What Are Edibles?

Potent and delicious, edibles are one of the most popular ways to use cannabis.

You can have your cannabis and eat it too! Consuming edibles is the tastiest way to enjoy cannabinoids like THC and CBD.

Thanks to how accessible, convenient, and enjoyable they are, edibles are one of the fastest-growing markets in cannabis, with sales increasing by 20% between 2020 and 2021.

What Are Cannabis Edibles?

There are countless edibles available, all with different ingredients, forms, potencies, cannabinoids, and even usage methods. What really unites all edibles is one factor: that you consume them!

Cannabis edibles have been around a long time. In fact, the first recorded cannabis edible dates back to 1000 BC in India, where the cannabis beverage bhang was used to increase appetite and improve sleep.

Since then, cannabis gummies, pastries, snacks, seltzers, mints, breath sprays, and even meals have emerged, capitalizing on the ease and enjoyability of consuming cannabis in an edible form.

Are Edibles Safe?

Cannabis edibles are safe — as long as they come from a reputable source. Although some companies make quality and testing a priority, others offer lackluster edibles with low-quality ingredients and labeling that is inaccurate.

To make sure that the edibles you buy are high-quality, check the company’s website to verify that its edibles have been third-party lab-tested. Transparency is crucial, so the test results should be posted in a place that is easy to find.

Are Edibles Legal?

Many edibles are legal. But not every edible is legal everywhere.

Marijuana edibles are legal only in the 21 states that have recreationally legalized marijuana and the 38 states that have medically legalized marijuana for patients with prescriptions.

On the other hand, hemp-derived edibles are federally legal for adults to use across the country. For edibles to be considered hemp edibles, they must contain hemp-derived cannabinoids and less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC.

Hemp Edibles vs Marijuana Edibles

Whether you’re buying marijuana-derived edibles or hemp-derived edibles, you should make sure that they comply with state and federal regulations.

Marijuana edibles are legal only in states that have recreationally or medically legalized marijuana, and they are subject to strict regulations and testing. Hemp products, on the other hand, in most places, face no regulations other than meeting the federal definition of hemp, which can leave the door open for low-quality products.

However, some states do regulate hemp-derived edibles, such as Louisiana. For hemp products to be sold in Louisiana, they must adhere to rigorous quality standards and testing requirements and be registered with the state’s health department.

Because of the process they go through, edibles with this registration tend to be much more trustworthy. Since Crescent Canna is based in Louisiana, our gummy products meet these standards and are registered with the Louisiana Department of Health.

How Do Edibles Work?

After you enjoy a delicious edible, it journeys down your throat to your stomach, where it is broken down by acids and enzymes.

Once it’s broken down, THC is absorbed through the stomach lining and enters the liver, where it is converted into 11-Hydroxy-THC. This form of THC is stronger than its precursor, allowing it to more easily cross the blood-brain barrier and bind with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system.

By binding to CB1 receptors in the brain, THC causes psychoactive and uplifting effects. Through binding to CB2 receptors throughout the body, it impacts functions like pain and inflammation.

How Long Do Edibles Last?

Both method of consumption and factors like your body composition, metabolism, and tolerance can affect how long edibles last.

Generally, cannabis gummies and other solid edibles last the longest. Their effects can last about 6-8 hours.

While for some people the lengthy effects of cannabis gummies are seen as a benefit, other people like a shorter experience. Cannabis beverages provide this shorter experience with only around 1-2 hours of effects.

Types of Edibles

When it comes to edibles, the options are endless! Below are the three most popular types of edibles.

Cannabis Gummies

Cannabis gummies are gelatin or pectin-based edibles infused with cannabinoids. Typically, they’re either sweet or sour with fruit flavoring.

Cannabis gummies are one of the most popular edible options because of their convenience since you can easily take them on the go. A downside, if you’re looking for immediate effects, is that it can take 30 minutes to 2 hours for their effects to hit after consumption.

Cannabis Treats 

Cannabis treats are baked goods infused with cannabinoids like CBD and THC. Some of the most common cannabis treats are THC cereal bars, brownies, or cookies, however, there are plenty of unique options out there. Similar to cannabis gummies, the effects of cannabis treats normally take 30 minutes to 2 hours to hit and last for around 6 to 8 hours.

Cannabis Beverages

Cannabis beverages are the next big thing! These cannabinoid-infused drinks are a fun and social way to enjoy a buzz without booze.

Not to mention, they have a fast onset of effects. Typically, you’ll feel the effects of a cannabis beverage 15-30 minutes after consumption, so users have more control over their experience. There are countless types of cannabis beverages available, but the most popular is definitely THC seltzer.

Cannabis Oil

The biggest advantage of cannabis oil is that it can be added to food or drinks to turn anything into an edible. It can also be taken sublingually, which results in a fast onset time and greater bioavailability; but this form of consumption is not as tasty, fun, and convenient as eating an edible.

Dosage of Edibles: Determine the Best Potency for You

There is no universal perfect dose of edibles. Too many long-term and short-term factors determine how cannabis affects you, including your tolerance for THC and how much food you’ve eaten recently.

To gauge the effect of edibles on you personally, it’s a good idea to start low and go slow. The recommended starting dose is 5 mg, and you can go up or down from there, based on the quality of your experience.

Where to Buy Legal Edibles Online

Adults across the country can buy edibles online from crescentcanna.com. We offer high-quality cannabis edibles that are potent and delicious, as well as federally legal, lab-tested, and registered with the Louisiana Department of Health.

Our legal Delta-9 gummies, Delta-8 gummies, and CBD gummies are made with US-grown, hemp-derived cannabinoids. They’re highly potent and highly effective! Not to mention, completely delicious.

To learn more about our hemp-derived cannabis products and to get incredible deals delivered directly to your inbox, sign up for the Crescent Canna newsletter.

WARNING: Keep THC products out of the reach of children and animals. THC products are for purchase and use only by persons 21 or older. Do not use THC products if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Consuming THC products will impair your ability to drive and operate machinery. THC products may cause anxiety, confusion, headaches, and other adverse effects. Do not use THC products if you are taking medication or if you have a health condition before first consulting with a doctor.