Edibles, Concentrates, and Topicals… Oh My!
If you are new to edibles, or cannabis in general, we want to keep you up to speed on all of the latest details. On October 17, 2019, Canada went through a second wave of legalization which allows for some exciting new products to make their debut in this budding industry. We like to call this Cannabis 2.0!
With Cannabis 2.0 comes the long-anticipated legalization of edibles, concentrates, and topicals. If you’re reading this and wondering why you haven’t seen any of these products in stores yet, the wait is almost over! You can expect to see Cannabis 2.0 start to hit the shelves in Alberta retail cannabis stores (like Bud Bar!) as early as January 2020!
So, what exactly are edibles, concentrates, and topicals, and how do they differ from the flower you have been consuming so far? Allow us to light up the facts:
Edibles: any food or drink that can be ingested and contains cannabis.
Concentrates: highly concentrated cannabis that can be combusted, vaporized, or infused in edibles and topicals.
Topicals: extracts prepared with oil or wax, such as lotions or lip balms, that can be applied to the skin, hair or nails.
… On High Alert!
As much as edibles spark joy in the community, it is important to be aware of the differences in consumption between inhaled and ingested cannabis to help avoid undesirable effects.
Inhaled: Cannabinoids are absorbed through your lungs directly into your bloodstream allowing you to feel the benefit of their effects quickly. It can take anywhere from a matter of seconds to 15 minutes to feel the initial effects, and up to 30 minutes to feel the full effects. Residual effects may last up to 24 hours.
Ingested: Digestion must first take place in order for your body to absorb, metabolize, and release cannabinoids into your bloodstream. This process can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours before you feel the effects, and up to 4 hours until you feel the full effects. Residual effects may last up to 24 hours.
Please remember – the onset and duration times listed here are only general guidelines. All cannabis products have the potential to affect each individual differently.
It is always important to practice safe consumption to lessen the risk of adverse side effects. If we may be blunt: start low, go slow, and consume responsibly.
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/health/campaigns/cannabis/canadians.html#a4
Written by Amanda D
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