What are Cannabis Edibles?
Cannabis edibles are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to smoking or vaping cannabis products. Edibles are cannabis-infused food products that are designed to deliver the same effects as smoking or vaping cannabis, but without the smoke or vapour. The effects of edibles typically take longer to set in and last longer than those of smoking or vaping, making them an attractive choice for those seeking a longer-lasting experience.
Cannabis edibles come in many forms, from jellies and sweets to cookies and brownies and even beverages. There are also many different flavours and types of edibles available, to suit everyone’s taste buds.
The effects of edibles are different than those of smoking or vaping cannabis, as the active ingredients must be processed through the digestive system before they can take effect. It usually takes at least 45 minutes to an hour for the effects to be noticeable, but they can also last anywhere from 4 to 8 hours.
The Dangers of Using Cannabis Edibles
Cannabis edibles have become an increasingly popular form of cannabis ingestion as more countries legalise and regulate the drug for recreational and medicinal use. While cannabis edibles may seem like a safer and healthier option than smoking weed, they are not without their own unique risks.
Cannabis edibles, like other types of edible products, deliver the active ingredients of cannabis in a more potent, longer lasting form. Unlike smoking, which delivers the active ingredients in a matter of seconds, the effects of edibles take much longer to manifest. That difference in delivery time can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it can allow users to experience the effects of the drug with less risk of feeling too overwhelmed or experiencing a “bad trip”. On the other, it can lead to users over consuming the drug before feeling any effects, often leading to a more intense experience than expected.
In addition to the potential for overconsumption, cannabis edibles are also associated with several adverse health effects. For example, depending on the type of product consumed, edibles can contain higher levels of THC, the primary active ingredient in marijuana. Higher levels of THC can lead to increased paranoia, confusion and anxiety, as well as an increased risk of addiction. In addition, cannabis edibles can also contain other ingredients, such as sugar and fat, which are associated with obesity, high cholesterol and other health problems.
Finally, the packaging and labelling of edibles can also be a cause for concern. In many cases, the packaging for edibles can be confusing and unclear, making it difficult for users to know exactly what type and amount of product they are consuming. The issue is compounded by the fact that there are typically no uniform regulations regarding the packaging and labelling of these products, which can lead to further confusion and potential risks.
Alarmingly some young people are consuming edibles that they believe are cannabis, and becoming ill from them. A number of cases have turned out to have been the result of taking something containing synthetic cannabinoids rather than THC (the main psychoactive component of cannabis).
Spice is another name for synthetic cannabinoids. In some cases, synthetic cannabinoids can have similar effects to cannabis, although the effects tend to be more unpleasant or dangerous. Hallucinations and extreme paranoia are possible side effects of these drugs, as are death (in high doses).
Ultimately, cannabis edibles, while potentially offering a safer and healthier alternative to smoking, come with their own unique risks and dangers. For this reason, it is important for users to be aware of these dangers and to educate themselves about the potential health and safety risks associated with using edibles. By understanding the potential risks of edibles, users can make more informed decisions when it comes to using marijuana products and help ensure their health and safety.
Cannabis edibles can be especially potent and should be treated with the same respect as any other cannabis product. Those interested in trying edibles should always make sure to purchase from a reputable source and to consult with a knowledgeable healthcare provider before consuming. Additionally, it is crucial to store edibles away from children or pets.
Can Cannabis Edibles Be Detected by a Drugs Test?
As the popularity of cannabis products and edibles continues to surge, more and more people are asking the question – Can cannabis edibles be detected by a drugs test? The short answer is yes, in most cases, cannabis edibles can be detected by a drugs test.
When it comes to testing for cannabis use, the most common type of test is a urine drug test. This test looks for metabolites, which are compounds that are produced when the body breaks down cannabinoids such as THC. THC is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis, and is the compound that causes the “high” associated with the drug. When cannabis is consumed in the form of edibles, it takes longer for the body to break down the THC and produce the metabolites that the test will look for. This means that cannabis edibles can remain detectable in the body for a longer period of time than when cannabis is smoked.
There are other types of drug tests that are used as well, such as hair drug tests, saliva drug tests and blood drug tests. While these tests are not as common as urine drug tests, they can also detect the presence of cannabis metabolites. The amount of time that cannabis edibles can remain detectable in the body depends on a variety of factors, such as the amount of cannabis ingested, the individual’s body chemistry, and the type of tests used.
So, to answer the question – yes, cannabis edibles can be detected by a drugs test. If an individual has consumed cannabis edibles, it is important to be aware of how long the drug can remain detectable in the body, so that they can take the necessary precautions if they know that they will be subject to a drug test in the near future.
Photo by Anthony Cunningham for Zoom Testing
Zoom Testing is a leading UK drug testing company and a supplier of Drug Test Kits.
