What You Should Know About Cannabis-Infused Edibles

For those that want to enjoy the effects of cannabis but do not like smoking or vaporizing have a convenient, potent and beneficial alternative: cannabis-infused edibles. Edibles are made by infusing an extract of plant materials into a solvent of dietary fat, such as olive oil or butter, or alcohol.

Cannabis-infused fat or alcohol can be used to make a variety of tasty,  healthy treats that provide potent, long-lasting effects. Baked goods are common, but modern cannabis confections include candy lozenges, gummies, low-calorie granola bars and soft drinks. Using infused coconut oil or olive oil allow you to cook your favorite foods at home with an added kick.

Depending on the extraction method, the formulation of cannabis extracted and the method of delivery, edible cannabis can have varying effects and uses. Learn more about these differences, along with other information and benefits of edibles, by reading on.

How Do Edibles Work?

Edibles are consumed and delivered to the body in one of two ways:

 

• Sublingual edibles are delivered through the saliva into the blood capillaries in the mouth as well as partially through the digestive system. They tend to affect users faster but dissipate more quickly than fully digested edibles, usually waning after one to three hours. Examples include sprays, lozenges, dissolvables and certain gums or gummies.

• Gastrointestinal edibles are delivered through the digestive tract, meaning the body breaks down the substance in the stomach and then begins to absorb it through the upper intestine. As a result, these edibles take longer to take affect but tend to last several hours at a time. A large dose can last six to eight hours, for instance.

 

Due to  the quick uptake and effects similar to inhaled cannabis, lozenges may be the preferred method for those who want a more direct substitute for smoked or vaped cannabis. Sublingual sprays, for instance, can be enjoyed conveniently on-the-go with effects that take hold in minutes and dissipate predictably.

Digested edibles take much longer to come into effect, sometimes over an hour. But when they do take hold, they tend to have different psychoactive effects than smoked cannabis. Individuals may feel more intense sensations and even experience visual alterations depending on the potency. These effects can last nearly all day, especially if someone takes another dose to replenish the cannabis in their system.

Different Levels of Potency and Cannabinoid Concentration in Cannabis-Infused Edibles

Edibles are formulated to suit the needs of specific medical and recreational users. For instance, those wanting a less-intense experience with the anti-inflammatory benefits of cannabis can find high-CBD formulations of edibles in both sublingual and digested forms.

Different levels of THC:CBD ratios and overall potency are available as well, enabling someone with low tolerance to partake in edible cannabis for recreational or medical reasons.

Different preparation methods also affect the speed of uptake. For instance, lean meats cooked in cannabis-infused coconut oil may take quicker to digest than a calorie-rich moist pound cake made with cannabutter.

Using Caution and Smarts When Eating Cannabis-Infused Edibles in Las Vegas

Regardless of the formulation, always consume edibles in moderation until you are familiar with their effects. Sample a new preparation in a small portion and wait at least 45 minutes to an hour to see how the effects take hold. Eating too much at once can easily overwhelm inexperienced and even experienced cannabis users because the psychoactive compounds can affect you in waves.

If you do feel overwhelmed, drink plenty of water and eat a light snack or meal to help dilute the concentration of cannabinoids in your body. Recognize that the most “severe” effects are typically nausea and a feeling of being anemic and that these tend to pass safely within a few hours. Watching TV, listening to soothing music or playing video games can often help you relax.

Never operate a vehicle under the effects of cannabis-based edible products because they can impair you to a far greater degree than smoked or vaporized cannabis flowers.

If you are interested in learning more about cannabis-based edibles, you can visit a cannabis dispensary in Las Vegas to consult with our cannabis experts, or you can even order a free medical cannabis delivery in Clark County directly to your door!