Don't Be Tricked by These Treats: Make Smart Choices About Edible Marijuana

By Laura Perkins, MLS | October 25, 2018
Editor, ETR

With cannabis legalized for recreational use in some places, people have questions about all the new products available, especially edibles. If marijuana is legal, it’s safe to use, right? How much of an edible can you eat? ETR has new materials to help people understand how to make smarter decisions. See our fact card here, and our poster here.

 

Just Because It's Legal, Doesn't Mean It's Safe

Edibles are cannabis-infused candy, baked goods and drinks. Eating too much of an edible can be very unpleasant. Some people feel so sick after consuming edibles they have to be taken to an emergency room for medical care.  

Start Low. Go Slow. 

THC is the active ingredient in marijuana that makes people feel buzzed or high, whether they inhale it or eat it. But the human body absorbs THC very differently depending on how it’s taken in.  

People who smoke or vape marijuana often feel the effects right away. But with edibles, it can take 30 minutes to 2 hours to feel the full effects.

This makes it hard for people who consume edibles to know how much THC they’ve eaten – and easy to eat too much when they don’t feel the effects as soon as they expect to feel them.

Under-Age Use Is Illegal

No matter what the law is for adults, marijuana use is illegal for anyone under age 21. Adults who use edibles need to take special care if there are children (or pets!) in the house. Edibles can look like familiar candies and treats. Parents and caregivers, lock up your edibles! Store them in a safe place. 

Legalization Is Here to Stay

Now that jurisdictions are legalizing the use of marijuana, regulations require clear product labeling. Some consumers might be confused by dosage information, especially if they’re new to using the products. It’s our responsibility as health educators to help people understand the risks so they can make smarter choices. Hey bud tenders, let's put a fact card in every shopping bag!