Once you get a medical marijuana card in Virginia, cannabis gummies and other edibles are available at legal cannabis dispensaries throughout the state. As more patients turn to marijuana edibles to relieve various symptoms like muscle spasms, nausea, insomnia, anxiety, and pain, the need for knowledge about edibles in Virginia becomes more apparent.
You came here wondering how to use edibles. While you've likely heard stories of people overdoing it with these infused products, we'd like to make dosing as straightforward as possible.
CannabisRxHealth's patients often inquire about how to use edibles properly; they're curious to find out if edibles work less on a full stomach.
Other times, it can feel a bit overwhelming, particularly if they're taking medical marijuana edibles for the first time. They're wondering how long it takes for edibles to kick in, if it's safe to take edibles on an empty stomach, and what the effects of cannabis edibles are.
Keep reading to learn more about how eating affects the way cannabis edibles work.
Taking Edibles on an Empty Stomach
As with most drugs, the effects are different when you take edibles on an empty stomach rather than a full stomach. In some cases, these substances need to be taken with food to avoid upsetting one's stomach. However, other times, drugs need to be taken on an empty stomach to allow better absorption.
Taking cannabis edibles on an empty stomach varies from person to person. This depends on the patient's personal THC tolerance, experience and comfort with cannabis, and desired impact.
How Marijuana Edibles Work in the Body
Smoking versus consuming THC is different. Absorbing THC through your digestive tract offers longer-lasting effects and a more potent experience. This is why edibles are so popular for those seeking prolonged relief for severe symptoms.
Equally important to remember is that consuming too much THC is easy when taking marijuana edibles. This is especially common for first-time edibles consumers. Too much edibles can result in paranoia, sweating, and a rapid heartbeat for several hours. While it's not possible to overdose on marijuana, the experience of taking more than you need isn't a pleasurable experience.
The key to taking marijuana edibles is to start with a low dose. Wait a few hours to see how the dose impacts you. If it's not enough, take a little more and wait.
Edibles on Empty vs Full Stomach
For those who eat edibles on an empty stomach, you're likely to feel the effects faster and more intense than if you were to eat them after a meal. If you eat an edible when you're full, your body is working to digest the other food, too. This means you can expect milder effects than if you were to eat an edible on an empty stomach.
Edible high longevity increases on a full stomach, too. Taking edibles on an empty stomach usually produces a high that's more intense and shorter in time. But if you eat a big meal before you take a high THC edible later on in the day, you might have an edibles hangover the following day.
Edibles hangovers differ from alcohol hangovers, which are typically caused by dehydration. The edibles handover occurs the following day because your body is still processing the THC, resulting in slight or significant impairment the next morning.
Moving around, drinking some water, and eating a bit of food can help to resolve the edibles hangover. Keep in mind, you're working to hasten the digestive process to get the THC out of your system faster.
How Long Do Edibles Take to Kick in on an Empty Stomach?
If you're considering eating edibles on an empty stomach, it's important to know what to expect. For those who do not have experience with edibles, it's usually best to eat something beforehand to lessen the intensity of the effects.
Generally speaking, edibles usually take between 30 and 60 minutes to hit. However, there's a difference if you take them on a full stomach.
How Long for Edibles to Hit on Full Stomach?
If you take an edible on an empty stomach, your body is focusing on processing the edible. This results in faster and more intense effects.
However, if you take an edible on a full stomach, you can expect the effects to come on within 60 to 90 minutes. Keep in mind, if you don't feel anything after 90 minutes, you might need to take some more. But don't overdo it!
Eating a meal before you take an edible can help to lengthen the effects. This is because when you eat a meal, your body is working on digesting the food. Thus, the edible will have to compete with the food for absorption.
Should You Eat Edibles Before or After Dinner?
Eating edibles before or after dinner is a personal choice. However, if you want to experience the effects of your edibles as you eat your meal, it's best to eat it before. But keep in mind, if you eat an edible on an empty stomach, the high will likely be more intense.
Eating edibles after dinner offers a high that's long-lasting and not so intense. Thus, if you're looking for longevity in your relief, it's usually best to eat your edibles for dessert!
So, Should You Eat Edibles on an Empty Stomach?
Eating edibles on an empty stomach is a matter of personal choice. You now know the effects of consuming edibles before a meal, along with how an edible will impact you on a full stomach.
Ultimately, it's up to you whether or not you want to eat edibles on an empty stomach. Just remember, if you choose to do so, be prepared for a more intense and shorter high. And if you eat an edible after dinner, you can expect relief that lasts throughout the evening!
