How to Recover From Edibles

Knowing how to recover from edibles is essential for newcomers to the medical marijuana world. Overconsumption typically occurs when experimenting with new products or by misjudging the potency of your edible.

The effects of edible overconsumption are often intense. However, remember that these unpleasant sensations are only temporary. Work with your doctor to optimize your dose and monitor the effects of your cannabis treatment over time.

1. Stay Hydrated

Drinking liquids isn't a quick fix for the side effects of overconsumption. However, it will help your body flush some of the toxins out of your system. It could also help clear any brain fog caused by your edible. Ensure you stay hydrated before, during, and after every edible experience. 

Sipping on water or herbal teas also helps to minimize cotton mouth from cannabis. This is a common but harmless side effect of THC consumption. Avoid diuretics like coffee after consuming edibles. They could further contribute to any symptoms of dehydration that are making you feel off.

2. Enjoy Healthy Snacks

The munchies are a well-known side effect of consuming cannabis. Reaching for the chips or a greasy pizza may be your first instinct. However, it’s unlikely to make you feel better. Stocking up on healthy snacks is a better way to round out your experience. 

Eat a healthy and substantial breakfast the day after consuming edibles. Snacks like fruits will also help to rehydrate your body. 

Tip: Broccoli is one of the best foods to eat with edibles for medicinal benefits. You can also ask your doctor for personalized food-pairing recommendations when applying for or renewing your medical marijuana card.

3. Get Some Rest

The best way to help your body recover is often to give it exactly what it’s asking you for. Take time to rest if you're feeling low on energy. Snooze on the sofa or simply set aside some downtime from your daily routine. 

4. Engage in Relaxing Activities 

Chill out with activities that help you relax if you experience any mood-altering side effects from excessive THC consumption, like anxiety or disorientation. Listen to your favorite tunes, watch your favorite show, or spend some time working on a hobby. 

Any negative feelings you experience will soon dissipate. Passing time in a relaxed way will help you stay distracted until you are back to normal. 

5. Try Some Light Exercise

Exercise is a great way to give yourself an endorphin boost, relieve stress, and help you relax when you get too high from edibles. Avoid overdoing it, though! A simple walk around your neighborhood is enough to get your blood pumping, fresh air in your lungs, and help you get back in touch with the reality around you.

Tip: Be cautious when doing exercise if you're experiencing strong weed hangover effects. Take it easy if you're feeling dizzy or unwell.

6. Nibble on Black Peppercorns

Black peppercorns are rich in the terpene pinene. Terpenes are naturally occurring compounds found in plants of all varieties, including cannabis. They’re what gives each individual plant or foodstuff its unique color, taste, and smell, and enhances cannabis’s medical benefits. Pinene is known for its relaxing effects and could help to take the edge off any anxiety you experience. 

7. Try a CBD Product

Both anecdotal and scientific evidence suggest that CBD may play a role in mitigating the effects of THC. However, CBD’s role in bringing you back down after overindulging is far from clear-cut. It could be worth trying CBD to see if it works for you. Start with a small amount, as consuming more could have the opposite effect!

Signs You've Eaten Too Many THC Edibles

Symptoms of THC overconsumption aren't typically dangerous. However, they tend to be unpleasant and even distressing. Look out for the following signs that could indicate intoxication:

• Increased anxiety

• Paranoia, confusion, or hallucinations

• Dizziness or nausea

• Increased heart rate

• Cotton mouth and/or red eyes

• Impaired motor skills

• Disorientation

• Severe drowsiness 

How to Prevent Edible Overconsumption

Consuming too much THC in edibles is easily done, but utterly preventable. 

Buy Tested and Labeled Edibles

Commercially-produced edibles have a much more consistent dose of THC than homemade edibles. The THC content can vary significantly across a single batch of cookies or brownies that you prepare yourself. In contrast, commercially-made edibles are dosed carefully and are typically required to be tested for their THC content before sale. 

Understand How Edibles Are Processed in the Body

The THC in edibles is processed much more slowly by the body than inhaled THC. One of the main upshots of this is that the effects of edibles last considerably longer. 

Patients can typically expect the full therapeutic and psychoactive effects of their edible to kick in two to four hours after consumption. However, many individuals will notice effects after about half an hour. 

Delayed onset time can lead to overconsumption when patients top up their first edible dose before its full effects have set in. Knowing how to tell if your edible is working will help you avoid this mistake.

Keep the following tips in mind when consuming edibles:

• Start Low and Go Slow: Begin with low doses and wait at least two hours before consuming more edibles.

• Check Labels: Products purchased in an MMJ dispensary detail the amount of THC on their labels. Read the label carefully to ensure proper dosing.

• Exercise Caution: Experimenting with new strains or trying your hand at homemade edibles are great ways to keep your treatment fresh and varied. However, your body may react in unexpected ways to new products. Be cautious when trying new variants and wait to see how your body responds before having more.

• Eat Before Consuming Edibles: Eating food is likely to help your body moderate edibles' effects. Eating after you’ve consumed edibles will help you stabilize blood sugar levels, too.

• Stay Hydrated: Drinking water may help to alleviate some side effects like dry mouth and dizziness.

• Avoid Mixing Substances: Consuming edibles alongside alcohol or other substances can intensify the effects of both.

• Know Your Limits: Your body weight, metabolism, gender, and eating habits contribute to how your body responds to edibles.

Not All Edibles Are Made the Same

Be aware that not all edibles offer the same experience or onset time. Edibles consumed sublingually, like lozenges or lollipops, are likely to kick in much quicker than baked goods. This is because the THC and other cannabinoids enter the bloodstream through the mucus membrane in the mouth and don’t need to be digested and processed by the liver. 

Tinctures are a great option for those looking for a compromise between a fast onset time and a product that’s easy to dose. Understanding your chosen product will help you know what to expect and prevent intense highs or unpleasant weed hangovers.

FAQs

How Long Does It Take for Edibles to Kick in? 

Edibles tend to kick in around 30 to 90 minutes after consumption. However, the onset time depends on several factors. For example, weight, metabolism, and sex all impact edible onset time (See page 2 of the linked PDF).

How Long Do the Effects of Edibles Last?

Edibles’ effects tend to last much longer than smoking or vaping, with perceivable effects lasting for between four and 12 hours. Peak THC levels in blood usually occur around three hours after consumption. The effects will probably be most intense at this point.

Prevention Is Better than Cure

Responsible use of edibles is the best way to ensure your experience is everything you were hoping for. Purchasing properly labeled products is always advised to ensure a consistent dose.

Cannabis consumption is something that affects each individual differently. Start low and go slow to ensure a positive experience.