Cannabis edibles have become increasingly popular as more states legalize recreational marijuana use, and many people wonder, “Are edibles safe?” The reality is more complex than it might appear. These THC-infused products carry unique risks that differ significantly from smoking cannabis, particularly when it comes to accidental overconsumption and potential mental health impacts. Understanding these risks is important for anyone considering edible use and for recognizing when professional help may be necessary.
What Are Cannabis Edibles, and How Do They Work?
Cannabis edibles are food and beverage products infused with cannabinoids, primarily tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana. These products come in various forms, including gummies, chocolates, baked goods, beverages and candies. Unlike smoking cannabis, which delivers THC to your brain within minutes, edibles must be processed through your digestive system and liver.
When you consume edibles containing THC, your liver converts the THC to 11-hydroxy-THC, which can produce stronger and longer-lasting effects than those that occur when smoking cannabis. It can take 30 minutes to 2 hours before you feel the effects, but the high can last 5 to 8 hours or longer.
Are Edibles Safe? Why Edibles Can Lead to Accidental Overconsumption
The delayed onset of effects creates a dangerous window for overconsumption. Many people make the mistake of eating more when they don’t feel the effects immediately. According to the CDC, edibles have a greater risk of causing poisoning compared to smoked cannabis specifically because of this delay. Additional factors that contribute to overconsumption include inaccurate labeling, misleading serving sizes and appealing packaging.
Short-Term Side Effects and Impairments
Consuming too much THC through edibles can result in “cannabis overdose” or acute cannabis intoxication. While not typically fatal, these episodes can be extremely uncomfortable and dangerous, with common short-term effects.
- Physical symptoms. Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, impaired motor coordination and extreme sedation
- Mental symptoms. Anxiety, panic attacks, paranoia, confusion, hallucinations and in severe cases, psychotic episodes
Emergency departments have reported seeing increasingly severe complications from THC edibles consumption that previously weren’t associated with marijuana use. These intense symptoms can last much longer than those from smoking cannabis, sometimes requiring medical intervention.
Long-Term Risks of Regular Edible Use
Regular consumption of high-THC edibles poses several long-term health risks, particularly for mental health. Research indicates that daily or near-daily cannabis use can increase your chances of developing anxiety and depression disorders.
The most concerning long-term risks include:
- Cognitive impairment. Studies show that long-term cannabis users experience IQ declines of 5.5 points on average, with deficits in learning and processing speed.
- Mental health disorders. Substantial evidence links cannabis use to increased risk of schizophrenia and other chronic psychoses, especially among frequent users.
- Cannabis use disorder. Approximately 3 in 10 people who use cannabis develop cannabis use disorder, meaning they can’t stop using despite negative consequences
- Dopamine system disruption. Long-term use can negatively impact the brain’s dopamine system, affecting the ability to experience pleasure and joy naturally.
Special Concerns for Teens and First-Time Users
Adolescents face particularly high risks from edible consumption because their brains are still developing until around age 25. THC is toxic to the adolescent brain and can have life-changing consequences.
For teens, the question, “Can edibles harm you?” has a clear answer: yes. Research shows that cannabis use during adolescence is associated with negative effects on working memory, processing speed and academic functioning. Teen users are also more likely to drop out of high school or fail to obtain a college degree.
For children, even small amounts can be toxic. Studies show that eating just two cannabis gummies can put small children at risk of severe toxic effects, including dangerous heart rate changes, blood pressure reductions and seizures.
Using Cannabis Safely, and Seeking Help for Misuse
If you choose to use cannabis edibles, following safety guidelines can reduce your risk:
- Start low and go slow. Begin with 2.5 to 5 mg of THC, and wait at least 2 hours before consuming more.
- Store safely. Keep all cannabis products in child-resistant packaging away from children and pets.
- Avoid mixing. Don’t combine edibles with alcohol or other substances.
- Plan ahead. Don’t drive or operate machinery for at least 8 hours after consuming edibles.
However, the safest approach regarding whether THC gummies are safe is to avoid them entirely, especially for teens, pregnant women and those with mental health conditions or family histories of psychosis.
Help Is Available
If you’re struggling with cannabis use or experiencing negative effects, help is available. Signs that you may need professional support include inability to control your use despite negative consequences, using cannabis to cope with daily stress or mental health symptoms and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit. Seeking help is a sign of strength, and recovery is possible with the right support. If you or someone you know is struggling with cannabis use, contact the National Rehab Hotline or speak with a health care professional about treatment options.