There has been no reported overdose of THC – but you can overdo it.
Overindulgence can get the best of both the novice medical cannabis user, and even the seasoned toker. These instances are generally the result of inexperience or accident, and a too high dose usually comes in the sneaky form of edibles, rather than through vaping or smoking.
Although the Centers for Disease Control confirm death is highly unlikely from overconsumption of cannabis, an overdose can cause extreme confusion, anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, and vomiting in most users.
In fact, despite zero reported deaths, the Colorado poison control center saw a 70 percent increase in calls for accidental cannabis overexposure after legalizing recreational cannabis in the state.
For most consumers, hearing the word “edibles” likely jumps their mind to an image of the brownies a tie-dyed hippie brought to their party in High School. Edibles in the outside cannabis market; however, come in all shapes, sizes, and forms; changing this age-old perception for those who’ve experienced them.
Photo Submitted by Boojum Group – Boojum Group is a state-licensed hemp and medical cannabis processor located in Heber City, Utah. They produce an array of products across the cannabis spectrum. Above are Citrus Lozenges, made with citral, vanilla, and high-THC Orange Zkittles full spectrum oil.
Now that medical cannabis is legal in Utah, these new products have slowly become available at local pharmacies since they started opening their doors in March. Despite not having the variety that other, more mature cannabis markets have, the state’s patients have had their own selection of gelatinous cubes and tinctures to medicate themselves with.
Although the product selection is slim, it can still create confusion for those trying to select the right product or dose for consumption.
To help you on your cannabis journey, whether it’s just beginning, or already a weathered track – here’s our Salt-Baked guide to everything you’ll need to know in order to fully enjoy edibles.
Why Cannabis Edibles?
A little THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) goes a long way with these new treats available to Utah patients. The consumption of medical cannabis edibles is a discreet and simple way for patients to get a perfect dose and allows those who cannot tolerate vaping for health reasons to explore the world of cannabis without the negative side-effects that can arise from long-term smoking. Even though cannabis is known to be increasingly medicinal, it is common knowledge that the act of smoking or vaping anything can pose health risks over long periods of time.
How Edibles Absorb into Your Body
After traveling down your esophagus, the cannabis edible lands in your stomach, where it is broken down by acids and enzymes. Once liquified in your gut, the THC is absorbed through the lining of your stomach and is taken to your liver. In your liver, THC is transformed into 11-Hydroxy-THC, which is like super-THC. This allows THC to cross the blood-brain easier than if it were inhaled, making it more potent than if it were inhaled. So in other words, edibles are slower acting, but can also be stronger.
How Should I Dose Edibles?
The ‘proper’ cannabis dose is incredibly unique for each individual user, and should be calculated with seriousness. Each person reacts differently to certain levels of THC, and there are many different factors that play into the effects they feel. If you’re puffing clouds all day, like our strain reviewer, you’ll likely be able to enjoy a larger dose than an individual who has never before consumed cannabis. The safest route in discovering your tolerance is to explain your situation to a budtender (we call them pharmacy associates in Utah, but some habits are hard to break at Salt Baked City) at a pharmacy and ask their suggestion for your proper dosage.
Doses on Utah medical cannabis edibles are listed in milligrams (mg), and are usually 10mg per piece. Best of all, these gelatinous cubes are incredibly easy to split, so if you fear taking a large dose, you can eat half a cube or less.
The Effects of Edibles
Compared to smoking or vaping cannabis, the effects of edibles vary greatly. When you vaporize flower, or smoke that doobie when nobody is watching, you feel the high almost immediately and it never lasts longer than two or three hours. Edibles on the other hand, like to creep up on you, which can result in overconsumption. Edibles take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour before your liver starts to break them down and it can take up to five hours before the effects start to wear off – a lot like alcohol. During this waiting period, many consumers think their edibles didn’t work, or that the dose was too low, so they consume even more. When the high finally kicks in, it’s too late, and the ride can be intense and long. Look out for our upcoming Salt-Baked article on how to use CBD to counteract the effect of overdosing on THC.
When It’s Time to Consume
The Green Scene rule of thumb when consuming edibles: start small, wait an hour, then increase your dose to avoid any negative side-effects during your cannabis experience. If an overdose does occur, try calling your local pharmacy, or doctor, before calling the cops. You don’t want your family and friends hearing your conversation with police dispatch; believe us. Instead, choose a relaxing environment that you can feel safe in during your experience, and surround yourself with friends that bring great vibes and uplifting spirits.
If you’ve tried edibles before and didn’t have a positive experience, don’t be afraid to give it another shot. Each time is a learning experience. Start small and work your dose up, and most of all, listen to your body.
Salt Baked Photo
Dad’s Elixir is a cannabis infused mixer syrup found in the outside recreational market that can be added to various liquids for an irie enhanced beverage.
