Everything You Need to Know About THC Edibles and Drinks
THC edibles and drinks have grown in popularity exponentially over the years. Their easy ingestion, convenient packaging, and discrete nature are just some of the reasons why cannabis lovers are opting to add them to their favorite ways to partake.
Yet, the wide variety of choices you’ll find at your dispensary may be overwhelming if you’re not sure what you’re looking for. Do edibles offer the same effects as smoking cannabis? Will guzzling down a THC drink give you the buzz you want? Do edibles and marijuana drinks taste like weed? Read on to get all the information you need to hone in on what edibles and drinks you’d like to try. And remember, if you still have questions, don’t be shy to ask your local friendly budtender.
What are cannabis edibles & drinks?
Cannabis edibles and drinks are ingestible products that include cannabinoids like THC, the intoxicating chemical that gets you high, and others like CBD, CBN, and THCV, which provide medicinal benefits. They come in many different forms, like cakes, gummies, teas, and even beer. One of the reasons they are so popular is because of the variety of ways we ingest them. No matter your flavor preference, there’s a cannabis edible or drink for you. Plus, many ingestible products don’t even taste like weed at all.
For novice cannabis users, edibles are an easy way to get high. There’s no need for gear like vape pens, bongs, dab rigs, pipes, or anything else. Simply ingest and be on your way. For people looking for the medicinal benefits of cannabis, edibles and drinks are a convenient option. They offer long-lasting effects, especially for pain management. Plus ingesting edibles sidesteps the negative effects of inhaling smoke. And for more experienced cannabis users, the wide selection of edibles and drinks is a new avenue to experiment. It’s easy to see why edibles and THC drinks continue growing in popularity every year.
What’s the difference between ingesting and smoking cannabis?
Ingesting edibles and smoking cannabis affects you in different ways because of the way your body absorbs them. When you smoke or vape cannabis, you inhale THC into your lungs, which transfers to your bloodstream and quickly makes its way to your brain. Within seconds or minutes of inhaling, you should start to feel the effects. You’ll reach your highest peak around the 30-minute mark. Keep in mind that your body chemistry, state of mind, and even social situation influence your personal experience. Expect the effects to last around 6 hours, and completely wear off in about a day.
When you ingest THC through eating or drinking, the effects take longer to kick. The cannabinoid in edibles must go through your stomach and liver. Although the wait is longer (anywhere between 30 minutes to 2 hours) you can expect a more intense and long-lasting high. You can look forward to reaching your peak after 4 hours, and enjoy for up to 12 hours. Because edibles can take a while to kick in, be patient and stick to the recommended dosage. Don’t fall into the temptations of eating or drinking more which can cause over-intoxication.
How edibles are made
Because cannabis is lipid soluble (it binds to fat), it is most often combined with butter or oil to create an infusion. This cannabis-infused fat is then used in baked goods, broths, drinks, and more. Besides fat, cannabis can mix with alcohol to make drinks, and of course, transformed into the ever-popular gummies.
Types of edibles
The wide variety of edibles you’ll find at your local dispensary illustrates the impressive range of ways that you can introduce cannabis into your diet. From sweets like cookies and brownies to practical everyday goods like salad dressings, there’s no shortage of options. Some edibles enhance the taste of weed while others almost eliminate it all together for the full effects without the skunky aftertaste.
Types of drinks
If you’re interested in starting your day with a feel-good buzz, you may want to explore cannabis coffees and teas. If you want to quench your thirst on the go, a cold kombucha or infused water may be best. And finally, for something new at your next get-together, consider trying a beer that boasts a THC kick.
THC edibles and drinks for every taste
Today’s huge selection of THC edibles and drinks offers something for every occasion. They are ideal for recreational and medicinal users. Explore some of the most common edibles and drinks you’ll find at your local dispensary.
Baked Goods
You’re probably already familiar with marijuana brownies, but cannabis baked goods go much further than that. Dive into cookies, brownies, and even pancakes if you want a breakfast boost.
Gummies
This edible is one of the most popular and available across dispensaries. They are easy to consume and discreetly take with you wherever you go. They come in a wide variety of flavors and brands, so don’t be shy to compare and find your favorites.
Chocolates
If you’re not a fan of the taste of weed, chocolate may be a good choice for you. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t forget to limit your consumption to the recommended dose! Chocolate’s delicious flavor is great at masking the skunky taste that’s not everybody’s cup of tea.
Infused Drinks
Speaking of tea, you can enjoy cannabis-infused teas, coffees, juice, sodas, beers, cocktails, and more. Note that THC beverages are faster-acting than edibles because they go through your system quickly. If you’re impatient to feel the buzz, a cannabis drink could be right for you. Besides ready-made drinks, you can get your hands on water-soluble cannabinoid powders to mix in your favorite beverage.
What to expect from THC edibles & drinks
Depending on what you’re looking for, you can get THC edibles and drinks to meet your preferred dosage and expected experience. Although we can provide general guidelines, the wait time for your buzz to kick in and the duration of the high is entirely your own.
Although you can get your dose of THC by ingesting or inhaling it, the dosage, effects, and length of high varies.
What’s the recommended dosage?
For newbies trying cannabis edibles and drinks for the first time, we recommend starting small and slow. Since feeling the effects can take longer compared to smoking or vaping marijuana, be patient rather than consuming more. The potency of edibles ranges from 2.5 milligrams of THC to up to 50 milligrams, so pay close attention. Start with 2.5 milligrams and see what your tolerance is like.
How long does it take to kick in?
Since edibles must go through your digestive system, they can take from 30 minutes to two hours to start reaching your brain. After four hours, you should be at the peak of your high. But, the effects of edibles are worth the wait! They can provide a more intense and long-lasting high than smoking or vaping cannabis.
How long does the high last?
One great aspect of edibles is their long-lasting effects, which can last up to 12 hours for some people. This is one of the reasons why edibles are a preferred choice for people looking for effects such as pain relief or sleep treatment.
Whatever edible or drink you choose, keep track of your preferences to discover the best one for you.
Edibles and cannabis compared to smoking or vaping
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Now that you know a little more about THC edibles and drinks, what they are, the endless varieties, you can feel more confident next time you walk into your local dispensary. There are no right or wrong questions, only curiosity, and willingness to learn. Enjoy the trip!