Are you interested in switching to weed edibles? Curiosity about different ways to consume weed has increased since the legalization of cannabis in Canada. Inhalation and ingestion are the two common ways to use cannabis.

But, three years after edibles became legal in the state, cannabis-infused products are the most preferred mode of weed consumption, next to smoking a dried flower or leaf. Without the potentially harmful effects of inhaling weed smoke, ingesting edibles can be a safer and healthier alternative to consuming cannabis and enjoying its medical benefits.

Although consuming edibles don’t harm the lung tissues, they also carry some risks if you’re new to this method. For instance, it’s easy to go overboard with the amount to take, leading to serious adverse health effects.

We’ve included the following safety tips if you consider consuming weed edibles:

1. Purchase From Licensed Producers

Illegal weed or cannabis products are not tested or quality controlled, so they may carry harmful residues and contaminants. If you buy weed edibles online in Canada, reduce your risk by purchasing from licensed producers.

Legal sources of edibles are strictly regulated under the Cannabis Act. Thus, you can be sure that the products are safe to consume and don’t have quality issues.

2. Always Read the Product Label

Cannabis-infused products vary significantly in their appearance and ingredients. To reduce harm in your weed edible consumption, always read the label before ingesting any cannabis.

Legal edibles always have accurate information on their package and label, such as the list of ingredients, nutrition facts, and quantities of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). While the labels of some illegally produced edibles show THC and CBD concentrations, they may be misleading or false.

3. Use a Small-Dose Approach

The THC content in weed edibles has psychoactive effects. How quickly you feel the effects can differ from one person to another. But the general rule of weed edibles consumption is to start low and slow.

If it’s your first time trying a weed edible, consume no more than 2.5 mg of THC. Note that it’s easy to consume large quantities of edibles without feeling the effects. 

Thus, if you want to increase your dose, ensure to wait within 2–3 hours. This may help you determine how your body responds to the full effects of cannabis-infused products, preventing overdosing.

4. Pay Attention to Its Side Effects

Ingesting weed edibles is generally safe. However, consuming too many cannabis-infused products can result in unpleasant side effects. Stop consuming the edibles and seek medical attention right away if you experience the following:

• Rapid heart rate
• Psychotic episodes, such as hallucinations, delusions, and abnormal behaviour
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness
• Disorganized thoughts
• Memory loss

5. Keep Your Edibles Stash Secure

Weed edibles usually appear like regular foods, such as baked goods or candy. And accidentally consuming them can result in severe health problems. To reduce the risks of unintentional ingestion of cannabis-infused products, secure them away from other food products. Store them in a lockbox or somewhere children and pets cannot reach.

Ensure Safety When Consuming Edibles

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to weed edibles consumption. But using a small-dose method and getting your edibles from a legal source is a great way to ensure safety when consuming cannabis-infused products. Before ingesting anything, it’s also a good idea to consult your primary care provider, especially if you’re taking prescription medications.