Edibles’ Effects on Your Health

The effects of edibles are different from those of smoked or vaped cannabis. Because edibles are metabolized in the liver, they offer stronger and longer-lasting effects with a delayed onset time.

Knowing how edibles are absorbed, how long they last, and how to dose them safely will help you manage your symptoms without unwanted side effects. Ask your doctor for personalized advice on integrating edibles into your treatment plan for optimal results.

How Edibles Work in the Body

Cannabis edibles follow a distinct path in the body compared to inhaled marijuana. Understanding the differences will help you consume these products safely and maximize their benefits.

Absorption Process

Cannabinoids like THC and CBD in edibles pass through the stomach and small intestine before entering the liver (where fats are broken down). THC then undergoes a process called first-pass metabolism, where it is converted into 11-hydroxy-THC. This compound is more potent and longer-acting than THC inhaled through the lungs, which is why edible cannabis tends to produce stronger and longer-lasting effects.

Onset Time

Edibles’ effects appear much more slowly than inhaled cannabis because they must first be digested and metabolized. Most people begin to feel results within 30 minutes to two hours, although individual metabolism, body weight, and whether food was recently consumed influence timing. The delayed onset is an important safety consideration, as consuming additional doses of THC too soon easily leads to an uncomfortable or overwhelming high.

Duration of Effects

Edibles typically produce longer-lasting effects than inhaled cannabis. While inhalation effects may taper off within two to four hours, the effects of edibles often persist for significantly longer. This extended duration is a plus for patients seeking sustained relief from chronic pain, anxiety, or sleep disorders.

Cannabis Edibles and Dosing Considerations

Accurate dosing is one of the greatest challenges with edibles, particularly with unregulated or homemade products that have inconsistent potency. Patients are strongly advised to purchase edibles from licensed dispensaries, where labeling and dosing are standardized. If you take a valid AZ medical marijuana card, you’ll save on the 16% excise tax in dispensaries in Arizona.

A cautious approach to edibles is recommended, especially for beginners. Start with a low dose (2.5–5 mg THC) and wait at least two hours before considering another serving. Consuming THC gradually reduces the risk of overconsumption and adverse reactions. Knowing how to tell if edibles are working will also reduce your chances of consuming too much THC.

Potential Health Benefits of Cannabis Edibles

Many patients choose edibles for their potential health benefits. These include:

Appetite Stimulation

High-THC edibles are ideal when you need a case of “the munchies.” Appetite-boosting techniques are especially important for patients recovering from an Arizona qualifying condition that impacts their appetite or causes significant weight loss, like cancer, HIV/AIDS, or cachexia.

Combine an edible made from one of the best strains for appetite stimulation with a high-calorie snack like baked goods or candy for an added energy boost. Or pair it with one of our recommended foods to eat with edibles for enhanced cannabinoid absorption. 

Managing Severe or Chronic Pain

A 2024 study found a significant correlation between THC dose in cannabis edibles and short-term pain relief. CBD also provides a non-intoxicating alternative to opioids for people who suffer from chronic pain.

Alleviating Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms

Orally and sublingually administered cannabis was found to aid the treatment of the two main symptoms of MS: pain and spasticity. The negative effects were minimal.

Reducing Seizures

Epidiolex (an FDA-approved prescription cannabidiol taken orally) is prescribed for seizures caused by Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes in children. Cannabidiol-dominant edibles are a great place to start for patients looking to reduce the impact of seizures on their everyday lives.

Cancer Support

Cannabis edibles help to alleviate some cancer symptoms and improve the unpleasant side effects of cancer treatment. For example, high-THC edibles are an option for treating nausea from chemotherapy. Cannabis may also help with common cancer symptoms like pain, insomnia, and appetite loss.

Other Health Benefits Associated With Edibles

Edibles’ health benefits go beyond their therapeutic effects for qualifying conditions. Consider the following additional advantages of edibles:

Smoke-Free Consumption

Edibles offer an alternative to inhalation methods like smoking or vaping. This is a huge advantage for patients looking to avoid respiratory risks. Many patients also prefer a more discreet way to consume their cannabis products that doesn’t cause any odors or smoke.

Tip: Ask your doctor about the pros and cons of smoking vs edibles to understand the best way to consume weed for your condition.

Anxiety and Stress Reduction

Both scientific and anecdotal evidence suggest that orally administered CBD helps with anxiety. Chronic conditions often cause heightened worry and insomnia. In this case, CBD-rich edibles are worth exploring.

Possible Risks and Side Effects of Edibles

The potential risks of eating or drinking cannabis are preventable with responsible consumption and storage practices.

Overconsumption

The most common risk associated with edibles is overconsumption. The effects of overconsumption are unpleasant but not generally dangerous for adults. Reduce the risk of overindulging with proper dosing practices and a gradual intake of THC. 

Interaction With Other Medications 

The cannabinoids in cannabis edibles could interact with other medications you’re taking to manage your qualifying condition. For example, CBD may interact with common medications like ibuprofen or Tylenol, as well as some antidepressants, medications for fibromyalgia, and the blood thinner warfarin. Discuss your MMJ treatment plan with your physicians to ensure it complements any other treatment you're receiving.

Risks for Children and Pets If Stored Improperly

More than 7,000 cases of incidents involving cannabis edibles in children under the age of six were reported to the National Poison Data System between 2017 and 2021. This is because cannabis edibles are easily mistaken for regular food.

Proper storage and waste disposal are critical for patients who live with children or pets. Keep cannabis-infused edibles in a locked, properly labeled container out of humans’ and animals’ reach. Be especially vigilant with edible products that look appealing to children, like candies or cookies. 

Safe Edible Consumption Guidelines

Follow these guidelines to ensure safe and effective edible consumption:

• "Start low, go slow": Start with a dose of around 2.5 mg of THC. Wait for at least two hours before consuming another 2.5 mg if the first dose had little or no effect.

• Take into account your total dosage across different consumption methods if you have a varied treatment plan. Calculate the total amount of THC you ingest from smoking, edibles, and tinctures to stay within your recommended daily dosage.

• Learn how to read edible labels for their THC and CBD content and potency. Remember that potency calculations are more complex with homemade edibles.

• Avoid mixing cannabis edibles with alcohol or other drugs. Consuming cannabis with alcohol magnifies the effects of each.

• Store edibles out of children's reach (and in a locked container) every single time to avoid worrying trips to the emergency room.

Reap the Benefits of Cannabis Edibles

Cannabis edibles provide a smoke-free, long-lasting option for patients seeking relief from conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, or appetite loss. Their delayed effects and extended duration make it especially important to understand dosing and onset times.

Patients should start with low doses and purchase products only from licensed dispensaries to avoid accidental under- or overconsumption. Work with your medical marijuana physician to optimize your edibles intake for your condition and treatment plan.