Completely different from their depiction in popular culture across the past few decades, cannabis edibles are no longer defined by the mysterious “special brownie” offered up by a hazy roommate. From candy bars to gummies to capsules and even beverages, cannabis edibles now come in all shapes and sizes—and are prepared with exact dosages by professional chefs. Now we control the experience, rather than some random connection.
But when options are so unlimited, that can be intimidating on another level! How are you supposed to know the right option for you? Have no fear: I’m here to help curate the best possible edible experience for you, based on your experience level and what’s available for cannabis in Massachusetts. No matter your experience level, read on for personalized tips about cannabis edibles!
Beginner Edibles Consumer
Never tried an edible before? No problem! There’s a few general things you should know before you even think about what specific kinds of edibles you might want to try.
First, it’s always best to start with a very low dose to help you acclimate to the experience.
There’s a saying for this: “Start low, and go slow,” meaning you should begin with a dose that you know is extremely small, and then slowly work your way up to the effects you’re comfortable with. If you have never had cannabis before and don't know how it affects you, start with 2.5mg of THC, half of a standard dose. Even if you have smoked/vaped weed before, edibles often have more lasting effects and starting small is best. You can always eat more later, but you can't UN-eat cannabis edibles.
Second, you should know that edibles take effect much more slowly than smoking.
With all types of cannabis consumption, it’s best to wait and see how effects take hold over a long period of time rather than rush towards another dosage in quick succession—but with edibles, you want to wait longest of all.
When first starting out with edibles, it is important to remember that you will likely not feel any effects for a while. Smoking and vaping work far more quickly than edibles do. When you inhale cannabis smoke or vapor, you are introducing cannabis to the bloodstream via the lungs. The onset of effects typically happens in about fifteen minutes, whereas you have to begin digesting the edible you’re taking before it begins to work. Usually, effects become apparent after an hour, sometimes two hours or more.
Third, effects from edibles LAST LONGER than other consumption methods.
Your body processes THC differently when you ingest vs. inhale. Inhaling smoke/vapor hits your bloodstream faster and also leaves your body faster. Edibles are broken down in your digestive system and processed more slowly through the liver. Depending on your body and how much you consume, effects from edibles may last for more than four hours.
Consider your plans for the day when taking edibles. Smoking a joint might wear off after a few hours or less, but you might want to take an edible only when you know the effects won't get in the way of other activities—like at bedtime or before a movie marathon.
When you consume too much cannabis, you run the risk of heightened anxiety, paranoia, unpleasant sensations... and that takes the fun out of your high. Since effects of edibles last much longer than other consumption methods, you could be stuck for hours. Be responsible, be smart.
Cannabis Edible Products for Beginners
If you are starting at 2.5mg, you might need to cut your treat in half (or quarters). Many edibles can be halved beforehand, like gummies or chocolate, and you can always save some for later. There are plenty of products with 5mg of THC or less. The standard dose for many edibles is 5mg of THC, but always check the label to make sure you know how much is in each piece. However, be careful with capsules or THC pouches that cannot be easily split.
Popular Edibles at Melrose Rec
Intermediate
So you’ve already been around the block a few times… Maybe you’ve tried some edibles, but haven’t found the one that’s perfect for you just yet… Maybe you’re very experienced with other kinds of cannabis, but edibles not so much… And you’re looking for something that, at the end of the day, can be relied on to help you relax, or just have a really good time watching TV on your couch.
Intermediate reader, I want you to focus on really enjoying yourself, and to have that lightbulb moment you’ve been looking for. That means enjoying every part of the edible experience—including the taste.
All of our High Flavor gummies put taste front and center!
Expert Edibles Extraordinaire
After you are familiar with how much THC works with your personal biology and preferences, might it be time to be a little adventurous?
At this point in your cannabis journey, you likely know the dosage of THC that gets you where you want to be and probably have a preferred vehicle for ingestion. (I am partial to RSO gummies.)
How to Up Your Game
If you haven't already, try some full-spectrum edibles to take full advantage of the "Entourage Effect". Cannabidiol (CBD) is a prominent cannabinoid that has many benefits and does not make you high.
By Susan Botag
