Edibles

The term ‘Edibles’ is the name given to ingestible products like food and drink that have been infused with cannabinoids, usually THC and/or CBD. 

Edibles can be used to describe prescribed medical cannabis ingested orally, illegal street cannabis and CBD edibles that do not require a prescription.

Edibles at a glance

 

How do medical edibles work in the body?

Medical cannabis edibles are first taken orally, typically through an oil, pastille or capsule. 

For cannabinoids to become active they must first be heated and undergo decarboxylation, a process that turns cannabinoids from its acid form to a neutral form. In edibles, this is done when manufacturing the product. When inhaled it is done through heat such as using a vaporiser.

Once ingested, the medical cannabis first passes through the digestive system and then the liver before making its way through the bloodstream.

Because the medical cannabis has not directly gone into the bloodstream first, it means the onset effects are slower than when medical cannabis is inhaled.

While edibles have a delayed onset of effects, the effects last longer than inhaling as it passes through the liver first, this is called the first-pass metabolism. 

The concentration of orally taken drugs is greatly reduced by the gut and liver before it reaches the bloodstream. But when medical cannabis is passed through the liver first, it creates a more potent form of THC known as 11-hydroxy-THC. This can make the effects stronger and last longer than an equal dose of inhaled THC.

It typically takes around 30 to 90 minutes for the effects of medical cannabis to start when taken orally. This can depend on various factors such as the dosage, what you have eaten, your weight and metabolism.

Oral-based medical cannabis can take two to three hours to peak according to research and effects last around four to eight hours.

Are edibles legal for medical use in the UK?

In the UK, medical cannabis has been legal since November 2018. Pharmaceutical products containing cannabinoids like THC in the UK are referred to as cannabis-based products for medicinal use (CBPM) and can only be prescribed by specialist doctors on the General Medical Council's Specialist Register (GMC).

Medical cannabis edibles that include THC or a mix of THC and CBD such as capsules, oils and pastilles are a prescription-only medicine and must be prescribed by a specialist to make it legal.

To be prescribed edibles containing THC, you will need to go through a private cannabis clinic as the NHS does not offer them.

THC edibles are a Class B controlled drug and are illegal to buy or possess without a prescription.

CBD edibles can be purchased without a prescription, but there are conditions. They must contain less than 1mg of THC per packet and the product must be on the Food Standards Agency (FSA) approved list.

Prescribed oral formats vs street edibles

Prescription oral formats of medical cannabis are manufactured to a specific concentration, whether in the form of an oil, capsule, pastille or tincture.

Each contains a consistent amount of THC and/or CBD to regulate dosing and are labelled with the dose and frequency. Medical cannabis that is prescribed must adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to ensure products are to a high and safe standard.

Street edibles that are illegal have no regulation in place, this means you do not know the strength of the edible or if it has been contaminated with other substances. 

What conditions can oral cannabis medicines be prescribed for in the UK?

Through the NHS, only certain conditions, such as rare forms of epilepsy, spasticity linked to multiple sclerosis, and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, are approved for medical cannabis prescriptions.

However, private medical cannabis clinics like us at Releaf, who have a team of specialists registered with the GMC, have the legal authority to prescribe cannabis-based medicines for a wider variety of health conditions where deemed appropriate.

Because the effects of oral cannabis medications last longer than other forms, (from four to eight hours) patients living with chronic pain conditions or trouble sleeping may be a candidate.

Medical cannabis can only be prescribed after a patient has tried two conventional treatment options that have failed, and only when cannabis-based medicines have the potential to help reduce the symptom impact of the health concern. 

Side effects and safety considerations

The biggest consideration to take into account are the delayed onset of effects and the extended duration that the effects of edibles last in comparison to inhaling cannabis. Your prescribing specialist will help determine the appropriate dosage and monitor your progress to ensure you get the best possible treatment outcomes.

It is crucial to follow dosage requirements, as edibles have a delayed onset of effects, some people may try and take more, assuming the medication isn’t working. Oral-based medicinal cannabis can be more potent than inhaled cannabis and overconsumption can lead to side effects. Never take edibles without a prescription or medical supervision.

Side effects from taking edibles can include:

• Dry mouth

• Dizziness

• Next-day grogginess

• Altered perception

• Increased heart rate

• Anxiety 

• Discomfort

 

Reach out to your prescribing specialist or medical cannabis clinic immediately if you experience any negative side effects. They may need to adjust your dosage or recommend alternative treatment methods.

Taking medical cannabis can also send hunger signals to the brain, which is often called ‘munchies.’

No matter how you take THC, it will show up in a standard drug test. Generally THC can remain detectable in saliva tests for 24-72 hours, urine tests up to 30 days, blood tests for 24 hours, and hair tests up to 90 days. This can differ slightly based on the dosage, frequency, your metabolism and weight.

It is also vital to keep edibles in a safe and secure storage solution away from children.

Edibles vs inhaled medical cannabis

 

Frequently asked questions about edibles

Are edibles legal in the UK? 

Edibles are a legal form of medical cannabis when prescribed by a specialist. For a closer look on the legality of medical cannabis read our laws and regulations section.

What do edibles do, and do they make you very high?

Oral-based medical cannabis has longer lasting effects than others which can be beneficial to those with chronic pain conditions or trouble sleeping. Prescription-based edibles come in a controlled dose to prevent negative side effects or overconsumption risks. 

How long do edibles last?

Prescription-based edibles can last around four to eight hours.

How long do edibles take to peak?

Typically it takes two to three hours for oral-based medical cannabis to peak.

How long do edibles stay in your system? 

When medical cannabis is taken orally it can be detected in your system for up to 90 days. THC can remain detectable in saliva tests for 24-72 hours, urine tests up to 30 days, blood tests for 24 hours, and hair tests up to 90 days.

A medical cannabis prescription does not automatically give you the right to drive and you must not be impaired while driving, for more information read driving and medical cannabis.

Are edibles considered a drug?

Edibles that contain THC are a Class B controlled drug and illegal unless prescribed.

What are the downsides or side effects of taking edibles?

The downsides of taking medical cannabis edibles is that it can cause side effects such as dry mouth, dizziness, next-day grogginess, altered perception, increased heart rate, anxiety and discomfort.

If you would like to see whether you are eligible to receive medical cannabis treatment in the UK, take a look at our medical cannabis eligibility checker. It’s free, and takes just 30 seconds to fill in.

You can also take a look at our medical cannabis glossary to learn more about the various terms you may hear associated with medical cannabis.

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