Today, we have access to many different types of edibles. Cannabis has been dominating the mainstream spotlight with its vast array of therapeutic effects and medical potential, and with it has come the birth of a variety of several different edible cannabis products.
Today we have access to a vast variety of edibles that come in many different types of forms including solids, beverages, capsules, tinctures and distillates.
However, before using and enjoying these products you need to understand which type might be the best for you to get the benefits and effects you are looking for.
Smoking Vs Edibles
Cannabis and its effects can vary greatly depending on the method of consumption. When you smoke cannabis, the smoke gets inhaled directly into your lungs where hundreds of millions of tiny air sacs called alveoli absorb the cannabinoids. The alveoli in your lungs cover a huge amount of surface area, allowing it to absorb the cannabinoids from the smoke and direct them to your bloodstream almost instantaneously. This is why smoked cannabis can be felt just seconds after the first puff.
When cannabis is eaten, it takes a different route to your bloodstream. As far as digestion goes, everything you eat must pass through your digestive tract, and cannabis is no exception.
Cannabis that’s ingested experiences something called the First Pass Effect, a phenomenon where the bioavailability of a drug gets reduced before it enters your blood circulation.
While this may seem like a disadvantage, once the cannabis reaches the liver, the THC gets processed into 11-OH-THC, which can be up to 300% more potent than your standard THC. From here, the 11-OH-THC enters the bloodstream and crosses the blood-brain barrier where it produces its psychoactive effects.
Due to the cannabis having to pass through the digestive tract, it can take anywhere between 30-120 minutes before the onset of its effects.
The Benefits of Different Types of Edibles
Edibles provide consumers and medical patients an alternative to smoking cannabis. That said, edibles have been favorites of many people due to their discretion, variety of products, and potent effects. When it comes to selection, edibles cannabis comes in many forms, whether it be tinctures, baked goods, gummies, or even beverages.
In fact, the sheer volume of different types of products can be a continuous journey with cannabis edibles. Infuse it in your food, make your own baked goods, or simply purchase them ready-to-go – that’s why it’s important to sample different types of edibles to find one that fits your use and your lifestyle.
Edibles also come with a variety of medical benefits. Cannabis chocolates and candies are great options for combating chronic pain and depression. While capsules are great options to dose yourself discretely and accurately, a tincture is an ideal product for both oral and applied treatments.
In terms of discretion, any form of cannabis edibles removes the possibility of smelling like cannabis or filling the area with cannabis smoke. This means edible cannabis can be consumed almost anywhere with little to no attention being drawn to the user.
Last but not least, the most beneficial aspect of cannabis edibles is their sheer potency. Edibles are able to hit a mark that regularly smoked cannabis simply cannot, this is due to THC’s transformation to 11-OH-THC in the liver, making edibles perfect for those who require stronger levels of medication.
The Downsides of Edibles
Of course, with all of their benefits, edibles do have their downsides. One of the most pressing drawbacks with cannabis edibles is that they can have a very long delay before any of its effects can be felt. The delay is usually 30-120 minutes depending on the type of edible consumed.
Not only that, but dosages can vary greatly as well if the edibles are made at home. This can be difficult for those who require specific dosages for medication as it is nearly impossible to accurately calculate the dosage without proper lab testing.
That said, the variability in dosage can lead to things like green-outs or weed hangovers if consumed in excess. The silver lining is that this issue can easily be mitigated by purchasing your products from a reputable dispensary.
The Different Types of Edibles
Chocolates & Candies
For most people, this is what cannabis edibles represent. They’re the same snacks we all enjoy, only with the addition of some THC for a nice little kick. Solid edibles offer a great starting point for many and can be used to effectively treat those suffering from pain and depression.
That said, these types of edibles are a great option for casual consumers and medical patients alike. Additionally, newer healthier cannabis-infused treats and entire dining experiences are now potential options worth trying.
Pros
- Several different tasty options
- Easy to eat
- Good shelf life
- Discreet
- Highly potent
- Long lasting effects (approximately 8 hours)
Cons
- Certain products can taste of cannabis
- If made at home, dosage may vary wildly
- Certain premade option may contain additives like sugar
- Can take some time to activate (30 minutes to 2 hours)
Tinctures
A classic form of cannabis edibles that is gaining more and more traction each day for its ease of use, portability, and discretion.
Cannabis tinctures are a mixture of cannabis extracts and an alcoholic solution. The alcohol is used as a solvent to filter and separate the terpenes and cannabinoids from the cannabis plant, which is then further refined into a tincture.
These types of edibles are a great option for those who value versatility over everything else. Tinctures can be consumed orally either by ingestion or sublingually, by placing a few drops under the tongue.
Even further, tinctures come with a dropper to gauge dosage and have great shelf lives, being able to outlast a majority of other edible products.
Finally, a huge upside to tinctures is their fast-acting effects. When taken under the tongue, users can feel the effects in as little as 15 to 30 minutes!
Pros
- Easy to take and calculate dosage
- Excellent shelf life
- Discreet
- Portable
- Fast acting effects (15 to 30 minutes before onset)
- Low caloric content
Cons
- Certain products can taste of cannabis or alcohol
- Can be pricey
Capsules
The perfect option for those who are constantly on the go or have an active lifestyle. Cannabis capsules give people an option to consume their cannabis in a quick and flavorless way, especially good for those who are intolerant to the taste of cannabis.
Cannabis capsules are commonly cannabis extracts enclosed in a gel capsule and are quick, efficient, and highly portable.
Pros
- Easy to take and calculate dosage
- Good shelf life
- Discreet
- Highly portable
- Low caloric content
- Flavorless
Cons
- Significant delay before onset of effects (30-120 minutes)
Cannabis distillates
Cannabis distillates are some of purest cannabis extracts around, sometimes carrying a THC content of up to 95%. These types of edibles cab be used in dabbing or oral application and are highly versatile. In addition to this, distillates are already decarboxylated and flavorless, meaning they can be added to any recipe without any extra processing or unpleasant taste.
Pros
- Easy to take and calculate dosage (If taken directly)
- Good shelf life
- Discreet
- Flavorless
Cons
- Expensive
- Doses may be hard to track when used in cooking
Types of Edibles – Final Thoughts
No matter what type of edible you choose to purchase, it’s always important to be aware of the dosages and how much you are consuming.
Cannabis distillates are some of the most potent cannabis products that carry a THC content of up to 95% and are highly versatile. Solids, in their turn, are carrying small amounts of THC and are great for those suffering from pain and depression. And for those looking for options to consume their cannabis in a quick way, capsules and tinctures could be a great choice.
To ensure that you’re getting the correct dosage, it is highly advised to ensure you are getting quality products from a trusted dispensary.
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