Cannabis also popularly known as marijuana or mostly weed almost among all its users is a plant based drug obtained from the leaves and seeds of the cannabis sativa plant. Cannabis is a very popular drug that is used across the world. It could be used for either health purposes or simply for pleasure. Cannabis drug is legalized in some areas and in other areas is illegal Buzz by Shiva . This is because of its side effects of impaired judgement once ingested. Cannabis or rather weed can be ingested in many ways. It can be smoked, vaped, infused into food like cookies, cakes, candy, drinks and so many more.
In this article we shall be looking at this cannabis infused foods also popularly known as ‘edibles’
What are they?
Cannabis edibles are foods that have been infused with cannabis. Edibles can be made of gummies, candy, cake, cookies, tea, and oils. All these are products that can be found in legal dispensaries and the illegal cannabis market.
Cannabis edibles have been used throughout history by different communities. It was used by ancient China and India as medicine before it was incorporated into western medicine in the 19th century. They have also been used in religious festivals by Hindus.
Benefits of consuming cannabis edibles.
Marijuana has a powerful mixture of therapeutic compounds that make it a popular and very good natural remedy that reduces symptoms and relieves pain caused by various conditions.
They are used to treat health conditions. Cannabis has been used throughout history to treat health related conditions. Edible cannabis products such as pills, oils and gummies are used to treat chronic illnesses such as cancer, relieve chronic pain, muscle spasms; treats weight loss in cancer patients and also relieve anxiety. Cannabis edibles are also used to treat poor appetite, nausea and vomiting, promote good sleep and ease depression and anxiety.
The downside to cannabis edibles.
In as much as they have several health benefits, edibles also have their disadvantages.
One is, it can be quite tricky or rather hard to establish a proper dosage especially when the source of the marijuana and the quality of the marijuana is unknown. The concentration of the active compounds in marijuana is highly dependent on the quality of the marijuana used.
Another is unlike smoked cannabis, cannabis edibles take longer to kick in. Unlike smoked cannabis that takes a few minutes, edibles take around 30-90 minutes to take effect.
The effect also lasts longer, the high feeling peaks for about 2 – 4 hours. How long the effect lasts is also dependent on other factors such as one’s body metabolism, weight, gender, the amount that was eaten and several other factors.
Another downside is the highly variable active compounds concentration in marijuana edibles and their lasting effect as compared to smoked marijuana, it is easy to take too much unknowingly which may consequently lead to unwanted symptoms like paranoia.
Although not common, there have been cases of cannabis-induced psychosis caused by the overconsumption of cannabis. It results in hallucinations, paranoid delusions and confusion.
The fact that edible cannabis is made in the form of cakes, candy, cookies and such, they may be elusive to children who might consume them if they happen to stumble upon them. This is not just a risk posed to children only, also pets and other adults.
Conclusion
Edible marijuana has a lot of benefits and also side effects. It is therefore important that where marijuana is legalized, consumption is done moderately. Hopefully this article has given you enough insight on edible cannabis.