In the COVID-19 pandemic, the sales of edibles have increased, suggesting that more consumers are avoiding smoking marijuana. Edibles have many benefits over smoking. They allow you to receive the medicinal benefits of cannabis (such as anxiety relief, pain management, etc.) without inhaling the smoke containing harmful toxins that can damage your lungs. To buy edibles legally, you require a medical marijuana card Ontario CA. You have a wide range of options in brownies, gummies, beverages, etc. containing cannabinoids such as THC and CBD.
Unlike smoking, edibles don’t kick in instantly. This is due to the fact that marijuana-infused foods are processed in the body differently. Read on to learn more about edibles.
How Edibles Are Processed?
When you eat edibles, cannabinoids are metabolized by the stomach before they reach the bloodstream. So, marijuana-infused foods and beverages can take anywhere between 30-120 minutes to kick in. And, the effects last longer than smoking. However, the onset and duration may vary depending on the concentrations of THC and CBD.
Actually, edibles deliver a smaller concentration of chemical compounds into the bloodstream (about 10-20 percent of THC). However, the amount is 50-60 percent in the case of inhaled marijuana.
Moreover, THC is metabolized by the liver where it is converted into 11-hydroxy-THC, an active metabolite. 11-hydroxy-THC has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, thus delivering more intense effects. On the other hand, inhaling cannabis delivers THC directly in the bloodstream from where it’s transferred directly to the brain and other parts of the body. This is why the effects of smoked or vaped cannabis last for a few hours.
Dosing is Important
Since edibles don’t kick in instantly, chances are more that you end up consuming more than what your body requires to ease symptoms. Many consumers say that taking large doses makes them experience cannabis overdose. Common signs of edible overdose are nausea, vomiting, psychosis, motor, and cognitive impairment.
Here are some methods to control cannabis overdose-
- Stay relaxed and tell your mind that things will get to normal soon
- Drink water and eat snacks
- Chew some peppercorns
- Take CBD products to counteract the effects of THC
For first-time users, it’s important to start with low doses. Why so? Because it allows them to avoid overdose issues. Secondly, they can learn how cannabinoids are interacting with their systems. Thus, they can adjust the dose accordingly to maximize medicinal potential and minimize discomfort.
Check Concentrations of THC And CBD
At medical dispensaries, you can find edibles with different levels of THC and CBD. If you want more relaxing effects without experiencing psychoactive effects, go for high-CBD edibles. So, when purchasing edibles, you should always check the label carefully.
It’s important to note that some unregulated markets selling cannabis may contain higher levels of THC than what is advertised. So, you should choose authorized sources for purchasing marijuana-infused edibles.
Considering public safety, legal cannabis markets have strict restrictions for testing and THC potency. So, you should check the local laws.
Get MMJ Recs Online
With medical studies showing that cannabis treatment for various conditions is safe, more states are loosening restrictions on marijuana use. Currently, the herb is legal in 33 states. And, in these states, you require a doctor’s rec to buy and possess cannabis. Luckily, with telemedicine technology, you can apply for medical marijuana card Ontario CA in just 10 minutes. Here’s the complete process-
- Sign up an account
- See a doctor online through the HIPAA-compliant software
- Receive MMJ recs in PDF format via email
Thus, you can download a PDF version of your letter and take a printout yourself. The hard copy will be delivered to your home in 1-3 business days.
Final Thoughts
Edibles are food products and beverages infused with cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. So, you can eat or drink marijuana to get their therapeutic benefits, such as pain relief, boosting sleep, focus, etc. Unlike smoking or vaping, edibles don’t get into the action immediately. You have to wait for at least 30 minutes or longer to experience the effects instead. Different edibles may have different onset and duration depending on the concentrations of THC and CBD. Seek professional help regarding buying edibles and dosing.
Get your medical marijuana card Ontario CA to access cannabis legally today.