Marijuana edibles are a popular way to consume cannabis. In fact, they’re actually often a lot more ‘user friendly’ than smoking—especially due to the fact that they can be purchased legally in so many states nowadays. But they can also be dangerous if not used responsibly. And this is really the crux of the issue. 

It’s crucial that you understand the dos and don’ts of how to properly consume edibles if you plan on trying them—both for your safety, and for the safety of other people. 

This will also empower you to have the best possible experience. 

Veriheal actually says it perfectly on its website:“...it is important that consumers understand the pros and cons of edibles in comparison to smoking or vaping, especially since edibles are becoming a popular means of consumption among both medical marijuana and recreational cannabis users.”

So with that being said, you’re about to learn some dos and don'ts to help you have a safe and enjoyable experience with edibles. Let’s dive in and get started. 

Cannabis Edible Dos

Start low and go slow! The effects of edibles can take up to two hours to kick in, so it's important to start with a low dose and wait to see how you feel before consuming more. A good starting dose for first-time users is 5 milligrams of THC. You definitely don’t want to overdo it on this part. 

Eat a meal before consuming edibles 

Eating a meal helps to slow down the absorption of THC, which can help to prevent a negative experience.This is especially important if you’re not super experienced with edibles. 

Find a comfortable place to relax

Edibles can make you feel relaxed and sleepy, so it's important to find a comfortable place to enjoy your experience.If possible, enjoy your edibles in a space where you’d feel completely comfortable passing out and going to bed. 

Have a sober friend or family member with you

It's always a good idea to have someone sober with you when you're trying edibles for the first time. This person can help you in case you have any negative reactions and can be present to talk you through the experience if need be. And it’s always a plus if this person is skilled and experienced with edibles themselves. 

Stay hydrated

Edibles can cause dry mouth (also known as "cottonmouth"), so it's important to consume plenty of fluids. It’s important to make sure that you still get a good night's sleep as well. 

Edibles can make it difficult to fall asleep, so it's important to get a good night's sleep before consuming them.It’s also important to catch up on your sleep after the fact. 

Cannabis Edible Don'ts:

Don't drive or operate machinery after consuming edibles 

Edibles can impair your judgment and coordination, so it's important to avoid driving or operating machinery after consuming them. Some people mistakenly believe that they drive better while they’re high. But this is not the case!

Don't consume alcohol with edibles 

Alcohol can intensify the effects of edibles, which can lead to a negative experience. Some people call this getting ‘crossfaded,’ and it can make you feel very sick and nauseous. 

Don't consume edibles if you're pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of edibles on pregnant and breastfeeding women are not well-understood, so it's best to avoid them.If you have questions about it, it’s best to talk to your doctor. 

Don't consume edibles if you have a heart condition or other medical condition 

Talk to your doctor before consuming edibles if you have any health concerns. This is always the best practice, as your doctor will know the best-case practice regarding cannabis consumption. 

Don't consume more than the recommended dose

Overdoing it with edibles can lead to negative experiences, including anxiety, paranoia, and panic attacks. These things are not fun—so just be careful and choose your doses wisely. 

Conclusion

By following these dos and don'ts, you can help ensure that your experience with edibles is safe and enjoyable. With that being said, don’t let all of this ‘serious talk’ scare you away. Edibles can be truly amazing! So just make sure you enjoy them safely, and you should be good to go.