If you've ever eaten an edible, you likely already know that the experience can be quite different from smoking cannabis. Edibles can be incredibly potent, and the effects can last for several hours.
If you find yourself on a bad trip or feeling uncomfortable after eating an edible, there are some things you can do to recover.
But first, it's important to remember that no one dies from consuming too much cannabis. The effects may be unpleasant, but they're not deadly.
Keep reading for more insight into edibles and how to recover from them now.
What Are Edibles?
Edibles are foods or drinks that have been infused with cannabis extract. The effects can vary depending on the strength of the edible, as well as how sensitive you are to THC and other cannabinoids.
THC infusions are popular because they offer a different kind of high than smoking cannabis. When you smoke, THC enters your bloodstream and goes to your brain almost immediately. With edibles, the process is slower.
THC must first be digested in the stomach and then absorbed into the bloodstream before it reaches the brain. This can take up to two hours or longer in some cases.
How Do Edibles Work?
Edibles are quite different than cannabis vapes and flower. This is because of pharmacokinetics, which outlines how the body metabolizes delta 9 THC molecules.
As you vape or smoke marijuana flower or concentrate, delta 9 THC enters the bloodstream through the lungs. This gives it a fast track to the brain. Then, the cannabinoids cross the blood-brain barrier.
However, when consuming delta 9 THC as an edible, it goes through your entire digestive tract. This is why the high takes more time to kick in but lasts longer and is more intense.
The stronger, longer high results from the liver's processing of delta 9 THC. This is when the liver enzymes convert delta 9 THC into 11-OH-THC.
Then, the metabolite gets broken down into THC-COOH before it's excreted through urine and feces. THC-COOH is what drug tests testing for THC aim to detect because, depending on your metabolism and other variables, your body could excrete THC-COOH for a month or longer.
The 11-OH-THC broken down through the liver after edible consumption is what produces the extraordinary high. This metabolite is around four times as potent as delta-9 THC and results in the intense buzz patients and recreational consumers alike adore.
How Do Edibles Make You Feel?
Sometimes edibles take a while to kick in, which can make it difficult to know when you've taken too much. If this happens, remember that you will not overdose and die from consuming cannabis.
Instead, you will likely experience some unpleasant symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, or rapid heartbeat. You may even feel like you're losing control of your body or thoughts.
If this happens to you, it's important to stay calm and try to resist the urge to panic. The worst thing you can do is give in to fear and start shaking or crying. This will only make the effects worse.
How Long for Edibles to Kick In?
It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours for edibles to kick in. This is why it's important to start with a low dose and wait at least an hour before taking more.
If you're new to edibles, start with 5-10 mg of THC. You can always take more if you don't feel the effects, but it's impossible to take less once you've consumed an edible.
How Long Do Edibles Last?
Edibles typically last anywhere from 4-12 hours, and it can take a while for all of the effects to wear off. While the onset can be slow, the high has the potential to be more intense. This is why it's typically recommended to start with lower doses and wait longer before taking more.
While you won't feel edibles instantaneously, the high tends to creep up on consumers. The experience differs from smoking because you won't feel the effects as quickly. Instead, they come on gradually and can last for several hours.
Common Side Effects of Eating Edibles
Some of the more common side effects of consuming edibles include dry mouth, dizziness, impaired coordination, paranoia, anxiety, and fear.
In some cases, these side effects can be more intense than others. For example, if you're feeling anxious after consuming an edible, it's important to try and stay calm. Fear and panic will only make the effects worse.
Sometimes, the side effects of edibles can be so intense that they result in what's known as a "bad trip." This is when the high becomes too much to handle and causes you to feel paranoid or out of control.
How to Recover from Edibles
Relax
The first and most important thing to do is relax. Remind yourself that you are not in any danger and that the effects will eventually wear off. Try to find a comfortable place to sit or lie down and close your eyes if you can.
Drink lots of fluids
Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. This will help to flush the THC out of your system and keep you hydrated.
Avoid caffeine
Caffeine can make the effects of an edible more intense, so it's best to avoid it.
Eat something bland
Eating something bland can help to settle your stomach if you're feeling nauseous.
Wait it out
Remember that the effects of an edible will eventually wear off. It might take a few hours, but eventually
Get some fresh air
If you're feeling anxious, try going for a walk outdoors. The fresh air can help to clear your mind and make you feel better.
Call a friend
In some cases, it may be best to contact a friend or family member for support if you're feeling too overwhelmed. It's always better to have someone nearby who can talk you through the experience rather than deal with it alone.
Closing on How to Recover from Edibles
The bottom line is that edibles can be a great way to consume cannabis. But it's important to be aware of the potential risks.
Start with a low dose and wait at least an hour before taking more. Then, if you start to feel uncomfortable, try to relax and wait it out. The effects will eventually wear off.
If you're new to edibles, it's important to approach them with caution. Start with a low dose and wait at least an hour before taking more.
If you start to feel uncomfortable, try to relax and remind yourself that the effects will eventually wear off. With time and patience, you can learn how to recover from edibles and enjoy this form of cannabis consumption safely.
Ultimately, cannabis edibles have a lot to offer. They taste great, offer a long-lasting high, and work well for pain management. Just be sure to start low and go slow!
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