The last decade has seen dozens of states embrace the idea of medical cannabis. And now, seventeen of the thirty-six states that have legalized medical cannabis also allow for recreational use. This has led to a proliferation of cannabis products, some of which are edibles.

How much do you know about cannabis edibles? Moreover, do you use them? Edible products are the preferred delivery method for some medical and recreational users. They like the variety edibles offer and they prefer the longer lasting effects of this particular delivery method.

• Cannabis Edible Basics

Knowing the variety of products out there, a definition of terms is in order. A cannabis edible is a food or beverage product infused with THC, CBD, or other cannabinoids. Even though pills and capsules are ingested, they are not considered edibles. Edibles are strictly food products.

The most common forms of edibles are:

• baked goods
• sauces and condiments
• sodas and energy drinks
• coffees and teas
• chocolates, candies, and nuts.

Edibles are typically made by adding cannabis-infused products to recipes. Users can also add oils, tinctures, and flower to already prepared foods. It is really up to a person’s preferences.

• The Legality of Edibles

The legal status of cannabis edibles differs from one state to the next. States that allow for full recreational use place very few limitations on them – at least in terms of purchase, possession, and use. Manufacturers are regulated to make sure they are producing safe products.

States with strict medical programs are another matter. Take Utah, for example. The only edibles Utah cannabis pharmacies can sell are gummies. If you were to visit the Pure Utah pharmacy in Payson, you would not find products like cookies and brownies. However, that does not stop patients from making their own edibles.

• Making Edibles at Home

There are lots of different ways to make edibles at home. Recipes abound across the internet. Those who love baking can use cannabis-infused butter in place of standard butter, margarine, or cooking oil. A cannabis oil can replace vegetable oil.

Some users grind up raw flower and add it to their recipes. Others combine raw flower with other ingredients in a pressure cooker, relying on the heat and pressure to extract the desired cannabinoids. The raw flower is filtered out afterwards.

If you are interested in cannabis-infused beverages, your best friend is a cannabis extract in liquid form. This can be an oil or tincture. Just add a few drops and you are good to go. Just understand that the cannabis extract will change the flavor of the beverage.

• Why People Choose Edibles

Cannabis users choose edibles for a variety of reasons. At the top of the list is convenience. It is easier to pop a gummy in your mouth than dry heat raw flower. That said, some users prefer edibles because their effects last longer. It may take 30 to 90 minutes to start feeling anything, but the good feelings last longer as compared to smoking or vaping.

Greater control is yet another reason that people choose to consume cannabis by way of edibles. Making your own edibles allows you to control exactly how much THC or CBD you are getting. It also allows you to experiment with different terpene profiles. Greater control gives you the opportunity to closely refine the products you use in order to obtain maximum benefit.

Now you know the basics of cannabis edibles. You might want to take a look at them if you are a regular user. They could be just what you have been looking for.