Are you a senior cannabis consumer or caregiver looking for the best ways to use cannabis edibles for health and wellness? Look no further! With edibles, there’s a world of innovative options that can help seniors feel their best everyday. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at various benefits of cannabis edibles that are especially applicable to seniors, and provide helpful tips on how seniors and their caregivers can make the most out of their experience. So if you’re ready to learn more about this topic, buckle up, because it’s time to explore edibles for seniors!
Cannabis edibles are food products infused with cannabis. They can be eaten or drunk, and work by entering the bloodstream through the digestive system. Unlike inhaling cannabis smoke, which takes effect almost immediately, the effects of cannabis edibles can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in and can last for several hours. Edible potency can vary widely, so it’s important for new consumers to start with a low dose and wait until the effects are fully felt before consuming more.
Cannabis edibles work by entering the bloodstream through the digestive system, where they are absorbed through the stomach lining and digestive tracts, and also metabolized by the liver. When cannabis is ingested as an edible, your body processes the active compounds (like THC or CBD) and then converts them into metabolites that are distributed throughout your whole body, including to your brain. This process results in the effects associated with cannabis use, such as euphoria, relaxation, and altered perception of time and space. It’s important to note that the effects of cannabis edibles can be much stronger and longer-lasting than those produced by smoking or vaporizing, so it is important to experiment slowly with cannabis edibles until you know how they will affect you.
How can seniors use cannabis edibles to improve their quality of life?
Seniors can use cannabis edibles to improve their quality of life in several ways:
Pain management: For some consumers, edibles can provide persistent relief from chronic pain and other types of discomfort associated with conditions such as arthritis, neuropathy, and cancer. If you find that cannabis helps relieve your pain, consuming it in edible form can help the benefits last longer than smoking or vaping dried flower or concentrates.
Insomnia: Edibles can help seniors who struggle with insomnia or sleep disturbances to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Check out our post on using cannabis for sleep for more.
Improved Appetite: Seniors can struggle with lost appetites, due to illnesses or the side effects of medication. Cannabis edibles are known for their ability to stimulate our appetites! If you’ve ever heard of “getting the munchies”, you know exactly what we’re talking about.
Glaucoma: Cannabis edibles have been shown to help reduce the intraocular pressure associated with glaucoma, a condition that can lead to vision loss, and that becomes more common as we age.
It’s important to note that every individual reacts differently to cannabis edibles. That’s why it’s important to start with a low dose and wait until you fully feel the effects before consuming more. It’s also important for seniors to consult a healthcare provider before using cannabis edibles, especially if they’re taking other medications, which can interact with cannabis in surprising ways.
Are there any risks associated with using cannabis edibles for seniors?
The answer is “yes”! Perhaps the most common risk for seniors is the potential for unexpected interactions with other medications. Cannabis consumption can also cause side effects, such as drowsiness, confusion, and changes in blood pressure. Seniors taking blood-thinning medication may experience an increased risk of bleeding if they use cannabis edibles. Additionally, older adults may be more sensitive to the psychoactive effects of THC, the main active ingredient in cannabis. It’s important for seniors to talk to their doctor before using cannabis edibles, and to start with a low dose to minimize the risk of adverse effects.
How can caregivers and loved ones help seniors safely consume cannabis edibles?
Caregivers can help seniors safely consume cannabis edibles by following these guidelines:
Consult a doctor: Caregivers should encourage the senior to talk to their doctor before using cannabis edibles to make sure they are safe to use and won’t interact with any medications the senior is taking.
Start with a low dose: Edibles can take up to two hours (or more!) to take effect, and the effects can last for several hours. Starting with a low dose can help reduce the risk of adverse effects.
Read the label: Caregivers should carefully read the label of the edibles to understand the dose and ingredients.
Store edibles safely: Be sure to store edibles in a secure place where they are not accessible to children or pets.
Keep track of effects: Caregivers should encourage the senior to keep track of how they feel after taking edibles and to report any negative effects to their doctor.
Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery: Seniors should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery after taking cannabis edibles, as they can impair coordination and judgement.
Follow dosing instructions: Caregivers should encourage the senior to follow the dosing instructions carefully and not to exceed the recommended dose.
By following these guidelines, caregivers can help seniors safely consume cannabis edibles, which can be a helpful tool for seniors to improve their quality of life and manage certain health conditions that often come in our golden years. Because they work by releasing cannabinoids into the body over time, they can be very effective in helping with pain relief, sleep issues, and appetite stimulation.
Conclusion
It’s important for seniors to use cannabis edibles responsibly, as they can pose risks such as accidental overconsumption. Caregivers and loved ones can assist by educating themselves on cannabis edibles and guiding seniors in using them in a safe and controlled manner. Ultimately, using cannabis edibles can be a positive experience for seniors if they approach them with caution and understanding.
For many, the combination of cannabis and caramel is an absolute match made in heaven. With buttery-sweet indulgence coupled with the potent effects of cannabis, what’s not to love? While it might sound tricky, making your own homemade cannabis-infused caramels isn’t all that complicated. These treats make for a delicious edible you can enjoy on your own or share with family, friends and special occasions! Keep reading to find out how easy it is to harness the power of cannabis in these scrumptious caramels.
Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly butter the sides.
In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, heavy cream, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and 1/4 tsp salt.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a heat-resistant spatula, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
Once the sugar has dissolved, stop stirring and let the mixture come to a boil.
Let the mixture boil until it reaches a temperature of 245°F on a candy thermometer. This should take around 10-15 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool for 2-3 minutes.
Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and let it cool completely.
Once the mixture is cool, use a sharp knife to cut it into small squares. You can sprinkle the additional sea salt on the caramels at this point, if you prefer a saltier flavour.
Wrap each square in wax paper and store in an airtight container.
Enjoy your homemade caramels! Making your own edibles at home is a fun and delicious way to enjoy the benefits of cannabis. Be sure to follow the recipe and instructions carefully, starting with a low dose of THC and increasing gradually until you find the perfect amount for you. If you’ve used infused butter you made on your own, you can estimate the dosage of your edibles, but be sure to start low and go slow until you know how they will affect you.
We’d love to hear how your batch turned out, so be sure to let us know in the comments below!
Countries around the world have regulated cannabis, and some of them even offer medicinal cannabis in a similar way they do with pharmaceutical drugs. Yet, none of these countries have created an ideal industry structure that paves the way for sustainable growth and success.
In some countries, like Russia or Saudi Arabia, cannabis is still completely illegal. At the same time, other countries have varying levels of legality for consumption. Some countries, like Argentina have decriminalized the plant for recreational purposes. Still others, like Canada, have fully legalized cannabis for recreational use but regulate it under the same lens as alcohol.
With so many different markets opening up in different ways, people want to know what is better: operating in an unregulated industry, or in a regulated one?
A challenging environment
Working in the underground cannabis industry brings challenges unlike any other, like navigating around the law and managing a growing customer base with limited resources. The regulated cannabis industry faces its own challenges as well, with increased regulation complicating operations and leaving existing businesses feeling overwhelmed. Strict laws around advertising and lab testing have made it difficult for businesses that are just entering this government-controlled system to succeed. No matter what sector of the cannabis industry you find yourself in, challenges are sure to arise and will require hard work, determination, and clear focus if you want to thrive.
Access to capital
Businesses in the underground cannabis industry face a tight squeeze when it comes to accessing the resources they need. Raising capital to invest in anything of scale or creating any form of credit is incredibly difficult. The situation becomes even more complicated when it comes to moving from the unregulated space into regulated markets. Despite public perception that businesses have access to unlimited capital and credit when working with legal cannabis, firms are often frustrated when trying to access traditional banking or financial institutions. There are, however, an increasing number of non-traditional options available for companies looking for financial backing or loans. With guidance from qualified experts, business owners can be directed towards creative options which may help them weather this challenging economic climate and build successful businesses in a changing market.
Security
Security is a top concern in the underground cannabis industry due to the potential for serious criminal charges. Those in the business prioritize security as a matter of survival. Conversely, the regulated cannabis industry faces fewer legal consequences, but still must comply with federal and provincial laws to maintain a license and avoid regulatory penalties. Adhering to safety laws and standards is just as important as avoiding law enforcement.
Product Regulation and Safety
Shopping in the underground market can seem tempting due to lower prices, but it’s important to be aware of the risks involved. Consumers have no way to know for certain the quality and safety of the products they are buying, which could put them at risk of consuming unsafe goods. When it comes to buying items in a regulated market, consumers have peace of mind that these products have been held to high standards. They are monitored regularly by regulatory bodies, meaning that users can trust that whatever they’re consuming is safe and has been produced according to best practices. Shopping in a regulated market definitely pays off when it comes to keeping your health and safety a top priority.
Product Innovation
Product innovation happens all the time and the underground market serves as an excellent platform for entrepreneurs with unique ideas to test out their latest creations. However, once those products enter the regulated market, they must adhere to a number of strict rules and regulations in order to remain available. These include making sure that dosages, ingredients, methods of preparation, packaging, and even labeling parameters are all congruent with official requirements. In other words, entrepreneurs must conform to a certain framework if they want to keep their creations on the shelves and make them available to customers. Fortunately, innovation is alive and well despite these strict regulations – creativity always finds a way!
Fritz’s founder Ari Cohen conducts much of Fritz’s initial R&D in his own home candy workshop.
Connecting with Customers
Underground producers have the amazing advantage of being able to directly connect with their customers, learning firsthand about product development, use cases, and customer perspectives. This is helpful because it enables them to make changes quickly in order to give their customers exactly what they need and want. On the other hand, regulated producers may have limited ability when it comes to engaging with consumers regarding effects, usage, and so on. This is due to restrictions on marketing or even fundamental differences in the way they do business. Because of this lack of access to customer feedback and insight, it can be more difficult for regulated producers to refine and improve their offerings over time based on customer needs. This can result in a less perfect product experience for their customers.
Fritz’s founder Tabitha Fritz stands in front of a market table in 2017.
Conclusion
The cannabis industry is at a crossroads. As the number of countries legalizing cannabis increases, each jurisdiction must determine just how much regulation is right. There are pros and cons to any regulatory scheme. If your company is thinking about making the transition from operating in an unregulated environment to a regulated one, we can help. We have the experience and knowledge to guide you through this process so that you can make the best decision for your business. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
Cannabis edibles are new to many consumers, and there are lots of misconceptions about them. Let’s take a look at 5 of the most common consumer misconceptions when it comes to cannabis edibles.
They take too long to kick in
This is one of the most common misconceptions about cannabis edibles. Many people believe that because edibles are ingested, they take much longer to take effect than smoking or vaporizing cannabis. However, this is not always the case. In general, edibles will take effect within 30 minutes to 2 hours after being consumed. However, this can vary depending on a person’s metabolism and other factors, so it’s best to give yourself plenty of time to feel the effects when you’re experimenting with a new dose or cannabinoid.
They’re too strong
If you’re considering edibles as a method of cannabis consumption, it’s important to know that they don’t always pack the same punch as smoking or vaping. The strength of an edible will vary depending on factors like its THC content and how quickly your body can process it. Make sure to do your research about the cannabinoids you’re ingesting, and keep track of how they make you feel.
They’re not safe
Cannabis edibles are often seen as being unsafe, especially for children and pets. Eating cannabis can be as safe as any other food item. Regulated companies like Fritz’s make edibles from high-quality ingredients under strict standards. Intended for adult consumption only, these goodies undergo careful testing to ensure they’re clean and in compliance with regulations – making them an ideal choice for those who wish to enjoy the benefits of cannabis! And by keeping them in their original, child-proof packages, you ensure that any kids and pets who come into contact with them stay safe too.
Many people believe that consuming cannabis edibles will result in an extremely high level of intoxication. But this isn’t usually the case, especially when consumers are eating regulated edibles that are limited to 10 mg of THC per package. The effects of cannabis edibles vary depending on a number of factors, including the amount of THC in the product and how well it is metabolized by the body. In general, the effects of an edible will peak after 2-3 hours and then gradually decline over the next few hours.
They’re unhealthy
Cannabis edibles are often seen as being unhealthy due to their high calorie and fat content. However, this is not always the case. Cannabis edibles can be made with healthy ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It can difficult for cannabis companies to get these kinds of products to market because of Health Canada’s strict regulations around allowable products, but consumers can always make their own healthy edibles at home.
The endocannabinoid system is a biological system that interacts with cannabinoids, which are chemicals produced by the body. The endocannabinoid system plays a role in many functions within the human body, including regulating pain, our appetites and our mood. It mediates your stress response, plays a role in your immune system, regulates your metabolism and how you sleep. It is a vital to keeping you alive, happy, and healthy.
Understanding how the endocannabinoid system works can help you better understand how cannabis products interact with your body—and why and how they might be able to help you feel better.
Your endocannabinoid system regulates communication between your body’s different systems.
What is the endocannabinoid system?
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is part of the body’s natural regulatory system and helps the body maintain homeostasis. It does this by helping our body’s systems communicate with each other. It does this through a series of communication portals in your cells (called “receptors” because they receive information) and certain molecules that interact with them. These molecules might be produced naturally in your body or introduced from outside sources, like the cannabis plant.
Several types of receptors have been identified as part of this system, but your CB1 and CB2 receptors are the most widely known. CB1 receptors are found mainly in the brain but also exist in peripheral tissues like the liver and spleen. When they’re activated by THC or anandamide (an endocannabinoid, naturally produced in our bodies), they play a role in regulating mood, sleep cycles and pain sensation, among other things.
CB2 receptors are mostly found within certain immune cells called macrophages and B-cells (white blood cells). We don’t understand their function very well, but some researchers believe they may help regulate inflammation, and potentially protect against growths such as tumors or cancers themselves.
Your endocannabinoid system is a series of receptors found in most tissues in your body.
Cannabinoids can bind to receptors or block them
THC, the primary psychoactive phytocannabinoid, is arguably the most well-known cannabinoid. THC binds to both CB1 and CB2 receptors in our bodies, resulting in intoxicating effects.
CBD, on the other hand, has been shown to reduce inflammation by blocking both types of cannabinoid receptors at once. As a result, CBD is considered non-intoxicating because it doesn’t activate our receptors like THC. This is true whether you ingest, inhale, or absorb CBD products.
Your endocannabinoid system creates effects by responding to the cannabis products you consume.
Understanding the endocannabinoid system is crucial to understanding how cannabis works
The endocannabinoid system is a complex network of cell receptors and cannabinoids (like THC or CBD) that work together to maintain homeostasis in the body. When this system works correctly, it mediates your stress response, plays a role in your immune system, regulates your appetite and metabolism, and regulates how you sleep, how you feel and how you experience pain.
It’s important to understand how this network works so you can get the most out of the cannabis products you consume. Understanding how the endocannabinoid system operates will allow you to identify which specific ailments might be impacted by cannabis use and how best to address them using flower, extracts, edibles, or topicals made from cannabis or hemp plants.
We hope that this guide has helped you to understand more about the endocannabinoid system and how it works with THC and CBD. Check out our Ultimate Guide to CBN Edibles and our Ultimate Guide to CBG edibles to learn more about how those cannabinoids work with your body too!
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