Even experienced cannabis consumers can find themselves over-consuming edibles if they are not careful. The onset time of edibles can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to plan and ensure you have someone around to monitor you and help you if needed. The good news is that discerning a quality edible from the rest isn’t impossible. There are a few key indicators to look for online and in-store.
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Check the Price
It’s important to consider how much you want to spend on edibles because not all are created equal. Many high-quality edibles will be slightly more expensive than some lower-quality products. Edibles come in various forms, from sweet treats like brownies and gummies to savory snacks like chips and crackers. The edibles you purchase will depend on your personal preferences and dietary restrictions. Consideration should also be given to how discreet the edible is. Ideally, it should be easy to microdose and easily dispensed so that consumption can take place in public without drawing attention to yourself.
It’s easy to get fooled by cute packaging and persuasive budtenders, but it’s always important to check the ingredients before you buy edibles. You should be able to read the labels and pronounce what is in it to be confident that it’s safe to consume. It’s also essential to ensure that the price is in line with the expected effects so that you don’t end up paying for an edible that won’t meet your expectations. Ultimately, the best way to find the right edible is to buy it in small quantities until satisfied.
Check the Ingredients
When choosing edibles, it’s essential to check the ingredients. It helps to ensure you consume safe products and do not ingest harmful chemicals, pesticides, or microbials. In addition, it can help to ensure you’re consuming only a little of one particular ingredient. It can help prevent things like paranoia and anxiety.
Edibles are made from various ingredients, including gelatin and pectin for gummy formulations, sugar (many THC gummies are coated in sugar to prevent sticking), and other food-based ingredients. While avoiding these is difficult, a good rule of thumb is always to read the label and check the ingredients before consuming.
Furthermore, edibles can take 30 minutes to two hours to start working. The cannabis has to go through your digestive system and into your bloodstream. Additionally, the onset time also depends on your metabolism and other factors, like whether or not you have consumed any other substances before consuming the edible.
Check the Packaging
For edibles, it is essential to check the packaging for resealability, proper labeling, and ease of dispensation. Edibles should be marked with serving size, strain information, and farm source, as well as any dietary restrictions that may be relevant. If the product is packaged in a way that makes it hard to dispense, it likely needs higher quality. It is also recommended to check the dosage. Most first-timers start with 10mg or less. Edibles can have a very different effect on each person, and it isn’t easy to know how much to consume without clear dosing instructions. Ideally, the packaging will list this information, or the company’s website should have this information available.
Additionally, the packaging should be discreet. Most consumers want to avoid drawing attention to themselves when sharing an edible with friends. A high-quality, easily dispensed product will help keep consumption private and make it easier to microdose on the go. It is always best to stick with reputable brands, but there is no reason to settle for subpar edibles. If you can find a high-quality product, the extra expense will pay off for a more enjoyable experience. If you need help figuring out where to start, ask a friend for recommendations or seek advice from knowledgeable budtenders.
Check the THC Content
As with any product, consumers should know how much of a standard serving is in an edible. Edibles often contain a higher amount of THC than traditional marijuana smoking methods, so it’s essential to take into account how many milligrams per edible you are consuming. Whether you’re a novice or a pro, knowing how to dose your edibles properly can ensure an enjoyable experience without any adverse effects. Edibles take longer to kick in than a typical THC product, as the THC must pass through the digestive tract and into the bloodstream before it takes effect. Depending on the person and the edible consumed, it can take 30 minutes to two hours. Therefore, it’s recommended that anyone attempting to consume an edible begin with a low dose and work their way up in increments until the desired results are achieved.
Luckily, most dispensary-grade edibles are clearly labeled with their THC content, so it’s easy to find what you need. However, it’s still essential to beware of misleading labeling and to always purchase a lab-tested product to avoid intoxication or other adverse symptoms. Like an ABV (alcohol by volume) label on a bottle of booze, it’s helpful to understand how much THC is in each edible you’re purchasing to make an informed choice about which one to try.
