What are weed edibles?
Weed edibles are food or drinks that contain cannabinoids. The main cannabinoids are THC and CBD. THC causes a high. CBD does not. Edibles include brownies, gummies, cookies, and beverages.
How edibles work
You eat or drink the edible. The cannabinoids go through your stomach and liver. The liver converts THC into 11-hydroxy-THC. This compound crosses into the brain. Effects start in 30 to 120 minutes. Peak effects occur at 2 to 4 hours. Effects last 4 to 8 hours, or longer.
Dosing
Doses are measured in milligrams (mg). A standard dose in states with legal cannabis is 10 mg THC. For people with no tolerance, 1 to 2.5 mg THC is a starting point. Wait 2 hours before taking more. The CDC reports that edible overdoses send people to emergency rooms. Symptoms include anxiety, vomiting, and rapid heart rate.
CBD edibles
CBD edibles contain little or no THC. Federal law allows hemp CBD with less than 0.3% THC. CBD edibles do not cause a high. They may cause drowsiness or dry mouth. The FDA has not approved CBD for food use, except one drug for seizures.
Legal status
Federal law lists THC as a Schedule I drug. State laws differ. Some states allow recreational THC edibles. Some allow medical use only. Some ban THC. Check your state health department or cannabis control board.
Labeling and testing
Look for a lab test report. Tests measure THC and CBD content. Tests also screen for pesticides, heavy metals, and mold. In 2015, a study in JAMA found that 83% of edible labels did not match actual THC content. Buy from licensed stores.
Storage
Keep edibles in a locked container. Keep them away from children and pets. The CDC reports that edible poison control calls for children under 5 rose from 2017 to 2019. Store in a cool, dry place. Check expiration dates.