Many people who shop for CBD and THC products prefer to purchase them in edible forms, like THC gummies, brownies, and pills. The reasons are simple: they're easy to consume, fit right into your daily routine, and don't draw any attention when you take them.
But what type of edible should you choose? And what's the right dose? Read on to learn everything you need to know about cannabis edibles.
What Are Edible Cannabis Products?
Cannabis edibles (or just "edibles") refer to food and beverages that have been infused with cannabis extracts (cannabinoids).
The most common are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), but you'll also find products containing cannabigerol (CBG) and other cannabinoids, all derived from the cannabis and/or hemp plants.
Essentially, edibles offer a healthier way to consume cannabis compounds as opposed to the more traditional method of smoke inhalation.
Edibles come in many forms, including:
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CBD or THC gummies or candies
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CBD or THC pills or capsules
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CBD or THC-infused chocolates
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Infused beverages like tea or soda
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Baked products like cake or cookies
The Benefits of Edibles Compared to Smoking
Even experienced users are moving to cannabis edibles because of the numerous benefits they offer:
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No smoke: Edibles don't involve combustion or inhaling smoke, so there is no lung or throat irritation.
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Delayed onset: Edibles have a slower onset time of 30 minutes to two hours (depending on the type of edible). This gives a smoother, more gradual experience rather than a direct hit.
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Longer-lasting: The effects after smoking wear off fast. Edibles can last for up to eight hours.
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More discreet: No smoke, no smell, and they fit easily into a pocket or purse.
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Consistent dosage: Edibles like THC gummies have a set milligram amount, so you know exactly how much you're consuming.
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Beginner-friendly: There's no technique or equipment required. Just pop it in your mouth and enjoy.
CBD or THC: Which Cannabis Edibles Should You Choose?
The edible you choose rests entirely on how you want to feel. While THC is known for making you "high," it carries many other health benefits. CBD is THC's gentler, non-psychoactive counterpart and has its own advantages.
THC edibles
THC gummies and other edibles give you that psychoactive high. You might feel the potent effects of euphoria, altered perception, and potentially (if you take too much) anxiety or paranoia.
Most people choose THC edibles for:
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Relaxation and stress relief
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Pain management
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Sleep support
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Recreational use
CBD edibles
CBD edibles won't get you high at all, nor give you any side effects. Instead, you can enjoy an antioxidant, anti-psychotic, anti-inflammatory, and neuro-protective experience.
People choose CBD edibles to:
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Reduce inflammation or pain
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Promote general well-being
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Feel relaxed without impairing cognitive function
THC and CBD combined
When THC and CBD are taken together, they can create a more balanced experience. The CBD can soften some of THC's potency and make it less overwhelming.
Additionally, the levels of CBD and THC can be adjusted and combined with herbs and extracts to achieve a specific effect.
For example, our Bliss pills mix THC, CBD, kanna, and theobromine to induce a positive and happy mood, while our Go pills combine cannabis compounds, galangal, and L-theanine to boost energy.
Tips for Consuming CBD or THC Gummies and Other Edibles
Despite their candy-like appearance, edibles must be approached with caution.
A low dose works best
Don't jump straight in with 10mg THC. Instead, begin with a small dose (around 2.5 - 5mg) and wait to see how you feel. You can always increase the THC dose later, but you can't undo what you've already consumed.
The same goes for CBD, but the biggest difference is that even if you accidentally take a high amount of CBD, it's far less concerning than overdoing it with THC. For microdosing, 1 - 2mg is usually sufficient.
Be patient
Because edibles take longer to take hold, it's easy to get impatient and pop another two gummies in the mouth. Don't do this!
The slow onset is part of the experience, so plan for it and give it the time it needs to work, usually between 30 min and 2 hours.
Know what you're taking
Always read the label, especially if someone else offers you an edible. You might think you're about to have a calm, relaxing evening, only to discover you've accidentally taken a much higher THC dose than intended.
Eat beforehand (or not)
Consuming edibles on an empty stomach can make the effects hit faster and stronger. Eating beforehand usually leads to a slower, smoother experience. Choose your adventure.
Store safely
Cannabis gummies look exactly like conventional candy, exactly the type of thing your kids or nieces and nephews would be interested in.
Keep them well out of reach and out of sight of young, curious eyes. Make sure your pets can't get at them either.
Cannabis Gummies vs. Pills vs. Baked Goods
Not all edibles deliver their benefits the same way, and there are various things to be mindful of.
Here's a breakdown of the most popular edibles to help you find the right one:
|
Product |
Taste |
Dose |
Onset |
Best for |
Caution |
|
CBD or THC gummies |
Delicious, often dessert- or fruit-flavored |
Very precise |
30 - 90 minutes |
Beginners and casual users |
Easy to over-consume |
|
Pills |
Typically flavorless |
Very precise |
20 - 60 minutes |
Those who want a faster onset and zero fuss |
Harder to adjust amounts |
|
Baked products |
Cake, cookies, brownies, etc. |
Less precise, especially when homemade |
1 - 2 hours (sometimes longer) |
Those with a high tolerance |
Harder to predict the amounts contained |
|
Chocolates |
Rich and indulgent |
Moderately precise, typically divided into squares |
45 minutes - 2 hours |
Individuals with a moderate tolerance |
It can easily melt, making it easier to over-consume |
FAQs
What do THC and CBD gummies do to you?
THC gummies produce psychoactive effects, including euphoria, deep relaxation, and improved sleep. They may also induce anxiety, paranoia, and an increased appetite.
CBD gummies don't make you high. Their effects are quite subtle, encouraging a calm mood or minimizing inflammation and pain without affecting your cognitive state.
What gummies have both THC and CBD?
Many brands sell combined CBD and THC gummies. They are typically labelled THC + CBD or "full-spectrum" edibles.
For example, 1906 offers combined CBD and THC daytime pain relief gummies and nighttime gummies.
Does CBD with THC make you higher?
No, taking CBD with THC does not make you "higher". In many cases, it actually moderates the effects of THC.
It can:
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Reduce anxiety and paranoia
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Soften the intensity of the high
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Make the experience feel more balanced
What happens when you take CBD and THC together?
When taken together, CBD and THC interact to cause an "entourage effect". This means they work in tandem to produce a smoother experience with less likelihood of anxiety or paranoia.
This can also enhance certain benefits, such as improving pain relief or sleep.
For many, combining the two compounds feels more manageable and enjoyable than consuming CBD or THC gummies alone.
Are THC gummies bad for your liver or kidneys?
For most healthy adults, THC gummies are not known to cause damage to any vital organs. Current evidence suggests that cannabis is not directly toxic in itself; however, use should still be occasional and at reasonable doses (less than 10mg THC).
That said, some higher-risk groups, like those with liver or kidney disease, should consult a medical professional before taking THC gummies.
Final Thoughts
Whether you shop for THC gummies, CBD pills, or a different type of edible, each offers benefits that smoking can't match.
Just remember to use them responsibly. Avoid excessively high doses, be patient, start slow, and you'll enjoy the experience to its fullest.