Proper Cannabis Consumption: How to Dose & Use Edibles

Everyone has a friend who has a bad edibles story. Edibles are a great way to consume cannabis, but if you’re not careful, it can quickly turn into a negative experience. At Ethos, we want our customers to use cannabis to feel better – not worse! To make your edible experience the best it can be, we have gathered all the information you need to know about proper cannabis edible consumption.

Understanding Cannabis Edibles

Cannabis edibles refer to food or drink products that have been infused with cannabinoids, most commonly tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD), which are the active compounds found in the cannabis plant. Remember, the effects of edibles can last for several hours, so be patient and allow ample time for the effects to unfold before deciding to consume more. It’s better to start with caution and gradually increase your dosage over time to find your ideal balance and avoid any unwanted or adverse effects. Fans of edibles choose edibles over smoking because the effects last longer, there is no smell, the dosage can be more precise, they reduce the harmful effects of smoking, and they provide therapeutic benefits. Edibles come in various forms and can be made using different recipes and ingredients. Some popular types of cannabis edibles include:

• Gummies: These are chewy candies that are infused with cannabis extract.
• Chocolates: Cannabis-infused chocolates are a popular choice among edibles. They can range from simple chocolate bars to truffles, bonbons, or chocolate-covered nuts, offering a wide variety of flavors and strengths.
• Baked goods: Cannabis can be incorporated into baked goods such as cookies, brownies, muffins, and cakes.
• Beverages: Cannabis-infused beverages include products like teas, coffees, sodas, and even alcoholic beverages.
• Canna-butter & oil: Cannabinoids can be infused with butter and oil, making it possible to turn almost anything into a cannabis edible. If you can eat it, it can be an edible!

Dosage Considerations

Starting with a low dose is crucial when consuming cannabis edibles. The effects of edibles can be more potent and long-lasting compared to other methods of consumption. It’s essential to begin with a low dose and gradually increase if needed, allowing your body to acclimate to the effects and gauge your tolerance. Calculating the desired dosage of THC in edibles can be challenging as it depends on various factors such as individual tolerance and desired effects. It’s essential to understand the THC content per serving or per package, which should be clearly labeled on the product packaging. For example, if a chocolate bar contains 100mg of THC and is divided into 10 pieces, each piece would contain approximately 10mg of THC. When calculating your desired dosage, consider factors such as your previous experience with cannabis, your sensitivity to THC, and the intended effects you are seeking. If you are a beginner or have low tolerance, starting with a dosage of 2.5-5mg of THC is recommended. For experienced users, a dosage of 10mg or higher may be suitable. However, it’s essential to remember that individual responses to cannabis can vary, so it’s always best to start low and gradually increase as needed. Remember, the effects of edibles can last for several hours, so be patient and allow ample time for the effects to unfold before deciding to consume more. It’s better to start with caution and gradually increase your dosage over time to find your ideal balance and avoid any unwanted or adverse effects.

More Factors to Consider

While edibles can provide a consistent dosage every time you take them, there are other factors that can affect the way the edible affects you. Here are some factors to consider when you are taking edibles:

• Metabolism: When you consume an edible, the cannabinoids, such as THC, are processed by the digestive system and metabolized in the liver before entering the bloodstream. The rate at which your body metabolizes these compounds can vary from person to person.

Individuals with a faster metabolism may experience a quicker onset of effects, while those with a slower metabolism may experience a delayed onset. Similarly, faster metabolism may result in a shorter duration of effects, while a slower metabolism may prolong the duration.

• Individual body chemistry: Each person has a unique endocannabinoid system, which is the system in the body that interacts with cannabinoids. Factors such as genetic makeup, enzyme activity, and receptor sensitivity can influence how an individual responds to cannabinoids.

Some individuals may be more sensitive to the effects of THC, while others may have a higher tolerance. Additionally, certain medications or medical conditions can interact with cannabinoids and alter the experience.

• Tolerance: Tolerance refers to the body’s ability to adapt to the effects of cannabis over time. Regular or frequent cannabis users may develop a higher tolerance, requiring larger doses to achieve the desired effects.

On the other hand, individuals who are new to cannabis or have not consumed it regularly may have a lower tolerance and can be more sensitive to lower doses. When it comes to edibles, individuals with a higher tolerance may require larger doses to feel the desired effects, while those with lower tolerance should start with lower doses. It’s important to note that tolerance can fluctuate depending on individual habits and patterns of cannabis consumption. Taking breaks from cannabis use can help reduce tolerance levels.

Crucial Tips for First Timers

If you are a first-time edible consumer, it’s best to try it for the first time in a calculated manner. Once you’ve decided which low dose to start with, here are some additional tips to make your edible experience go smoothly:

• Consume edibles in a safe and comfortable environment: Being in a familiar setting can help reduce potential feelings of anxiety or discomfort that may arise from the effects of edibles.

Choose a place where you feel relaxed and where you can control the ambiance, such as your home or a trusted friend’s house.

• Have a sober friend present: Having a sober friend present during the experience can provide an additional layer of safety. This person can offer support and reassurance and help monitor your well-being. They can also assist in case of any unexpected or adverse effects.

Make sure the friend is responsible and reliable and understands the effects of cannabis edibles.

• Patience, patience, patience: As mentioned earlier, the effects of edibles can take longer to kick in compared to other consumption methods. It’s crucial to be patient and avoid overconsumption.

Resist the temptation to consume more if the effects are not immediately felt. Overconsumption can lead to uncomfortable experiences, increased intoxication, and potential adverse effects. Remember to wait for at least 2 hours before considering additional consumption.

Ethos Cannabis: Guiding Your Path to Natural & Effective Self-Care!

Overall, cannabis edibles are an effective and discreet way to consume cannabis with long-lasting effects. However, it’s important to be mindful when using edibles to make sure you don’t accidentally overconsume them. Start out with a small dose, wait at least 2 hours to take more, and consider how your own body reacts to edibles. After trying edibles in a controlled environment, you’ll be an expert in no time. Want to learn more about how edibles can benefit you? Send us a message or stop in one of our stores!