Have you been thinking about trying cannabis edibles for the first time but aren’t sure what to expect? Visiting your local cannabis dispensary, such as Mountain Annie’s Cannabis Dispensary, can be the first step, but it’s important to know how edibles can affect you, especially if you’re new to cannabis.Here’s more information about what to expect from your first edible experience.
Deciding on Your Edible Type
Stepping into the world of edibles opens the door to a variety of options, including baked goods, beverages, candies, and more. Consider what kind of experience you’re looking for. Beverages like cannabis-infused sodas tend to have a faster effect while lasting a shorter time. Edibles like gummies, cookies and brownies usually take longer to feel – but their effects also linger.
No matter what edible type you select, always start small with a low dose. Edibles take longer to absorb, and their effects show up later but last much longer than smoking or vaping cannabis. 5 to 10mg of THC is a good starting point for new users.
You can always increase your dose after confirming how a smaller amount affects you. Don’t be tempted to take more while waiting! Be patient as effects may take 30 minutes to 2 hours to fully show up.
Figuring Out Timing
The timing of effects from edibles can feel unusual compared to other cannabis methods. Unlike the instant feeling of inhaling cannabis smoke or vapor, edible highs come on more slowly. It’s easiest to think of the stages as: ingestion, absorption, onset, coming up, peaking, and coming down. From start to finish, your first edible experience can last 4 to 8 hours or even longer.
Here’s a breakdown of each phase:
- Ingestion: This refers simply to consuming the edible — the moment it passes your lips. At this point you’re not feeling anything yet besides hopefully a nice taste!
- Absorption: Over the next 30–90 minutes, the THC will absorb through the lining of your stomach and small intestine and enter your bloodstream.
- Onset: Now that cannabinoids are flowing through your system, you’ll start noticing the effects setting in. This usually happens around 30 minutes to 2 hours after ingestion. You might feel a slight buzz or sensations of relaxation washing over you. Many people do not feel much at this point.
- Coming Up: The high is intensifying now. This is when stronger psychoactive and physical effects pick up in earnest, from altered perception and cognition to intensified senses. Coming up can feel a little less predictable than smoking or vaping cannabis.
- Peaking: The most intense sensations of your high happen now in terms of both psychedelic as well as therapeutic effects. Time may slow down and activities become more enjoyable. You may feel couchlocked by euphoria and creativity or find chores suddenly more interesting.
- Coming Down: Finally, the peak will give way to less intense effects. You transition back to feeling more functionally normal. The complete end of effects typically occurs 3 to 6 hours post-ingestion.
Selecting Your Setting
Since edibles can make activities like standing or walking more challenging during the peak high, plan to enjoy your first edible in a safe, controlled environment like home. Having some fun things prepped like movies, coloring books, and playlists is smart.
Natural settings can be nice too if you have a safe outdoor spot to lounge while peaking. Many people find edibles helpful before bedtime, As effects wear off through the night. However, waking up still feeling high is common, even with sleep. Be ready to take it easy the next morning just in case.
You may feel intimidated to try edibles for the first time. However, cannabis stores have what are referred to as “bud-tenders.” These staff members can help you find the cannabis products that are perfect for you. Visit your preferred dispensary today.
