10 Common Mistakes When Eating Edibles
If you’re new to the cannabis community, then you know just how easy it is for beginners to consume edibles irresponsibly. With more and more states legalizing cannabis use, edibles have become a go-to method of consumption for newbies. However, edibles may seem like the quick and easy option, but far too often mistakes are made. From eating too much too soon, to “winging” it at home in your kitchen. Here are 10 Common Mistakes Made When Eating Edibles… and how to avoid them.
1. Too Much, Too Soon
Start with a low dose of 5 milligrams of THC and wait two hours before consuming any more cannabis. Your digestive system processes cannabis slowly, especially if you’ve already eaten a substantial meal. Once inside your liver, THC is converted into another chemical called 11-hydroxy-THC, which is actually more potent, explaining the intensity of an edible high.
2. Not Labeling Homemade Edibles
If you prefer to create your own cannabis-infused foods at home, be sure to always label items to prevent accidental ingestion by a roommate, neighbor, friend, babysitter, house-guest, family member, etc.
3. Mixing with Alcohol
Combining edibles with alcohol should only be attempted by those who have mastered both substances. Smoking a joint while throwing back a beer is a completely different vibe than inhaling a pot brownie when you’re already lit. Keep in mind that a few glasses of Pinot will magnify the effects of cannabis infused chocolate significantly, causing nausea and dizziness, aka “the spins.”
4. Eating Edible on an Empty Stomach
Edibles are much more intense when consumed on an empty stomach. Be sure to eat a solid, nutritious meal before taking your THC dose.
5. Making Plans
Save the cannabis until you’re at home, ready to relax and rejuvenate. Don’t try to drive three hours to your grandma’s house for her 80th birthday. Not a good idea at all… trust us!
6. Storing Edibles in a Common Place
Store your edibles in a locking cabinet or box. At an appropriate age, educate any minors about the effects of edibles and make sure they understand these substances are for adult use only. You don’t want to have to rush your kid, niece, nephew or cousin to the emergency room because they ate all the “gummies” that were on the kitchen table in one sitting. Yikes!
7. Not Having Munchies Available
Don’t let yourself get too stoned from sheer hunger. If you’re eating pot chocolate, keep some regular chocolate on hand if you need to taste more deliciousness.
8. Forgetting CBD
CBD, another important cannabinoid with healing properties, is known for its confounding effect on THC. Meaning that CBD can lessen the paranoid, panicky feelings that come on after ingesting too much THC. Keep some CBD-rich cannabis on hand for smoking, as well as high-CBD capsules, as antidotes that will take the edge off and return balance to your high.
9. Going Down the Rabbit Hole
If you do happen to overindulge on pot-laden treats, remember that you will recover just fine. Retreat to a safe place where you can lay down, and most likely you will drift off to sleep for 10 or 12 hours. Upon waking, you will feel incredibly rested, if not a little groggy.
10. Tricking People Into Eating Edibles
Please don’t trick people by giving them THC infused items without their knowledge, as such actions are criminally irresponsible. Ingesting edibles without expecting its effects is frightening and dangerous. It’s just NOT funny!
