Cannabis use in the medical and wellness industries is constantly growing. Along with its popularity is the development of various products, like edibles, with different potency levels to accommodate specific needs.
Cannabis edibles have gained popularity for their discreet and diverse forms, providing a smoke-free option for consumption. However, understanding and gauging their potency can be tricky, especially for first-time users.
Understanding the dosages and potencies of cannabis edibles is crucial to maximizing their health and wellness benefits. That said, here’s a quick guide for safe and healthy consumption.
Cannabis Edibles Basics
Cannabis edibles are food products infused with cannabinoids – compounds derived from cannabis. Some evidence suggests that its usage dates back thousands of years. However, its legalization for medical and recreational use has recently sparked progressive use.
Experts from trusted cannabis dispensaries can provide a complete Edibles Guide. Meanwhile, here’s a more comprehensive list of the most common types of cannabis edibles, each offering unique experiences:
Baked Goods: Baked goods like brownies, cookies, and muffins are often the go-to choice for many consumers. They are typically infused with cannabis butter or oil and offer a tasty way to ingest cannabis.
Gummies and Candies: These are popular for their convenience and variety of flavors. From gummy bears to lollipops, these sweet treats are infused with a specific amount of cannabinoids, making dosage control straightforward.
Chocolates: Cannabis-infused chocolates are another fan favorite. They combine the delightful experience of eating chocolate with the effects of cannabis. They’re available in various potency levels to cater to both novice and experienced users.
Beverages: From cannabis-infused teas and coffees to sodas and elixirs, these drinks offer a different way to consume cannabis. They are typically slower to take effect but provide a unique and often refreshing experience.
Savory Snacks: Cannabis-infused savory snacks like popcorn, chips, or cheese bites offer an alternative for those who prefer something less sugary.
The diverse options in cannabis edibles are the results of years of innovation by cannabis experts. Founder, Alexander Farnsworth of a fine cannabis company, along with other innovators in the cannabis industry, paved the way for developing various cannabis products to suit everyone’s palate.
Due to a wide range of product diversity, emphasizing the importance of understanding potency is crucial. Different products can have vastly different concentrations of THC and CBD, making education and responsible consumption paramount.
Understanding Cannabis Potency
Potency in cannabis edibles refers to the concentration of cannabinoids, primarily THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (Cannabidiol), typically measured in milligrams (mg) per serving. THC produces psychoactive effects, while CBD is non-intoxicating. Both are recognized for their potential therapeutic benefits.
However, the potency of cannabis edibles isn’t solely determined by their THC or CBD content. Several factors influence how potent an edible might seem:
Cannabis Strain: Cannabis strains have varying levels of cannabinoids. Some strains are high in THC and low in CBD, while others might have a more balanced or reversed ratio. The strain used in producing the edible will significantly affect its overall potency.
Extraction Method: The method of cannabinoid extraction can also influence potency. Some processes are more efficient, resulting in higher cannabinoid concentrations. For example, CO2 extraction is often hailed as the most effective method, preserving and isolating the cannabinoids better than other techniques.
Decarboxylation: This process involves applying heat to raw cannabis to activate the cannabinoids, a crucial step in making edibles. The duration and temperature of decarboxylation can affect how much THC and CBD are activated, thus impacting the potency.
Preparation Process: How cannabis is incorporated into the edible can influence potency. For example, if cannabis butter is used, the concentration could vary based on how well the cannabis was infused into the butter.
Storage Conditions: Just like many other food products, the potency of cannabis edibles can be affected by how they are stored. Prolonged exposure to light, air, and high temperatures can degrade cannabinoids over time, reducing the product’s potency.
Understanding these factors helps elucidate why different edibles can have varying effects despite having similar THC or CBD concentrations. This emphasizes the importance of responsible consumption and the need to consider factors beyond just the numbers on a product’s label.
Impact Of Potency Levels On The Body
The potency of cannabis edible determines the intensity of the experience by influencing various physical and psychological effects. Here’s a closer look at how cannabis potency impacts the body:
Psychoactive Effects: High-potency edibles containing large amounts of THC can produce pronounced psychoactive effects. These can include euphoria, altered perception, and, in some cases, anxiety or paranoia. On the other hand, low-potency or CBD-dominant edibles may have milder or no psychoactive effects.
Physical Effects: Depending on the potency, cannabis edibles can also cause several physical effects. These might include dry mouth, red eyes, increased heart rate, coordination problems, and, in the case of high doses, even dizziness or fainting.
Therapeutic Effects: Many people use cannabis for its potential therapeutic effects. High-CBD edibles can help relieve pain, inflammation, and anxiety without producing a ‘high.’ Meanwhile, high-THC edibles might be used for conditions like insomnia or loss of appetite.
Duration of Effects: The potency of an edible can also influence how long its effects last. Generally, the higher the THC concentration, the longer you can expect the effects to last. However, factors such as metabolism, tolerance, and food intake can also play a role.
Onset of Effects: Interestingly, the potency can impact how quickly you feel the effects. While most edibles take 30 minutes to one hour to take effect, a very high-potency edible may produce noticeable effects more quickly.
Understanding how different potencies can impact the body is crucial in choosing the right edible dosage for your individual needs and tolerance.
Dosage Recommendations
For beginners, experts usually recommend starting with a lower dose, typically between 1-5mg of THC. More experienced or frequent consumers may opt for higher dosages, but caution is still advised. If you’re taking edibles for medical use, follow your prescription to maximize its effects and minimize risks.
Aside from safety considerations, consuming safe dosage is crucial for a pleasant cannabis experience. Starting low is best, especially for first-timers. Low and slow consumption helps maximize benefits while minimizing adverse effects.
The Role Of Regulation In Ensuring Safe Consumption
Regulation plays an important role in the safe consumption of cannabis edibles. In many regions where cannabis is legal, regulatory bodies oversee the production and labeling of these products. They set limits for THC concentration and help ensure that consumers know the potency of the products they purchase.
Conclusion
Understanding the potency of cannabis edibles is pivotal for safe and enjoyable consumption. Buying from licensed cannabis dispensaries can help ensure that the edibles’ potency is accurate, reducing the risk of overconsumption. Reaching out to a health professional is also advised for a safer cannabis experience.
Author’s Bio:
Jake Sullivan is a cannabis enthusiast and an expert in understanding the potency in cannabis edibles. With a background in cannabis research and education.
MMA and Boxing are having a moment in the spotlight…but did you know CBD has role?
Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a relatively young sport increasing in popularity. In 2022, there were around 2.5+ million people in the United States who participated in MMA for fitness. MMA fighters have become more accessible to fans through social media, where they share glimpses of their daily lives. And boxing, which had seemed to lose an audience, is making a small comeback. They have some high profile fans who have brought additional attention to matches. The action in brutal on the body, but here is how MMA and boxing are using CBD…and everyone is cool with it.
CBD has gained popularity in the world of combat sports, particularly in boxing and (MMA). This natural compound, derived from the cannabis plant, has become a go-to option for many fighters seeking to enhance recovery, manage pain, and improve overall performance. And unlike medical marijuana, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) removed CBD from its list of prohibited substances in 2018. The decision has allowed athletes to use CBD without fear of violating anti-doping regulations. The caveat is fighters need to ensure the CBD products have non-detectable levels of THC to avoid potential issues with drug testing.
One of the primary reasons boxers and MMA fighters turn to CBD is its potential to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. The physical demands of these sports often result in injuries, soreness, and inflammation. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, potentially helping to manage pain without the risk of addiction associated with traditional opioid-based medications.
A significant concern in boxing and MMA is the risk of traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to repeated blows to the head. Interestingly, CBD has shown potential neuroprotective properties. While more research is needed, some studies suggest that CBD might help protect against and potentially improve outcomes in cases of TBI.
Quality sleep is crucial for athletes’ recovery and performance. CBD has shown promise in improving sleep quality and duration, which is essential for fighters who need to recover from intense physical activity. By promoting better sleep, CBD may help boxers and MMA fighters recover more efficiently between training sessions and fights.
Combat sports can be mentally taxing, with fighters often experiencing performance anxiety and stress. CBD has been reported to have anxiolytic properties, potentially helping athletes manage pre-fight jitters and overall stress levels. This can be particularly beneficial for maintaining focus and composure during high-pressure situations.
The holidays are fun and full of family, activities, and food. But does marijuana have a natural secret weapon to help you at least not gain weight this season?
The holidays are here – turkeys, pie, and family favorites. Along with Christmas cookies, holiday cocktails, everything adds up and starts to make a difference in how clothes fit. On average, people gain between 1-2 pounds in November and December. Some studies suggest people gain more, with an average of 2–5 pounds. But is marijuana’s THCV your natural holiday weight loss plan. While Ozempic has been the wonder drug of weight loss, cannabis a natural plant used for thousands of years in medicine. Why not use to look good also? Here is some information and also advice on how much to take and how it works.
The most famous cannabinoids are THC or CBD. Legal to over 50% of the country and used by millions across the country. While they are the most commonly used cannabinoids, the cannabis plant contains many other medically beneficial cannabinoids including THCV. Although THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) is similar to THC, it contains its own unique benefits.
Research points to THCV’s ability to block the body’s rewarding sensations while eating different foods. If you’re looking to keep your food cravings at bay or prevent the munchies, check out strains high in THCV, which will suppress your appetite, especially during the holidays.
It has also been found that THCV in its purest form can calm the unreasonable urge to overeat while also reducing hunger cravings. Thus, consumption of THCV can be beneficial for those who struggle with weight gain and/or food craving. Since THCV can help curb one’s appetite, researchers believe there’s a potential for THCV helping people fight obesity and other related health issues.
It is important to manage the dosage. Start with a low dose of 5-7.5mg of THCV for appetite suppression effects. Options for taking THCV include gummies, tinctures, vapes, or THCV-rich cannabis strains Take THCV in the morning to help with focus and energy. Start on teh weekend so you can make sure it works in a way which is comfortable. Consume it with food to increase absorption.
Gummies and tincture/oils are the easiest ways to consume to manage the dosage. Start with half a gummy or 1 full gummy (typically 10mg) and adjust based on your response. You can increase to 2 gummies per day if needed. For tinctures, start with half a dropper or less and adjust as needed. Take THCV about an hour before you normally start feeling hungry
THCV should be part of a healthy routine including exercise and proper rest. Research on cannabis continues, to using THCV is not a long term solution, consider it for the holidays. As usual, take to your health professional to make sure it doesn’t interact poorly with any prescribed medications. Start low and grow so you can pay attention how your body and mind reacts.
The holidays are fun and full of family, activities, and food. But does marijuana have a natural secret weapon to help you at least not gain weight this season?
The holidays are here – turkeys, pie, and family favorites. Along with Christmas cookies, holiday cocktails, everything adds up and starts to make a difference in how clothes fit. On average, people gain between 1-2 pounds in November and December. Some studies suggest people gain more, with an average of 2–5 pounds. But is marijuana’s THCV your natural holiday weight loss plan. While Ozempic has been the wonder drug of weight loss, cannabis a natural plant used for thousands of years in medicine. Why not use to look good also? Here is some information and also advice on how much to take and how it works.
The most famous cannabinoids are THC or CBD. Legal to over 50% of the country and used by millions across the country. While they are the most commonly used cannabinoids, the cannabis plant contains many other medically beneficial cannabinoids including THCV. Although THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) is similar to THC, it contains its own unique benefits.
Research points to THCV’s ability to block the body’s rewarding sensations while eating different foods. If you’re looking to keep your food cravings at bay or prevent the munchies, check out strains high in THCV, which will suppress your appetite, especially during the holidays.
It has also been found that THCV in its purest form can calm the unreasonable urge to overeat while also reducing hunger cravings. Thus, consumption of THCV can be beneficial for those who struggle with weight gain and/or food craving. Since THCV can help curb one’s appetite, researchers believe there’s a potential for THCV helping people fight obesity and other related health issues.
It is important to manage the dosage. Start with a low dose of 5-7.5mg of THCV for appetite suppression effects. Options for taking THCV include gummies, tinctures, vapes, or THCV-rich cannabis strains Take THCV in the morning to help with focus and energy. Start on teh weekend so you can make sure it works in a way which is comfortable. Consume it with food to increase absorption.
Gummies and tincture/oils are the easiest ways to consume to manage the dosage. Start with half a gummy or 1 full gummy (typically 10mg) and adjust based on your response. You can increase to 2 gummies per day if needed. For tinctures, start with half a dropper or less and adjust as needed. Take THCV about an hour before you normally start feeling hungry
THCV should be part of a healthy routine including exercise and proper rest. Research on cannabis continues, to using THCV is not a long term solution, consider it for the holidays. As usual, take to your health professional to make sure it doesn’t interact poorly with any prescribed medications. Start low and grow so you can pay attention how your body and mind reacts.