Gummies, chocolates, drinks and more: edibles are one of the most popular ways to enjoy cannabis, especially for people who don’t want to smoke. But they work differently than flower or vapes, and a little know-how goes a long way. Here’s your guide to enjoying edibles comfortably.
Why edibles feel different
When you smoke or vape, cannabis enters your bloodstream through your lungs, so effects show up within minutes. When you eat an edible, it’s processed through your digestive system and liver first. That’s why edibles take longer to kick in and why their effects tend to last longer.
- Onset: usually 30 minutes to 2 hours
- Duration: often 4 to 8 hours
Everyone is different. What you ate that day, your body and your experience level can all change how an edible feels.
Understanding servings
In Massachusetts, edibles come in clearly labeled servings of 5 mg of THC each. A package can hold several servings, so a 100 mg package of gummies might contain 20 gummies at 5 mg each. Always check the label for:
- THC per serving
- Total THC in the package
- CBD content, if any
How much should I take?
If you’re new to edibles, start with one serving (5 mg) or even half. Then wait. Give it a full two hours before deciding whether to have more. The most common mistake is taking a second piece too soon because “nothing is happening yet.”
Some people prefer a microdose, often 1 to 2.5 mg, for subtle effects. Experienced consumers may take more, but there’s no prize for going big. Find the amount that feels right for you.
Tips for a good experience
- Eat something first. A light meal can make effects feel smoother.
- Plan your time. Since effects can last for hours, enjoy edibles when you don’t need to drive or be anywhere.
- Skip the alcohol. Mixing can make effects stronger and less predictable.
- Stay hydrated and have some snacks on hand.
- Keep a note of what you tried and how much, so you can repeat what worked.
Choosing an edible
There’s a wide range to choose from:
- Gummies: easy to portion and available in many flavors.
- Chocolates: scored into squares for simple servings.
- Balanced options: products with both THC and CBD for a milder experience.
- Fast-acting or nano options: some products are made to kick in sooner. Ask a budtender which ones we carry.
Not sure where to start? Tell one of our budtenders how you want to feel and they’ll point you to a few options.
Store edibles safely
Edibles can look just like regular candy or snacks. Keep them in their original child-resistant packaging, locked up and out of reach of kids and pets.
Shop edibles at Green River
Browse edibles on our live menu for Greenfield or Hopedale and order ahead for pickup. Want more basics? Visit our Cannabis 101 guide.