Everything You Need to Know About Edible Weed (Cannabis)
More and more Aussies are exploring cannabis beyond traditional methods like smoking or vaping, which has led to an exponential increase in the popularity of alternative forms of consumption for medical weed. Cannabis edibles offer a new way to consume medical cannabis, blending creativity with consumption.
But how does it differ from smoking or vaping cannabis? When you smoke or vape, cannabinoids like THC are absorbed rapidly through the lungs, leading to almost immediate effects. Edible weed, however, works much more slowly. After being ingested, the cannabis-infused food is metabolised by the liver, which can result in longer-lasting and more intense effects.
Whether you’re a foodie or just curious about weed edibles, there’s no denying that edible weed is shaping the future of cannabis consumption in Australia. So let’s dive in and learn everything about edible weeds in Australia.
What Are Cannabis Edibles?
Cannabis edibles are food and drink products infused with edible medical weed. They are consumed orally, allowing the body to digest and metabolise the cannabinoids.
Types of Weed Edibles
- Edible Weed Gummies: These are one of the most commonly available forms of cannabis edibles.
- Chocolates: Cannabis-infused chocolates combine the rich flavour of cocoa with the effects of cannabis, offering a luxurious and potent edible option.
- Baked Goods: Homemade or commercially available treats that serve as the introduction to edible cannabis for many.
- Beverages: Cannabis-infused drinks, including teas, sodas, and even alcohol-free beers, are gaining traction, offering a refreshing way to consume cannabis without the need for smoking or vaping.
The key difference between consuming cannabis through edibles versus smoking or vaping lies in how the body processes the medical weed. Smoking or vaping allows for quick absorption into the bloodstream, leading to near-instant effects that typically last a couple of hours. In contrast, edibles are digested by the body, meaning it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours to start feeling the effects.
How Do Weed Edibles Affect the Body?
Weed edibles have an inherently unique way of interacting with the body, and the effects vary significantly from smoking or vaping cannabis.
Cannabinoids in edibles are digested by the digestive system; unlike smoking, where THC is absorbed into the bloodstream directly through the lungs, edibles are digested by the stomach, then metabolised in the liver.
The effects of an edible can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in, and this delay can sometimes lead to accidental overconsumption. While the onset time of edibles is slower, the trade-off is a longer-lasting high. Weed edibles can produce effects that last anywhere from 4 to 8 hours.
Benefits of Cannabis Edibles
The benefits and practical advantages of cannabis edibles make them popular with a variety of cannabis enthusiasts, whether for recreational enjoyment or medicinal purposes.
Pain Relief
One of the most well-known medicinal uses of cannabis is its ability to alleviate chronic pain. Cannabis edibles can be particularly effective for this purpose, offering long-lasting relief for conditions such as arthritis, migraines, and nerve pain.
Anxiety Reduction
The calming effects of THC and CBD in cannabis edibles can help reduce feelings of anxiety, promote relaxation, and even boost moods.
Smoke-less Use
One of the biggest advantages of cannabis edibles is that they provide a smoke-free alternative to consuming medical cannabis. Perfect for individuals who are worried about the harmful effects of smoke on their lungs.
Longer-Lasting Effects
Unlike smoking or vaping, which produces effects that fade after a couple of hours, edibles provide a more sustained experience.
Improved Sleep
People with insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns often use marijuana edibles as a natural sleep aid. Edible weed can promote longer, more restful sleep.
Risks and Side Effects of Weed Edibles
Consuming too much edible weed, misjudging dosage, or mixing edibles with other substances will lead to unpleasant experiences. By understanding the risks and taking precautions, you can ensure that your edible experience is safe and enjoyable.
Dry Mouth
One of the most common side effects of consuming edible weed in Australia is dry mouth. While it’s generally harmless, it can be uncomfortable, and it’s advised that you should keep yourself hydrated.
Drowsiness
Many users report feeling drowsy or even sedated after consuming weed edibles, especially those with high THC content. This effect is desirable for those using edibles to aid sleep but could be problematic if you need to stay alert or active.
Anxiety and Paranoia
Consuming too much THC, especially edible weed, can trigger anxiety or paranoia in some individuals.
What To Do If You Consume Too Much Edible Weed In Australia
- Stay calm
- Stay hydrated
- Eat something
- Avoid mixing with alcohol or any other intoxicant
Dosage: How Much Should You Consume?
When it comes to cannabis edibles, dosage is critical. Starting with the right dose can mean the difference between a pleasant experience and an overwhelming one.
Start Low, Go Slow
One of the most important rules for consuming cannabis edibles is to start with a low dose and wait patiently for the effects to kick in. This is especially true for potent products like edible weed gummies.
The general recommendation is to start with 2.5 to 5 milligrams of THC, which is considered a “microdose” and is often enough for beginners to feel the effects without becoming too intoxicated. If you’re an experienced cannabis user, you might feel comfortable starting with 5 to 10 mg.
Tips for Safe Dosing
- Stick to the recommended dose
- Wait at least 2 hours before considering taking more
- Pay attention to packaging
- Track your tolerance
Legal Status of Edible Weed in Australia
The legal status of edible weed in Australia is complex and varies across states and territories. While cannabis for recreational use remains illegal nationwide, there are specific provisions for medicinal cannabis, including edible cannabis products in some cases.
Federal Law on Cannabis in Australia
- Since 2016, cannabis has been legal for medicinal use under Australia’s Medicinal Cannabis Program.
- The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulates cannabis products, including edibles, and they can only be prescribed by a medical practitioner.
- Patients must meet strict criteria, and doctors can only prescribe cannabis edibles for certain medical conditions, such as chronic pain, epilepsy, cancer-related symptoms, and multiple sclerosis.
- Recreational use of cannabis, including edibles, is illegal under federal law and punishable by fines or imprisonment.
State-by-State Cannabis Laws
Australia has different cannabis laws depending on the state or territory you reside in. While medicinal cannabis is allowed nationwide, the legal consequences for possessing or consuming recreational cannabis, including edibles, can vary significantly.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT):
The ACT is the most lenient region for cannabis use in Australia. In 2020, the ACT legalized the possession and cultivation of small amounts of cannabis for personal use. However, this does not extend to edibles. The laws only permit smoking or vaping of cannabis, and edible products remain illegal for recreational use.
New South Wales (NSW):
Strict laws govern cannabis use in NSW. Recreational use, including edibles, is prohibited. However, medicinal cannabis, including some forms of edible products like oils or capsules, can be prescribed by doctors under the Special Access Scheme.
Victoria:
Similar to NSW, Victoria has a zero-tolerance policy for recreational cannabis. Medicinal cannabis edibles, such as oils or tinctures, are allowed under strict regulations for qualifying patients.
Queensland:
Cannabis use, including edibles, remains illegal for recreational purposes. However, medicinal use, including some edible forms (e.g., oils and capsules), can be prescribed by a doctor for patients meeting the required medical conditions.
Western Australia (WA):
WA has stringent laws on cannabis, and edibles are illegal for recreational use. Medicinal cannabis, including edible forms, is available only through a doctor’s prescription.
Tasmania:
Tasmania maintains strict control over cannabis use, with medicinal edibles permitted only under TGA regulations. Recreational use is illegal.
South Australia and Northern Territory:
These regions also have strict anti-cannabis laws, with recreational use, including edibles, being illegal. Medicinal cannabis edibles can be prescribed under the national Medicinal Cannabis Program.
Medicinal Cannabis Edibles in Australia
- TGA-approved medicinal cannabis can come in various forms, including oils, capsules, and tinctures, which can be considered edible products.
- These products are typically low in THC and high in CBD, making them suitable for managing conditions such as anxiety, chronic pain, or epilepsy.
- Patients who need edible cannabis must have a valid prescription, and products must be obtained through legal and licensed suppliers.
Recreational Edibles: Still Illegal Nationwide
- Recreational cannabis edibles remain illegal in Australia, with severe penalties for possession, production, or distribution.
- While there have been movements to decriminalize cannabis for personal use, recreational edibles face opposition due to concerns about public safety, overconsumption, and the potential for accidental ingestion by children or pets.
International Trends vs. Australia’s Conservative Approach
- Unlike countries such as Canada and some U.S. states where recreational edibles are legal, Australia maintains a conservative approach. The country is focused primarily on medicinal access, with tight regulations to prevent the misuse of cannabis products.
- Although there have been calls for cannabis reform, particularly from advocacy groups, Australia’s government has shown little inclination to follow the path of countries that have legalized edibles for recreational use.
Exploring the Growing Trend of Cannabis Edibles
Cannabis edibles are a unique and smoke-free way to get all the benefits of medical cannabis without the harmful effects. Weed Edibles in Australia provide a discreet consumption option in the form of gummies, chocolates, baked goods and many more.
The key to enjoying edibles is to start with a low dose and be patient. Given their delayed onset, it’s important to resist consuming more too quickly, as the effects can take time to build.
With the right approach, edibles can provide long-lasting pain relief, reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and offer an overall enjoyable experience. To ensure you stay on the right side of the law, you should consume responsibly and always with a prescription from your doctor.
In summary, edible cannabis in Australia is strictly regulated and only available through medicinal cannabis programs. Organizations like CannaAid Medical provide expert consultations to help patients navigate the complex legal landscape and access cannabis edibles with a prescription. These products can be prescribed for a range of medical conditions, ensuring patients receive the proper guidance on dosage and product types. While recreational edibles remain illegal across the country, CannaAid Medical supports patients in obtaining safe, TGA-approved medicinal cannabis products, helping them manage chronic pain, anxiety, and other health concerns under professional supervision.
