The use of cannabis as a medicine dates back to 2000 BCE. Over the centuries, it has been used for various medical conditions, both psychological and physiological, as well as recreational purposes. In the past century or so, we have revolutionized and developed new ways of using its beneficial effects on the human body. Such is the case with cannabis-infused food.
Nowadays, cannabis edibles can be found in many forms – cannabis chocolate, weed gummies, hash brownies, and other popular foods. The cannabinoids found in cannabis help people deal with a lack of appetite, fatigue, anxiety, and other disorders.
Who can use it and in what dosage?
You can find many of these cannabis foods in countries that have regulated the sale of CBD and cannabis. For instance, being one of the most popular countries for cannabis edibles Canada has a large market, with sales worth around $2.1 billion per year.
If you live in a country where cannabis-infused foods are legally sold to adults, it’s easy to find a local store by browsing the Internet. No matter if you’re into soft chews or hard edibles, it’s best to find out which dosage is right for you before you try it out.
Cannabis Edibles Dosage Guide
Any medicine that has been given to us too many times, will result in higher body tolerance to its ingredients. Eventually, the effects of this medicine on our body will start declining. Such is the case with THC, so it’s best to get acquainted with the dosage, to find out which one’s right for your body.
- Edibles containing 2.5 – 5 mg of THC
If you suffer from anxiety or are under constant stress, this dosage is more than enough for your organism. It’s important to feel the effects of the cannabinoid mildly. With the right dosage, it’s known to boost our mental focus and creativity. In some cases, it acts as a mild painkiller.
- Edibles containing 5 – 15 mg of THC
Those consuming THC on a more regular basis usually take a dose between 5 and 15 milligrams. Since it contains a higher dosage, the effects are more powerful and with increased duration. It’s used mainly by people with sleeping disorders, as well as those in need of pain relievers. Side effects may include MCI (mild cognitive impairment).
- Edibles containing 30 – 50 mg of THC
This amount of THC isn’t recommended for consumers with low THC tolerance. On the other hand, people with higher gastrointestinal absorption of cannabinoids use it to experience strong euphoria. The most common side effects include altered perception and loss of coordination.
- Edibles containing 50 – 100 mg of THC
Keep in mind, over 95% of all cannabis edibles won’t contain a dose of over 100 milligrams of THC in them. These foods are recommended only to the most experienced users, meaning they have a very high THC tolerance. They are used by people with serious health conditions such as cancer, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, Crohn’s disease, glaucoma, etc.
How to consume cannabis edibles responsibly and avoid negative effects
If you’ve just started consuming any THC-infused foods, it’s best to avoid high dosage, or else risk ‘greening out.’ The most common symptoms of greening out include vomiting, feeling nauseous, uneasy, dizzy, or anxious.
The best way for you to enjoy its benefits without having a negative experience is to consume plenty of water since the effects of this cannabinoid will make your mouth dry. Also, when taken responsibly, they will contribute to an enjoyable, relaxing experience lasting up to a couple of hours. On the other hand, the risks of getting inconveniently high increase when consumed irresponsibly.
Another positive approach is to wait for at least 30-60 minutes after you’ve consumed a small portion of the edible. See what happens, and if you still don’t feel anything, have another bite. Once you feel the effects kicking in, you’ll know the right dose for your body. In case you eat the whole thing at once, you might green out and start to feel anxious.
Most cannabis experts recommend taking a dose of 2.5 mg THC at first. More importantly, you need to pay attention to the duration of its effects, since every gastrointestinal system digests the food at a different pace.
Is it dangerous to eat cannabis-based food?
Many people wonder if consuming raw cannabis is dangerous. Eating weed that hasn’t been decarboxylated yet will not have any effects on the human body. Without this chemical reaction, there will be no intoxitacing effects. Decarboxylation happens when raw weed (THCA) is being heated to a certain temperature, converting it to pure THC, thus “unlocking” the effects of being high.
People use raw cannabis in smoothies, salads, in the form of hemp oil, chocolates, drinks, and all sorts of recipes and foods. The main benefits of cannabis-based foods prove they have anti-inflammatory effects.
Summary
Many cannabis consumers try making some of these edibles at home. It’s a rather complex procedure that takes a lot of time and energy. Beginners are more prone to making mistakes, so it can lead to serious health issues.
Alternatively, the much safer way is to consume manufactured edibles, where the nutritional facts contain all the information you need. These foods are created in controlled environments, under strict regulations, and are perfect for any food lover, beginner, or expert.
