Article Topics
Cannabis products have become more accessible since the 2018 Farm Bill was passed. Since then, companies have produced many blends and formats of cannabis products. The variety can make it challenging for newcomers to determine what product is best for them.
For many, edibles are a beginner-friendly format as they don’t require inhalation or extra equipment. They’re also more palatable than many cannabis alternatives. However, once they get into your system, they can stay for hours— that’s why it’s so important to find a suitable option for your needs.
Here are some practical tips to help you choose the right edible.
Clarify Your Experience Goals
The first step in choosing a cannabis edible is clarifying what you hope to accomplish. Cannabis products offer various benefits, from better sleep and stress reduction to pain and mood-boosting. Different doses, ratios and blends will have different effects, so understanding what you hope to accomplish will help you narrow down the options.
Determining whether the edible format is ideal for your needs is also essential. Edibles have a slower uptake and more prolonged effects than inhalation or tincture drops. Many users find great results for conditions like insomnia and pain like mentioned above.
Research the Available Strains
There are many different varieties of cannabis products, each with unique effects. Many cannabis users are familiar with Sativa and Indica strains, each known for their invigorating and calming effects.
Many people who wish to use cannabis edibles to help with medical and mental health issues use Delta 8 gummies. According to the brand Delta Munchies, Delta-8 THC is an alternative to the popular Delta-9 THC featured in many products. This compound has been shown to have fewer side effects related to anxiety and brain fog than Delta-9 products. For people with anxiety disorders, finding a strain that won’t exacerbate those effects is vital for a successful experience.
There are over 1000 strains of cannabis, some with THC and some without. Take some time to review the better-known options and determine which is the most closely aligned with your goals.
Understand Your Health Concerns
While cannabis products are generally considered safe, they can potentially exacerbate certain health issues or interact negatively with medications. This thought might be intimidating, but you may run the same risks with certain herbs and teas.
You should always consult with a medical professional before trying new products— especially if you’re on prescription medications. As there’s still a lot of stigma around using cannabis products, you may not feel comfortable talking to your regular doctor. If this is the case, consider using telehealth services to consult with a doctor specializing in cannabis use.
Understand the Dosage and Blend
THC is the psychoactive component of cannabis known as a cannabinoid. CBD is another cannabinoid that doesn’t have psychoactive effects. Depending on your location, products with a THC threshold above 0.3% could be illegal in your state.
Many products offer a blend of THC and CBD. Higher levels of THC will make you feel higher, whereas CBD doesn’t have that effect. It’s best for beginners to start with a lower ratio of THC to see how it impacts you before scaling up.
The same strategy of starting small also applies to the dose. Each edible product will have a different dosing strategy. You’ll need to read the label to understand both the blend and dose per serving. 5mg of THC is the standard dose for many edible products. However, starting with a smaller dose (2.5mg) is wise, especially when trying to find a suitable product fit.
One of the leading causes of problems with edibles is impatience. As these products are slow-release, it can take a few hours for them to kick in. Many new users mistakenly think the product isn’t working and take an additional dose; avoid this action.
Plan To Partake at Home
You should always try a new cannabis product at home or in a safe space. This guideline applies whether you’re testing an edible with THC or just CBD. While CBD doesn’t have the psychoactive effects of THC, it can still have side effects. Many people who try edibles may experience light-headedness or stomach upset.
Consider trying your products in the evening when you don’t have any upcoming responsibilities. Scheduling your experience this way would give you the option to go to bed just in case you don’t feel well.
Note Your Findings and Adapt
Try to approach this experience from a scientific perspective. When scientists run experiments, they note the variables, what happened, what went wrong, and what went right. Documenting your experience (positive or negative) will help you identify commonalities as you try new products. This information can help determine whether you need to try a different strain, dose, or supplier.
Consuming edibles is an effective way to treat chronic health issues without requiring inhalation. This format can present opportunities for people with COPD or asthma while providing long-lasting relief. Take your time researching to find which type of edible is right for you, and never hesitate to reach out to a medical cannabis specialist for guidance.
*(Disclaimer: This article is not medical advice. It is based on anecdotal user experience alone. If you are thinking about incorporating cannabis (delta-8 THC, delta-9 THC, or CBD) into your medicinal routine, please consult a healthcare professional. Do not stop taking any prescribed medications without first consulting your doctor.)*
