The Benefits and Risks of Medical Marijuana Edibles: What You Should Know
Emmanuel Foret
Writer, Editor, Social Media Manager
February, 11 2025
Photo credit: iStock
Key Takeaways:
- Delayed Onset and Precise Dosing: Marijuana edibles take longer to take effect—up to 90 minutes—due to digestion and liver processing, which can lead to overconsumption if users don’t wait long enough before taking another dose. However, they provide more accurate dosing compared to smoking, as each edible contains a specified amount of THC or CBD, helping users manage their intake.
- Potential Risks and Side Effects: While edibles offer long-lasting relief, they can cause side effects like dizziness, confusion, and cognitive impairment, especially with overconsumption or daily use. Seniors, in particular, should consult a healthcare provider before using them regularly, as these products can impair memory and increase fall risk.
Medical marijuana has become an increasingly popular treatment option for a variety of conditions. For adults and seniors, marijuana-infused gummies or candies, commonly known as marijuana edibles, offer a discreet and convenient way to relieve pain, anxiety, and symptoms related to chronic illnesses such as arthritis, cancer, fibromyalgia, and neuropathic pain. However, before incorporating these products into your health routine, it’s essential to understand how marijuana edibles work in the body, their benefits, and potential risks.
How Marijuana Edibles Work in the Body
When you consume marijuana edibles, the effects differ significantly from smoking or vaping marijuana. Dr. Brooke Worster, a pain management and palliative medicine physician, explains that edibles take longer to take effect because they must first be digested by the stomach and processed by the liver. It can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half for you to feel the effects, and they can last for up to six hours. This delayed onset is due to the fact that, once ingested, THC (the active compound in marijuana) is metabolized into 11-hydroxy-THC, a more potent compound that creates a longer-lasting effect.
On the other hand, when marijuana is smoked or vaporized, the effects are felt almost immediately, usually within five to 10 minutes, and last for only two to four hours. Because of this delay in onset, Dr. Worster cautions that there’s a risk of over-indulgence, especially for seniors with a slower metabolism who may experience stronger effects than expected. This slower onset is one of the reasons why it’s essential to wait before consuming additional doses.
Benefits of Marijuana Edibles for Adults and Seniors
For many adults and seniors, marijuana edibles offer a range of benefits, particularly for those dealing with chronic pain, anxiety, or sleep issues. Here’s a closer look at the benefits of marijuana edibles:
- Pain Relief: Medical marijuana has been shown to provide significant relief from chronic pain conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and cancer-related pain. For patients who cannot tolerate smoking, edibles are a gentle alternative that provides consistent and long-lasting relief.
- Anxiety Management: For individuals struggling with anxiety, medical marijuana edibles can help calm the mind and alleviate stress. The gradual onset of effects makes it easier to control and monitor the experience, reducing the likelihood of a panic attack that can sometimes occur with smoking marijuana.
- Discretion: One of the major advantages of marijuana edibles is their discreet nature. Unlike smoking or vaping, which can leave behind distinct odors, edibles allow users to medicate without drawing attention to themselves. This is especially helpful for individuals who need to medicate in public or social settings.
- Long-Lasting Relief: The effects of marijuana edibles last much longer than those from smoking or vaping. While inhaled marijuana may only provide relief for a few hours, the effects of edibles can last between six to eight hours, making them ideal for patients who need sustained symptom relief throughout the day or night.
- Precise Dosing: Marijuana edibles offer a more accurate method of dosing, especially when purchased from a regulated dispensary. Each edible comes with a specified amount of THC and CBD, allowing users to better control their intake and find the right dosage for their needs.
Risks and Considerations for Medical Marijuana Edibles
While marijuana edibles have significant potential benefits, it’s important to be aware of the risks, especially for seniors and those who are new to cannabis. Here are some key risks and considerations:
- Overconsumption: Unlike smoking or vaping, which offer immediate feedback, edibles take longer to take effect. As a result, it’s easy to mistakenly consume more than the recommended dose, thinking the first dose isn’t working fast enough. This can lead to unwanted side effects, including anxiety, confusion, and dizziness.
- Lack of Regulation: In some states, the marijuana industry is only partially regulated, leading to discrepancies in the quality and potency of marijuana edibles. Dr. Worster advises purchasing edibles from state-regulated dispensaries to ensure the product is safe and accurately labeled. Unregulated products can vary greatly in potency, potentially leading to adverse reactions.
- Cognitive Impairment: Daily consumption of THC can impair cognitive function, particularly in older adults. Heavy use of marijuana edibles may lead to memory problems, increased fall risk, and even heart arrhythmia. It’s crucial for seniors to consult with a healthcare provider before using marijuana edibles regularly.
- Children and Pets: Marijuana edibles can resemble regular candy or gummies, which makes them a potential hazard for children. Dr. Worster strongly advises against children consuming marijuana edibles unless prescribed for specific medical conditions, such as epilepsy. It’s also essential to keep these products out of reach of children and pets.
- Side Effects: Some users may experience adverse effects such as nausea, dizziness, or an increased heart rate. These effects are more common when users consume too much too quickly or are sensitive to THC.
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Legal Status and Availability of Marijuana Edibles
As of August 2020, marijuana edibles became legally available in Florida for patients with a valid medical marijuana card. These edibles come in various forms, including gummies, chocolates, baked goods, lozenges, and drink powders, each containing a specified amount of THC and CBD to ensure accurate dosing. Patients can choose between different types, such as Indica, Sativa, or hybrid edibles, depending on their symptom management needs.
Florida law mandates that marijuana edibles contain only cannabis oil and not raw plant material. The products are regulated to ensure the correct potency, and packaging must include clear labels indicating the THC content and recommended serving size. In Florida, a single serving of edible marijuana cannot exceed 10 milligrams of THC, and multi-serving containers are limited to 200 milligrams.
“Most insurance companies won’t cover medical marijuana evaluations, leaving patients to pay out-of-pocket.”
Conclusion
Medical marijuana edibles offer a promising solution for those seeking relief from chronic pain, anxiety, and other medical conditions. However, it’s essential to understand how these products affect the body, how to properly dose them, and the potential risks involved. Seniors and new users, in particular, should approach marijuana edibles cautiously, starting with a low dose and waiting for the effects to kick in before consuming more. By following these guidelines and purchasing edibles from regulated dispensaries, users can enjoy the benefits of marijuana edibles while minimizing the risks. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new medical treatment, including marijuana edibles.
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