Edibles is short for Marijuana Edibles, referring to food products that contain cannabis in various forms such as brownies, cookies and chocolate bars. Edibles can be homemade or commercially bought, which are typically prepared in accordance with legal restrictions with regards to the ingredients and doses. Although edibles are most often ingested as a food product, they may also be available in the form of beverages such as tea, coffee or soda.
Effects of Marijuana Edibles
Edibles are quickly gaining popularity as an alternative way of ingesting marijuana without the repercussions that come with smoking it. However, when they are prepared illegally, they may be induced with other harmful ingredients such as fentanyl, so caution is recommended. Also, in the case of edibles, it is difficult to measure how much marijuana is actually being ingested, so overdosing is a risk.
The effects of edibles vary based on an individual’s reactions to the chemical in marijuana (tetrahydrocannabinol or THC). Many claim that it makes them feel relaxed and euphoric, however it can create a sense of anxiety and paranoia in others.
Side Effects may include:
- Anxiety, paranoia
- Nausea, vomiting
- Hallucinations, psychosis
- Impaired thinking and judgment
- Heart palpitations
- Respiratory issues
How long do Edibles Stay in your System?
While smoking marijuana usually creates an immediate effect on the system, ingesting it via edibles can take longer for it to kick in, sometimes 30 minutes or later. The immediate effects can last for up to two hours, but in some cases, side effects may last for up to 24 hours. Because it takes longer to kick in when consumed via edibles, larger amounts of THC is ingested which may lead to unexpected symptoms such as heart problems or respiratory issues. In addition, eating marijuana edibles means it is processed through the digestive system leading to a higher intensity of THC ingestion, which may lead to other unexpected symptoms such as psychotic episodes.
Because edibles are processed through the digestive system they stay longer in your body than when marijuana is smoked. Depending on the amounts of edibles consumed and the doses of THC ingested, they can stay in your system anywhere from a few hours for up to 60 days or more.
Edibles can be detected in drug tests as THC, typically up to 3 days in saliva and blood tests, and up to 30 days in urine tests.
Should you Seek Help?
Although edibles are considered safe and in some cases beneficial for pain management, sleep issues, and anxiety relief, some individuals may have strong to severe reactions to THC. Children who ingest edibles accidentally and experience side effects should seek a doctor immediately. Individuals who experience symptoms such as rapid heart rate, chest pain, difficulty breathing should seek immediate medical attention.
Overuse and overdosing of marijuana edibles can lead to a range of issues including dependence and addiction to THC. If edibles have unknown additives such as fentanyl or other harmful drugs, they can quickly become addictive. If you or a loved one is suffering from addiction issues, please reach out for help. Call us at 865-800-0947
