Watch Out for Edibles Coming your Way!
On the September 3, 2020 show we celebrated the publication of rules for edible medication and the news that edibles were on the shelf for qualified patients. The show challenges common conceptions. As part of that show, Jodi James, Ethel Rowland and Josephine Cannella-Krehl, a licensed clinical social worker, discussed concerns over dosing, extraction methods and potentially uncomfortable experiences people might have with edibles. During the week we started hearing things from consumers about their edible experiences. Read on for one person’s not-so-happy experience and Josephine Cannella-Krehl’s sage wisdom about responsible use of edible medicine.
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Organizational disclaimer – We received this story from one of our supporters. The consumer is not a daily consumer. We do not have access to the original packaging. The product consumed was legally manufactured and sold. Only edits to protect the consumer’s identity were made.
“I ate a gummy bear candy containing 10 mg of THC per candy, with questionable benefit. After 2 hours, I began to feel the effect, and sat quietly to listen to music to relax. I have previously been exposed to marijuana liquid drops, and smoking joints with no ill effects, although I am not a daily user.
However, this evening was different for me. I was having difficulty moving…..so I went upstairs to my bed. I was unable to leave the bed for the next 10 hours. Three hours after eating the candy, I was unable to follow conversations that went beyond 2 or 3 words.
I was able to think, and compose thoughts….however, I could only speak a word or 2, and just barely. I was able to ask my husband for water. I could sip the water, and actually had a great thirst. The effort was great, all consuming, and helpful.
I was unable to get my legs coordinated to walk to the bathroom ….about 10 feet away. I was able to pull down from the closet a box of adult diapers that I had from my father who had died a year ago. I put one on, after great effort, as I was concerned with soiling the bed.
I began to think that maybe I had a stroke, that was in coincidence of the candy. I still am not sure if that occurred, however as the situation began 2 hours after eating the candy….and resolved in 10 hours….I am of the greater opinion, it was connected.
I felt that I had lost my mind, or at the very least the ability to communicate outside of my head….and felt terror. The anxiety of course made things worse. I was able to meditate and calm the considerable anxiety. At that point, I calmed down and focused on the clock. After 6-7 hours, the drug began to dissipate. I fell asleep, and awoke in 5 hours feeling much better mentally. I was still quite shaken up from the experience.
In another few hours, all symptoms were gone….and I felt my equilibrium returned.
I had the feeling that I was in a rare state, that people with dementia or complete madness live in. I cried, thinking of the terror such people are trapped in.
I have no desire to repeat the experience, ever. I will think about it for a long while.
During the experience, my special cat sat with me, hissing at anyone who came nearby. I sobbed in his fur, and held onto him….like a life raft in a sea of madness. My husband was totally unaware of my situation until the next day. I was totally unable to communicate with him. My cat seemed to have a telepathic understanding that something was deeply wrong with me.
I have been speaking with several friends, 2 of whom had similar unpleasant experiences….although they do not want to relate their story at this time.
I hope this is helpful to others.”
—End of account—
And this from Josephine Cannella-Krehl, CSW
It’s important that medical Cannabis patients (and all Cannabis consumers), especially those who are “edible naive”, understand that edibles work differently in the body than other routes of administration (forms of Cannabis, such as: smoked, vaporized, etc.) and can have a very different effect than what they may be accustomed to.
When Cannabis products are eaten (or ingested via swallowing, as is the case with Cannabis capsules and tablets), it is not directly absorbed into the bloodstream, as is the case with inhaled Cannabis (flower or concentrates). Edible Cannabis is metabolized (processed) through the liver. During this process, the delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is converted into 11-hydroxy THC. Scientists believe 11-hydroxy THC to be much more potent than delta-9, producing a much more powerful psychoactive effect than when Cannabis is smoked, vaporized or even applied under the tongue.
There are a few more differences consumers need to be aware of. As opposed to smoked Cannabis, the effects of which are generally felt within 5-15 minutes of consumption, edibles can take anywhere from 1-3 hours to take effect. This “longer than expected” onset time, can spell disaster for the uninformed consumer, who may think they haven’t taken a strong enough “dose” and then eats another edible before the first has had enough time to take effect.
Additionally, the effects of edibles last much longer than inhaled or sublingual (under the tongue) Cannabis products. Whereas the effects of smoked Cannabis generally last from 1-2 hours, edibles can last anywhere from 6-8 hours. This is excellent for patients who need extended relief from their symptoms but not so great for someone who has mistakenly eaten too much.
The good news is: Nobody has ever died due to an overconsumption of Cannabis, not ever! While an overconsumption can be exceedingly unpleasant, even causing users to experience dizziness, excessive drowsiness and even nausea or vomiting, it is generally not considered dangerous. Time will be your greatest ally in those situations. It is generally recommended that individuals find a safe, comfortable space to “ride it out”.
There are a few “tricks” that can be incorporated to mediate the effects of too much THC. Since CBD counteracts the effects of THC, if CBD is available, it is suggested that a dose of CBD is taken to help mitigate the effects. If there is not CBD available, it is recommended that the person eats some black pepper. Understandably, no one would want to eat plain black pepper but Scientists have discovered the terpenes present in black pepper can also counteract the effects of too much THC.
The bottom line is, when consuming Cannabis in any form, but especially with edibles, it’s essential to “start low and go slow”. It’s important to be Mindful of when the dose was taken and how much time has passed before deciding to take another dose. It’s much easier to take a little more (after waiting the appropriate amount of time) than it is to “take it away” (which is impossible) after too much has been consumed at one sitting.
We’ve made great strides in reforming prohibitionist Cannabis policies but we still have a long way to go! Mindful administration, along with proper education, are the keys to a pleasant experience, to safe and effective dosing and to maximizing overall health and wellbeing. Enjoy!
