Everyone enjoys a warm chocolate chip cookie or a slice of chocolate cake once in a while. While some of us enjoy the pleasurable taste of cocoa or the chewy texture of caramel, others are looking for something with a bit more of a “kick.” Instead of buying average treats, people are purchasing edibles, designer products containing traces of marijuana (or marijuana byproducts). Typically, these treats are ingested for medical or recreational purposes, but the end result is the same: the achievement of a long-lasting, euphoric “high.”
The Edible Trend
As the name suggests, edibles are a variety of food products that contain marijuana (cannabis), and these are typically used for recreational or medicinal purposes. These items come in a variety of forms including baked goods (cookies, brownies), hard candies, gummy candies, and lozenges. Companies have also manufactured variations of pot-infused beverages.
By consuming marijuana rather than smoking it, users will typically not feel a “high” for up to 30 minutes to 2 hours, due to the fact that THC (the psychoactive cannabinoid in marijuana) has to pass through the digestive tract before it reaches the brain. However, the “high” achieved from eating marijuana will last much longer than the sensations achieved from smoking/vaping. While not hazardous to the breathing tract, edible marijuana can still pose a risk to other portions of your body. Research indicates that the drug induces stronger reactions to alcoholic beverages and medications and will severely impair your judgement and motor skills.
In recent years, edibles have increased in popularity, specifically in states that have legalized medical or recreational marijuana. In 2014, the State of Colorado confirmed that companies sold 2.85 million recreational edibles and 1.96 million medicinal edibles (approximately 45% of total state sales of marijuana-infused products). On a national level, 29.8% of people admitted to using an edible or drinkable variant of cannabis.
Misleading Marketing
A study in 2015 confirmed that, in three influential cities in the United States, multiple brands of edibles were improperly marketed to consumers. According to specialists in charge of the study, these products did not provide accurate readings of THC levels. In this sense, people who purchase these edibles for recreational or medicinal purposes have been consuming toxic levels of THC. In Seattle, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, 17% out of certified 75% of edible products provided up-to-date and correct information about THC levels.
Always remember that marijuana does not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance abuse disorder or addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Out counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug addiction troubles today.
