Edibles, particularly gummies, have become a popular method for consuming medical cannabis in recent years. They offer a convenient, discreet, and tasty way to receive the potential health benefits of cannabis, without the need to smoke or vaporise the plant. In this article, we will explore the use of edibles, specifically gummies, as a medical cannabis treatment, including their potential benefits and drawbacks, as well as important considerations for those who are thinking about using them.
CBD gummies are usually made using the classic gummies recipe including sugar, glucose syrup, flavours, citric acid, gelatine, and colouring. As well as the secret ingredient, CBD extract. Extracting CBD from cannabis is a complex process, usually involving some form of solvent to separate the active compounds from the raw plant. Once the CBD is extracted, further processing is done to combine the CBD isolate and gummy formula into the final product.
What are Edibles?
Edibles are a type of cannabis-infused product that is designed to be consumed orally. They can come in many forms, including baked goods such as cookies and brownies, chocolates, gummies, and even beverages. The active ingredients in cannabis, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), are usually extracted from the plant and infused into the edible product.
THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that is responsible for the “high” that people experience when they consume it. It is often used to treat pain, nausea, and appetite loss.
CBD, on the other hand, is a non-psychoactive compound that is believed to have a variety of therapeutic benefits, including reducing anxiety, inflammation, and seizures.
What are Gummies?
Gummies are a type of edible that is particularly popular due to their convenience, portability, and wide range of flavours. They are usually made with a base of gelatine or another gelling agent, and are infused with either THC or CBD, or a combination of both. Gummies can be shaped and flavoured in a variety of ways, making them an attractive option for those who do not like the taste of traditional cannabis products.
Benefits of Edibles as a Medical Cannabis Treatment
When it comes to using edibles as a medical cannabis treatment, it is important to start with a low dose and gradually increase it as needed. This is because it can take longer for the effects of edibles to be felt, and it is easy to accidentally consume too much. It is also important to pay attention to the labelling on the edibles, as the dosage can vary widely between products.
There are several potential benefits to using edibles, particularly gummies, as a medical cannabis treatment…
Consistency: One of the main benefits of using edibles as a medical cannabis treatment is that they provide a more consistent and longer-lasting effect compared to smoking or vaporising. When cannabis is smoked or vaporised, the effects are felt almost immediately, but they tend to wear off relatively quickly. With edibles, the effects can take anywhere between 30 minutes to 2 hours to be felt, but they can last for several hours. This can be especially helpful for people who are using cannabis to manage chronic pain or other conditions that require long-term symptom relief.
Convenience: One of the main advantages of edibles is their convenience. They are easy to transport and can be taken discreetly, making them a good option for those who need to consume cannabis on the go. In addition, edibles do not require any special equipment or setup, making them a hassle-free choice for those who may have difficulty using other methods of cannabis consumption. They are also a good option for people who may have difficulty smoking or vaporising cannabis, such as those with respiratory issues or people who are sensitive to smoke.
Discreet: Edibles are also a discreet option for consuming cannabis, as they do not produce any tell-tale odours like smoking or vaporising the plant does. This can be particularly beneficial for those who are concerned about the stigma surrounding cannabis use, or who need to consume cannabis in public or at work.
Long-lasting Effects: Another benefit of edibles is that they tend to have longer-lasting effects compared to other methods of cannabis consumption. When consumed orally, THC and CBD are absorbed into the bloodstream through the liver, which can lead to a slower onset of effects, but also a longer duration of action. This can be helpful for those who need sustained relief from their symptoms throughout the day.
Predictable Dosing: Another benefit of edibles is that they offer a more predictable dosing experience. When cannabis is smoked or vaporised, the amount of THC or CBD that is absorbed by the body can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the strength of the cannabis, the method of consumption, and the individual’s metabolism. With edibles, the amount of THC or CBD that is consume is more consistent, making it easier to predict the effects and adjust the dose as needed.
Potential drawbacks of Edibles as a Medical Cannabis Treatment..
While edibles can offer many benefits as a medical cannabis treatment, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. One of the main concerns is that they can be difficult to dose accurately, especially for people who are new to using cannabis. It can be hard to know how much of an edible to consume, and the effects can vary widely between individuals. It is also important to be aware that edibles can take longer to take effect, which can lead to people consuming more than they intended if they do not feel the effects right away.
Delayed Onset: One of the main drawbacks of edibles is that they can have a delayed onset of effects. This is because the active ingredients in cannabis must first be absorbed through the digestive system before they can enter the bloodstream and produce their effects. This can lead to a longer wait time for relief, which can be frustrating for those who are seeking immediate symptom relief.
Dosing Difficulties: Another potential issue with edibles is that it can be difficult to accurately dose them. The amount of THC or CBD in a single serving can vary widely between different products, and it can be difficult to know exactly how much of the active ingredient you are consuming. This can lead to over or under dosing, which can either be ineffective or lead to unwanted side effects.
Unpredictability: In addition to the potential difficulties with dosing, the effects of edibles can also be unpredictable. Individual
Cost: Edibles can be more expensive than other forms of cannabis, especially for people who need to consume large amounts on a regular basis. They can also be harder to find in some areas, as not all pharmacies carry edibles.
Conclusion: Overall, edibles can be a useful and effective medical cannabis treatment for a variety of conditions. They provide a convenient and discreet way to consume cannabis and offer a more consistent and longer-lasting effect compared to smoking or vaporising. However, it is important to start with a low dose and gradually increase as needed.
It is important for patients to discuss the potential risks and benefits of medical cannabis with their healthcare profession before starting treatment. It is also important to note that medical cannabis should not be used as a substitute for proved treatments for chronic pain, such as physical therapy, exercise, and over the counter and prescription medications.
At iCannabis we are focused on bringing the purest and most bioavailable medical cannabis to Australian patients and their families. We specialise in educating and helping Australian patients gain access to medical cannabis so you can experience the healing powers of this plant.
Once you discover the documented benefits tens of thousands of patients around the world have received from medical cannabis, you too will realise the positive impact this plant has already had on the quality of life for patients and their families, which is nothing short of miraculous.
