When it comes to cannabis, there are countless ways to enjoy its effects. While smoking and vaping remain popular options, edibles offer a unique experience that is often touted for its long-lasting and more intense effects. However, for many people, the edible experience can be a bit of a wild card. If you’re new to edibles-or even if you’re a seasoned pro-it can sometimes feel like you’ve either taken too little and feel nothing or consumed too much and are riding a rollercoaster of intensity that is, frankly, a little terrifying.
If you’re hoping for a relaxing, chill, and enjoyable high rather than a chaotic trip, here are some tips to help you find your sweet spot when it comes to cannabis edibles.
Start Slow: Microdosing is Your Friend
One of the most common mistakes people make when consuming edibles for the first time is taking too much too soon. Unlike smoking, where the effects hit almost instantly, edibles take time to be metabolized by the liver, and the high can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours to fully kick in. This delay often leads to people thinking they haven’t consumed enough, so they take more. Then, a little while later, they’re hit with a wave of intense effects that they weren’t prepared for.
To avoid this, it’s essential to start with a small dose. For beginners, the general recommendation is around 2.5 to 5 milligrams of THC-a good microdose to test your tolerance. If you’re unsure of how much THC is in a particular edible, start with a small bite or portion and wait at least 2 hours before considering taking more. Patience is key!
Know Your THC Dosage: Read the Label
Cannabis edibles come in all shapes and sizes, from gummies to chocolates, beverages, and baked goods. Unfortunately, not all edibles are created equal, and the potency can vary widely from product to product. Always check the label to see how much THC is in each serving and how many servings are in the entire package. For example, a gummy that contains 10 milligrams of THC per piece might be split into two or more doses depending on your tolerance.
If you’re new to edibles or have a low tolerance, always opt for something that has a lower dose per serving (think 5 milligrams or less) until you understand how your body reacts.
Consider Your Environment: Set & Setting Matter
The environment in which you consume edibles is incredibly important. Cannabis affects your mood and mindset, so being in a calm, safe, and comfortable environment will help you to relax and have a better experience.
If you’re new to edibles, avoid consuming them in stressful situations or unfamiliar places. Opt for a cozy setting with people you trust, or even better, consider consuming edibles while you’re doing something relaxing-like watching a movie, listening to music, or hanging out in nature. If you feel at ease, you’re less likely to experience anxiety or paranoia, which can sometimes be associated with edibles if the experience goes awry.
Time It Right: Choose Your Edible Wisely
Different types of edibles can have slightly different effects. For example, gummies, chocolates, and other confections are often absorbed in a similar manner, but some edibles like beverages may be absorbed more quickly because they are in liquid form. Some edibles, like tinctures, are more fast-acting and can offer a quicker onset time than a baked good or candy.
You should also consider when you want to consume your edible. If you’re looking for a relaxing evening, take your edible earlier in the day so that you’re not riding the high well into the night. If you’re just starting to experiment with edibles, it’s a good idea to do so when you don’t have anything important or time-sensitive planned for the day-this way, if you do get a little too high, you’re not in a rush to go anywhere.
Pay Attention to Your Body: Know When to Stop
If you’ve taken a small dose and after a couple of hours you’re still not feeling anything, it can be tempting to take more. But this is often where people go wrong. Edibles have a cumulative effect, meaning that even if you don’t feel high right away, it doesn’t mean the THC isn’t kicking in. Once you take more, you risk overdoing it, which can lead to anxiety, paranoia, and an uncomfortable experience.
Instead, remember: “Slow and steady wins the race.” Resist the urge to double down immediately. Take a break, relax, and enjoy the experience. You’ll know when you’ve found your sweet spot, and it may take a few tries to figure out how much THC is right for you.
Know Your THC and CBD Balance
Many edibles are formulated with not just THC, but also CBD, which is another compound found in cannabis that has calming and therapeutic effects. Edibles that contain both THC and CBD can provide a more balanced high, potentially minimizing the anxiety or paranoia that can sometimes come from THC-heavy edibles.
If you’re particularly prone to anxiety or discomfort with high doses of THC, look for edibles with a higher CBD to THC ratio. This balance can help take the edge off while still allowing you to enjoy the relaxing and euphoric effects of THC.
Don’t Mix with Other Substances
While cannabis is often used in combination with other substances-whether it’s alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs-it’s important to remember that mixing substances can lead to unpredictable effects. Alcohol can intensify the effects of THC and may lead to dizziness or nausea, while other drugs can potentially cause complications.
For the smoothest, chillest high, it’s best to consume edibles on their own, without mixing them with other substances. If you do choose to drink alcohol, keep it minimal and avoid overindulgence.
Trust Your Body: Everyone’s Different
Finally, it’s important to recognize that everyone reacts to cannabis differently. Your body’s endocannabinoid system (the system that THC interacts with) may respond to cannabis in a unique way. Factors like your body weight, metabolism, and experience with cannabis will all influence how you experience an edible high. So, while some people may find that a 5-milligram dose gives them the perfect buzz, others may need more or less. The key is to trust your body and find the right balance for you.
Conclusion
Edibles offer an entirely different experience compared to smoking or vaping cannabis, but with the right approach, they can be a fantastic way to enjoy the benefits of THC in a controlled and enjoyable manner. By starting slow, being mindful of dosage, and paying attention to your environment and mindset, you can ensure that your edible experience is relaxing, chill, and free from unwanted chaos.
Remember, the goal is to enjoy the ride-not rush to the finish line. Take your time, savor the experience, and most importantly, stay safe and responsible. With a little patience and care, you’ll soon discover the perfect edible experience tailored to your needs.