long they took to take effect, and how long the effects last. You could even get scientific and keep a journal if you’re into that. This will allow you to adjust your experience.
Remember to keep edibles out of reach of children or those who may not know what they are. Then enjoy away. If you follow the tips here, you can expect a smooth experience.
