Edibles are a hot topic in Australia despite not being readily available. Some of the most common questions among medical cannabis patients all swirl around this topic — “What are edibles?”, “How do I make homemade edibles?’” and “Are edibles legal?”
Making edibles at home isn’t recommended simply because the complexity of the process and the way it can change the effective dose makes it very challenging from a therapeutic standpoint.
But that doesn’t mean we can’t help answer some of the most commonly asked questions about edibles.
What Is an Edible?
Edibles (or medibles) are cannabis products for oral consumption that include any food or drink infused with cannabinoids.
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant that can affect your mind and body. The most common types of cannabinoids found in edibles are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
One quick Google and you’ll find that the list of products that can be infused with cannabinoids is seemingly endless. Baked goods, drinks, lollies, chocolates, infused oils, throat lozenges, honey, butter, and more can all be infused.
Currently, cannabis edibles like these are not available in Australia but can be found in other parts of the world. It’s probably why so many Australians are searching online for “What are edibles?”
That said, there are still some forms of medical cannabis that operate in similar ways, including capsules, lozenges, and oils. Technically speaking, the medicinal compounds in these products are absorbed in whole or in part through your digestive system — just like edibles.
Capsules offer similar long lasting benefits and rapid onset to edibles. However, they are precisely dosed and prescribed by an experienced doctor. This helps patients achieve an effective dose without the risks.
Edibles Vs. Inhalation: What’s the Difference?
The effects of edibles are quite different from vaporised or smoked cannabis.
The body processes edibles through the digestive system, resulting in a different outcome than when inhaled.
Many patients are familiar with the quick onset of effects when vaporising cannabis. These effects last up to two to three hours. Edibles are different. It can take much longer to deliver any effects, sometimes over an hour. Then, effects can last upwards of six hours, depending on the dose.
Cannabinoids in edibles are introduced through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. They then undergo a few more chemical processes before entering the bloodstream and presenting their medicinal effects.
Research tells us that this chemical process, known as metabolization, transforms THC into a stronger compound called THC-COOH. Because it can be so much stronger, it can take people by surprise.
This is part of the reason why we don’t recommend making edibles at home, because the effects may be quite different from what you are familiar with.
Are Edibles Available in Australia?
According to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), there are two categories of cannabis products in Australia: unapproved and approved, both of which can only be obtained by prescription.
The TGA has not approved any edibles at this time, but capsules and tinctures are readily available via prescription and are metabolised in the same way that an edible would be. Australians, particularly those with inhalation concerns, are hopeful that edible products will make their way onto the TGA-approved list in the future.
Edibles in Australia: A Final Word
Edibles in Australia may not yet be available, but knowledge about them is still helpful. Asking the question, “What are edibles?” helps broaden your knowledge about the many ways medical cannabis works.
For those patients who want to avoid vaporising cannabis, it’s also an important question. Are edibles a good alternative to inhalables? The good news is that even if edibles aren’t on the TGA’s list, there are many effective alternatives for patients, like capsules, tinctures and lozenges.
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