Edible cannabis or edibles are beverage or food products infused with cannabis. Edibles are an ideal option for vaping or smoking cannabis. You can make these edibles at home or buy ready-made ones. When prepared at home, the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, THC, is normally extracted into butter or oil that you can spread on food directly or use in cooking. Discussed below are several things to know about edible cannabis.
1. All edibles don’t contain the same cannabinoid
All edible cannabis products don’t contain a similar active cannabinoid. Just like other cannabis products, these can fall into either of the following primary categories:
- CBD-dominant edibles
- THC-dominant edibles
- Edibles with balanced CBD and THC amounts
While CBD and THC are the principal cannabinoids most people know of, you may also find edibles containing CBN, CBG, or other minor cannabinoids. Depending on the active ingredient in your edibles, you’ll experience varying effects after consuming it. Edibles higher in THC generate a more psychoactive/ intoxicating effect, while those with greater CBD levels result in a lesser high. For instance, thc and cbd gummies may seem similar, but they aren’t. Learning the difference between thc and cbd gummies can help you make informed purchase and use decisions.
2. How edible cannabis interacts with medications
Medication interactions happen when people take two or more incompatible drugs together. Unfavorable medication interactions may be severe or life-threatening. It’s essential to talk to a medical provider before using cannabis. Weed can interact with several drugs, including:
- Psychiatric medications: Cannabis interacts with psychiatric drugs like tricyclic antidepressants. Suppose you consume medical marijuana while taking tricyclic antidepressants. In that case, you might notice a fast heartbeat and a rise in blood pressure, a sign that a drug interaction has already taken place. This may result in confusion, restlessness, and more
- Over-the-counter pain drugs: Over-the-counter medications with acetaminophen combined with cannabis can sometimes raise liver damage risk. Additionally, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications can negatively combine with cannabis, leading to nervous system damage and increasing bleeding risk
- Blood thinners: Warfarin, which is prescribed to cure and stop blood clots, can become more effective when it interacts with CBD and THC. If CBD and THC interact with the CYP2C9 enzyme, it may boost Warfarin levels, resulting in excessive bleeding. Avoiding cannabis when taking blood thinners can help keep you safe
3. Why choose edible cannabis
When it comes to enjoying cannabis, many people immediately consider smoking. However, it isn’t the healthiest option. It can adversely affect your respiratory health and be troubling for asthmatic people. Edibles are smoke-free and ideal for anyone looking to avoid the possibly harmful impacts of inhaling cannabis smoke. Unlike vaping and smoking, edibles are a discreet and easy-to-transport alternative for enjoying cannabis.
4. Edible cannabis health benefits
Edible cannabis offers multiple health benefits, including:
- Relieving pain: Edible cannabis can help manage chronic pain in people with neuropathic, fibromyalgia, and arthritis pain. Medical doctors often suggest medical cannabis to cure muscle spasms
- Treating weight loss and appetite: Edible cannabis can be of help to those experiencing drastic weight and appetite loss
- They’re high in antioxidants: Edible cannabis products are high in antioxidants, which help safeguard against anxiety. They also safeguard users from free radicals
Edibles are a perfect way for anyone looking to enjoy cannabis discreetly. Familiarize yourself with the things to know about edible cannabis to determine if this consumption method is suitable for you.
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