Why Advanced Cannabis Users Still Aren’t Ready for Edibles
According to recent statistics, over 20 million U.S. adults have openly admitted to consuming cannabis daily. Some of these consumers are casual users to relieve some stress after a hard day's work. Some consumers are patients who require the plant to treat their ailments. Others are 'stoners' or avid cannabis consumers who have built up a high tolerance to the plant. However, the avid consumer still may not be ready for the consumption of edibles. They even have a 'bad trip.'
Understanding Edibles
An edible is a term for foods or drinks that have been infused with the psychoactive cannabinoid THC. The infusion process often consists of the baker using a soluble lipid, such as butter or oil. Dry cannabis cannot be sprinkled in or on the edibles like parsley. The cannabis must go through a process known as Decarboxylation. This process requires the baker to grind the cannabis evenly and heat it very warmly without burning it. This process not only activates the THC but converts some of the cannabinoids into THCA. The body also breaks down THCA within the body differently than smoking dry cannabis. The latter compound is necessary for edibles as it is absorbed by the solvent more effectively.
Once the cannabis has been decarbed, it is baked into the solvent. Some bakers prefer a stove-top pan or even a crockpot on a low setting. The process of infusing can last anywhere from 45 minutes to hours, depending on the amount of cannabis. Once finished, the mixture is extracted via a cheesecloth. For these reasons, edibles are naturally more potent than smoking cannabis. There is also a nice amount of math behind making and consuming edibles.
The Math and Science behind the Potency of Cannabis
The math and science behind the potency of cannabis when choosing to make edibles is solid. For every gram, there are 1000 mg parts of dry cannabis. If the baker knows the THC percentage per gram of cannabis, a simple formula can be performed. On average, potent cannabis ranges from 19 to 24 percent THC. This means, per gram, cannabis can consist of 190 to 240 mg of THC. Depending on the amount of butter or oil used (for example, a cup) can yield 11.5 to 15mg of THC per tablespoon. For context, 30mg to 50mg of THC within edibles is recommended for the avid dry cannabis consumer. This amount of THC can produce euphoria, numbness, and even hallucinations. That is roughly 3 to 4 tablespoons of infused cannabutter or oil within your chosen edible.
Why Avid Cannabis Consumers can get too High from Edibles
As mentioned before, even the most avid cannabis consumer can get too high from edibles. 30mg to 50mg of edibles is enough to put the typical stoner into a haze. However, there is a multitude of dispensaries and cannabis companies that offer edibles of 100mg of THC and up. Additionally, the timeframe of effects associated with consuming edibles severely outweighs those associated with smoking flowers. An edible can have a consumer intensely high for hours on end. Indulging in amounts higher than 50mg of THC can lead the consumer to nausea, rapid heart rate, impaired motor skills and perception, audio and visual hallucinations, and, ultimately, a bad trip. So if you are an individual who considers yourself a 'pro,' 'don' or 'stoner' when it comes to smoking cannabis, remember that edibles scientifically as well as mathematically hit way harder than the cannabis you smoke throughout the day.