Edible Dosage and Beginner Tips for Safety

This article serves as an introductory guide for newcomers to cannabis edibles. It covers important aspects like beginner edibles dosing tips, selecting suitable strains, and recipes for making your very own cannabis-infused brownies at home. It also explains the onset and duration of effects, potential risks, and safety tips. This guide is especially relevant for individuals in areas with evolving cannabis laws, such as legalized states in the U.S. and countries like Germany.

What kind of edibles to get as a beginner

As a beginner, it’s imperative to carefully select cannabis edibles with low potency to avoid any potential discomfort or overwhelming effects. It’s best to look for products that are specifically marketed as being suitable for beginners, with clear labeling regarding their THC content (mg of THC) and dosing instructions. Starting with a low dose is highly recommended, and then gradually increasing the dosage as needed. 

When consuming weed edibles, the digestive system metabolizes the THC, resulting in a longer-lasting and more intense high than smoking or vaping. The effects may take longer to kick in as the dose of THC needs to be processed by the liver before entering the bloodstream. After ingesting your first cannabis-infused edible, wait at least one hour before consuming edibles again, as the onset can vary depending on your body’s metabolism. You don’t want to eat too much without a high tolerance! 

Now that you understand how edibles work, what type are you interested in? Common types include baked goods like brownies, gummies, chocolates, infused beverages, hard candies, and savory snacks. We recommend avoiding high-potency edibles, such as those with a high THC content, or any of your stoner friends’ homemade edibles with unknown potency.

Your Guide to Choosing the Best Edible Gummies

Gummies are often recommended for first-time users due to their ease of dosing and delightful flavors. They are discreet and convenient, making them popular for those incorporating edibles into their daily routine. They typically come in 2-10mg portions, which makes them ideal for those who want to control their dosage effectively. THC-dominant gummies provide a psychoactive high, while CBD-dominant edibles offer calming, non-psychoactive effects.

Regarding consumption, it’s essential to consider the onset time. Fast-acting gummies that use nano-emulsified THC are designed to kick in faster, usually within 30-45 minutes, providing fast effects. In contrast, traditional gummies may take 1-2 hours for you to feel the effects of cannabis. To avoid overconsumption, allow the initial effects to take hold, which can help ensure a safe experience when consuming THC gummies. Over time, you’ll find the perfect amount of THC and/or CBD for your desired effects.

If you’re health-conscious, look for gummies made with high-quality, natural ingredients and avoid those with artificial additives or high sugar content. If you have dietary restrictions, it’s also worth checking out vegan, gluten-free, or organic options as many exist. It’s also worth looking for products that have undergone third-party testing for purity to guarantee that they do not contain harmful chemicals or inaccurate THC/CBD levels.

Overall, gummies provide a versatile and enjoyable way for beginners to explore the world of cannabis edibles in a safe and controlled manner. By considering these factors, you’ll be able to choose cannabis-infused gummies that match your preferences and needs. Many people have questions about dosage, so let’s explore our dosage guide!

Edible Dosage Guide: Understanding the Effects

Now that we’ve discussed the types of edibles available, there’s one more critical factor in the dosage for edibles. It’s essential to be mindful of the amount of cannabis present in each serving, as it can significantly affect the overall experience. Let’s explore this in more detail in the table below.

How to Make Pot Brownies

When making cannabis-infused edibles, it’s important to understand the process of decarboxylation. Without decarboxylation, edibles may be less potent and might not have the desired effects. Decarboxylation is a chemical reaction that occurs when cannabis is heated, converting non-psychoactive THCA into psychoactive THC. Using butter for an infusion is especially effective because of its high-fat content, which binds to the cannabinoid THC. If you’re adapting a recipe that calls for oil, follow our guide on how to make cannabis oil for cooking.

To make the best cannabutter, you’ll need the following ingredients and equipment: 

• Saucepan
• Mesh strainer or cheesecloth
• 1 pound of unsalted butter
• 8 fluid ounces of water
• 1 ounce of high-quality cannabis or shake

For your brownies, the following ingredients will be required:

• 3.1 ounces (90 grams) of cannabis-infused butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 5.3 ounces (150 grams) of cocoa powder
• ½ cup of flour
• ¼ teaspoon of salt
• ¼ teaspoon of baking powder
  

1. Decarboxylate
   Preheat the oven to 245°F. Next, break the larger cannabis buds into smaller pieces and spread them evenly on a baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching. Place the sheet in the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Remember to move the cannabis every ten minutes to ensure even decarboxylation. Once cooled, your cannabis will be decarbed and ready for infusion!
2. Infuse the butter
   Now, it’s time to infuse the butter. The standard would be around 1 oz of cannabis buds to 1 pound of butter, but for milder effects, you can use less cannabis. Melt 1 cup of butter over low heat (160-200ºF) with 8 fluid ounces of water, ensuring not to exceed 200ºF. Add the decarbed weed and simmer for three hours, stirring occasionally to provide a flavorful infusion.
3. Strain the canna-butter
   Once you have thoroughly mixed the cannabis with the butter, place a piece of cheesecloth over a container and carefully pour the infused mixture over it, allowing the cheesecloth to strain out the plant material. Be sure to squeeze the cheesecloth to extract any remaining liquid from the cannabis, and your cannabutter is now ready to enhance the flavor of your favorite recipes.
4. Preparing the ingredients and combining with the canna-butter
   Slowly melt the infused butter in a medium saucepan over low heat and gently stir the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined. In a separate bowl, mix the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until the batter is smooth and all ingredients are fully incorporated.
5. Baking and serving
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent the brownies from sticking. Pour the batter into the pan, using a spatula to spread evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, keeping an eye on them to avoid burning. Let them cool, and cut them into squares. Most importantly, enjoy them with friends and family!

Best strains for making edibles

When it comes to making infused edibles, it’s vital to choose strains that offer enticing flavors and potent effects. Based on their terpene profiles and cannabinoid content, here are three cannabis strains that would be excellent choices for producing incredible edibles. 

1. Mango Sherbert
   Mango Sherbert is celebrated for its densely packed buds adorned with trichomes and its delightfully sweet and fruity terpene profile, which includes a harmonious combination of myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene. This delivers a soothing and invigorating experience. With its redolent notes of mango, sherbet, whipped cream, and strawberry, Mango Sherbert is ideal for infusing into gummies or brownies, making it perfect for those relaxing evenings.
2. Granny Candy
   Granny Candy is a highly sought-after indica strain due to its stunning frosty purple buds and abundant trichomes. The strain is famed for its distinctive grape and berry flavors and contains high levels of myrcene, a terpene known for its calming and soothing properties. Its aroma is reminiscent of sweet strawberry and tangy pineapple candies, with subtle diesel undertones, making it an excellent choice for infusions in teas or baked into delicious cookies.
3. Hella Jelly
   Hella Jelly stands out with its intricate terpene profile, featuring a fusion of fruity flavors such as berry, citrus, and tropical fruit, making it an ideal choice for creating infused edibles. With a high THC content, as well as the presence of CBG and CBD, this strain offers a comprehensive cannabinoid profile. Its potent effects and diverse flavor make Hella Jelly a top contender for producing high-quality cannabis-infused edibles, catering to both flavor and potency.

3 Tips for an Enjoyable Edible Experience

Remember these three great tips for a delightful experience with cannabis consumption.

1. If you are new to them or if you have a low tolerance to cannabis, start with a low dose (see our edibles dosing chart above). This approach can help you gauge your reaction and avoid any overwhelming effects. 
2. Edibles can take longer to kick in compared to smoking or vaping cannabis and can lead to some people making the mistake of eating more, so be patient and wait for the effects like dry mouth.
3. Be aware that the duration of the effects of edibles can vary based on individual metabolism. For some individuals, edibles can last up to 12 hours, so remember to plan accordingly and stay hydrated when you consume cannabis edibles.