Cannabis comes in many forms, and besides traditional smoking, edibles like spacecake have become increasingly popular. These edible forms of cannabis offer a discreet, tasty and often longer-lasting experience. But before you take the plunge into the world of spacecake and other edibles, it’s important to be well-informed. In this blog we dive deeper into what cannabis edibles are, how they work, their effects, and our tips for a safe and enjoyable experience.
What are edibles?
Cannabis edibles are foods that have been infused with cannabis. They can range from sweets like brownies and gummies to savory snacks and full meals. Spacecake is one of the best-known edibles, this is a cake or pastry where the psychoactive substances (THC) from cannabis are processed into a cake.
Spacecake is popular partly because it’s easy to make yourself. The process begins with decarboxylating the cannabis, which means heating the cannabis in an oven at a low temperature (about 115-120°C) for 30-40 minutes. This process activates the THC, without decarboxylation the cannabis will have no effect. After this, the cannabis is mixed with melted butter. The fats in the butter bind to the THC, allowing the active substances to end up in the butter. This mixture must simmer on low heat for several hours (without boiling), so that the cannabis can infuse well into the butter. After this, the butter is strained to remove the plant residue.
The cannabis butter is then thoroughly mixed into a standard cake batter and then baked in the oven. During baking, the THC is further activated and spreads evenly throughout the cake. Once the cake is out of the oven and has cooled, it can be eaten.
For those reading this and thinking it sounds like too much hassle and preparation: spacecake and other edibles can be bought in many coffeeshops. We recommend asking the staff for advice about dosage and general use.
How do edibles work?
Consuming cannabis via edibles differs significantly from smoking or vaping. When you eat cannabis, the THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive component of cannabis) is absorbed through your digestive system and processed by the liver before entering the bloodstream. This process takes longer than inhalation, causing the effects to often occur later but also last longer. With smoking, the effects are almost immediately noticeable, but when eating edibles it can take 30 minutes to 2 hours before you start to feel anything. This is because the THC must first be processed through your digestive system. The high from edibles is often more intense and can last 4 to 12 hours, depending on the dose and your personal metabolism. This is because the liver converts THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, a more potent form of THC. The effects of edibles build up gradually. This can provide a more controlled experience, but it also means it can be difficult to find the right dose, especially for beginners.
Dosage: how much is too much?
One of the biggest challenges when consuming edibles is dosage. Too much THC can lead to unpleasant side effects like anxiety, paranoia and nausea. For beginners, a dose of 5-10 mg THC is recommended. So calculate this carefully if you’re going to cook yourself, so that each portion comes out to this amount of THC. Commercial edibles often have clear labels with information about the THC content per serving. Follow these guidelines carefully and ask the sellers for advice if anything is unclear. Wait at least 2 hours before taking more to feel the full effects.
Preparation
Before consuming your first edible, there are some preparations you can make to guarantee a positive experience. Consuming edibles on an empty stomach can intensify the effects and potentially make them unpleasant. A light meal before taking edibles can help prevent this. Make sure you’re in a trusted and relaxed environment. This can help minimize any feelings of anxiety. Many people also designate a trip sitter, this is a trusted person who stays sober, so they can look after their friends a bit while the edible does its work. Because the effects of edibles can last a long time, it’s wise to have no important obligations. Plan your day around consumption to avoid being unexpectedly ‘high’ during an important task. Also make sure you have enough food and drink at home, so you can easily grab something when you need it.
The Benefits of edibles
Edibles offer various advantages over other forms of cannabis consumption. They can be easily and discreetly consumed without the smell and smoke that come with smoking cannabis. For people looking for long-lasting relief from symptoms like chronic pain or insomnia, edibles can be a more effective option. Because edibles are eaten and not smoked, you avoid the harmful effects of smoking on your lungs. Additionally, the high is different than when cannabis is smoked, which leads to a new experience. The trip can be experienced as more intense or ‘deeper’, for example. Some are looking for exactly this, others prefer to stick with smoking products.
Possible Side Effects
While cannabis edibles can offer many benefits, there are also possible side effects you should be aware of. Consuming too much THC can lead to unpleasant symptoms like anxiety, paranoia, confusion and nausea. It’s important to start slowly and monitor the effects before taking more. The long-lasting effects of edibles can be challenging if you’re not prepared. This can be especially problematic if you unexpectedly need to drive or have other responsibilities. Everyone reacts differently to THC, so what works for one person may be too strong for another. Keep this in mind and listen to your body.
Conclusion
Cannabis edibles, like spacecake, can be a pleasant and long-lasting way to enjoy cannabis, but they require careful dosing and preparation. By understanding how edibles work, choosing the right dosage and preparing yourself for the effects, you can have a safe and enjoyable experience. Always remember to consume responsibly and enjoy the unique experience that cannabis edibles can offer.