11 Tips for a Good Edibles Experience

Whether you’re a seasoned cannabis connoisseur or a curious newcomer, edibles not only offer a fun and flavorful way to experience cannabis but also provide a unique and long-lasting high. In this blog, we’ll share some valuable tips on how to use them to ensure your edibles experience is nothing short of positive! 

1. Get to Know Your Edible

Your cannabis-infused edibles experience starts with the product you select, so find out what’s in each edible you’re considering buying and how it might influence your experience. First, consider your goals: Are you consuming for relaxation, pain relief, just to have fun or something else altogether? Then, let the cannabinoid and terpene content of the product guide you.

While edibles with high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) will make you feel high, Cannabidiol (CBD) dominant products with low levels of THC or none at all offer their own therapeutic potential without the intoxication. (Notably, both THC and CBD have psychoactive effects, but only THC is intoxicating.) Similarly, different terpenes may produce different experiences. For example, myrcene may offer a relaxing experience, while limonene may produce a more uplifting one. 

The combinations of these cannabinoids and terpenes also matter. How much THC and other cannabinoids are in your product, the ratios of those cannabinoids and the terpenes in a product all influence the edible dosing process. It’s not as simple as saying, “This product contains some limonene; therefore, my experience will be uplifting.” Instead, these compounds work together to produce a wide range of different effects in what is known as “the entourage effect.” 

Read the label closely as well. Some edible cannabis products are “nano,” meaning you may feel the effects faster than a standard edible. If your product is a nano one, adjust your timing accordingly.

And remember, everyone experiences cannabis a bit differently. The best way to really know how certain cannabinoid and terpene combinations affect you is to try a new product and take note of how it makes you feel.

2. Know Your Limits

One of the most important factors to enjoying edibles is understanding and respecting your body’s limits. Edibles generally produce long-lasting effects, so you will be committed to your session for a few hours. 

For this reason, it’s always wise to start with a small dose, especially if you’re new to edibles. Starting with a small amount allows you to gauge your body’s reaction to the edible and determine your personal tolerance. Start with a low dose of no more than 5 milligrams of THC (or even less if you’re totally new to cannabis), then wait an hour to see how you feel. Only eat more if, after the first hour, you’ve not felt the desired effects. 

You may have heard the mantra “Start low and go slow” when eating edibles. There’s good reason to heed that advice when you eat an edible. Starting slow and going slow helps you familiarize yourself with the effects of a certain product without risking overwhelming your senses with a high dose. Keep in mind that everyone’s system is different, and the long-lasting effects of edibles make it best to approach them with caution.  

3. Purchase Your Cannabis Edibles From a Trusted Source 

You should always purchase edibles and any other cannabis products from a reputable company to ensure they’re accurately labeled and adequately dosed. The legal cannabis industry is still evolving, and in many markets, unlicensed operators still conduct business outside the regulated system. These unlicensed sources don’t necessarily carry tested cannabis products that are certified safe and accurate.

Licensed establishments, on the other hand, adhere to strict quality control standards and regulations and prioritize consumer safety above all else. Their products are also subject to rigorous testing protocols, so you have confidence they are labeled accurately regarding potency, purity and contaminants. By purchasing from a licensed dispensary, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that the edibles you consume are safe, reliable and consistently produced. 

4. Prepare With Snacks 

Although eating an edible on an empty stomach will make you feel its effects faster, it’s ill-advised. Instead, preparing a snack or meal before having an edible helps ready your body for the upcoming experience and helps avoid potential stomach discomfort. Having additional snacks on hand during your edible high can also help in case of nausea, dizziness, or plain old munchies.

5. Be Patient

Unlike smoking or vaping cannabis, edibles can take longer to kick in due to the process of digestion and absorption, so patience is important. After you consume an edible, it must pass through your digestive tract, where the cannabinoids are metabolized and eventually enter your bloodstream. This journey takes anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours, depending on factors such as your tolerance and metabolism. (Nano edibles are an exception to this rule.) For this reason, it’s best to give products ample time to work their magic before consuming more. This approach will help you consume the right dosage instead of overconsuming it.

6. Experiment With Different Types of Cannabis Edibles

There’s a wide variety of edible cannabis options available at dispensaries in the San Jose area. Whatever your preference when it comes to buying edibles, Airfield carries plenty of options. Some items you’ll see on our menu include:

Gummies

Cannabis-infused candies typically come in various flavors, shapes and dosages. You may find a single-serving gummy, or you’ll buy multi-packs (in California, an edibles package cannot contain a total of more than 100mg of THC.) Gummies must be fully digested and usually do not kick in for about 30 minutes to two hours and peak at about four hours. 

Chocolates

A chocolate bar is a classic edible you’ll find at most dispensaries. Available in tried-and-true and experimental flavors, these chocolates are a tasty way to get your THC. You’ll find chocolate bars that can be broken into even serving sizes, bite-sized treats like chocolate-covered fruit, peanut butter cups and more.

Baked goods

Cookies, brownies, rice treats and other baked goods are metabolized through the digestive system at the same rate as their non-infused counterparts. As a result, the effects usually take longer to kick in, and the effects will last much longer than smoking or vaping. There’s a ton of creativity in this category, too, with options ranging from gluten-free and vegan bites to classic hits like chocolate chip cookies.

Beverages

Cannabis-infused beverages are formulated with precise doses of cannabinoids and provide a refreshing way to consume edibles. Because your stomach absorbs liquid more quickly than solids, cannabis-infused beverages kick in relatively quickly, often between 10 and 15 minutes. 

7. Find the Right Environment for Your Edible Experience

Trying an edible in a safe and comfortable setting is essential to an enjoyable experience. Make sure you’re somewhere you feel secure and at ease without any risk of disturbance, like a friend’s house or snuggled up on the couch at home. If you can, let the people around you know about your plans to have an edible to create a supportive and understanding atmosphere. 

Remember that your environment significantly impacts your state of mind and how your body reacts to any cannabis product. By prioritizing comfort, you’ll have an easier time relaxing and allow the effects of the product to unfold naturally. As a bonus, creating a happy environment with items such as a soft blanket, comfortable seating and soothing music contributes to your comfort. 

8. Stay Hydrated

It’s no secret that cannabis can often cause dry mouth, and the same is true of edibles (yes, even cannabis-infused beverages!) This is because THC actually decreases the regulation of saliva secretion in our mouths. Staying hydrated before and after consuming edibles is vital to alleviating dry mouth and enhancing overall comfort. 

Next time you consume an edible, have a water bottle on hand. When you drink water, you’ll enhance the comfort of your consumption and minimize the risk of any adverse side effects. 

9. Monitor Your Progress

Monitor your progress by keeping track of the type of edible you’ve selected, the amount you’ve consumed, how long it took to kick in, how long it lasted and how it made you feel. Consider keeping a journal to monitor onset time, duration and specific effects. In this journal, describe the particular effects you feel after consuming and any additional notes that might have influenced your experience. 

Your experience will vary depending on personalized factors such as your metabolism, the specific cannabis product you’ve ingested, and your body chemistry. By recording this information, you may gain valuable insight into your preferences and start to determine the best edible products and the correct dosage. 

10. Store Your Edibles Properly 

Heat, light and air can quickly degrade the potency of the cannabis plant, destroying precious cannabinoids and terpenes. Storing your edibles in an airtight container away from direct sunlight helps prevent air and moisture from compromising the edibles’ freshness and potency. Properly labeled containers will always have an expiration date to help you identify the product’s general shelf life. However, by taking these storage precautions, you’ll prolong the shelf-life of your edibles, preserve their taste and ultimately enhance your experience. 

11. Have a Plan If You Feel Too High

Whether you’re trying edibles for the first time or you’re a cannabis pro, there’s a possibility that you’ll feel too high. If you take too much THC, you might experience anxiety or a heightened emotional state. Plan ahead to navigate these sessions.

Some tips to help you are: 

• Stay calm: Remind yourself that the effects of cannabis are temporary and will pass eventually. Your body and mind will return to normal soon.
• Drink water: Stay hydrated to avoid dry mouth and other unpleasant feelings that may be associated with cannabis. Drink plenty of water!
• Take deep breaths: Breathing exercises help you relax and decompress during bad trips. Try taking a few deep breaths through your nose and out through your mouth. 
• Get fresh air: Opening a window or introducing a new environment may help relieve discomfort. Try stepping outside for a breath or a refreshing change of scenery. 
• Find a distraction: Engaging in activities that captivate your attention is a great way to divert your focus from any discomfort caused by edibles. Consider immersing yourself in a TV show or a favorite hobby. 

If none of the above is working to soothe you during a bad trip, don’t worry — the effects of edibles pass within a few hours. If you’re keeping an edibles journal, note that the particular product and dosage that caused these negative feelings may not be for you.

Take Flight with Airfield Edibles

Remember that everyone’s experience with edible cannabis is unique. Creating the right environment and having a plan is the best way to ensure a positive cannabis edible experience. As you embark on your edible journey, choosing high-quality products from a licensed dispensary is crucial. At Airfield, our wide range of edibles offers options for every taste and preference. Explore our selection, discover your favorites and be ready to take flight on an edible experience like never before!