Cannabis, commonly known as marijuana or weed, is the dried flowers, seeds, stems, and leaves of the Cannabis sativa L plant species. It is a popular drug that millions of people take for recreational purposes or to cure chronic health issues. Cannabis may be used in a variety of ways, the most common of which include smoking, inhaling, and ingesting. Some individuals, however, question whether it is safe to consume cannabis-containing goods and whether swallowing it has the same consequences as smoking or vaping.
While recreational marijuana and its legalization may be many enticing individuals to pursue this treatment option, the truth is that medicinal cannabis usage is not new. Marijuana has been used for medicinal reasons since ancient times when it was given for digestive issues, pain alleviation, and even psychiatric illnesses. In addition, the legal age to acquire and consume cannabis in most jurisdictions throughout Canada is nineteen. So it is easy to buy weed from Canada.
Can you consume marijuana?
The quick answer is that you can consume cannabis. Indeed, cannabis-infused foods and beverages have been eaten throughout history; dating back to 1000 B.C. Cannabis was utilized as a medicine in ancient China and India before being brought to Western medicine in the early 1800s. Edible treatments, such as tinctures, were recommended to treat a variety of ailments, ranging from chronic pain to digestive problems.
Similar to alcohol, consumable cannabis items were used to alleviate tension and create pleasure. For example, Bhang, a beverage prepared from a combination of cannabis plant leaves and flowers, has been drunk for millennia during religious holidays such as Holi, a Hindu celebration of love and color.
Cannabis in its natural form
Although raw cannabis can be consumed, it will not have the same impact as cannabis-based products since it must be processed through a procedure termed decarboxylation. Raw cannabis includes tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), which must be heated, such as in smoking or baking, to become the effective forms of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
As a result, ingesting cannabis will not have the same benefits as consuming cannabis that has been cooked, such as candies, tinctures, and baked items. Though eating raw cannabis will not make you high, some cannabis supporters feel that eating it may provide distinct health advantages owing to the vast range of plant components it contains.
Health Advantages of Edible Cannabis
Cannabis has numerous potential medical advantages and has been used to treat a variety of diseases throughout history. Today, edible cannabis product use among patients is rising, and polls regularly show that the majority of healthcare experts feel cannabis should be a medicinal alternative for patients.
Medical cannabis products can be prescribed medication in nations all over the world, including Italy, Spain, and Germany, and are recommended by specialists in dozens of U.S. states that have legalized cannabis. THC is one of over a hundred distinct chemicals found in cannabis known as cannabinoids.
THC is the chemical responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis products, especially edibles, which can provide pleasure and relaxation. THC is also thought to be the main component responsible for cannabis’s pain-relieving properties.
As we utilize a natural version of mixed tocopherols in dog food there are synthetic versions out there as well. Don’t worry, we’re here to break down the differences.
Other cannabis components, such as CBD, are non-intoxicating and have been found to have anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory effects. Edible cannabis products, such as oils, tinctures, tablets, and candies, are frequently used to treat cancer patients’ low appetite, discomfort, and weight loss.
Furthermore, these products may alleviate pain and muscular spasms, alleviate nausea and vomiting, increase sleep quality, and alleviate anxiety. Indeed, pharmaceutical firms provide oral formulations of cannabis-derived medicines, such as Sativex, an oral spray containing equal quantities of THC and CBD that is recommended to relieve pain and muscular spasms.
Despite the fact that edible cannabis products are widely used to treat a variety of different illnesses, including digestive and neurological problems, high-quality research in these areas is limited.
How to Safely Consume Edibles (and legally)
- Many people enjoy consuming cannabis products to relax and relieve stress, while others use edibles to treat or alleviate symptoms of a medical problem. To minimize undesired side effects, it is essential to utilize safe products and pick suitable doses.
- Whether you want to use edibles to treat a medical issue, consult with your doctor to see if medicinal marijuana is a possibility. You may be able to obtain a physician’s referral depending on where you reside. Medical marijuana is legal in thirty-six states in the United States. Illinois, Arkansas, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Ohio are a few of these states. Obtaining a medical marijuana card through Elevate Holistics made it more accessible for many people residing in these states. It is also legal in many places throughout the world, including Canada and several European nations.
- Recreational cannabis usage, on the other hand, is banned in many areas of the globe, including many sections of the United States. As of 2021, recreational cannabis products are legal in sixteen states, two territories, and the District of Columbia.
- Despite the fact that cannabis is legalized in many states in the United States, marijuana is still prohibited on the federal level and is classified as a Schedule I narcotic under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), alongside substances such as heroin.
Purchasing secure cannabis goods
When consuming edible cannabis for the first time, whether for medical or recreational purposes, it is critical to proceed with caution. Adhering to specified dosage and use guidelines might help decrease your chance of experiencing negative consequences from overconsumption.
When buying edible cannabis products in a location where recreational use is allowed, only buy from a licensed dispensary you trust. To be allowed for sale, licensed dispensaries are frequently required to have their goods tested in state-accredited labs for safety and efficacy.
However, testing procedures differ greatly between states, and some do not need laboratory testing. It is crucial to highlight that cannabis purchased from illicit enterprises or pharmacies that offer untested goods may be contaminated with pesticides, mold, fungus, bacteria, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and other harmful chemicals. Dispensaries generally provide a wide range of cannabis products with varying THC and CBD percentages, which might be perplexing for first-time purchasers.