Tasty THC: Promises and Challenges of Cannabis Edibles

Abstract

Food products containing cannabis extract (edibles) have emerged as a popular and lucrative facet of the legalized market for both recreational and medicinal cannabis. The many formulations of cannabis extracts used in edibles present a unique regulatory challenge for policy makers. Though edibles are often considered a safe, discreet, and effective means of attaining the therapeutic and/or intoxicating effects of cannabis without exposure to the potentially harmful risks of cannabis smoking, little research has evaluated how ingestion differs from other methods of cannabis administration in terms of therapeutic efficacy, subjective effects, and safety. The most prominent difference between ingestion and inhalation of cannabis extracts is the delayed onset of drug effect with ingestion. Consumers often do not understand this aspect of edible use and may consume a greater than intended amount of drug before the drug has taken effect, often resulting in profoundly adverse effects. Written for the educated layperson and for policy makers, this paper explores the current state of research regarding edibles, highlighting the promises and challenges that edibles present to both users and policy makers, and describes the approaches that four states in which recreational cannabis use is legal have taken regarding regulating edibles.

Legal cannabis laws, home cultivation, and use of edible cannabis products: A growing relationship?

“…There is concern that cannabis commercialization associated with unchecked large-scale cannabis growing and dispensary proliferation will adversely affect public health via multiple sociocultural and economic factors (Barry & Glantz, 2016; Decorte & Potter, 2015; Pacula, et al, 2015; Richter & Levy, 2014). Edible product quality, labeling, packaging, and marketing regulations could help mitigate some of these risks (Barrus, et al, 2016; Lynskey, et al, 2016; Pacula, Kilmer, et al, 2014). Ultimately, a data-driven cannabis policy and regulatory infrastructure will be necessary to achieve optimal public health outcomes.…”

Medical marijuana in pediatric oncology: A review of the evidence and implications for practice

“…Edibles include candy, snacks, baked items, herbal teas, or beverages containing marijuana extract of variable THC content. Edibles have become popular in states where MM is legal, in part among patients who wish to avoid smoking . Accompanying the surge in edible usage is an increasing incidence of adverse effects.…”

“…Edibles have become popular in states where MM is legal, in part among patients who wish to avoid smoking. 34,35 Accompanying the surge in edible usage is an increasing incidence of adverse effects. As edibles have a delayed onset of action compared with inhaled marijuana, consumers may be more likely to unintentionally overdose.…”

“…Most common route of marijuana intake 8,23,27. THC/CBD Edibles Orally consumed products containing marijuana (e.g., brownies, candy, snacks) [33][34][35][36].…”

Single‐Dose Pharmacokinetics of Oral Cannabidiol Following Administration of PTL101: A New Formulation Based on Gelatin Matrix Pellets Technology

“…13 It appears to be safe in humans and animals. [17][18][19] The bioavailability of cannabinoids varies significantly by their mode of administration. The most common ones (occurring in more than 10% of CBD-treated patients) were somnolence, diarrhea, decreased appetite, fatigue, pyrexia, vomiting, lethargy, upper respiratory tract infection, and convulsions.…”