*DISCLAIMER*
Kemosabi, Green on 6, Kryocann, and Gas Gang are licensed Manufacturers for cannabis edibles on Six Nations Reserve
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Edible cannabis products are different food products that are infused with cannabis and are legal for sale on Six Nations Territory if they meet the criteria of the Six Nations Cannabis Control Law (“SNCCL”) and Six Nations of the Grand River Cannabis Control Regulations (“SNGRCC”).
Edible cannabis can offer consumers a discreet, smoke-free alternative to smoking. Edible cannabis can come in the forms of different baked goods, candies, drinks, capsules, mints, and more!
The regulations on edibles that are enforced by the SNCC ensure they are safe for human consumption in terms of what goes into them, how they are made, what kind of edible products are allowed for sale, and the maximum dosage of THC that can go into the immediate container as well as the edible products.
Even with SNCC-licensed edibles being certified safe for consumption, edibles can still potentially lead to an unpleasant experience for the consumer if they over-dose themselves. It can be hard for users to properly measure their dosage before consumption, which is why the dosage of THC in edibles should be labeled.
How to safely store your edibles
Edibles can be unintentionally consumed by pets or children if not stored properly. This accidental consumption can lead to accidental poisoning in children, it is important all cannabis products, especially edibles are properly stored away.
The SNCC now offers branded stash bags for purchase. These bags come equipped with lock codes, are semi-waterproof and offer peace of mind for storing and securing products away from children and pets.
If you think your child or pet has accidentally consumed cannabis, call 1-844-POISON-X (1-800-463-5060 in Quebec) for help. If your child loses consciousness or has difficulty breathing, call 9-1-1. Explain that you suspect cannabis consumption to prevent delays in diagnosis for faster assistance.
Finding your edible dose
The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction recommends that consumers only take 2.5 mg of edible THC and wait a few hours before taking more, to ensure users avoid overconsumption.
Compared to other cannabis ingestion methods, edibles are reported to produce more intense experiences that are longer lasting. It’s important that cannabis consumers start slow, and wait for their body to properly digest the cannabis edibles before taking more.
How much THC should you consume to feel the effects?
The ideal dose of THC from edibles varies based on several factors, including tolerance, body chemistry, weight, and desired experience. Here are some general guidelines to help determine the appropriate dosage, measured in milligrams (mg):
1 – 2.5 mg THC (micro-dose
Effects: Mild relief from symptoms like pain, stress, and anxiety; enhanced focus and creativity. Most people won’t experience significant intoxication at this level.
Best for: First-time users or regular consumers seeking a micro-dose.
3 – 5 mg THC (low dose
Effects: More noticeable relief from pain and anxiety; euphoria; may affect coordination and perception. Five milligrams may be intoxicating for some individuals.
Best for: Recreational use, those needing more substantial symptom relief, or anyone seeking better sleep.
10 – 15 mg THC (moderate dose
Effects: Effective for managing pain, nausea, and anxiety; likely to impair coordination and alter perception.
Best for: Users with higher THC tolerance, both recreational and medical, though it may cause adverse effects in those less experienced.
20 – 30 mg THC (high dose
Effects: Intense euphoria, significant impairment of coordination and perception.
Best for: Individuals with a strong tolerance to THC, or patients requiring potent effects due to decreased gastrointestinal absorption.
50 – 100 mg THC (very high dose
Effects: Severe impairment of coordination and perception; higher risk of negative side effects like nausea, anxiety, and an elevated heart rate.
Best for: Experienced users or patients with conditions like cancer or inflammatory disorders that necessitate high doses.
100 – 500 mg THC (extremely high dose
Effects: Profound impairment of coordination and perception; high likelihood of unpleasant side effects, including nausea and anxiety.
Best for: Very experienced consumers with a high THC tolerance, or patients with serious medical conditions requiring substantial doses.
How Do Edibles Work?
Unlike consuming cannabis through inhalation, the body processes edible cannabis through the digestive tract. The cannabinoids are metabolized through the blood and liver and are released into the brain and nervous system, generating the experience. Digestion is different for everyone, based on factors such as weight, metabolism, and food consumption. This means you and a friend could eat the same dose of edibles together and experience completely different effects.
In comparison, Cannabis smoke or vapor inhalation will give users an effect within minutes of use since it doesn’t have to go through the long and complicated process of digestion. Rather, the lungs absorb the cannabinoids which are sent to the brain shortly after to produce effects.
Why Buy SNCC-Licensed Edibles?
Buying SNCC-licensed edibles means that consumers can feel confident in knowing the edibles they’re ingesting are not only safe from any unwanted ingredients or contaminants but that they also contain the correct dosage of THC. With SNGRCC in place, shoppers have a minimized risk of overconsumption due to the cap per container. In comparison to the unregulated market, where edibles can be mislabeled in terms of dosages and ingredients.
What Edible Dose Should I Take?
Determining your dose for an edible is a personal decision that can be made based off on your own experience and comfort level with cannabis. It is always recommended by health officials to “start low and go slow”, by taking 2.5 mg and waiting at least an hour before taking more. Always be sure to purchase edibles from SNCC-licensed retailers, to ensure that the dose you are consuming is correct to avoid overconsumption.
How Long Do Edibles Last?
Edibles can take 30 minutes to 2 hours for users to feel the effects, but may not hit their full peak until 4 hours after consumption. For some, effects may last up to 12 to 24 hours- so avoiding overconsumption is important for those with long-lasting effects. If properly dosed, this long-lasting effect can be an enjoyable time for consumers.
Does Over-Consuming Edibles Mean Overdosing?
No, there has yet to be a case of overdosing or dying from over-consuming cannabis in any form. However, over-consuming can lead to an unpleasant experience that could potentially last hours. This is why it’s extremely important for cannabis users to “start low and go slow”, mitigating the possible chance of these negative experiences.
Conclusion
While edibles are yet to be sold by the SNCC, we feel it is important to educate cannabis consumers on the Six Nations about the consumption method. It is key to remember to “start low & go slow” when consuming edibles, in order to avoid overconsumption.
With unregulated cannabis edibles being sold on our territory, it is important community members are aware of the risks of consuming these products. With the potential of labeled dosage in these products being unreliable, ingredients not being listed, or the risk of contaminants, we strongly advise against consuming unregulated cannabis edibles.
If you think that you may be able to assist us in getting safe cannabis products to the Six Nations Community, please call or email the SNCC to discuss further.