Cannabis edibles are food items made with cannabis or infused with cannabis oils. Edibles may be an alternative to smoking or vaporizing cannabis . 

Edibles come in many forms, e.g. brownies, cookies, candies, including animal or fruit-shaped gummies, suckers and chocolates, and as beverages.

Why do edible cannabis products seem stronger?

The amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, can vary in edible cannabis products. This makes it harder to control how much THC is consumed. The amount of THC in homemade cannabis edibles can vary even more. Many users can be caught off-guard by the stronger potency and long-lasting effects of edibles.

Important safety guidelines:

  • Start with a single 10mg (of THC) serving or less;
  • Don’t take more until you have waited at least 2 hours; edibles are slow-acting;
  • Keep edibles far away from children and pets!

How are edibles sold in Washington State cannabis stores?

The Washington State Liquor & Cannabis Board issued rules for edible packaging and labeling on June 24th, 2014. All cannabis edibles sold in Washington state recreational cannabis stores must be approved (both the product itself and its label) in advance. Packaging must not appeal to children by using cartoons, depictions of kids, or images of toys, and all edibles must be sold in child-resistant packaging (such as the 4mil sealed plastic packaging in the picture above). Additionally, the cannabis must be homogenized throughout the product, so that it is evenly distributed, and serving sizes must be clearly marked or scored on the product.

What is the recommended dosage for edibles?

Washington’s definition of one edible dose is 10 milligrams (mg) of THC. Some edibles have more than one dose of THC, and may come with directions to only consume part of the product. Eating too much of an edible may produce unwanted health effects. The effects of cannabis use of any kind can vary from person to person, and each person may have a different tolerance level. Always read the dosing recommendations and know exactly how much THC is in the edible.

Will ingesting cannabis affect me differently than smoking it?

Yes. Unlike smoking cannabis, where the effects can be felt almost immediately, effects from edibles can take from 30 minutes to 2 hours to take effect, and may last longer than expected, depending on the dose, when your last meal was consumed, and/or any medications or alcohol used at the same time.

Store edibles safely away from children and pets!

Accidental ingestion of cannabis and cannabis-infused edibles by children has increased in states that have legalized cannabis for recreational or medicinal use. It is extremely important store these products in child-resistant containers and out of reach of children and pets. (Hurley & Mazor 2013, Wang et al 2014, WAPC 2014).

Call the Washington Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 immediately for medical advice if you are worried about the health and safety of yourself or others, or if your child has accidently eaten an edible. All calls are free and confidential.

Remember:   Read the labels — Go slowly — Ask questions!

Resources

References

  • Hurley W, Mazor S. Anticipated medical effects on children from legalization of cannabis in Colorado and Washington State: a poison center perspective. JAMA Pediatrics 2013;167(7):602-3. View abstract
  • Wang GS, et al. Association of unintentional pediatric exposures with decriminalization of cannabis in the United States. Annals of Emergency Medicine 2014;63(6):684-9. View abstract
  • Washington Poison Center (WAPC) Cannabis Report, July 17, 2014.

Updated 2014; Adapted with permission from the Washington Poison Center