Edibles

Edibles are food products that can be that contains the active component of cannabis called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Edibles are usually things like cakes, cookies, brownies, sweets, and butters or oils to make those things.

Edibles just like Cannabis are illegal here in the UK.

One of the big risks with ‘edibles’ is that they don’t look any different to any other non-drug based treats that we may eat everyday.

This means that people who may like sweets and cakes (children for example) are at risk of ingesting them accidently if they are not stored and used safely.

In parts of the USA and Canada where they are legal they are often packaged and produced to look like sweets.

Only information on the label would let you know they contain THC.

Taking edibles is another way of consuming cannabis.

The effect of eating cannabis in Edibles can vary massively. Some people say feeling 'stoned' makes them feel chilled out, happy and relaxed, while others say it makes them giggly and chatty. But it can also make people feel lethargic, unmotivated and some people become paranoid, confused and anxious.

Cannabis when eaten can produce far more potent and longer lasting effects. It also takes longer to feel those effects so can increase the chances of taking too much.

As with all drug use the environment you're in will impact the effect - you're more likely to feel paranoid or anxious if you don't feel comfortable where you are or if you're with people you don't trust.

Eating cannabis in edibles can produce far stronger effects than when smoked. It takes longer for the the effects to happen in your body, anywhere from 30 mins to 2 hours before feeling anything and the effects can take much longer to reach their peak.

It make take many hours for the effects to wear off completely there may even be a few more hours before the effects wear off completely.

The effects of eating cannabis in edibles can be different for each person, and it's much harder to control the amount you take compared to smoking it because the effects show up much later.

This means that it's easier to accidentally take too much, and the effects can stick around for a long time.

What's even scarier is that there's a risk of thinking you're eating cannabis but actually taking something way riskier. Some young folks have eaten what they believed were cannabis edibles and ended up really sick. Turns out, they had taken stuff with synthetic cannabinoids instead of THC, and they didn't even know it.

The effects of synthetic cannabinoids can seem a bit like cannabis, but they're often much scarier or dangerous. They can make you see things that aren't there, get super scared, and in really big amounts, they can even be deadly.

So, don't be tricked by packaging that looks like the real deal. Be super careful with what you eat.

If you, or someone you know is having problems with drug and/or alcohol misuse Response can provide help and support.

Response offers a wide range of support for young people, aged 13 - 19 including drugs & alcohol, counselling and lifestyle support.

To contact the team call 0151 666 4123 or email response@wirral.gov.uk

For people over 19 support is available from Wirral Ways. Wirral Ways is a free and confidential drug and alcohol service. We provide a non-judgemental service, with qualified, experienced staff and volunteers who offer support in health and wellbeing and substance misuse. We can talk to you in several supportive environments, all of which have a friendly atmosphere and provide you with information to help you reduce your substance misuse or become abstinent.

Telephone: 0151 556 1335

Email: wirral.services@cgl.org.uk

Remember that reaching out for help is a courageous and vital step towards addressing any substance use issues. There are resources and professionals available to support you on your journey to recovery. Don't hesitate to seek help and take the necessary steps to improve your well-being.