Edibles are a fun, safe, and clean way to consume cannabis. Not only does it help you to skip the smoke from entering your lungs, but it also provides you with an experience that studies show is up to 5 times more potent than THC alone.

In order to understand why edibles are so much more potent than THC alone, let’s take a look at the mechanism of how the body digests edible THC compared to inhaled THC.

How The Body Processes Edibles

When you smoke cannabis, your body simply consumes the THC from your lungs straight into your bloodstream, causing near-instantly noticeable effects. These effects can vary based on the strain you smoke due to the terpenes and cannabinoid profile of that specific strain. Edibles, on the other hand, play a much different role.

When you consume an edible, it is first broken down by your digestive system. Not only does the cooking and digestion process break down the terpenes and cannabinoids, but it also removes any unique effects from the edible. This is why the myth that there can be strain-specific edibles is completely false.

From here, the contents are processed by your liver, which converts the THC chemical into a chemical known as 11-hydroxy-THC. This chemical is actually up to 5x more potent than inhaled THC. This is why often, people will explain how important it is to properly dose edibles in order to avoid an overly-intense experience that will rob you of the joy of a great edible experience.

So, now let’s discuss how to ensure you take the right dose in order to have the best experience possible!

How to Find the Right Dose

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is complex, and everyone metabolizes cannabinoids like THC and CBD differently. This means that what may be a tolerable dose for one person may be intolerable for another. People can also build a tolerance to THC over time, meaning that an appropriate dose for an experienced user will be quite different compared to a beginner’s.

To prevent a negative experience, we recommend starting with a dose of 2 milligrams to 3 milligrams (mg) THC, waiting for an hour or two to see how you feel, and then taking another 2 mg to 3 mg THC if needed until your symptoms subside. The key here is to find the “sweet spot” between keeping functional and symptom-free and over-intoxication.

Tips for Beginners

We recommend waiting at least two hours after your first THC edible dosage to allow time for the edible to kick in. One person’s response to a dose of edible cannabis can vary significantly from the next. Several factors are involved, including previous history of cannabis use, gastrointestinal factors, and the function/sensitivity of one’s endocannabinoid system.

If after a sufficient amount of time has passed and you still do not feel the effects of the edible, try eating a snack to aid digestion and absorption in the gut. If that doesn’t help, then you can try taking another small dose of 5mg or less and waiting another couple of hours.

Other Tips For Consuming Cannabis Edibles

Go slow and low. Eating cannabis is a lot more potent than vaping or tinctures, as it passes through the liver (where it’s converted into a stronger version of THC) and then through to the bloodstream. Edibles can be inconsistent so going slow and low is even more critical compared to other ingestion methods.

Add CBD to THC to decrease unwanted effects. CBD can counteract some of the adverse effects of THC. Using CBD and THC in a 1:1 ratio can reduce THC’s side effects. Using higher ratios of CBD (e.g., CBD:THC ratios of 2:1 or higher) can have fewer psychoactive effects. Be warned, though, that ingesting high amounts of THC even in high CBD products can still make you feel “high” or “stoned.”

Look at labels. Wherever you’re buying your edibles, ensure it’s appropriately labeled (i.e., give their cannabinoid content) and tested by a third-party lab for safety.

Use the right ingredients. If making your own edibles, you can use cannabis flower, but you can also use extracts/concentrates or tinctures.

Choose the right oil. Coconut or MCT oil usually binds to and carries cannabinoids more readily, but for some may cause stomach issues. Olive oil is versatile and pleasant-tasting but may not be as strong as coconut oil (but still potent enough for most!).

Go for variety. Utilize a wide range of cannabinoids and terpenes to prevent a negative experience.

Now What?

Now that you did your research, it’s time to try some edibles! We recommend flowerz Edibles. flowerz Edibles are THC & CBD edibles in the form of a gummy, baked good, or caramel. They come in various forms and flavors, so you can find your favorite one! flowerz Edibles are available in many locations across the country and come in Sativa, Indica, or Hybrid dominances in order to customize the experience you desire.

If you are interested in edibles or have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 202-506-4826 or hello@pickflowerz.com