All About Edibles: Types, Benefits, and History

It’s hard to believe there was a time when familiarity with edibles was limited to the occasional pot brownie. A time before you could visit your local cannabis dispensary in Colorado to find an array of cannabis treats, sweets, and even beverages. 

And yet, in the years since recreational cannabis was legalized statewide, the hype about edibles hasn’t seemed to fade. New products are constantly appearing on the market, and consumers are eager to try the latest recipes.

Want to familiarize yourself with the world of edibles? Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know.

History of edibles in the United States

Believe it or not, edibles were popularized in the United States well before the hippie era of the 1960s. 

Way back in the 1800s, products like cannabis tinctures and edibles like marijuana-laced candies were sold as medicinal aids for a multitude of ailments, from the common cold to hives. It wasn’t until the 1920s that certain states began prohibiting cannabis. And by 1935, it was regulated nationwide. 

Benefits of edible consumption 

There are many ways to consume cannabis, and your choice will come down to preference. 

The fun part is, you don’t even have to choose. Why not mix it up or try each method to see what works for you? When it comes to edibles, there are several reasons why people enjoy them over other methods.

1. Edibles are discreet.
   Edibles don’t produce smoke or require the use of any kind of device. Even when you legally consume adult-use marijuana, you might feel uneasy in certain situations or groups of people. One upside to edibles is that they’re less conspicuous than smoking or vaping.

2. There’s no need for a smoking device or preparation.
   With edibles, the product itself is all you need. Well, besides your appetite. Smoking requires a grinder, lighter, and a device like a bong or pipe. Time is needed to grind flower, pack a bowl, roll a joint, etc. Edibles, however, allow you to consume without spending any extra time or effort.

3. Edibles offer an alternative for those who don’t enjoy smoking.
   Many people turn to edibles as a means of consuming marijuana without smoking. Again, it’s a matter of preference – not everyone likes the act of smoking or the smells and tastes associated with it. And some users may have health concerns. Regardless of the reason, edibles are another option for enjoying the effects of cannabis.

What to know before you consume edibles

With any method of cannabis consumption, there’s a bit of a learning curve. And edibles are no exception. 

The biggest difference is that with most other methods, the effects set in almost immediately. Edibles, on the other hand, take effect after they’re fully digested. Onset can take anywhere from 30 minutes up to two hours, and this is why it’s important to start with one low dose and wait at least two hours before taking another edible. The effects of edibles can last anywhere from a few hours to an entire day, depending on how much you consume.

Types of edibles available

Almost anything is available in edible form, from chocolates and lollipops to an array of baked goods. Whatever you’re craving, you’re bound to find a cannabis product that satisfies your taste buds. Below are a few of our personal favorites, available right here at our Denver dispensary.

Chocolates

Got a sweet tooth? It’s hard to resist Incredibles’ delicious handcrafted chocolate bars, like the mouthwatering Boulder Bar, a blend of milk chocolate and buttery toffee, and Cookies & Cream, made with white chocolate and crunchy cookie bits. Chocolate bars contain a total of 100 mg THC, or 10 mg per piece, and are made using pure THC distillate in a homogenous mixture to guarantee accurate dosing. Shop chocolates now

Drops

If you like the idea of edibles but aren’t much for sweets, these are a great alternative. 1906 drops are swallowable pills made with plant-based medicines and cannabis. They come in different forms, like the following:

Genius Drops (75mg CBD / 75mg THC)

“Drops for brainpower” containing five plant medicines, caffeine and cannabis to help stimulate your mind. 

Go Drops (100mg CBD / 100 mg THC)

“Drops for energy” blending cannabis, caffeine and three plant medicines.

Chill Drops (500mg CBD / 100mg THC)

“Drops for relaxation” that pair high-CBD cannabis with plant medicine. Great for sleep!

Shop drops now

Gummies

Who doesn’t love gummies? These yummy, sweet snacks come in every flavor and can only be improved by the addition of cannabis. We recommend Wana’s delicious indica and sativa gummies in flavors like Island Punch, as well as DOSD’s Pina Colada Nano Bites Gummies, a special recipe that contains cannabinoid nanoparticles for a quicker onset of effects. Shop gummies now