Among recreationalists, before marijuana legalization took place, the most common ways of getting high were through smoking joints, bongs, or bowls, and even eating pot brownies. But now, marijuana edibles are becoming more common throughout the country, and they go beyond brownies.
Cakes, caramels, cupcakes, fudge, drops, suckers, toffee, drinks, lemonade, oils, and a number of other edibles have begun to make their way into the marijuana market. Some states that legalized marijuana for medical use, including Minnesota and New York, will not permit patients to smoke the drug, so such edible products could be essential for people in these states. Additionally, edibles provide a different experience compared to the traditional way of smoking it.
There are so many different types of marijuana that have different effects, so it's important for a medical patients and recreational users to understand the properties of each product. Some pot users prefer edibles because they don't like to inhale or smell the smoke; others prefer a different high (smoking marijuana has a greater likelihood of resulting in a 'head high'); and medical patients who rely on the drug turn to edibles for a longer-lasting therapeutic effect.
"You're seeing a lot of these types of products like cannabis cookbooks," said Erik Altieri, spokesman for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, in this Fox News article. "They've always been popular among a subset of marijuana, but with the fact that more and more people from the mainstream are able to consume, there's a lot more interest."
People are even starting to take marijuana cooking classes to learn about the dosing, while sampling a number of edibles to see which they prefer. Edibles List and Edibles Magazine provide those in search of marijuana edibles with information on distributors of edibles, dispensaries that carry edibles, and recipes for those interested trying it on their own. For example, BlueKudu in Denver has been around for three years producing and distributing medical (and now recreational) marijuana chocolate edibles.
But aside from those who are simply looking to expand their marijuana edible palate, some of these products are essential for a patient's medication. Those who suffer from Dravet syndrome - a rare form of epilepsy that develops in infancy - can only be treated with oil that is low in THC (the ingredient in marijuana that gets you high) and high in CBD (the ingredient that possesses medical properties). This oil has saved a number of children's lives, who were previously crippled by seizures that can last hours.
This new business that has sprawled out of the United States' marijuana reform is beginning to make serious waves. The various edibles are satisfying (and at times helpful) for recreational users and are essential for patients who need the drug for medical purposes. However, the state governments are likely to place restrictions on various aspects of the edibles business before it booms.
You can read more about marijuana edibles in this Washington Times article.
