In addition to the infamous brownie, the market has evolved to become a complex and sophisticated world of gummies, chocolates, drinks, etc. Each product is designed to have different onset times, duration and profiles of the experience. To understand what types of products exist, and the science behind how your body processes them, is important for the user to safely and enjoyably experience cannabis.
With brands such as Koi, Wana and Drops creating products designed for all aspects of use (from creativity and focus to deep relaxation/sleep) this article aims to assist the user in navigating the world of consumable cannabis and to make informed decisions.
How Edibles Work: The Science of Digestion and Effect
Edibles do not enter the bloodstream like inhaled cannabis does. Instead, they need to travel through the digestive system first. After being consumed, the THC and other cannabinoids are then processed by the liver. At this time, delta-9 THC is converted to 11-hydroxy-THC, which is a more bioavailable metabolite that crosses the blood-brain barrier more easily. This is why edible highs are often described as being more intense and physical than those of smoke.
This metabolic journey explains the three main characteristics of edibles:
- Delayed Onset: These products can take 30 minutes to 2 hours to start working depending on the individual's metabolism, the amount of food in the stomach, and the type of edible.
- Extended Duration: Once the edible begins to work, the effects can last between 4 and 8 hours, and longer, allowing the user to experience a prolonged period of psychoactivity.
- Dosing Caution: The delayed onset of edibles is the most common pitfall for inexperienced users. A general guideline is “start low and go slow” – you can always add more, but you cannot remove excess.
Gummies: The Discreet and Flavorful Standard
Gummies currently account for a large portion of the edible market due to their ability to deliver consistent levels of potency, long shelf-life, and variety of flavors and formats. Gummies are the perfect introductory format for new users looking for predictability, and for experienced users seeking consistency.
Gummies made with quality ingredients, and properly formulated to achieve specific effects, provide a smooth, predictable, and highly effective way to administer the cannabinoids. Examples of gummies include the TRĒ House Peach Pear Delta-9 Gummies (10mg THC/10mg CBD) that delivers a clear-headed, balanced, relaxed state, and the Canna River Sleep Gummies (containing CBN and CBD) that is specifically formulated to help users fall asleep.
When purchasing a gummy, pay close attention to the ratio of cannabinoids. A 1:1 THC:CBG formula may be advertised to enhance focus, while a CBN formula may target sleep. I have noticed that gummies that contain a hemp-like aftertaste are more likely to be made with broad-spectrum extracts, and some users prefer the "entourage effect".
Chocolates & Baked Goods: The Classic Indulgence
Combining gourmet indulgence with psychoactive effects, cannabis-infused chocolates and baked goods offer a sensory experience that is both familiar and indulgent.
Users report that the experience feels more "natural", and more full-bodied, due to the fatty content of the product (such as cocoa butter or butter used in baked goods) that assists with cannabinoid absorption. I personally believe that a high-quality, dark chocolate edible (similar to those produced by Kiva Confections) will enhance the experience by complementing the earthy tones of the cannabis with the natural bitterness of the chocolate.
While it can be difficult to accurately measure the dosage of homemade baked goods, commercially available chocolates typically include pre-scored break lines to facilitate accurate dosing. The sedating effects of the cannabis may be enhanced if the user consumes the edible with rich, sweet foods.
Beverages: The Fast-Acting Social Choice
Beverage-form cannabis edibles, including seltzers, teas, and tonics, offer the quickest onset of any edible and a social, and alcohol-free alternative to traditional drinking.
Due to their liquid nature, the cannabinoids are absorbed more quickly than food-based edibles, with effects sometimes taking as little as 10-15 minutes to be realized. The Cann Lemon Lavender Sparkling Tonic (2mg THC/4mg CBD) is a great example of a beverage-style edible that offers a gentle, uplifting experience suitable for socializing during the day. Based on my own experience, I find the effects of beverages tend to be lighter and more functional than those experienced with food-based edibles.
Potency per can is generally lower (typically 2-10mg THC), making them ideal for titration and controlling your level of intoxication. Additionally, beverages that are carbonated or tea-based may be more easily digested than those that are not.
Tablets, Mints & Tinctures: Precision & Convenience
Those seeking the greatest degree of consistency, discretion, and speed will appreciate tablets and sublingual products. Brands such as those sold at THC SD offer fast-acting, pharmaceutical-like tablets in sativa, indica, and hybrid formulations.
Sublingual tinctures (oil extracts placed under the tongue) allow for absorption directly into the mouth's mucous membranes, resulting in effects within 15-45 minutes, bypassing some liver metabolism. Tablets and mints, such as the PETRA Moroccan Mint Mints (2.5mg THC), provide exact, unflavored dosing for controlled micro-dosing throughout the day.
The primary consideration with this class of products is that they prioritize function over flavor. This class of products is ideal for medical users or users that incorporate cannabinoids into their wellness routines who don't wish to add unnecessary sugars or calories to their diet.
Strain Types and Cannabinoid Ratios
The effects of an edible are determined by its cannabinoid and terpene profile, not the edible itself. Understanding the strain and cannabinoid ratio of an edible allows the consumer to create a personalized experience.
- Sativa Dominant: Typically produces an energetic, cerebral, and creative experience. Products such as Drops' Sour Pineapple "Pure Energy" gummies are targeted for focus and energy.
- Indica Dominant: Typically produces a physically relaxing, sedating experience and "couch-lock". The KANHA 1:1:1 Tranquility CBD Gummies (with CBN) or Drops' Llama Tonic "Deep Relaxation" are targeted for relaxation and pain relief.
- Balanced Ratio & Hybrid: Most contemporary edibles utilize hybrid strains or balanced cannabinoid ratios to produce a range of effects. A 1:1 ratio of THC to CBD (like Wana Quick Gummies) is popular for producing a clear-headed, relaxed experience with less potential for THC-induced anxiety.
Below is a chart comparing common edible targets and the formulations of products created to meet those targets:
A Beginner's Guide to Safe Consumption
New experiences, like those reported by first-time users in Minnesota, illustrate the importance of caution when attempting to experience cannabis edibles. A good starting point for new users should be a 5 mg THC dose.
- Set and Setting: Consume in a comfortable, familiar setting, free of any pressure or obligation. The story of "Alan" in GQ, who had a severely debilitating and lasting anxiety episode after consuming a single 10 mg edible, illustrates how a negative experience can be traumatic.
- Waiting Period: Allow a minimum of 90-120 minutes to pass before deciding to consume more. Impatience is the biggest mistake.
- Mitigating Discomfort: If you feel "too high", remain calm. Drink water, consume a non-infused snack, and relax in a quiet area. Remember that the discomfort will pass. CBD can also reduce the potential anxiety inducing effects of THC.
Personal Insights: Curating Your Edible Experience
Through my experiences exploring the edible landscape, I have come to realize that the primary variable is personal metabolism. What energizes one person, may put another person to sleep. I encourage readers to keep a simple log documenting the product, the dose, the time until the effects were realized, and the effects themselves.
One of the most significant shifts I made was transitioning to low-dose, ratio-based products. A 2:1 or 1:1 CBD:THC gummy (such as SlumberCBN's Afternoon Delight) tends to provide me with the relaxation and mental clarity I am seeking, without the excessive effects.
I think using edible cannabis as a tool for enhancing your daily activities and experiences is more functional and integrated than other methods of consumption.
The Future of Cannabis Edibles: More Precision & Faster Onset
In terms of innovation and refinement, I believe the future of cannabis edibles will involve more precise control over potency, faster onset of effects, and more comprehensive formulations. Minor cannabinoids such as CBG (for focus) and CBN (for sleep) are becoming more prevalent in products, and functional botanicals such as adaptogens are also gaining popularity. Nano-emulsion technology is becoming increasingly popular in the industry, breaking down cannabinoids into small particles that increase the rate of absorption and create "fast-acting" edibles that are both more reliable and common.
As the industry continues to mature, I believe we will see a transition away from the broad classifications of "indica" and "sativa", and towards more transparent labeling of the dominant cannabinoids and terpenes in products. This will enable consumers to select products that align with their individual chemical makeup and intended outcomes.