Long before cannabis made it to the United States and reshaped our culture, people across the world would use the plant as a remedy and a part of religious rituals. However, the smoking of the plant has never been the only way to consume it.
Humanity knew edibles way before the brownies were invented in the 19th century or Jelly Belly Candy Company gummies hit the American market. The first-ever record of people consuming edible cannabis dates back to 10th century’s India. The mixture of cannabis, ghee, milk, and herbs was used to treat insomnia and lack of appetite. It was called Bhang, and by the end of the 15th century, the recipe has been adopted by Italians. The drink was hard to get, the price was high, and it was called “cannabis nectar”.
The famous hash brownies were invented by an American ex-pat in France Alice B. Toklas, who coincidentally was Gertrude Stein’s girlfriend, but edible culture as we know it today was shaped by non-conformist thinkers and activists in the 60s’and 70s’.
So, how is it made and why does it work?
THC, the active ingredient in cannabis responsible for psychoactive effects, can be consumed by inhaling, applying to skin, or eating. However, if you grab your flower right now and chew on it, nothing will happen (except you’ll need a lot of water to get the grassy taste out of your mouth). THC must be activated by heat to affect our bodies. Yet, too much heat can completely degrade the molecule, too. That’s why making edibles is so tricky!
The other challenge is that THC is a lipid (oily) and not water-soluble, although food scientists find their ways around it by making THC-emulsions. As a rule, an edible-maker must find a way to bond THC with other lipids such as butter, or with alcohol to make it absorbable.
Baking your own edibles can be a whole lot of fun and great group activity, but I’d recommend going with options available at New Standard. The dosing will be precise, and the experience will be elevating without leaving anything to a chance.
Plan accordingly! When you consume your favorite gummy, chocolate bar, or a caramel, it takes it’s time to get to your bloodstream. First, you need to digest it; then, the molecules must enter your liver and get broken down by enzymes. On average, people feel edibles after 30-60 minutes after consumption, with peak effects at 3-4 hours.
Find your new favorite treat here!
Sonya Kachinskaya
