Cannabis, also known as marijuana or weed, refers to the dried flowers, seeds, stems, and leaves of the Cannabis sativa L plant species.
It is a widely used substance that millions of people use for pleasure or to treat chronic health conditions. The most common methods of consuming cannabis edibles are smoking, vaping, and eating.
But some people wonder if consuming products with cannabis in them is safe and if the effects are the same as when you smoke or vape. This article talks about how safe it is to use cannabis products and how they can be good or bad for your health.
Is it Edible?
The short answer is yes; consuming cannabis is possible. Foods and beverages infused with cannabis were consumed as far back as 1000 B.C.
Ancient China and India used cannabis as medicine, and it was introduced to Western medicine in the early 19th century. From chronic pain to digestive disorders, ingestible applications, such as tinctures, were prescribed for treatment.
Like alcohol, weed edibles were used to relieve stress and induce euphoria. In the 1960s, edible cannabis products became famous for recreational use in Canada, and today, a wide variety of edibles are available both legally and illegally, depending on state laws.
Edible weed products such as gummies, candies, chocolates, capsules, teas, and oils are sold in legal and illegal cannabis markets. Cannabis enthusiasts also create edibles by infusing butter or oil with cannabis and incorporating them into baked goods and other recipes.
Benefits Related to Weed Edibles
Cannabis possesses numerous potential medicinal benefits and has been used to treat various diseases. Today, edible cannabis products among patients are on the rise, and polls consistently indicate that most healthcare professionals believe cannabis should be a medical option for patients. Typically, edible cannabis products are employed to treat the following conditions:
- chronic pain
- cancer-related symptoms
- anxiety
Worldwide, it is legal to prescribe cannabis-based medications for medical purposes. THC is one of over one hundred unique cannabinoids found in cannabis.
The psychoactive effects of cannabis products, including edibles, are caused by THC, which can induce feelings of euphoria and relaxation. It is believed that THC is the primary compound responsible for the pain-relieving properties of cannabis.
Other cannabinoid compounds, such as CBD, are non-intoxicating and have demonstrated anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory properties.
Cancer patients frequently use edible cannabis products, such as oils, tinctures, pills, and gummies, to treat appetite loss, pain, and weight loss.
In addition, these products may reduce pain and muscle spasms, alleviate nausea and vomiting, improve the quality of sleep, and alleviate anxiety.
The psychoactive effects of cannabis products, including edibles, are caused by THC, which can induce feelings of euphoria and relaxation. THC is believed to be the primary compound responsible for cannabis’ pain-relieving properties.
Consequences and Disadvantages of Using Marijuana
Although cannabis-infused edibles may benefit various conditions, they may also have adverse effects. It can be tough to determine an appropriate dosage when consuming edible cannabis products. THC concentration varies widely based on variables such as the location of production and the quality of the cannabis used.
In addition, unlike smoked cannabis, edible cannabis products have a lengthy latency period, meaning that it can take a while — sometimes hours for effect to manifest.
When cannabis is smoked, THC quickly reaches the brain and exerts its effect. The effects peak between 20 and 30 minutes after smoking and diminish within three hours.
The psychoactive effects of edibles typically take between 30 and 90 minutes to manifest. The effects last much longer and usually reach their peak between 2 and 4 hours after ingestion, depending on dosage, body weight, metabolism, gender, and other variables. The highly variable THC concentration and long latency period of edible cannabis products make accidental overconsumption very easy, resulting in undesirable side effects such as paranoia and impaired motor function.
Hence the adage “start low and go slow” when consuming edibles, especially for new users, means to begin with a small dose and wait several hours before taking more. In addition, there have been rare instances of cannabis-induced psychosis, a transient condition typically caused by excessive consumption of edible cannabis products and characterized by symptoms such as paranoid delusions, extreme sedation, hallucinations, and confusion. Additionally, edible cannabis products may cause dry mouth, drowsiness, and changes in visual perception.
Alcohol and certain medications, such as blood thinners and antidepressants, can also interact with cannabis-infused edibles. Therefore, you should avoid consuming foods containing these substances.
Another concern is that edible cannabis products frequently resemble conventional candies, cookies, and other baked goods, posing a danger to children, pets, and other adults.
The Bottom Line
Cannabis-infused edibles may provide various benefits, including reducing chronic illness and anxiety symptoms.
However, these products may cause side effects, interact with common medications, and take a while to become effective. It may be legal to use medicinal or recreational products, depending on your location.
However, it is essential to only purchase from licenced, reputable dispensaries that sell products that have been tested for purity and potency.
