Cannabis was demonized in the past for its psychoactive properties, which can cause users to feel paranoid and hallucinate. However, it has been shown to have medicinal benefits for conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, and seizures. In recent years, many countries have legalized cannabis for medical or recreational use, including Canada. Canadians can now purchase cannabis products from licensed retailers or online stores.
What are edibles?
Edibles are one type of cannabis product that has become popular in recent years. They are foods or drinks that contain cannabis. They can be made with either CBD or THC, the two main active ingredients in cannabis.
CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not cause users to feel high. THC is psychoactive, meaning it does cause users to feel high. Edibles can be made with either whole-plant cannabis or isolated cannabinoids. Whole-plant edibles will contain a small amount of THC, while isolated cannabinoid edibles will not.
Legalization of edibles in Canada
The second wave of cannabis legalization in Canada happened on October 17, 2019. Edibles in Canada, as well as other cannabis products such as topicals and extracts, were legalized. Health Canada released regulations for the production and sale of edibles. These regulations state that edibles must :
- Be clearly labeled with warnings and instructions
- Be made with no added vitamins, minerals, alcohol, or nicotine
- Have no more than 10 mg of THC per package
- Be packaged in a child-resistant container
Physical stores and online dispensaries started selling the edibles in mid-December 2019 after giving a 60-day notice of their intent to sell.
What are the benefits of consuming edibles?
Edibles offer several potential benefits over other methods of consuming cannabis. Edibles:
- Can be more discreet than smoking or vaping
- Offer a longer-lasting effect than smoking or vaping
- Allow for more precise dosing
- Are less likely to irritate the lungs
What are the risks of consuming edibles?
Like a coin with two sides, there are also some risks associated with consuming edibles. Because edibles take longer to take effect, some people may consume more than they intended with the aim of getting high fast. This can lead to an unpleasant experience, especially if a high dose of THC is consumed. It is important to start with a low dose and increase gradually as needed. Edibles can also be more potent than smoking or vaping, so it is important to be aware before consuming them.
