Effects of THC and CBD Edibles

 

THC edibles are a new entrant in the world of marijuana, along with marijuana-infused drinks and oil. While there is little scientific data to suggest the health benefits of THC edibles, many of the 'claims' are anecdotal. Many who test these products do not note any side effects. Some claim increased alertness, some a reduction in mood swings and some say they have a calming effect. While no one should depend on marijuana for the cure of cancer or any other chronic disease, many believe it can ease anxiety or alleviate symptoms of depression.

Some people claim that taking THC edibles may be helpful in treating arthritis and chronic pain, as well as chemotherapy patients. But this remains a hypothesis. There is no data to support or disprove these claims.

Many who use marijuana recreationally swear by ingesting THC edibles when they feel the need to get high. This may explain why they consider it safer than smoking marijuana. Inhaling the steam from marijuana cigarettes may be just as harmful. There are no official studies of the short term or long term effects of THC dosing on humans. However, most medical professionals agree that using marijuana poses similar risks to cigarette smoking.

Not surprisingly, some users report the effects of THC edibles are much like smoking marijuana. It starts with a strong, initial high, which decreases as the body becomes accustomed to the presence of the THC. Then a mellow euphoria develops and the user experiences a relaxing state. At this point, the user typically wants to take another hit. This cycle of taking another hit, or withdrawal symptoms, often continues until the edibles have been eliminated or the user has returned to smoking another marijuana product.

Some who ingest THC edibles report that the high is similar to that of marijuana. Others say it is mild. No one reported feeling "high" or "stoned" while taking THC edibles. The fact that edibles can be carried around discreetly, and do not create the same smoke associated with smoking the drug makes them much easier to acquire and consume. Smoking marijuana is very hard to avoid if you don't live in a socially liberal area where it is legal. With the convenience of THC edibles, potheads are just waiting to pop a few to enjoy at home.

But what about the dangers? Is there really any danger to ingesting THC? Are there any health risks to the consumer from consuming this herbal product? Can anyone really become addicted to this drug?

According to those who believe in the legalization of marijuana, the short answer is no. The scientific and medical communities do not have definitive answers for the long term or short term effects of ingesting cannabis. However, there is no question that smoking marijuana is more dangerous than ingesting it and ingesting a small amount can have highly addictive effects.

As with anything, one must be careful with the amount ingested. For users, a smart shopping process is essential to avoid being overcharged on edibles. THC edibles come in a variety of forms: in capsules, pills, liquid, and even cookies. If a user plans to buy an edible product and does not plan to smoke, it may be better to purchase a capsule version.

THC and CBD are the two main chemicals found in marijuana. They work hand-in-hand to maximize the effects of marijuana by minimizing the brain's ability to experience the "high," or the high felt when smoking marijuana. Ingesting just a small amount of these chemicals can give the user a milder high, which may make the consumption safer for the user. But because the effects of THC and CBD are highly subjective, it is difficult to say just how much they would add to the user's experience. One thing is for sure, however, that if a user wants to get high, CBD edibles are the way to go.

If consuming CBD or THC edibles is a choice, it is important to know how they affect the body. While all three of the chemicals have different effects on the body, they do have similar negative side-effects. Ingestion of marijuana can increase the heart rate and blood pressure, cause disorientation, vomiting, and dizziness. Each of these side-effects is considered extremely dangerous.

There is no easy answer to whether or not ingesting THC or CBD edibles will affect a user's ability to operate machinery at work, or if it will affect a user's driving or ability to operate a car or other vehicle. While most laws consider marijuana to be an illegal substance, some places allow the public use of small amounts of the drug, such as Colorado, where the state legislature has declared that marijuana is not dangerous enough to be a dangerous drug. However, no one can say for sure what the long-term effects of these products will be.