Cannabis, also referred to as marijuana or weed, is the most popular substance and is used by millions of people daily. People either use cannabis for pleasure or to treat their chronic health conditions. There are many ways to intake cannabis, but the most popular way people prefer is smoking, vaping, and eating by mixing it with edible products. But the question arises is it safe to eat cannabis, and does it have the same effects as smoking or vaping? Today in this blog, we will understand the psychology of eating cannabis, its health benefits, side effects, and how you can enjoy it safely.
The history behind eating cannabis
From the early 19th century, cannabis was used for medicinal purposes in ancient China and India and was introduced to Western medicine. cannabis edibles have a prominent importance and have been consumed throughout history since 1000 B.C. While talking about eating edible cannabis products have been used to relieve stress and induce euphoria that is similar to alcohol. You might also come across the beverage called Bhang, made from the mixture of flowers and leaves of cannabis plants, which has been consumed during Indian religious festivals called Holi for centuries. Edible cannabis products have become popular in the US. They are available in the form of gummies, candies, chocolates, capsules, teas, and oils that are sold through legal cannabis dispensaries and illegal cannabis markets. Best Bud is one of the legal sites through which you can buy THC edibles that are high quality, and you can get them at the best price.
Benefits of eating edible cannabis
Consuming cannabis has prominent benefits but eating it raw does not have the same effect as consuming cannabis-based products. It needs to go under the process called decarboxylation to become activated. While getting to know about raw cannabis compounds, tetrahydrocannabinol acid (THCA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) need to be exposed to heat by smoking or baking to turn them into active forms like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). To inform you about its benefits, research has found that eating edible cannabis acts on receptors in the brain called the nucleus accumbens that increase the release of the neurotransmitter that has dopamine hormone that provides you with the sensation of pleasure. Edible cannabis also has some potential medical benefits and can treat various ailments like chronic pain, poor appetite, and cancer-related symptoms. The compound called THC is present in edibles used for its intoxicating properties and can foster feelings of euphoria and relaxation which can easily release your pain and muscle spasms; its other compound CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that can be helpful in reducing anxiety. Moreover, cannabis can relieve nausea and vomiting and enhance sleep quality.
Side effects of intaking edible cannabis
Even though edible cannabis has many benefits, it also does have some drawbacks that can put your life at risk. As we all know, edibles contain THC, which varies depending on different factors, like where the product was made and it’s quality. Edible cannabis is far more different from smoking cannabis as edibles have a long latency period, meaning it takes some hours to take effect. But smoking cannabis quickly reaches your brain, and you can see the effect in a few minutes. Its effect lasts around 20–30 minutes and gradually disappears within 2–3 hours. To be too accurate, edible cannabis takes 30–90 minutes (about 1 and a half hours) to kick in and lasts for a peak at about 2–4 hours, depending on how much you have digested. The effect may also depend on your body weight, gender, metabolism, and other factors. With high THC concentration and a long latency period, you may overconsume edible cannabis products, which can lead to symptoms like paranoia, dry mouth, sleepiness, changes in visual perception, and impaired motor ability. Overtaking edibles may also lead to conditions like psychosis that affect your brain and mental health and can result in paranoid delusions, hallucinations, and confusion. These edibles are in the form of gummies, cookies, chocolate, and other baked goods, which can increase the risk for children and pets as they might intake them accidentally. You must also avoid consuming edibles with alcohol and certain medications, including antidepressants and blood thinners, to reduce the risk of sedation and drowsiness.
How to enjoy edible cannabis safely and legally.
Many people take cannabis products to ease their stress, while some use it to treat their medical conditions. You will find edibles in any form, such as chocolate, gummies, capsules and many more, but before you intake it is essential for you to consult a doctor who will suggest appropriate doses depending on your medical condition. Getting a physician’s consultation for intaking cannabis may depend on where you live. Thirty-six states in the US allow the use of cannabis for medical purposes, but recreational cannabis products are still illegal in many parts of its states. Only the District of Columbia is allowed to use recreational cannabis products. While taking into consideration only prescribed dosage and usage, you can potentially reduce negative effects. Also, ensure that you purchase edibles from licensed dispensaries to get quality products that are tested for safety and potency.
Takeaway
Today, edible cannabis product usage has become increasingly popular among many people around the world. Polls consistently showed that most healthcare professionals believe that intaking cannabis should be a medical option for patients. Edible cannabis products have different concentrations of THC and CBD that sometimes become very difficult to determine in taking the appropriate dosage. By properly understanding edible cannabis products, you can get an idea about their benefits and side effects that will help avoid over-consumption. It is important to use safe products that are high quality and consume them with appropriate dosages to avoid unwanted side effects. Also, ensure that you buy edible cannabis products from legal and reputed dispensaries approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure they are free from mould, pesticides, fungi, bacteria, heavy metals, and other substances that can cause serious health risks. If you are using edibles to treat a medical condition, you must talk with your doctor to learn if eating cannabis is the only option and, if it is, how much you must consume.
Helen Baumeister did her degree in psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. She is interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
