There are such a wide range of edible products available in today’s market, from seltzers and mints to cookies and brownies. With such a wide range of deliciously different edibles and drinks that can leave you feeling totally relaxed, without you having to take a single smoke on a joint, it’s important to know how to keep yourself safe and feeling good while enjoying your high.
It may be a surprise to hear that edibles can last a lot longer in your system, and leave you feeling stoned for a longer period of time than cannabis that’s been inhaled through a joint or a bong. As you can be left feeling the effects of edibles for up to 12 hours after consumption, it’s important to make sure that you’re consuming them safely so that you can enjoy the high that follows.
Edibles are becoming more and more popular as not only are more retailers stocking them, but people are choosing to consume edibles to feel stoned and relaxed, rather than opting for the traditional methods of smoking cannabis.
Although edibles are available in many different forms, it’s important to be aware of how to consume them properly, especially if you’re trying them for the first time. In order to feel relaxed, it’s important that you follow the steps below, such as starting small and taking your time consuming the products, rather than eating them all in one go.
Please note that while my handwriting is atrocious and I like to walk around with the pompous air, I am in no way, shape, or form, a medical professional and this is no way, shape, or form, medical advice.
- Start small
If you’re trying edibles for the first time, one of the most important things to remember is to not eat too much in one go. Although edibles in the forms of gooey brownies and chocolate chip cookies may taste moreish, making sure you’re only eating small amounts at a time.
For your first edible, try and ensure that the product you’re taking has no more than 5mg THC, and work your way up in 5mg increments to see how much you can handle, without jumping in the deep end too quickly.
- Keep your (sober) friends close
If you’re trying edibles for the first time in a group, see if there’s one person who is willing to stay sober. Make sure that not only you’re aware of who the sober person in the group is, but make the sober person aware that it’s your first time trying edibles, just in case they need to keep a closer eye on you.
Your sober friend can check in on you to make sure you’re feeling okay, while also providing a grounding feeling for you if you do start to feel a little bit too stoned.
- Make sure you’re not hungry
I mean, you’re more than likely to get “munchies” while consuming edibles, but it’s important to make sure that you’re not consuming edibles on an empty stomach.
Having a full stomach before eating edibles will allow your body to break down the edibles correctly and at a slower pace, meaning that you’re less likely to experience any harsh side effects.
- Nice and slow…
If you’ve taken your first edible, but you’re still yet to feel anything after 30 or 40 mins, don’t panic! Edibles tend to take from 1 to 2 hours to kick in fully, as your body needs to digest them for you to feel the effects, rather than consuming it through smoking a joint.
If you eat too many edibles before they kick in, you’re going to suddenly feel strong side effects at once, which may be a little overwhelming. So, after you’ve taken your first edible, enjoy the ride and wait for a couple of hours or so before trying your next one.
Jason Peterson is Partner and Head of Brand of Cycling Frog.
