• Nutrition

Beyond the High: Are Edibles Bad for You?

Whether it’s for recreational or medicinal purposes, if you’re thinking about experimenting with edibles, it’s important to do your research first.

Although many states have legalized cannabis, a common problem with consuming edibles is that people don’t know how much of the substance is in these food products.

If you’re uncertain about the dose of cannabis you are consuming, you could end up with toxic amounts of this substance in your body, which can lead to health problems.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the risks of consuming edibles so you can make an informed decision about experimenting with them. We’ll also share some tips on how you can use edibles safely.

What are Edibles?

The term ‘edibles’ refers to food items containing cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), or cannabidiol (CBD). 

These food products can include baked goods like brownies, cookies, and candies like gummies. They even come in the form of beverages.

Edibles are typically considered more potent and longer lasting compared to other forms of consumption — like smoking marijuana. 

This is because the active compounds are metabolized by the liver, converting them into a more potent form of THC.

This also means that the effects of edibles can take longer to kick in, often between 30 minutes and two hours.

Many people make homemade edibles and they can also be prepared commercially.  

What is the difference between cannabis, THC, and CBD edibles?

There are three different types of edibles. The differences lie in the compounds of the cannabis plant they contain and their effects on the body:

• Cannabis edibles: These contain the full spectrum of compounds found in the plant, including THC and CBD. They can produce psychoactive effects, commonly referred to as a ‘high’. Due to all these compounds, cannabis edibles can contribute to an ‘entourage effect’ where they work together to enhance the overall effect.

• THC edibles: These are specifically designed to contain a high concentration of THC, which is the main psychoactive component in cannabis. This means consuming edibles that contain THC will typically induce euphoria and altered perception. It can also result in anxiety and paranoia — which we’ll discuss later.

• CBD edibles: CBD is a non psychoactive compound found in cannabis. These edibles provide the potential therapeutic benefits of CBD without the high, as they don’t contain THC. Many people consume edibles containing CBD to manage anxiety or inflammation or to help with pain relief and better sleep.

For this article, we will be discussing cannabis edibles, which naturally contain THC.

How Do Marijuana Edibles Impact the Body?

When you consume edible cannabis, the active compounds discussed above are absorbed into the digestive system. 

This is why it takes so long to experience the effects of edibles versus smoking cannabis.

When edibles are consumed, the compounds pass through the stomach and liver. In the liver, THC is metabolized into 11-hydroxy-THC, a potent form of THC. This intensifies the effects of edible marijuana, making it stronger and more long-lasting.

THC enters the bloodstream and the brain, activating the hippocampus and the orbitofrontal cortex. 

By triggering the release of dopamine in the brain, THC creates sensations of pleasure and relaxation, and can also cause mood changes.

The most common physical effects of consuming cannabis are bloodshot eyes, increased heart rate, and increased blood pressure. 

It can also cause anxiety, impaired memory, an altered sense of time, difficulty problem-solving, and even hallucinations.

What are the Risks of Consuming Marijuana Edibles?

Before you experiment with edibles, you should understand the risks involved with ingested cannabis.

Longer-lasting effects

Many people eat cannabis-infused food and beverages as the high associated with consuming this substance is typically longer-lived than inhaled cannabis.

The length of the high you experience depends on the types of food you’ve recently eaten and any other drugs or alcohol you’ve consumed before the edibles.

The reason why longer-lasting effects are a risk is that people may believe their initial consumption didn’t produce the desired effect as it takes longer to experience a high from edibles. 

This may mean people eat an edible, do not feel immediate effects, and eat more. This may lead to overconsumption of THC and adverse effects.

Questionable potency

There are very few regulations that govern how much THC is infused into edibles and the labeling of these products. 

Plus, if you make edibles at home, you may not realize how much THC you are adding to a food product.

This means that people who consume these edibles may be ingesting far more THC than may be safe for the body. It could also lead to a negative experience such as paranoia and anxiety.

Potential for overdose

As people may consume too much of an edible due to its delayed effects, there is the risk of overdosing. 

Although a THC overdose is not considered life-threatening, it can be particularly uncomfortable and distressing due to panic attacks, psychotic symptoms, and a break from reality.

Later in this article, we will discuss how you can help someone who may have overdosed on THC.

Psychosis

People who consume large amounts of edibles — or those who are more sensitive to cannabis — may experience symptoms of psychosis.

THC acts on the endocannabinoid system, a part of the brain that helps to regulate mood, perception, and cognition. 

High levels of THC can disrupt this system, which could lead to hallucinations, delusions, and other symptoms of psychosis.

It’s worth noting that the psychosis associated with consuming edibles is usually temporary. 

Although psychosis typically subsides as the effects of the THC start wearing off, it can still be a deeply distressing experience.

Cardiovascular events

As cannabis can affect the cardiovascular system by increasing heart rate and blood pressure, there is a risk of heart problems when consuming edibles. This can lead to heart attacks and arrhythmias. 

How to Help Someone Experiencing Adverse Effects of Cannabis Consumption

If someone is experiencing adverse effects from consuming marijuana edibles, there are several steps you can take to help them: 

• Create a safe environment: Ensure that you and the person are in a safe, quiet place away from bright lights, loud noises, or other sources of stimulation. A comfortable setting may help to reduce anxiety and paranoia.

• Prioritize hydration: Encourage the person to drink water or other hydrating fluids. The overconsumption of edibles can cause dry mouth and vomiting, which makes hydration important.

• Avoid further cannabis use: Make sure the person doesn’t consume more cannabis in any form. Further marijuana use could worsen their symptoms.

• Monitor their symptoms: Keep an eye on the person’s condition. Look out for severe disorientation, paranoia, or signs of psychosis.

• Seek medical attention for severe symptoms: If the individual experiences uncontrollable vomiting, intense paranoia, panic attacks, or signs of a heart problem, it’s best to take the person to the emergency room or call 911.

The uncomfortable and distressing symptoms associated with overconsumption of edibles typically subside once the effects of the THC wear off.

Tips for Consuming Edibles Safely

If you’re planning to experiment with edibles, there are some precautions you can take to ensure you’re doing so safely. These include:

• Starting slow: Begin with a low dose, especially if you’re inexperienced in consuming THC or you’re trying a new product. Wait at least two hours before eating more edibles to determine if they have taken effect.

• Reading the label carefully: It’s important to understand the THC content of the edible you’re consuming. These labels will typically suggest a serving size to prevent overconsumption of THC.

• Consuming edibles in a comfortable setting: Use edibles in a familiar and safe environment, especially if you are trying them for the first time or experimenting with a higher dose. This can help you manage any unexpected effects more easily.

• Staying hydrated: Be sure to drink plenty of water before and after consuming edibles to avoid dry mouth and to help your body process the THC more effectively.

• Avoid mixing it with other substances: Alcohol and other drugs can intensify the effects of edibles and could cause more severe side effects. 

• Avoiding consuming edibles on an empty stomach: Eating a meal before consuming edibles can help moderate your absorption of THC.

• Understanding interactions with prescription medications: Cannabis may interact with some prescription medications, making them less effective or resulting in adverse side effects. Ensure you know how any medications you’re taking may interact with edibles.

• Storing your edibles safely: Children may mistake edibles for regular food and could consume them accidentally. Always store your edibles away from children and pets in child-proof containers.

Where Can I Get Advice About Edibles?

At LifeMD, we care about your health and well-being. A team of board-certified physicians and nurse practitioners can provide you with the best medical advice regarding the safety of edibles and other substances.

We can also provide effective treatment and guidance for chronic pain relief, anxiety, and better sleep.

Make an appointment online to get started.

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