What are edibles? Effects and side effects listed

Edibles are foods and drinks that have cannabis or cannabinoids such as THC or CBD added to them. The most well-known example is the space cake. However, cannabis can also be found in muffins, chocolate, sweets, candy, or lollipops. Cannabis edibles are the perfect solution for experiencing the effects of hash or weed without having to smoke them. The effects of edibles differ slightly from smoking. With edibles, the body absorbs the active compounds of cannabis through the digestive tract. When smoked, this happens directly through the alveoli in the lungs. Because the active ingredients in cannabis edibles pass through the digestive system, it takes longer for the effects to kick in. However, the effects also last longer. This is because the active compounds first bind to body fats before entering the bloodstream.

Effects of edibles

The effects of cannabis edibles are similar to those of smoking cannabis. However, the effects last longer and are more intense. Eating cannabis may cause:

• Relaxation
• Calmness
• Feeling high
• Altered perception of time
• Altered sense of space
• Hallucinations
• Muscle relaxation
• Pain relief
• Reduction of inflammation
• Increased creativity

Side effects of edibles

There are also several side effects and risks associated with edibles. Due to the unpredictability of their duration and difficulty in dosing, side effects such as vomiting, panic attacks, and intense hallucinations may occur. Research has already shown that consuming an edible on an empty stomach is more likely to cause side effects. Potential risks of consuming cannabis edibles include:

• Unpredictable bodily reactions
• High risk of overdose
• Unintentionally eating or drinking cannabis products
• More intense side effects
• Dependence on cannabis edibles (addiction)

The duration of an edible’s effect is determined by the dosage and individual tolerance to cannabis. On average, cannabis edibles last between 4 and 12 hours. The initial effects may appear after 30 minutes but can also take up to 2 hours, depending on the type of edible.

The main difference between eating or smoking cannabis lies in the speed at which the active compounds enter the bloodstream. This also affects how quickly the first effects are felt. The table below shows other differences between eating and smoking cannabis.

Are cannabis edibles dangerous? Is it better to smoke a joint or not use it at all? The danger of edibles lies in the fact that their effects can be more intense than those of smoking cannabis. There’s also a higher risk of overdose, since it’s difficult to know exactly how much you’re consuming. Additionally, it’s easy to take another edible because the initial effects take longer to appear. However, there are no harmful effects on your lungs, as with the use of snus, because no toxic substances are released.