A short guide for beginners and casual users.
There is so much information available on proper dosage, specific strains, THC levels, etc., that it can feel like too much work to buy edibles. This short guide is for the casual marijuana user who just wants to know how to pick up some cookies for a Friday night without feeling completely ignorant.
What Are Edibles?
Edibles are just food infused with THC Or CBD.
How To Choose The Right Edible For Me?
Are you trying to relax or get creative? Sleep or watch a movie? Just you, or will you have company? Before you go to buy edibles, decide what kind of experience you want to have when you eat them. This will help you get the right product.
For a little background, there are two primary strains of cannabis: sativa, and indica. Edibles should be labeled in one of four categories: sativa, indica, sativa-indica blend, or CBD.
For many people, sativa leads to a more creative, active high; indica produces a more relaxed and sedated state, but also might lend itself to greater paranoia. CBD provides the physical benefits of marijuana without the high.
It’s also helpful to know that marijuana edibles – unlike traditional smoking – can take up to 2 hours to begin to work.
How Do I Know My Tolerance For Edibles.
If you’re reading this, chances are good your tolerance is minimal. We don’t have to get too technical here, but you should know a little about THC before you buy edibles.
Edible Dosage Guide.
Edibles can have anywhere from 1 mg to 100 mg of THC. Deep Roots Harvest () uses the following dosing chart for people with minimal tolerance for THC:
- 1 to 3 mg – Mild Experience
- 3 to 8 mg – Medium Experience
- 5 to 15 mg –Strong Experience
In Oregon, edibles are packaged at 5 mg of THC per serving, with a maximum of 10 servings per package. In California and Washington, they can be up to 10 mg per dose.
Pick A Good Shop.
Not all dispensaries are created equal. Look for a shop that quality products and energy into training their staff, and stocking good products. Some places have a wide selection of flower, but don’t carry much edibles.
If you have a little time, read dispensary reviews and choose a shop that sounds and looks friendly to you. (Actually, pick two so you’ll have a back-up plan if the first one is terrible.)
See if they have posted their menu so you can look up the products before you go to buy edibles. Make sure they accept credit or debit cards (many do), or remember that you’ll have to bring cash.
Ask The Experts, Don't Be Shy To Ask The Bud-Tender.
People who work in pot shops get asked a lot of questions about their products. Ask what they recommend. Tell them what you want.
If there isn’t a very big selection, or the bud-tender can’t answer your first question, leave. Or, if you’re desperate and really can’t stand to go to another store, ask about the best-selling edible.
Read the label.
Despite what the vendor recommends, you should take a minute to read the labels carefully when you buy edibles. Look at:
- The ingredients list. Edibles are food products, and the label should include dietary information required for food products in the U.S. – and if the product is vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free, etc.;
- The THC content. (this is why it helps to know what you want to do with your edibles adventure); and,
- The dosage. Check how many servings (5 mg, in Oregon) are in the package.
Final Notes.
Be safe with your edibles: they often look like fun, so keep them far away from your kids, and your dogs.
Remember, learning how to buy edibles is one thing, but learning how they work for you is another thing entirely. Dose slowly. Try different products. Ask questions until you get what you want. If you decided you like it and want to try and make some on your own check out this cannabis cooking guide.
