With the establishment of the Cannabis for Private Purposes Bill, more people are taking a liking to cannabis products, particularly edibles. Buying edibles is much easier and faster than making your own. However, there are some misconceptions surrounding cannabis edibles, most of which are just downright ridiculous. We are going to list some of the more common myths about cannabis edibles and debunk them all.
What are cannabis edibles?
Cannabis edibles, commonly known as edibles, are any food products that have cannabinoids (CBD, THC or both) in them. CBD is a non-psychoactive component of cannabis, and THC is the psychoactive component of cannabis. There are a wide range of edibles, these include:
- Gummies
- Cookies
- Brownies
- Mouth sprays
- Tinctures
Edibles are a great alternative for people who want to consume cannabis but don’t want to smoke or vape.
What are the common myths about edibles
1. Too many edibles can be fatal
The word “overdose” notoriously has a negative connotation and can easily put people off doing anything. It is virtually impossible to have too many edibles. The worst that can happen from eating an excessive amount of edibles, is an upset stomach, which is unpleasant but not fatal.
2. Edibles are for desert
Edibles are for any time of the day. Whether it is cookies or gummies, edibles are a great on the move snack that also uplifts your mood and can improve your focus.
3. Labels are always accurate
This is not entirely true. The commercialization of cannabis is fairly new, and some brands are not entirely forthcoming with accurate information. In 2015, The New York Times conducted a review of 75 edibles, and the results showed that only 17 of the edibles contained the same amount of CBD or THC as listed on the label. Due to the industry still being in its infancy, it will be many years before issues surrounding false advertising and mislabelling are called out and corrected.
4. Just add cannabis buds into your brownie mix to make potent edibles
This is the definition of wasting good cannabis! You need to activate THC and CBD to produce the desired effects. For edibles, the best way to activate these compounds is to mix them with a fat (butter or oil) under low heat. The raw form of cannabis has no psychoactive effects. Just adding cannabis buds to your batter will produce brownies that may be high in fiber, but not potent enough to elicit the desired effects.
5. The strain you use is not important
The type of strain you use changes many aspects of your experience, including potency, smell, and taste. The different concentrations of cannabinoids affects the potency of your edibles, and the type of terpenes present in the cannabis affects the overall taste and smell of the edible.
6. Always finish your edible to see how you react to it
Although having too many edibles is not fatal, it can be an uncomfortable experience, especially for a beginner. If you are new to edibles, it is advised that you pace yourself. Consume small amounts with gaps in between to see how you are affected. A good rule of thumb for beginners is to use products that are measured in milligrams (mg) and increase your dose by 10mg to test your limit.
7. Cannabis products labelled “double/extra strength” are extremely potent
Double/extra strength doesn’t mean what you think it means. Never assume that the double/extra strength is referring to the amount of THC or CBD in the product. Manufacturing companies intentionally use ambiguous wording for marketing purposes. Although the concentration levels of cannabinoids on the ingredients label might not be 100% accurate, always look through it to understand what exactly the “double/extra strength” label is referring to.
8. Edibles don’t give a proper high
Edibles, much like smoking or vaping cannabis, are capable of producing a good psychoactive effect. In fact, because of how long it takes the body to absorb cannabinoids from edibles, they often have lingering effects that can last as long as 12-24 hours after ingestion. If you are new to edibles, we advise that you do it in a place you feel comfortable and safe, just in case things get wild.
How to differentiate between a myth and the truth
Research, research, research! If something is true, you will be able to find credible evidence to substantiate it in many ways. When looking for more information on cannabis, we recommend you focus on medical publications and websites. There you will be able to learn all the facts surrounding cannabis and how you can use it for medicinal and recreational purposes. Once you know the facts, you can make an informed decision about what you want and what your preferences are.
Cannabis is extremely effective in reducing mental health symptoms and treating insomnia and chronic pain. Luckily for us, there are many ways cannabis can be consumed. Edibles specifically are great because of how unassuming they are. With edibles, you don’t have to be concerned about finding a smoking/vaping-friendly place or wondering if you are in too much possession of cannabis according to the law. Cannabis consumables are just food, and you can’t go wrong with food.
Why do myths about edibles exist
All myths stem from the same place, ignorance. Just 10 years ago, many countries around the world considered cannabis to be a “hard drug” and its medicinal properties were said to be unsubstantiated and false. The new global consensus, which is supported by extensive research, is that cannabis can be used to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, treat insomnia and chronic pain
Product recommendations
If you want to try edibles but are unsure on where to start, we recommend the products linked below:
- Reakiro – Broad Spectrum CBD Oil
- TOC CBD Cookies 150mg 200g
- TOC Gummies (15 pcs/bottle)
- Reakiro – Broad Spectrum CBD Oil Mouth Spray – Peppermint
Want to make your own edibles?
For more great products and vaping devices, visit Vaperite and Vapeshop, South Africa’s leading vape shop and cannabis paraphernalia outlet chain.
