As medical and recreational cannabis is becoming legalized in more and more states, the stigma around marijuana is rapidly dissipating.
People are becoming more and more curious about the plant and its various forms of consumption, including edibles.
Since edibles are still a relatively new way to consume cannabis for many people, we thought we’d put together a guide that tells you all about cannabis edibles and their many benefits — especially for those with medical conditions. Enjoy!
What Are Cannabis Edibles?
Cannabinoid-infused edibles are a discreet, flavorful, and often potent way to consume cannabis. They contain either (or both) cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Although there are hundreds of different chemicals found in the cannabis plant, these two are the most well-known and studied.
CBD is the non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants, while THC is the psychoactive compound. Cannabis edibles can come in many different forms, including candy, cookies, brownies, and even savory dishes.
Although recently mainstream, many don’t know that edibles have been around for thousands of years and can be dated back to the traditional “bhang” of ancient India in 1000 BC. They have also been used in the 1980s to help suffering AIDS patients.
Having been around for so long and used for so many good reasons, it’s no wonder why edibles are now one of the most popular ways to consume cannabis.
What Should I Expect When Taking Edibles?
When you consume cannabis edibles, the cannabinoids in the plant are metabolized by your liver and enter your bloodstream. This process is known as “first-pass metabolism” and it results in a lower bioavailability of THC/CBD. In other words, when you eat cannabis edibles, you won’t feel the effects as quickly or strongly as you would if you smoked or vaporized the plant material.
It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours for the effects of cannabis edibles to kick in. And because edibles are processed through your digestive system, the effects can last much longer than other methods of consumption — up to 12 hours in some cases.
So, if you’re new and don’t know all about cannabis edibles just yet, start with a low dose (between 3-5mg) and give yourself plenty of time to feel the effects before consuming more. And always remember to exercise caution and good judgment when it comes to consuming any type of cannabis product.
What Are the Positive Effects?
Many people take edibles because they aren’t able to smoke or inhale cannabis as others can. This is usually due to having a certain medical condition involving the lungs.
This way, people can medicate without having to worry about their condition being aggravated. Taking edibles also eliminates any risks that come with smoking.
Cannabis edibles have also been proven for treating other medical conditions, such as nausea and vomiting for those undergoing cancer treatment.
A study conducted by Abrahamov et al. (1995) evaluated the effectiveness of THC in children undergoing chemotherapy. The study found that both acute and delayed nausea and vomiting were controlled.
However, there are other wonderful medical benefits of consuming this healing plant. Some common ones are:
- Pain relief
- Reduced anxiety
- Helps with insomnia
- Reduced inflammation
Whether you want to take edibles for recreational reasons or to medicate, there’s something out there for everyone.
Now that you know all about cannabis edibles, it’s time to see which ones are the best fit for your needs.
At Medwell Health, we are proud to provide our patients with high-quality, all-natural medical marijuana edibles.
If you feel you need marijuana for medical purposes, do not hesitate to set up an appointment with us today! We’d be happy to help.
Aaron Bloom serves as the CEO, overseeing the mission and growth of DocMJ and Medwell Health and Wellness Centers. Aaron’s passion for improving patients’ lives comes from his background in health care. For more than 20 years, Aaron owned, operated, and represented traditional healthcare organizations. This experience created a passion for finding improved ways to relieve suffering. His goal as CEO is to work daily to relieve all patients who seek better health and wellness through the medicinal benefits of medical cannabis and evidence-based alternative medicines.
