Understanding Marijuana Edibles and Their Risks

Edibles have become one of the most popular ways to consume marijuana, but many people who use them are unaware of the specific risks they carry. 

Because weed edibles are eaten rather than smoked, they act on the body differently, with a slower start and much longer-lasting effects.

This guide explains what cannabis edibles are, how they work, why they are so easy to overconsume, the dangers they pose (including to children), and how to get help if marijuana use has become a problem.

What Are Edibles?

Edibles are food products infused with marijuana, meaning they contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. They come in many forms, including:

• Gummies and candies
• Chocolates
• Baked goods like brownies and cookies
• Lozenges and mints
• Beverages

Edibles can be homemade or produced commercially for dispensaries. While smoking is still the most common way to use marijuana, cannabis edibles are quickly growing in popularity, and many first-time users do not realize how differently they behave.

The Risks of Consuming Edibles

Long-Lasting Effects

The effects of marijuana edibles last much longer than smoking, usually up to several hours depending on the amount of THC consumed, the amount and types of the last food eaten, and other drugs or alcohol used at the same time.²

Unknown Potency

The amount of THC is difficult to measure and is often unknown in many edibles. Regulations and quality assurance regarding the determination of THC content and product labeling are generally lacking, and as a result the dosage estimation for many edibles is often inaccurate.³

Consequently, many products contain significantly more THC than labeled and people who consume these edibles can be caught off-guard by their strength and long-lasting effects.⁴

Delayed Onset and High Potential for Overdose

Perhaps the most prominent difference between smoking marijuana and eating edibles is the delayed onset of effects associated with edibles. Whereas the 5 This delay can result in some people consuming a greater than intended amount of drug before it has taken effect.

Marijuana overdose is also referred to as acute marijuana intoxication.⁶ Research has shown that edibles are the form of marijuana consumption most likely to lead to emergency room visits for marijuana overdose, and the authors of at least one study believe that this is due to the failure of users to fully understand the delayed effects of these products.⁷

Serious Negative Side Effects

The symptoms associated with eating highly potent edibles are often much more severe than the symptoms experienced after smoking marijuana.

According to Dr. Nora Volkow, the current director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, edibles are now being associated with “medical complications that we never knew were associated with marijuana”.⁸

Some of the more adverse effects associated with the consumption of edibles include:^1,9

• Drowsiness.
• Confusion.
• Vomiting.
• Anxiety and panic attacks.
• Agitation.
• Psychotic episodes.
• Hallucinations.
• Paranoia.
• Impaired motor ability.
• Respiratory depression.
• Heart problems (ranging from irregular heartbeat to heart attack).

Increased Likelihood to Cause Self-Harm or Hurt Others

Due to the delayed onset and uncertain potency of edibles, many people who use these products may unintentionally consume excessively high amounts of THC.

One of the consequences of taking in too much of the drug too quickly is users can become violent or unaware of their actions. These individuals may exhibit self-harming behaviors or hurt others while in this state, behaviors that they likely never would have engaged in while sober.

There have been several tragic incidents caused by unusual and risky behaviors stemming from the consumption of edibles. One man, while on a family ski trip, shot himself in the head hours after ingesting a number of marijuana-laced candies.¹⁰

Another man, while on a spring break trip with college friends, plummeted to his death after jumping off his 4th floor hotel room balcony mere hours after consuming a marijuana cookie.¹¹

Another man was recently sentenced to 30 years in prison for the fatal shooting of his wife.¹² Prior to her death, the wife had called 911 out of concern for the erratic behavior and hallucinations that her husband was experiencing after eating marijuana-laced candies.

Edibles and Children: A Growing Safety Risk

Because many edibles look like ordinary gummies, candy, or baked goods, young children can easily mistake them for treats. As shown above, poison control reports of children under 6 consuming edibles rose sharply, and nearly all exposures happened in a home. To reduce the risk:

• Store all edibles locked and well out of children’s reach
• Keep products in their original, labeled, child-resistant packaging
• Never consume edibles in front of children who might imitate you
• If you suspect a child has ingested an edible, call Poison Control or 911 right away

Can You Get Addicted to Edibles?

The form of cannabis does not change the risk of dependence. According to the CDC, about 3 in 10 people who use marijuana develop marijuana use disorder, and regular use can bring tolerance, cravings, and withdrawal. Learn more about the long-term effects of marijuana and how long marijuana stays in your system.

Treatment Options for Marijuana Addiction

Regardless of the form of consumption that is preferred, whether it be by smoking or eating, the use of marijuana can easily turn into a serious problem. The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that 3 in 10 marijuana users will continue use of the drug despite clinically significant distress or impairment, a condition that is known as a marijuana use disorder.¹³ Other studies report that at least 1 in 11 people who abuse marijuana will develop an addiction to the drug over time.¹⁴

Find Marijuana Rehab Treatment Near You

If you are suffering from the effects of marijuana abuse or addiction, please know that help is available. Contact a substance abuse rehabilitation center today to learn about the available marijuana addiction programs that can be tailored to meet your specific needs.

Find the marijuana addiction program that fits your needs and make today the first day of your new life. Contact an American Addiction Centers admissions navigator  to learn about your treatment options, insurance coverage, payment options, and how to start your recovery journey.

Not ready to talk? We have you covered! American Addiction Centers’ free, no-obligation confidential text help line offers the support you need, when you need it.