In case you're unaware, THC edibles have been undergoing a sort of Renaissance as of late. And for good reason. Beyond just providing a way to have a fun afternoon listening to music with your buddies, edible cannabis offers a myriad of health benefits — everything from improving sleep quality to managing and regulating chronic pain. 

That said, some of these portions are pretty powerful. You need to be really aware of your own tolerances and the external factors that influence THC experiences in order to really get the most out of them. That's why we've developed this guide that can turn apprehension and uncertainty into cannabis confidence in a snap. 

So with that in mind, let's start where it starts —- what are these things and what do they do?

What Are THC Edibles, and How Do They Work?

When you hear the term "edibles," it's usually referring to a product that's been infused with tetrahydrocannabinol — THC for short —  the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis. These treats come in a ton of flavors, shapes, sizes, ingredients, and potencies, making them a great choice for both new and seasoned cannabis users alike.

So that's the 30,000-foot overview, but how exactly do these products work?

The Science Behind THC Edibles

When consumed, edibles go through your digestive system, where they are broken down by the stomach and absorbed into the bloodstream. This is why unlike smoking or vaping, which delivers THC almost instantaneously, edibles take longer to take effect — usually around 30 minutes, but it can take up to two hours with some people. 

This delay is because the THC is processed through the liver, where it's converted into a more potent chemical called 11-hydroxy-THC. This metabolite can cause a more intense and longer-lasting high compared to other more traditional consumption methods. This is why understanding dosing is so important.

Dosing and Effects

We'll go really in-depth on this in a minute, but for now, you need to know that THC edibles come with varying levels of potency, which is usually measured in milligrams of THC, abbreviated on the packaging as "mg." Most edibles range from 10mg to 25mg per gummy, but some can be much, much more. This is why it's really important to pay attention to the packaging.

The effects of THC edibles last a lot longer than traditional consumption, too — anywhere from four to eight hours, providing a sustained experience that a lot of folks prefer, whether that's for sustained enjoyment or for prolonged therapeutic benefits.

There are other reasons people prefer edibles too. One of the big ones is their convenience. They're easy to carry, require no special equipment, and don't produce any smoke or odor, making them ideal for on-the-go consumption. With that in mind, let's talk more about the differences between edible THC and traditionally consumed.

The Differences Between Smoked THC and Edible THC

If you're pretty familiar with smoking cannabis, you're going to be pretty familiar with the feeling of edible THC, but there are some notable differences. One of the biggest is the onset time of effects. When you smoke cannabis, THC is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs. Users typically feel the effects within minutes, making it a quick option for immediate relief or enjoyment. The high tends to peak within 30 minutes and generally lasts for about one or two hours. Like we touched on above, edibles take longer to kick in, usually between 30 minutes to two hours after consumption. While the onset is slower, the effects last much longer — typically four to six hours, or even longer when you get into heavy doses.

Potency and Intensity

The way THC is metabolized also affects the potency and intensity of your high. Smoked THC is often described as providing a more immediate and intense clear-headed high that can be easier to manage for many users. The experience is often associated with a variety of sensations, including euphoria and relaxation. The high from edibles can be a little stronger and more sedating due to the conversion of THC into 11-hydroxy-THC. This can lead to a deeper couch-lock-y body high and a more introspective experience, which a lot of people prefer for relaxation or therapeutic purposes.

Control and Dosing

Another interesting aspect to consider is the level of control you have with dosing. When smoking, users have more immediate feedback on their intake. If the effects are too strong, they can just stop or reduce their consumption right then and there. With edibles, dosing requires a lot more forethought. You need to understand your tolerance levels and stick to the amounts you can handle. We hate to say it, but overconsumption of edibles is pretty common, especially for inexperienced users who think, "This edible isn't doing anything," and eat a bunch more. Trust us, that leads to a lot of discomfort.

So with that in mind, let's talk about finding the right dose of THC for you. 

Finding Your Ideal Edible THC Dosage

If you want to enjoy all of the benefits of edible THC — both therapeutic and recreational — there's no reason to overdo it. Remember your 21st birthday? Yeah, we don't want a repeat of that. Remember that unlike smoking — where the effects are felt almost immediately — edibles can take a while to kick in, and the effects are going to be with you for a while. That said, here are some tips for zeroing in on your ideal dose.

Start Low, Go Slow

If you've never tried cannabis before, if it's been a while, or if you're an infrequent user — this is directed at you. Don't overdo it. The most important principle in edible dosing is to start with a lower dose than you think you need. For beginners, this typically means starting with 2.5mg to 5mg of THC. Edibles can be much stronger than expected, and taking too much can lead to a really bad afternoon. That's the "Start Low" part.

Equally important is the "Go Slow" part. Don't trick yourself into thinking that your edible isn't working. If you've taken some, wait at least two hours before you think about having more. This allows you time to gauge the effects of the initial dose and have it be on the way out of your system before you take more. As your tolerance goes up, you can try heavier doses but don't pile one dose on after another. That's a surefire way to overwhelm yourself. 

Understand Your Tolerance

Everyone's tolerance to THC is different. That's just the way physiology works. Your individual tolerance will be tied to factors like your body weight, your metabolism, and previous cannabis use. Like we said above, if you're an occasional user or brand new to cannabis, starting at the lower end of the dosage spectrum is the right move. More regular users will likely have a higher tolerance and can experiment with slightly higher doses — 10mg to 25mg — adjusting based on how you feel.

Consider Your Goals

Not all edible experiences are created equal. When you're trying to figure out your optimal dosage, the desired effects play a big role. If you're looking for mild relaxation or pain relief, a lower dose might be perfect. For a more pronounced high or therapeutic effect, you might explore higher doses. If you want to really push the limits and have a profound experience, a significant "heroic" dose might be what you're looking for. The point here is that you need to be intentional with edibles. Know what you want to get out of taking one before you take it.

Keep Track of Your Experiences

When you're determining dosage, we've found it can be helpful to start a journal of your edible experiences. Note the dosage, type of edible, and the effects you felt. Also, write down any negative side effects you'd like to avoid. This will help you identify what works best for you over time. Patterns will emerge, helping you to refine your strategy.

Learn to Factor in Other Variables

Over time, you'll learn how several other factors can influence how you experience edibles. Consuming them on an empty stomach, for instance, may lead to quicker and more intense effects. If you prefer a milder experience, you should eat a meal before taking it.

Also consider that different edibles might have different cannabinoids or supplements in them. For instance, our Sunrise THC microdosing pills have a mild dose of caffeine included in them to get you going in the morning with a boost of energy and creativity. Make sure you're reading labels and understanding the product before you take it.

Now that you have the requisite information needed to consider your dosage intelligently, let's move on to what you're here for — our THC dosing guide.

THC Dosing Guide

Finding your ideal edible THC dosage is a personal journey that requires patience and experimentation. To help you, though, we've developed this handy chart for reference.

Starting to get a good idea of what THC content would be right for you? Great! Remember, if you're brand new to cannabis, an infrequent user, or if you stopped using it a long time ago but are interested in starting again, you really should go beyond 10mg — at least at first. As your tolerance increases and your familiarity with the effects becomes more established, you can start venturing into higher and higher dosages, but trust us. There's nothing to be gained from overdoing it.

With that in mind, let's take a look at some of the different types of edibles we sell and what they're good for. 

Understanding the Different Types of Edibles

There's a whole galaxy of edibles out there in every size, shape, flavor, intensity, composition… Well, you get it. There are a ton of options, and it can be difficult to determine which one is right for you. Don't worry, though; we've got the breakdown below.

Baked Goods

So when you think of THC edibles, the first thing you usually think of is a brownie. That's the tried and true delivery form of edible THC going back for decades, and we're happy to say they're still going strong. They can be infused with cannabis in a number of ways, like using cannabutter or cannabis oils. As with all edibles, their potency can vary widely, so make sure you're checking the label for THC content and start with a low dose.

Candies

Cannabis-infused candies are another fun way to consume THC. This category includes everything from hard candies to chocolate bars and taffy. The range of flavors and types is massive, allowing folks to choose options that suit their taste preferences — both in candy type and THC content. A lot of these are single servings with clear THC dosages, making it easier to manage intake. Be careful though. While their sweetness can make them more appealing for people who might not like the taste of traditional cannabis products, you don't want to eat too many!

Gummies

Now this is the bread and butter. THC gummies have gained immense popularity in recent years, and for good reason. They're basically the perfect THC delivery vehicle. They're super easy to carry and consume, and when stored property can last a really long time. We formulate ours with a lot of different experiences in mind. From relaxation and recovery to getting better sleep, our gummies span the spectrum. Oh, and we also have for-funsies ones too.

Pills

THC pills or tablets offer a more clinical approach to cannabis consumption a lot of the time. They're usually microdosed and designed for folks who want to reap the benefits of THC without sewing the seeds of intoxication. If you want to be a little more creative at work or less stressed out at the end of the day, THC pills might be what you're looking for.

Tips for First-Time Edible Users

If you're new to this, welcome! Trying cannabis edibles for the first time can be an exciting experience, but you need to approach it with care and intention. Here are some helpful tips to ensure a positive and enjoyable journey.

Start Low and Go Slow

We said it before, and we'll say it again. Probably the most critical piece of advice for first-time users is to start with a low dose. Edibles can produce stronger effects than other consumption methods due to the way your body metabolizes THC. Starting low allows you to gauge your tolerance and avoid overwhelming feelings of anxiety or paranoia that can occur with higher doses.

Choose the Right Environment

Your mindset and your setting can significantly impact your edible experience. Make sure you're in a comfortable and familiar environment where you feel relaxed and safe. This could be your home, a friend's place, or the hiking trail you walk with your dog every evening. Also consider sharing your experience with friends who are knowledgeable about cannabis. They can provide support and reassurance, making the experience more enjoyable.

Be Patient

Again, patience is key when it comes to edibles. We've said it above, but it bears repeating. Unlike smoking or vaping, the effects of edibles are not immediate. They can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours to take effect, depending on various factors like your metabolism, the type of edible, and whether you've eaten beforehand. It can be tempting to take more if you don't feel anything right away, but this can lead to an unexpectedly intense experience. Remember, you can always take more — not less.

Know Your Product

Understanding what you're consuming is crucial for a safe experience. Pay attention to the THC content per serving and the total amount in the package. This information will guide you in selecting the right dose and help you manage your intake effectively. Make sure it's also been tested and verified by a third-party lab for potency and purity.

Have a Plan

We've mentioned "intention" a few times, but it's an important concept when taking edibles. Plan relaxing activities like watching a movie, listening to music, working on your art, or going for a nice walk around the neighborhood. Avoid tasks that require a lot of focus or coordination. Also, if things start to feel a little overwhelming, go do something else. 

Some folks will tell you to lie down, but that can lead to a wandering mind and increased anxiety. If you find yourself getting slightly uncomfortable, get up and go to a different room. Put on some music. Wash the dishes. Take a shower. If you can get out of your own head for a minute, you're more likely to relax. If possible, have a sober friend nearby who can help guide you through the experience or help if you start feeling uncomfortable.

With these tips in mind, first-time edible users can approach their experience with confidence. The key is to not overthink things too much and to stay within your comfort zone. With that in mind, we should discuss some of the risk factors involved in taking edible cannabis.

The Safety and Risk Factors of Edibles

While cannabis edibles can offer exciting and therapeutic experiences, there are a few safety and potential risk factors to consider. One of the biggest issues with edibles is exactly what we've been talking about — difficulty in dosing. Unlike smoking, where effects are felt almost immediately, edibles take a while to produce noticeable effects. This delayed onset can cause some users — especially beginners — to consume more than they need, resulting in an overwhelming experience of anxiety, paranoia, and dizziness. No one's idea of a fun afternoon.

Some users also experience significant side effects like increased heart rate, uncomfortable dry mouth, or impaired motor skills. That's why you should never drive when you're on edibles. Remember, there's nothing more important out there than staying safe.

Another safety consideration is the risk of unintentional consumption. Edibles often look like regular food items, making them potentially appealing to children or pets. That's why you should always store edibles securely and out of reach of minors and animals.

Got all that? Perfect. Now that you have a good idea of the benefits and potential drawbacks of edibles, let's pick out the perfect one for your needs.

How to Shop for THC Edibles

Shopping for THC edibles is exciting, but it can be an overwhelming experience — there's just so many to choose from! To make good choices, you'll need to consider several key factors. First and foremost, pay close attention to the packaging. Check the THC content per serving and the total amount in the package. This information will help you determine the right dosage for your needs. Our edibles come with clearly marked doses, but certain products contain higher concentrations than others.

Once you're clear on the dosage, you're going to want to consider the type of edible you're looking for. Gummies are great — they're extremely versatile and easy to bring along. Pills are nice and discrete. Candies are fun and nostalgic, great for sharing at get-togethers and bringing to the beach house. Your classic baked goods are also a great option, especially if you're looking for a little decadence with your THC experience.

Finally, you also want to consider your goals. Are you looking to boost your creativity? Are you looking to relax at the end of a stressful day? Are you looking for the perfect companion for your camping trip? We've got edibles designed for each one of these experiences and more!

Don't hesitate to ask us for recommendations or details about the ingredients, especially if you have concerns about allergens or specific flavor profiles. We're happy to help! By taking the time to research and ask questions, we're confident you're going to find the perfect THC edibles to elevate your life. Remember to stay safe, have fun, and enjoy yourself!