What Are Edibles with THC?

Edibles is a word most often used to reference food and beverages that are infused with marijuana. This includes everything from chocolate to gummies, hard candies, chips, soda, beer, baked goods, and infused meals. You can find the same products infused with hemp-derived CBD, but most of the time the word edibles it’s used to describe edibles with THC.

What does THC do?

Please Note—Cannabis companies cannot provide medical advice and we cannot guarantee that cannabis will effectively soothe your mind or body. The data we provide is for informational purposes. Consult with your physician for guidance on all dietary supplements.

THC is short for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (aka. Delta-9 THC), the compound in marijuana that gets you high. THC is one of the many active compounds found in the 700+ strains of the cannabis plant. Most strains of cannabis contain enough THC to get you high. However, hemp is naturally low in THC, which is why CBD is legal in all 50 states. The legality of marijuana varies from one state to the next.

In addition to giving you a buzz, THC works synergistically with the other active compounds to provide medical benefits. CBD provides the primary medicinal benefits of both marijuana and hemp, but studies find that THC does a better job of minimizing nausea than CBD alone.

What type of THC is in edibles?

Yes, there are different types of THC! Most of the time THC is referenced, it is regarding Delta-9 THC. However, the new strain of hemp-derived THC products brings the other types of THC into the conversation. Here’s a quick overview:

THC—this typically refers to the Delta-9 THC that marijuana contains. All strains of the cannabis plant that have a dry weight above 0.3% THC are considered marijuana. Marijuana also contains CBD. CBD and THC are known as “major” cannabinoids, as they are found at a higher concentration than “minor” cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. This is what most edibles with THC are made from.

CBD—while cannabidiol (CBD) is found in marijuana, CBD most often refers to hemp-derived cannabis that has a dry weight below 0.3% THC. CBD does not get you high and is responsible for the primary wellness benefits of marijuana.

THCa—in their raw state, cannabis plants do not deliver wellness benefits. When raw, THCa is what is present. THCa has zero wellness benefits and will not get you high. Once dried, Delta-9 is activated and the THCa is no longer present.

Hemp-Derived Delta-9 THC—a new generation of hemp products has hit the market. It is derived by extracting the THC from hemp, then creating a hemp-derived product that produces a mild high. If the product is sold online and shipped by mail it is Delta-9 THC.

Delta-8 THC—Delta-8 is a “minor” cannabinoid that is difficult and expensive to extract. Synthetic solvents are used to synthesize Delta-8 to create an extract alternative that can also provide a mild high. However, the short and long-term side effects of the synthetic solvents are of concern.

THC-O Acetate—THC-O is an entirely synthetic product created after Delta-8 is extracted. Acetic anhydride is added, creating a psychedelic-type high that is estimated to be 3x stronger than Delta-9. The short and long-term side effects of the synthetic ingredients in this product are also of concern.

What is considered high THC?

One of the things to take into consideration when ingesting any type of THC or CBD product, are the milligrams per serving. If you are smoking, the percentage of THC per strain. Milligrams per serving is especially important when consuming edibles with THC because they are typically designed as single-serving or small-serving doses. For example, one small piece of chocolate from a larger chocolate bar, one or two brownies, one soda, or one small bag of chips.

Generally speaking:

• 3 mg or less per serving is considered a microdose
• 10 to 15 mg per serving is considered an average dose
• 20 to 30 mg per serving is considered a high dose
• Anything higher is typically by prescription only

Are most edibles Indica or Sativa?

Most companies don’t indicate which strain they use. However, if it is a sleep edible it is more likely to contain Indica. Indica is a strain best known for soothing your mind and body. Many ingest or smoke Indica products to ease into sleep.

On the flip side, strains high in Sativa may have more of an energizing and uplifting effect.

Why try edibles with THC?

Some prefer edibles because they don’t like to smoke, because they prefer the flavor profile of edibles compared to infused oils, and sometimes it’s just more fun. From a wellness standpoint, edibles ensure consistent dosage and generally provide stronger and longer-lasting effects than smoked products. This can be of great benefit for those taking THC as prescribed by their physician.

How long does it take for edibles to hit a full stomach?

There are a variety of factors that impact when an edible will kick in. This includes your weight, height, dose, the way your body processes THC, and more. Generally, edibles will kick in faster and harder on an empty stomach.

Studies find that THC typically kicks in at around 30 to 45 minutes on an empty stomach, and 60 to 90 minutes on a full stomach. It will peak at between 2 and 4 hours of ingestion. Comparatively, smoked products kick in between 20 and 30 minutes and fade within 2 to 3 hours.

Do edibles show up in drug tests?

Yes. Edibles with THC, including hemp-derived products, will show up in drug tests for urine, blood, saliva, and hair. According to Bayan Treatment Centers the average detection rates are as follows:

• Blood: THC from edibles can be detected for 3 to 4 days in blood.
• Saliva: Edibles can be detected in saliva for 1 to 3 days.
• Urine: THC from edibles can be detected in a urine sample for 3 to 30 days, depending on the quantity consumed.
• Hair: Like most drugs, edibles can be detected in hair follicles for up to 90 days.

Looking for Hemp-Derived THC?

Holmes Organics has a range of USDA Certified Organic CBD products that won’t get you high and our Delta-9 THC gummies that do provide a mild buzz. Many of our customers take a mix of products to meet their individual and day-to-day needs. There are 5 mg of THC and 25 mg of CBD per serving in our Delta-9 gummies, making them an ideal way to ease into a peaceful night of sleep. Currently, we do not ship Delta-9 Oregon or Idaho. Our CBD products are shipped nationwide.