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What to Know About Marijuana Edibles

People may think that consuming candy that has marijuana in it is safer than actually smoking it. The truth is that there are plenty of negative health consequences that can come from consuming too many edibles. By being aware of the dangers of marijuana edibles, you will think twice before buying them.

What Marijuana Edibles Are

Edibles are food products that have marijuana in them. It has become a popular way to consume marijuana as you can put marijuana in almost any food product. Brownies are the most popular edible, but marijuana can also be infused in gummies, chocolate, beverages, and others. The chemical compound in marijuana is THC which can make you high, affect your memory, thinking, and perception. There is also cannabidiol in edibles which also has relaxing qualities. Marijuana can also be infused in cooking oil for frying or searing as well as marijuana-infused butter that can easily be spread. 

There are people who use edible marijuana for recreational uses as it is legal in 11 states, but there are others who use it for medical uses in 33 states where medical marijuana is legal. The popular medical use for it is for pain relief, but can also be used for improving appetite, reducing nausea, and lowering inflammation. 

Eating Marijuana Vs. Smoking It

Smoking marijuana takes minutes to achieve the effects. Edibles, on the other hand, can take 1-3 hours since food is absorbed in the bloodstream through the liver. Because it takes a while, this will make the user want to absorb more and more of it to achieve the effects. It is often unknown how much THC is in an edible since it is hard to measure. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, a 52-year-old man with a brain tumor who accidentally received a dose 10 to 20 times higher than recommended of liquid marijuana. This caused him to go to the emergency room delirious with garbled speech. The chances of an overdose from edibles are much greater compared to an overdose from smoking it. If you take too much of an edible, you could experience symptoms like feeling very tired, a bit delirious, or being agitated or paranoid. 

The Safety of Marijuana Edibles 

If you buy a product from a registered clinic, the edibles must undergo tests. This means making sure there are no unwanted metals and that the product contains what it says on the package. Testing can also see if the dosage of marijuana that the package states is accurate, meaning you get the same THC content in each bite taken. It is important to still be careful when buying from a legal clinic since they still take a while to achieve the effects.

The Health Consequences of Marijuana Edibles 

People who already have health issues like schizophrenia, a history of heart attacks, blood pressure issues, anxiety, and a history of drug abuse should avoid edibles. People with psychiatric disorders could be worsening their anxiety with cannabis products. If you have a history of substance abuse, it is best to speak to a doctor about it before being prescribed to it if you need it for medical uses. Everyone metabolizes cannabis differently depending on their state of mind or metabolism. Be honest with yourself about what you can and cannot handle after you try an edible. Feeling more anxious is not worth achieving a high. No amount of marijuana edibles is worth compromising your mental health. 

Safe Ways of Consuming Marijuana Edibles

The body already has cannabidiol receptors which means that you cannot develop a physical or chemical dependency to the THC the way you can with other substances. If you are going to take marijuana edibles for medical uses, you still have to make sure that you are consuming them safely to avoid any overdoses. You should first read the labels on the edibles package so that you know the dosing of the THC/CBD in the product. The label will also tell you if the product has been tested by a third-party lab for safety which is a good sign. It is important to go to a good dispensary where the staff is educated on the product and understands the experience you want to give you a recommended option.

You can also speak to your doctor about your edibles use. They can tell you the truth about whether or not you should steer clear of them depending on your overall health and any mental health issues you have. The normal dose of an edible is between 5 to 10 milligrams. Take a 2.5-milligram dose and wait 90 minutes if you are used to cannabis. If you do not feel an effect after, you can try another 2.5 milligrams but be careful of your dosage. 

You should also keep edibles away from the sight of children as they can be consuming goods like gummies and have no idea that there is marijuana in them. If your teen children know that you use edibles for medical purposes, explain why you use it and what it is important to avoid. You also know that you are buying from a legal dispensary if they are following safe-specific rules of safety and testing. You can check your state government’s site for registered dispensaries. By using marijuana edibles for medical purposes only and using them wisely, you will decrease the risks of an overdose.

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