/ Cannabis products

Common Mistakes New Edible Cannabis Consumers Make (A UK Guide)

New consumers to cannabis are commonly told about how easy and smooth edible cannabis is compared to other consumption methods. There is no smoke; there is no strong odor; there is no need to roll up. However, for new consumers to edible cannabis products, it is not always so straightforward.

Unlike vaping or smoking, edible cannabis is metabolized in the digestive system rather than being vaporized in the lungs. As such, the way the body processes THC is changed. The effects from edible cannabis are stronger and last longer than those from vaping or smoking cannabis. Many new consumers are having a negative first experience not due to poor quality of the edible cannabis product, but because of unrealistic expectations.

To assist new consumers to edible cannabis, these are the most common mistakes to avoid.

  1. Taking Too Much THC Too Quickly

This is the most frequent of all the common errors.

Typically, edible cannabis products can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 90 minutes to reach its peak effect. The timing of when you feel the initial effects of edible cannabis can vary greatly depending on your body weight, your metabolic rate and what you ate prior to consuming the edible.

The typical mistake made by new consumers of edible cannabis is someone consumes 10–20 mg of THC, waits 30 minutes and does not feel any effects and then consumes another 10–20 mg of THC. When both of the two doses of THC hit at the same time, the resulting effect can become overwhelming.

In the UK market, many edible cannabis products (such as gummies and chocolates) contain high total THC levels (often 200–500 mg per pack). These are designed to be portioned out into smaller amounts.

Start low. Wait. Be patient.

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  1. Failing to Understand the Differences Between Consuming THC Through Smoking and Consuming THC Through Eating

As mentioned earlier, the liver converts THC consumed through eating into 11-hydroxy-THC – a chemical compound which has been found to produce a more potent effect and a longer duration of effect than the THC inhaled through smoking.

Therefore:

  • The effects from edible cannabis are often felt to be more intense
  • The effects on the body from edible cannabis are often felt to be stronger
  • The duration of the effects from edible cannabis can be 4–8 hours or longer.

Many first-time consumers of edible cannabis products are expecting a short-term, mild experience, similar to that produced by vaping cannabis. Instead, they find themselves experiencing a longer and stronger effect.

  1. Eating Edible Cannabis Products on an Empty Stomach

Although edible cannabis products may reach their peak effect quicker on an empty stomach, they can also be more unpredictable and can potentially be stronger.

Consuming a light meal prior to consuming edible cannabis can:

  • Help stabilize the absorption of THC
  • Reduce the incidence of nausea
  • Produce a smoother experience overall

You do not need to consume a large amount of food prior to consuming edible cannabis products. Just avoid consuming the strongest edible cannabis products when you are completely hungry.

  1. Paying No Attention to the Label

Many first-time consumers of edible cannabis products fail to read:

  • How much total THC is contained in each pack
  • How much THC is contained in each edible product
  • What type of cannabinoid profile (full-spectrum or distillate) the product contains.

Here is a brief reference for new consumers:

 

Experience Level

Suggested Starting Dose

First-time user

5 mg THC

Light experience

5–10 mg THC

Moderate

10–20 mg THC

Strong

25 mg+ THC

 

Any product containing 25 mg+ THC is generally considered too strong for most new consumers.

  1. Combining Edibles and Alcohol

When combining edible cannabis products and alcohol, the effects of both are amplified. Most first-time consumers of edible cannabis will want to avoid combining edible cannabis with alcohol.

  1. Choosing the Wrong Environment to Take Your First Dose

Your environment plays a role.

Taking your first edible cannabis product:

  • In a public place
  • Near strangers
  • Prior to a stressful situation

…is rarely advisable.

A calm and familiar environment with trusted individuals around you will greatly improve your first experience with edible cannabis.

  1. Panicking If You Get Overwhelmed

Even seasoned consumers may occasionally feel overwhelmed if they ingest too much edible cannabis.

Remember the important points:

  • You cannot fatally overdose on cannabis.
  • The feelings will subside.
  • Hydrating and resting will help.

Should you start to feel anxious while under the influence of edible cannabis:

  • Drink plenty of water
  • Find a quiet area to lie down
  • Focus on slow deep breaths
  • Distract yourself with soothing music or a familiar television show

Time is on your side.

 Final Thoughts

Edible cannabis products are one of the most enjoyable and inconspicuous ways to experience cannabis – particularly for UK consumers who prefer a smoke-free method of cannabis use. However, edible cannabis requires patience, awareness and responsible dosing.

Most mistakes made by new edible cannabis consumers are based on rushing, overestimating their tolerance and/or misunderstandings as to how edible cannabis works.

Be cautious. Start low. Wait long enough. Choose the right setting. Respect your dosage.

For additional information follow our updates regarding cannabis news and research findings in the UK.