What Is Edible THC? 5 Tips On How To Safely Enjoy Edibles

Posted on by TJ
A jar of Good Vibe Gummies surrounded by cannabis leaves, emphasizing the question "What is edible THC?"

Edible THC products are becoming increasingly popular in today’s hemp market. You may have found this blog while looking for gummies infused with hemp-derived THC. Have you ever wondered why edible THC seems to be more powerful than inhaled THC? You’re in luck. We’ll cover that and more in this post.

Table of Contents

  1. What is Edible THC?
  2. The Pros and Cons of Edible THC
  3. How to Read Your Product Label
  4. How to Safely Enjoy Your Edible THC

What is Edible THC?

Edible THC is delta-9 THC that’s been infused into baked goods, drinks, or other edible food products. THC and other cannabinoids like CBD and CBG are fat-soluble, making it possible to infuse them into cooking oils and edible products. In some states where recreational THC products are legal, individuals can purchase ready-made edibles made with THC-infused coconut oil, butter, or alcohol.

It’s also possible to make your own THC at home. You just need to secure the prerequisite cannabis flower and something to infuse like unsalted butter, coconut oil, or high-proof ethanol.

If you’re searching for low-potency, hemp-derived edible products, be sure to see Sunset Lake CBD’s Full Spectrum CBD Vibe Gummies. Each gummy contains 1mg of edible THC and 30mg of edible CBD.

How is Edible THC Different Than Inhaled THC?

When you smoke or vaporize cannabis, you inhale rapidly decarboxylated cannabinoids. They travel to your lungs and enter your bloodstream via a network of capillaries, leading to almost immediate effects. Inhaled cannabinoids, particularly THC, reach peak concentration in your blood three minutes after inhalation, causing sharp intoxication shortly after and effects that fade within 2-3 hours.

THC, however, must first travel to your liver before entering your bloodstream, which can take 1-2 hours depending on factors like your metabolism and if you’ve eaten before consuming the edible. In the liver, enzymes break delta-9 THC down into a more powerful form called 11-hydroxy tetrahydrocannabinol.

What is 11-Hydroxy THC?

11-Hydroxy-THC is a cannabinoid that isn’t found in the raw cannabis plant. It’s a THC metabolite produced by your liver when you consume THC. Research suggests that it’s between 2 to 4 times more potent than delta-9 THC, meaning that 5mg of edible delta-9 THC can feel like 20mg once broken down by your liver.

Why Does Edible THC Last Longer Than Inhaled THC?

The effects of edibles last longer because it takes the THC longer to get into your bloodstream compared to inhalation. This slow onset of effects, coupled with higher intoxication levels, results in a smoother transition into intoxication but leads to a much longer “high.”

The Pros of Edibles

THC has many benefits, though some depend on your situation:

  1. Better for Respiratory and Cardiovascular Conditions: Edibles are a better option for those with these conditions as it avoids the hassle of smoking cannabis.
  2. Variety of Products: Companies are infusing THC into a wide range of products like candy, baked goods, seltzers, and coffee.
  3. Easy to Make at Home: With a few tools and some cannabis, you can make your own edibles.
  4. Long-Lasting Effects: Beneficial for those who suffer from chronic pain or need constant dosing.
  5. Discreet Consumption: Edibles are more discreet than smoking cannabis, making it easier to consume in public spaces without drawing attention.
  6. Gradual Intoxication: Edibles provide a more gradual intoxication compared to smoking.

The Cons of Edibles

Almost all benefits of edible THC are double-edged. It’s up to each individual to evaluate and determine if edible THC is a good option:

  1. Slow Onset of Effects: Edibles aren’t time-efficient as it can take up to two hours to feel the effects.
  2. Risk of Overindulgence: The slow onset can lead to dose-stacking, where one takes another dose before the first has kicked in.
  3. Difficulty in Detection: Advanced edibles can make it hard to detect the presence of cannabis, leading to potential overindulgence.
  4. Inconsistent Dosing: Some products may have more or less THC than advertised, making it difficult to find the preferred dose.
  5. Risk with Children: Keeping edibles in a home with children isn’t advisable as most pediatric hospitalizations for THC result from kids finding their parent’s edibles.
  6. Drug Tests: THC can appear on drug tests, so avoid consumption if you are subject to screenings.

What Are the Side Effects?

Because 11-hydroxy THC is more potent than inhaled delta-9 THC, consuming too much THC can lead to side effects like:

  • Cognitive and motor function impairment
  • Extreme sedation
  • Anxiety
  • Cardiac stress
  • Upset stomach and vomiting
  • Extreme time dilation

How to Read Your Edible Label

There aren’t any federal labeling standards for THC products yet, so labels can be unreliable and vary widely:

  1. Milligram Dose of THC: Check the THC dose per serving/product.
  2. Ratio of CBD to THC: Look for the ratio, such as 1:1, 1:5, or 1:20. The interpretation of these ratios can vary by state.

In Vermont, it’s important to see the product’s certificate of analysis to know the exact THC, CBD, and other cannabinoid content.

5 Tips for Safely Consuming Edible THC

  1. Start Low and Go Slow: Begin with a small dose to see how you react before adjusting your dosage incrementally.
  2. Use a Dosage Calculator: If making your own edibles, use a dosage calculator and decarboxylate your material first.
  3. Plan Ahead: Consume in a safe space and avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.
  4. Lock Up Edibles: Keep them inaccessible to pets and children.
  5. Avoid Mixing Substances: Don’t mix edibles with alcohol or other substances and avoid them if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

Get more info in our website.

FAQs

  1. What is the difference between edible and inhaled THC?
    • Edible THC is metabolized by the liver into 11-hydroxy-THC, a more potent form, leading to longer-lasting effects compared to inhaled THC, which acts faster but wears off quickly.
  2. How long do the effects of edible THC last?
    • The effects of edible THC can last anywhere from 4 to 12 hours, depending on the dose, your metabolism, and other factors.
  3. Can you overdose on edible THC?
    • While you cannot fatally overdose on THC, consuming too much can lead to uncomfortable side effects like extreme sedation, anxiety, and nausea.
  4. Are edibles legal everywhere?
    • The legality of edibles varies by state and country. In some places, only hemp-derived edibles with low THC content are legal, while others allow recreational THC edibles.
  5. How should I store edible THC products?
    • Store edibles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children and pets.
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