Everything You Wanted to Know About Cannabis Edibles
Almost everyone has heard of weed edibles. But what exactly are they and what are the effects? Weed edibles are products that contain cannabis and, just like when you smoke weed, you will get high from it. In this blog we explain what the effects are and how you can make your own weed butter.
What are weed edibles?
The most well-known way to use cannabis is by smoking a joint. But weed edibles are also a way to consume cannabis. The weed is then processed into an edible (or drinkable) product, such as a cake, chocolate, candy or other food. You can choose sweet, but also savory snacks with cannabis. Edibles also cause a high, but it is different from that of a joint.
Cannabis edibles is popular because you can enjoy the benefits of cannabis without the drawbacks of smoking. One of the things to keep in mind when making edibles is that the product always needs to be heated. This is necessary to decarboxylate cannabis. Heating converts the inactive form of THC (which is THC-A) into the active form, namely THC. When you smoke weed, this happens during smoking. To activate the cannabinoid in an edible, you need to convert THC-A into THC in a different way.
The effects of weed edibles
When you eat an edible with cannabis, the components pass through your entire digestive tract. This will ensure that the substances are broken down and processed. Unlike when you smoke, where the substances enter the bloodstream quickly, it takes a little longer for you to notice the effects with an edible. This can take up to an hour.
It is important to keep this in mind. You might think that your dosage was not high enough if you don't notice anything after half an hour. But be patient, it can take a while before you notice anything. Don't increase your dosage too quickly, which can cause you to ingest too much.
The effects of a weed edible are different from when you smoke a joint. They are more intense and usually last a lot longer. Common effects include euphoria, a feeling of relaxation, but also visual effects, such as colours and sounds that are more intense. This is because the journey through the digestive system and especially along the liver ensures that THC is converted into a more powerful form. Too high a dose can cause paranoia, nausea and dizziness.
Calculating the dose of THC in cannabis edibles
Determining the correct dose of THC in an edible is a bit more difficult than when you smoke weed. This is partly determined by how well the weed is decarboxylated and which type of weed you use. In any case, a calculator will come in handy. To determine how strong your edible will be, you can use a formula that you can adjust to your own situation:
If you make a 1000 gram space cake and you have 6 grams of weed in it, then 1 gram of cake contains 0.006 grams of cannabis. If you have used a strong weed strain, such as Vision Gorilla (feminized seeds), with 25% THC, then you can finish the calculation:
- 1 gram of cake with 0.006 grams of cannabis x 0.25 = 0.0015 grams or 15 mg THC
Now you know how much THC you get per gram of cake. If you want to make an edible, weigh your cannabis dosage accurately with a good scale. On average, a novice user can assume a dosage between 2 and 6 mg of THC. A high dosage is between 4 and 8 mg of THC.
Of course, you can also take a recipe from the internet and take a quarter of the recommended amount. See how you react to that and then take a little more until you feel the desired effect.
How long do the effects last?
A big difference with smoking weed is that the effects of edibles last much longer. Various factors play a role in this, such as your metabolism and whether your stomach was already full and the dosage. But aboutIn general, the effects of an edible can last up to 6 hours. If you plan on enjoying an edible, it is a good idea to keep your schedule clear for the next few hours.
Cannabutter Recipe
There are many different products that you can infuse with cannabis. When making something, make sure that the temperature remains below 190 degrees, otherwise the cannabinoids will be damaged and your edible will no longer have an effect.
Cannabutter: useful for making cakes and cookies
If you want to make a delicious cake or cookies with cannabis, do not mix ground buds into your cake. The taste will not be very appealing. It is much easier to make cannabutter and use that as a base for your cake or other treats. The fact that butter is fat ensures that the THC molecules bind to the fats. This will keep them better protected and preserve their special properties. It also means that you can discard the remaining plant material, so that you get a smooth, creamy butter. You can then use this butter to make all sorts of other recipes. This is how you make cannabis butter:
Ingredients
- 500 grams of butter (vegan version: use coconut oil)
- 28 grams of cannabis buds
- 2 cups of water
First, you will need to decarboxylate the buds. Grind the buds, place them on a baking tray and put them in a preheated oven at 110 degrees. Heat them for an hour. Now melt the butter in a bain-marie. To do this, put a layer of water in a large pan, place a smaller pan in it. Make sure that the small pan floats. Place this combination on the stove and heat, making the water hot. Add the butter to the small pan and let it melt slowly. Then add the 2 cups of water.
Once everything is melted, add the decarboxylated buds. This mixture should now simmer for a while, so that all the cannabinoids end up in the butter. So let it sit on the heat for about 5 hours and stir every hour. After 5 hours you can remove the butter from the heat. Strain it through a sieve or cheesecloth. Let the weed butter cool down and put it in the fridge. The water will then separate from the rest and you can throw that away. Transfer the butter to a glass jar. Now you can use it, for example to make space cake or put it on your bread.
Weed edibles are a tasty way to use cannabis and also healthier than smoking weed. Don't feel like cooking? Then take a look at our shop, we have a wide range of tasty edibles, such as cannabis infused candy, cookies and chocola!
Risks and Precautions When Using Cannabis Edibles
While cannabis edibles are a popular and discreet way to consume cannabis, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and how to dose safely. Because the effects of edibles come on slower and last longer than smoking, the risk of accidental overdose is greater. Here are some important precautions:
1. Start with a low dose and wait at least 2 hours
Since edibles can take effect after 30 to 120 minutes (depending on your metabolism and whether you eat on an empty stomach), it is crucial to be patient. Do not take extra right away, even if you do not feel any effects yet. Overdosing can lead to anxiety, paranoia, nausea, and dizziness.
- Recommended beginner dose: 2-5 mg THC
- Advanced: 5-10 mg THC
- High dose (experienced users only): 10-30 mg THC
2. Be careful with edibles if you are prone to anxiety or psychological symptoms
Weed edibles can increase psychological effects, especially at high doses. People who are prone to anxiety, depression or psychosis should be extra careful, as THC can increase paranoia and feelings of fear.
Tip: Start with a low dose and use edibles in a familiar environment.
3. Do not use edibles if you are going to drive or operate machinery
Edibles can last up to 6-8 hours, and some effects can even be noticeable the next day (such as sluggishness or reduced concentration). Because THC affects reaction time and coordination, it is illegal to use cannabis while under the influence ofabis to drive.
Wait at least 8 hours before driving.
4. Watch for drug interactions
THC can interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, antidepressants, and painkillers. This can lead to increased side effects or an unexpectedly stronger effect of the edible.
Consult a physician if you are taking medications or have a medical condition.
5. Keep edibles out of reach of children and pets
Because edibles often look like candy or pastries, children and pets can accidentally eat them. This can lead to serious intoxication, especially in dogs and cats.
Store edibles in a sealed container and out of sight of children and animals.
6. What to do if you take too much THC?
If you accidentally take too much THC and experience anxiety, heart palpitations or paranoia, stay calm and follow these steps:
- Breathe calmly and deeply – panic can make symptoms worse.
Drink water and eat something – a light snack can help stabilise the effects. - CBD oil can help – CBD has a calming effect and can reduce the effects of THC.
- Relax in a safe environment – avoid crowded places and avoid stress.
- Seek help if necessary – in extreme cases, such as severe panic attacks or fainting, seek medical attention.
This blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or legal advice. Always consult a physician before consuming cannabis, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medications.
Not Suitable for Children, Young Adults and Pregnant Women
While edibles can be a discreet way to consume cannabis, they are not suitable for children, young adults under the age of 18 and pregnant women. Cannabis can have a negative effect on brain development in young adults and the unborn child in pregnant women.
