Mixing Up Creative Cannabis-Infused Drinks for Your Next Happy Hour
September 2, 2024Cannabis is a great way to pass the time with friends — and best of all, just as all your friends are unique, it’s possible...
Edibles are one of the great delights among cannabis products — at least according to data, which show that edibles alone account for around 3.6 billion dollars in sales among weed products. With so many people jumping on the eddies train, it’s important to stay on top of how these marijuana products are made and how they might affect you. The primary drivers influencing the efficacy and outcomes of consuming a weed edible are its terpenes and cannabinoids. Both of these chemical compounds found in the marijuana plant are responsible for the variety of psychoactive and physical effects that you feel when you partake in an edible.
To make the best decision about what types of products are right for you and how to dose them, you should start by learning more about how different cannabinoids and terpenes affect edibles.
Terpenes and cannabinoids are both chemical compounds that can be found in marijuana (and, to some extent, in other substances ranging from egg yolks to black pepper). One of the reasons that cannabis is so popular is because, unlike other sources of terpenes and cannabinoids, consumption of cannabis leads to a high level of absorption of these compounds, which creates the effects that people are seeking.
Terpenes and cannabinoids can mimic the behavior of other compounds in the body, interfacing with the nervous system and nerve receptors. As a result, users can experience multiple effects, which they can curate by understanding which compounds do what.
One of the most ubiquitous compounds, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is the most popular psychoactive compound in an edible. It can lead to a better mood and even a sense of euphoria. Many people prefer edibles with high THC over blunts because the edible allows the sometimes intense psychoactive effects to come on more gradually.
Cannabidiol is the other common ingredient measured in most edible products (though not all edibles contain CBD). It is the main compound in cannabis that causes physical sensations, as opposed to THC, which results in psychoactive effects. Thus, people wanting to avoid the head high can benefit from CBD products for relaxation and anxiety reduction.
Delta-8 derives from THC, but some people enjoy it more than THC because its effects tend to be less intense. It, like its relative THC, produces psychoactive effects such as euphoria and the buzzing head high that some people crave. D8 edibles can be harder to find because their effects are more limited than THC eddies, so they are less in demand.
As its name suggests, limonene tends to taste like citrus, which is why it is a popular terpene for gummies. Many people enjoy limonene for its help in modulating mood challenges such as anxiety and depression; the compound promotes a generally uplifted mindset that some people find inspiring.
Those looking for edibles that glue them to the couch with relaxation often turn to myrcene. This terpene can range in taste from a rich, earthy flavor to almost fruity, and its significantly relaxing effects complement its tendency to create feelings of happiness and contentment. Myrcene edibles are popular because they gradually induce relaxation over time rather than making a person feel suddenly sluggish and heavy.
The flowery taste of linalool appeals to those looking for dessert-like edibles, such as candies and even brownies. Linalool promotes relaxation and can ease pain. In fact, historians suggest that it might be one of the oldest methods in the world of helping someone sleep!
Caryophyllene is a terpene that binds to receptors in the immune system. Thus, it is popular for people who are struggling with inflammation and the pain that can result. Caryophyllene can also be helpful as a general relaxer, and studies show that it may boost mood in some people. Its earthy flavor, reminiscent of pepper, makes it an interesting choice for some of the less common edibles — think oils used for popcorn or butter for an infused meal.
Cannabis is a versatile plant that features a diverse array of exciting terpenes and cannabinoids, which means that anyone can find something that suits their goals and tolerance levels. Edibles are a great vehicle for these compounds because they are digested gradually (rather than quickly with a blunt hit). Thus, the effects are not only less jarring but also longer-lasting.
If you are thinking about trying new edibles or breaking into this consumption niche for the first time, it’s useful to consider how the terpenes and cannabinoids in the products you’re considering might make you feel. The budtenders at Pure Oasis can help you understand what to expect from your edible products. Stop by Pure Oasis to stock up on eddies!
Are you at least 21 years old?