With the legalization of cannabis use in most parts of the world, various ways of consuming it have evolved. However, the most common way of consuming it is by smoking cannabis.
We all know that smoking anything poses some risks to the lungs. Therefore, they find another way of consuming cannabis, and that is through eating edibles. Because of this, the marijuana edibles market has become a boom and continues to grow.
In light of this boom, it’s essential that cannabis connoisseurs understand the pros and cons before they consume edibles and whether edibles are safe or not? Let’s get to know all this stuff below!
What Are Edibles
Before we go in-depth with the side effects of edibles and possible benefits, let’s know first what edibles are.
According to Healthcanal, marijuana edibles are food products that have been infused with Cannabis sativa. They are ingested and pass through the digestive system to produce an effect. Many edibles could be in the form of baked goods, like cookies, cakes, teas, chocolate, and drinks.
Edibles are considered the safest consumption method for ingested cannabis compared to smoking marijuana. They can be homemade or prepared commercially, and when made at home, the THC is usually extracted into oil and butter, which can be used in cooking.
Note that eating raw cannabis or using inhaled cannabis, such as vaping oil, smoking a blunt of marijuana, and consuming edibles are not the same.
While edibles refer to food or beverages that contain marijuana, eating raw cannabis does not have the same effect as consumed edibles. It’s because cannabis needs to be exposed to heat to activate the cannabinoids, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
You can see the effects of marijuana edibles on your body below: Like any other drugs, marijuana edibles have adverse effects too.
How Edibles Affect Your Health
Before edibles give effects, they must be metabolized first in the body. They are introduced first through the Gastrointestinal tract, and from there, the THC content of the edibles is absorbed into the bloodstream and travels to the liver, where it undergoes first-pass metabolism. This is the reason why edibles don’t take effect right away.
If you are a newbie, you might be wondering, how long does it take for edibles to kick in? In general, it can take from 30 to 60 minutes or several hours to the peak effect. After this, you will get to experience the good and bad effects of marijuana.
The effects of marijuana edibles on your health are described as follows:
Positive Side Of Using Edibles
It has been reported in many recent medical articles that marijuana has been used as a treatment option for different mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and panic attacks because the THC-consumed can deliver feelings of relaxation and euphoria.
It may also work as a pain reliever because of its anti-inflammatory effects, making it a suitable treatment option for chronic pain. In fact, this article reveals several pieces of information on the use of cannabis in the treatment of chronic pain. In addition, doctors also recommend medical cannabis for the treatment of muscle spasms.
Though edible cannabis products are used to treat other ailments, such as digestive and neurological disorders, the full therapeutic potential of this activity is still unknown.
Edibles Downsides
Though edibles are a discreet and tasty way to consume cannabis, they are not without risk. The main issue with edible cannabis products is it can be tricky to determine the appropriate dosage. If you accidentally overindulge, it can lead to marijuana intoxication, and you may experience these side effects, such as:
- Psychotic episodes
- Uncontrollable vomiting
- Higher risk of heart attack
- Confusion
- Agitation
- Paranoia
- Drowsiness
Another concern is that marijuana cookies often resemble regular cookies and other baked goods, posing risks for children and pets. So, make sure that the edibles come with child-resistant packaging so that young age people won’t access them.
So, Are Edibles Bad For You?
While consuming edibles may seem harmless or a safer way of ingesting cannabis than smoking it, it could also bring more serious side effects than you may realize. Marijuana dependency is a risk as well because it can cause potential addiction.
For safe dosing, you may ask a medical toxicologist to know the correct dosage of edibles for you to avoid overdosing and prevent severe cannabis impacts.
According to U.S Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), marijuana has a high potential for abuse, so they proposed that cannabis use should be left in the most restrictive federal category.
Addiction to marijuana could be considered substance abuse. Like how you can become addicted to marijuana from smoking, you can become addicted to edibles too.
If you find that you’re using marijuana out of boredom and stress, or you just can’t stop yourself from using it, seek a professional treatment provider to address your marijuana use disorder.
Note that only a clinical professional can give a diagnosis of substance use disorder. There will be insurance providers to cover them. The coverage offered will generally cover the cost of addiction treatment for substance abuse, such as drug and alcohol addiction and mental health conditions.
If you’re struggling with addiction, look for the text support hotlines of your local American Addiction Centers location to receive treatment. You may also take a self-assessment to indicate if you are subjective to potential addiction and get all the possible treatment options.
Conclusion
Edible cannabis may offer various benefits, such as managing mental illnesses and chronic pain. However, these products may bring dangers to your health, especially if too much is taken.
Depending on your area, you may be able to use marijuana for medicinal or recreational purposes. When buying marijuana products, instantly check the label whether you purchase it from licensed and reputable dispensaries.
