Cannabis edibles have become increasingly popular. However, they can also be dangerous, especially for people who are new to marijuana.
It’s important to understand how to use them safely. Remember that edibles take a while to kick in, so it’s best to start low and go slow.
Here are some tips and tricks that can help you avoid overdosing on cannabis edibles.
Understand Your Body & Its Reactions
Whether you’re smoking or vaping, eating or dabbing, the effects of cannabis can vary depending on how much you consume. It’s important to understand how your body reacts to cannabis and how you can avoid overdosing on edibles.
The main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but there are other compounds, such as cannabidiol (CBD) and terpenes, that can also cause your brain to feel high. Edibles usually contain a combination of these substances, but the amount of THC and CBD may be higher or lower than that found in smoking or vaping products.
When you consume an edible, the THC you take in is absorbed through your digestive system. This can take several hours to happen, so you might not experience the full effects of your weed brownie until it’s been sitting in your stomach for a few hours.
This is why it’s so important to wait at least two hours before you have another edible – you don’t want to overdo it and end up with excess calories and sugar in your system, which can lead to other health issues down the road.
Know Your Sources and Dosage Limits
Whether you are new to cannabis or a seasoned smoker, it is essential to know your sources. It is very important that your distributor is trustworthy. Be aware of scams, especially if you are buying online. One of the best distributors is Area52, and they are becoming more and more popular among consumers. Reliable sources will help you avoid an accidental overdose.
You should start by checking the THC dosage on the label of any edibles you are interested in purchasing. The higher the THC content, the stronger the effect will be.
It is also important to remember that each person has a different tolerance level for edibles. If you are taking an edible for the first time, it is always a good idea to start small and gradually up your dose as you become familiar with the effects of the product.
Many marijuana dispensaries will offer recommendations on what dosage to take for different levels of edibles. They will also have a variety of products that range from low to moderate to high doses, so you can find something that suits your needs.
Start Low and Go Slow
Whether you’re using cannabis for personal use or for medicinal purposes, it’s important to remember that everyone’s body is different, and how much you can take will vary. Taking too much can lead to unwanted effects and overdoses.
The simplest way to avoid overdosing is by starting low and going slow. When first trying edibles, many people make the mistake of taking more than they feel is necessary for an attempt to get high.
This can cause them to miss the effects of their first dose, which may lead them to consume more and potentially overdose on marijuana.
It also can take hours to feel the full effect of an edible. This can leave some people feeling paranoid and uneasy and could even lead to serious health problems.
This can be especially dangerous for children, as they’re much smaller and have a different physiology than adults. There have been cases of kids who consumed too much THC, resulting in sleepiness or lethargy that required them to be put on a ventilator.
Don’t Combine With Alcohol or Other Drugs
Using alcohol with cannabis can have harmful side effects and make it harder to stay in control of your use. It also increases your risk of developing a substance use disorder or alcohol dependence, which can be difficult to treat.
Mixing alcohol with weed also makes the effects of weed stronger and can cause you to feel incredibly high or euphoric. This is something you don’t want to happen if you’re just getting started with cannabis.
Store Carefully and Label Properly
The way you store and label cannabis edibles is important to ensure that you don’t accidentally overdose on them. Many states have regulations that govern the packaging and design of these products.
To store cannabis edibles properly, you need to adhere to basic storage guidelines that are similar to those for storing other types of food. This includes storing them in an airtight container and keeping them away from light, heat, and moisture.
Gummies, for example, are a popular cannabis edible that can have a long shelf life if stored correctly. However, if you store them improperly, they can spoil or become ineffective.
For this reason, you should store gummies in an airtight container and keep them out of sunlight or extreme temperatures. If you’re unsure of the best way to store your gummies, check with the manufacturer or dispensary to see what they recommend.
Store-bought edibles tend to be shelf-stable for several weeks, but homemade ones don’t last that long. This is due to the fact that they often get contaminated by insects or other external substances, which can cause mold and rot.
Monitor Your Symptoms and Set Limits
For adults, consuming cannabis can affect your ability to concentrate, pay attention and make decisions. It also can slow your reactions and cause a loss of balance or coordination. It can also increase your risk for alcohol and other drug overdoses.
While the exact effects of cannabis use vary, common symptoms include disorientation, sedation, agitation, and nausea. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, seek medical help immediately and do not continue to use cannabis.
A recent study found an increasing number of emergency room visits and calls to poison centers in the United States over a 5-year period. It was also found that children ages 6 years accounted for the majority of cases (7043 calls per 1000 occurrences).
Know When to Stop & Seek Help If Needed
Whether you’re a parent of a child or a teen, navigating the complicated issue of cannabis use can be an incredibly challenging and difficult task. Personal history and attitudes to drug use, family values, medical history, legal status, community mores, and individual desires all contribute to the decisions you make in the best interest of your family.
Having an open dialogue with your children and engaging in thoughtful consideration will help you determine what you think is best for them, their needs, and your family. When you have a clear understanding of what your child is doing with cannabis, it’s easier to communicate with them and offer helpful suggestions.