Edible Cannabis in Florida
On August 26th 2020, the Florida Department of Health made good on a 2016 promise and published Final Standards for Production of Edibles so that Florida medical marijuana patients can now purchase edibles at licensed dispensaries!
What is Edible Cannabis?
Edibles are snacks, foods, or beverages which contain many of the beneficial compounds of medical cannabis, including CBD and THC, as well as other active compounds. Consuming edibles are an excellent alternative for patients who cannot ingest via smoke, vapor, etc.
Edible cannabis products come in many forms, including:
● Cookies
● Brownies and other baked goods
● Chocolates
● Hard or chewy candies
● Sodas
● Coffee and teas
● Alcoholic beverages
● Sauces or dressings
● Energy drinks
And so much more!
Benefits of Edible Cannabis
While it has been well documented that cannabis has numerous medical benefits, patients are finding that edible cannabis has a number of benefits unavailable in other intake methods. Patients suffering from conditions such as PTSD, cancer, and chronic pain have found tremendous relief using edible cannabis.
While the onset of action(how long it takes to work) is typically longer with edible medical cannabis, they have the advantage of having a much longer duration of action than most other dosage forms. Many patients have said edibles have helped to reduce pain, nausea, vomiting, depression, anxiety, as well as helping with sleep.
Benefits of edible cannabis include:
Dosing is Easier
Dosing is a critical factor for medical patients looking to achieve the most benefits with the least adverse effects from cannabis. Cannabis is a unique drug that doesn’t have a defined dose for any medical condition, making it difficult for patients to find their perfect dose. Not knowing how much THC you are getting from an edible may make a difference in the desired effects you want.
Fortunately, the legalization of marijuana in many states has set many new safety standards surrounding cannabis dosing. This has allowed many reputable companies to produce marijuana-infused edibles with measured dosing, ensuring that the dosing is consistent with each product.
Consume Discreetly
Cannabis has intense aromas that lurk shortly after smoking, making it very obvious what you are doing. Edibles are a great way to consume cannabis discreetly without anybody knowing. They tend to have no scent to them and can be infused into several different products, such as candy or drinks, allowing you to consume the edible and it not be obvious to the people around you.
Effects Last Longer
Although edibles take a longer time to kick in than smoking or vaping, the effects tend to last much longer than the other methods. According to research, effects from an edible can last for 6 or more hours compared to the effects of smoking or vaping that tend to only last 1-4 hours.
No Smoking Required
Smoking isn’t for everyone. For users who do not want to smoke cannabis, edibles make for a great alternative. Edibles are a powerful way to consume cannabis without smoking, and there are a variety of flavors to choose from.
How are edibles different from smoking or other intake methods?
As with any other cannabis product, the potency of edibles can vary greatly, so always be sure to consult with your Medical cannabis doctor to get dosing guidance.
When consuming edibles, cannabinoids (CBD, THC, etc.) get absorbed into the bloodstream through your digestive tract. Throughout the process, the cannabinoids will go through a first metabolic pass through the liver.
Since the process takes longer than other intake methods, such as smoking, and the metabolites are longer acting, the effects are typically more gradual and can last significantly longer.
What Conditions Can Edibles Treat?
Medical marijuana in the form of edibles has many benefits and can treat a number of conditions, including:
- Chronic Pain
- Crohn’s Disease
- COPD
- Asthma
- Dysmenorrhea
- Insomnia
- Lupus
- Anxiety
- Migraines
- Cancer
How To Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Florida
Getting a Florida Medical Marijuana Card is simple with MMTCFL. Take our eligibility survey to see if you qualify for Medical Marijuana in Florida. If you believe you qualify, schedule an appointment with one of our many qualified Florida medical marijuana doctors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the bases of the edibles?
Cannabis edibles, such as cookies or brownies, are made with a base, which is often cannabutter or canna-oil. The base is a fatty substance that has been infused with THC. The most common fatty substances that are used as a base include butter, oil, and milk.
Can I make my own Cannabis Edibles in Florida?
Yes, as long as you have your Florida medical marijuana card, you can make your own cannabis edibles. To make your own cannabis edibles, you will first need to make the base by infusing a fatty oil, such as butter or oil, with cannabis to mix along with the other ingredients your recipe calls for.
Check out our cannabutter recipe here.
How long do edibles last?
How long the edible lasts will depend on a few factors, such as the type of edible, potency of the marijuana used, the individual’s metabolism and so on. In most cases, a peak high will last for 2 to 3 hours from the time of ingestion. You will most likely experience a mellow high that may continue for another 5 to 6 hours.
What if my dog ate an edible?
Canines can become very intoxicated by cannabis because they have more cannabinoid receptors in their brains than humans. This results in the dog feeling the effects of cannabis more intensely. After consuming the edible, it takes roughly 30 to 60 minutes to take effect. Signs and symptoms you may notice from your pet include:
- Increased heart rate
- Shivering or shaking
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Difficulty walking or uncoordinated movements
- Dilated pupils
If you catch your pet in the act of eating the edible, induce vomiting as soon as possible. However, if you discover it after the act, take your pet to the emergency vet and they can pump their stomach.
How long do edibles stay in your system?
Edible cannabis affects everyone differently. Since the process to break down edibles is more intense, they tend to stay in the body longer than if THC was inhaled. In most cases, people can expect edibles to stay in their system for 3-12 days.
How long does it take for marijuana edibles to kick in?
Some factors, such as body weight, metabolism, the edible ingredients, and so on, affect how soon a person can start feeling the effects of edibles. Many people begin to feel the effects of edibles within 1-2 hours of consumption. It generally takes longer to feel the effects of edibles compared to smoking or vaping, as edibles have to work their way through the digestive system in order to enter the bloodstream.
Do edibles have more effect than other ingestion methods?
Edibles tend to have more effect than other ingestion methods. When you eat an edible, it passes through the digestive tract and then is absorbed by the stomach. The active compounds in cannabis are metabolized in the liver, where the THC is converted into 11-hydroxy-THC, a compound that is much more potent and longer-lasting than THC.
How are edibles digested?
Edibles hit differently because your body digests it differently. When you smoke cannabis, it is processed by your lungs and the vaporized THC reaches your bloodstream almost instantly. When you consume an edible, it must first travel through the digestive system, be absorbed by the stomach and then processed by the liver. THC and other cannabinoids are then broken down into 11-hydroxy-THC and absorbed by the liver before entering the bloodstream.
Where can I buy edible cannabis in Florida?
You can buy edible cannabis at participating Florida licensed dispensaries. See details about these dispensaries at the state Office of Medical Marijuana Use.
Try Our Edible Cannabis Recipes!
Want to try your hand at making your own marijuana edibles? Check out our great recipes below.