Chews wisely: consume edibles safely
Choose wisely when it comes to the safe consumption and storage of edible cannabis products (‘edibles’). Ingestible products must be safely and securely stored away from anywhere that pets or anyone under the age of 19 may be able to access. Cannabis consumers should always start low and go slow.
Safe storage
All of our beverage and edible products are shelf-stable, which means that they do not need to be refrigerated. However, like any food or drink, you may prefer to keep products cool before consuming. If you to choose to refrigerate them, it’s essential to make sure that they are kept securely and safely stored away from anywhere that anyone under the age of 19 (or pets) may be able to access.
Keep edibles in their original packaging until you intend to consume them, as they can look like ordinary snacks or beverages especially to children who might mistake them for chocolate or candy.
Pets can sometimes get into unexpected places, so store your cannabis in an upper cabinet to prevent your pet mistaking the edibles for a snack. Never leave them out on the counter or dining table and try to avoid dropping them on the floor where your pet could quickly pick them up. If you do throw an edible away, make sure your pet cannot access the garbage can.
If you suspect a member of your household (human or animal) has accidentally ingested cannabis, please contact the BC Drug and Poison Information Centre for information at 604-682-5050 or 1-800-567-8911.
Start low and go slow
Did you know it can take up to eight times longer to feel the full effects of edibles compared to smoking or vaping cannabis? Edibles or beverages can be felt within 30 minutes to two hours, but it can take up to four hours to feel the full effects and residual effects may last up to 24 hours. Don’t drive high—to be safe, you should avoid driving any vehicles or operating any machinery for 24 hours after consuming an edible.
Even experienced consumers of dried flower and other inhalable forms of cannabis may find that edibles (including beverages) affect them in a different way. This is due to the way that the body processes THC when it is ingested, turning it into a stronger form called 11-hydroxy-THC.
As with any cannabis product, it’s important to start low and go slow when consuming cannabis-infused edibles. Consult a medical professional if you have any health concerns about consuming cannabis and be sure to read the label of each product as ingredients and potencies vary. Health Canada suggests that people who are new to consuming cannabis edibles start with no more than 2.5mg of THC and wait several hours to feel the effects before consuming more.
