Why do edibles make you feel so stoned — or why did you feel nothing at all? Why do you feel differently with edibles than you might with flower or a vape? How do you know how much to take? Which edibles can you even buy in the dispensary?
You may have a lot of questions about edibles. Boone Town Provisions is here to be your trail guide as you take your first steps down the edibles path.
What are cannabis-infused edibles?
Cannabis edibles are products infused with cannabinoids and other ingredients They’re ingested orally — you eat them just like any other food or drink — and deliver a slow buildup and lengthy duration of effects. They often resemble typical foodstuffs like snacks, or they can appear like capsules that are swallowed.
Edibles may be infused with THC and produce intoxicating effects, they may only contain non-intoxicating cannabinoids like CBD, or they may contain a mix of both and other cannabinoids. Of course, most of the edibles you’ll find in New Jersey’s adult use cannabis dispensaries contain THC.
What types of edibles are there?
There are a wide range of different edibles to try, including:
- Gummies: Gummies are one of the most common and familiar types of edibles. They’re discreet, easy to consume, and can often be cut into smaller pieces if you’re first dipping your toe in the water.
- Beverages: THC-infused drinks are becoming a popular staple in cannabis dispensaries. These seltzers, sodas, teas, coffees, and other beverages are sipped for a relatively fast-acting edible experience. THC drinks are not available in New Jersey yet, but stay tuned — they are on their way.
- Chocolates: New to the canna scene in New Jersey, chocolates are a classic form of edibles. Whether bite-sized treats or a bar you break into smaller pieces (do NOT eat the whole thing), a range of options from brands like Encore Edibles and Incredibles and just landed at New Jersey dispensaries, including Boone Town.
- Baked goods: Cookies, brownies, and cakes all have a place in the infused edibles world too. While less common than other edibles, you may encounter them in your local dispensary.
- Drops: Drops are swallowed instead of chewed, and they tend to take effect more quickly than other types of edibles. The brand 1906 is especially well known for this type of edible.
- Lozenges: Lozenges dissolve in your mouth over time, slowly releasing their bounty of cannabinoids both through your mouth membranes and digestion. You can expect fast-acting effects and a lengthy sesh from these edibles.
- Mints: Looking for a kick of THC and minty fresh breath? Infused mints are great at delivering both.
How do edibles work?
Edibles are eaten much like any other snack. Once ingested orally, they are broken down in the stomach and metabolized through the liver. As a result, they take much longer to kick in than smoked or vaporized cannabis products, which pass through the lungs and enter the bloodstream within minutes. Instead, it could take between one to two hours for an edible to reach its peak effects.
As the edible is digested, cannabinoids are slowly released into the bloodstream. Expect a gradual building of effects over time. You can expect edibles to feel stronger, too, particularly when it comes to THC. That’s because THC converts into a stronger compound called 11-hydroxy-THC once you digest it.
How long do THC edibles last?
The duration of effects from edibles depends on how much you consume and your tolerance level, but generally, you can expect to feel an edible anywhere from three to five hours. Remember that edibles take a while to kick in, so always wait for at least an hour to see how you feel before consuming more.
The timeframe for both the onset of effects and duration depends not only on your tolerance, but also other factors like what you ate before taking an edible, your metabolism, and even where you are and what you’re experiencing while high. Be prepared for some fluctuation in these timeframes, though — edibles aren’t always a perfectly predictable experience. Always consume in a place where you’re safe and comfortable, and never operate a motor vehicle or heavy machinery until its effects have passed.
Why don’t I feel anything after I eat an edible?
Some folks can eat an entire 100 mg package of edibles (or another super high amount) and not feel anything at all. This is called “ediblocking,” and it refers to your body’s inability to process cannabis edibles.
This is not a common condition, though. It’s more likely that you have to adjust your dose in future sessions to get the precise amount for you down pat. Be sure to go very slow and be deliberate with how much you’re taking at a time. Too many edibles can quickly become an uncomfortable experience.
How much should I eat?
How much THC you should consume when ingesting edibles depends on your tolerance and your goals. It’s important to note that everyone is different, and the amount that may leave one consumer feeling highly intoxicated may have little to no effect on another.
The chart below offers general guidelines of what to expect; however, it is not universally applicable. We recommend starting with between 2.5 and 5 mg THC to see how edibles affect you and then adjusting the amount you consume from there.
THC content | Who’s it for? | What to expect |
2.5 mg or less | Low tolerance consumers; consumers who want to microdose. | You’re unlikely to feel the heady effects of THC with this amount. Effects will remain in the background, though you may experience subtle changes to mood, focus, and other senses. |
2.5 – 5 mg | New consumers; low-tolerance consumers; and consumers who want light intoxication. | You’ll feel a little bit lifted. This range is ideal for gauging your tolerance for the first time and determining how much you should consume in a session. |
5 – 10 mg | Average tolerance consumers; consumers looking for relief | This is the typical range for average consumers. Expect some intoxication without overwhelming feelings. This amount generally offers mild symptom relief. |
10 – 25 mg | High tolerance consumers; medical patients looking for symptom relief | You’ll feel this one. This may be overwhelming if you’re new to edibles or have a low tolerance. These heightened effects come with an increased chance of side effects, such as feelings of anxiety. |
25+ mg | Very high tolerance consumers; medical patients looking for relief from severe symptoms | This amount of THC is intense. There’s an increased risk of unwanted experiences like anxiety or a session that goes on for too long. This account is generally only recommended for very high-tolerance consumers and medical cannabis patients who need significant relief from their symptoms. |
What are cannabinoid ratios, and what do they have to do with edibles?
You’ll often see something like “1:1” or “2:1” listed on an edible. This figure refers to the ratio of THC as it appears alongside other cannabinoids, such as CBD, CBN, or CBG.
Here are some examples:
- 1:1 THC: CBD means the product contains an even ratio of THC to CBD per serving, like in Bits Elderberry 1:1 gummies.
- 3:1 CBG: THC means the product contains three times more CBG than THC per serving, like in Gron’s Blueberry Lemonade daytime sativa pearls.
- 2:1 THC: CBC means the product contains twice the amount of THC per serving than CBC, like in Oria’s Citrus Splash Live Resin gummies.
- 20:1 CBD: THC means the product contains 20 times more CBD per serving than THC, like in Wana’s Blood Orange hybrid gummies.
Do edibles contain other ingredients?
Yes. Aside from cannabinoids, you may find these other ingredients in edibles:
- Terpenes influence flavor, smell, and effects (like Camino Sours Orchard Peach 1:1 edibles)
- Adaptogens to support relaxation, focus, and other tailored effects
- Herbs that help support THC’s stress-busting or tension-melting effects
- Caffeine, for cannabis products formulated for focus (like 1906 Genius drops)
What are the best edible brands in NJ?
If you’re looking for cannabis edibles in NJ but aren’t sure where to start, consider products from any of these brands. Products from each of these companies are available at Boone Town Provisions, so if any catch your attention, be sure to stop in and pick them up.
- &Shine: These products emphasize terpene-rich strains and edibles that are bursting with flavors. Our favorites include the Blackberry Gummies and Tropical Gummies.
- 1906: This brand is focused on innovation, creating new formulations and new products. We love these 1906 drops, which are formulated for many of life’s occasions and tailored to the type of mood you’re looking for.
- Beboe: These products are all about mindfulness and an elevated cannabis experience. Our favorite Beboe edibles include the Golden Peach 2:1 CBD: THC gummies and the Sparkling Pear 1:1 THC: CBG gummies.
- BITS: These low-dose products combine THC with adaptogens to deliver a unique, therapeutic experience. We love all their fruity flavors, like Acai Affection and Pomegranate R&R.
- Botanist: Centered around herbal wellness, Botanist edibles deliver an experience ideal for those focused on their health. They offer a range of flavors like Sparkling Orange and Key Lime.
- ButACake: If baked goods are your thing, ButACake is for you. This brand offers delicious snacks like the Choco Chunk Cookie or the PBNJ Brownie.
- Camino: These products offer a big blast of fruity flavors perfect for consumers who enjoy a little treat. There’s something for the sweet tooths, like the Wild Cherry gummies, and something for those who prefer sour, like the Sour Strawberry Sunset gummies.
- Encore: If you find delight in a bite of chocolate, consider Encore your go-to edibles brand. Choose from products like their Sea Salt Caramel or Sea Salt Dark Chocolate for your next session.
- Grӧn: Focused on high-quality ingredients and handcrafted edibles, Grӧn is the talk of the town. Our favorites include their Pomegranate Pearls and Tangelo Pearls.
- Hedy: These products take effect quickly, so you won’t be left wondering when your gummies will kick in. We especially like Hedy’s Cherry Lime gummies and Strawberry Kiwi gummies.
- Incredibles: This brand has a great selection of products, from gummies to candies. One of our favorites that we think is a must-try is the Strawberry Crunch Chocolate Bar.
- Lily Extracts: This brand is known for quality and attention to detail. If you want to try the Lily Extracts difference for yourself, we recommend the solventless Pina Express Colada live rosin gummies.
- ONYX: Looking for terpene-packed flavors and effects? Look no further than ONYX Tangerine gummies made with live resin.
- ORIA: For more flavorful live resin gummies, you can’t beat ORIA, a new edibles line from Airo Brands. It’s tough to pick a favorite, but we’d recommend their Berry Bliss gummies or the Sumatran Sunrise gummies.
- Ozone: If you’re looking for poppable, tasty gummies, Ozone is a sure bet. Try their Blood Orange gummies or the popular Blue Raspberry gummies.
- Verano: Known for premium cannabis flower, Verano is also a purveyor of top tier edibles. Try their RSO infused medicated lozenges or try a breath of fresh air with their Wintermint mints.
- Wana: These vegan, gluten-free, terpene-packed gummies are a great choice for any consumer. We recommend their Classic Watermelon gummies for your next hang sesh, or the Optimal Fast Asleep soft chews for when you need a relaxing evening in.
- Zoobies: Fruity, sweet, sour — Zoobies does it all well. Try their Midnight Fruit gummies that blend THC, CBD, and CBN. Or try their Sour Fruit gummies for a lip-puckering good taste.
- Zzzonked: When looking for a peaceful nap or just a chill night to unwind, think Zzzonked. We like their laid back products like the Fruity Tutti gummies or the Pineapple Dream gummies, each of which blends THC, CBD, and CBN for sweet dreams.
Visit Boone Town Provisions for happy trails
Nothing is more important on an excursion than going prepared, and at Boone Town Provisions, we’ve got everything you need to stock up for your next trip. Whether you’re looking for top quality edibles like those above or something else altogether, we’ll help you find just the thing. Visit our dispensary in Boonton, NJ to select from some of the best cannabis the Garden State has to offer.