Marijuana edibles are food items made with marijuana or marijuana oils which can be used as an alternative to smoking or vaporizing marijuana.
Are there different types of marijuana edibles?
Edibles come in many different liquid forms and food types, including:
- Brownies
- Cookies
- Candies, including animal or fruit-shaped gummies, suckers and chocolates
- Drinks
- Popcorn
How should edibles be stored?
Marijuana edibles and their packaging often look very similar to other foods, drinks or candy and can easily be confused for non-marijuana products. It is extremely important to keep these products locked up and out of reach of children and pets.
Will ingesting marijuana affect me differently than smoking it?
Yes. Unlike smoking marijuana, where the effects can be felt almost immediately, effects from edibles can:
- Take from 30 minutes to two hours to take effect.
- Last longer than expected depending on the dose, last meal, and/or medications or alcohol used at the same time.
Why do edible marijuana products seem stronger?
The amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) - the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana - can vary in marijuana edible products. This makes it harder to control how much THC is consumed. The amount of THC in homemade marijuana edibles can vary even more.
Many users can be caught off-guard by the stronger potency and long-lasting effects of edibles. Since retail marijuana was legalized, the Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Center has reported an increase in calls related to edible exposures.
Who can buy edibles?
In Colorado, both medical and retail marijuana are legal. The laws for marijuana use in Colorado differ based on the type used. In Denver, people 21 years of age and older can legally buy and use retail marijuana. Marijuana use is not recommended for adolescents or pregnant women. Do not drive after using marijuana.
What is the recommended dosage for edibles?
- Colorado's definition of one edible dose is 10 milligrams (mg).
- Some edibles have more than one dose of THC, and may come with directions to only consume part of the product.
- Eating too much of an edible may produce unwanted health effects.
- The effects of marijuana use of any kind can vary from person to person, and each person may have a different tolerance level.
- Always read the dosing recommendations and know exactly how much THC is in the edible.
What do I do if I or someone I know ate or drank too much of an edible product?
Call 9-1-1, or the Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Center at 1-800-222-1222 immediately if you are worried about the health and safety of yourself or others.
SOURCES:
Denver Public Health, Denver Health, The Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center, City of Denver