Homemade Cannabis Edibles vs. Store-Bought: What to Know
Whether you are a regular or occasional consumer of cannabis edibles, you may have wondered at some point if it is better to learn to make them yourself at home or to purchase them pre-made at qunubucannabis.ca.
The short answer is: there is no correct answer. It really depends on preference, and there are certainly pros and cons to each. These days, the options for purchasing cannabis edibles are plentiful. Consumers can choose from cookies, cake pops, chocolate, drinks, gummies, savory snacks, and so much more.
Not only do consumers have a say in the type of cannabis-infused treat they select, but they can also choose between varying concentrations of THC and CBD, which will each produce different effects on the body.
For example, consumers who want to experience the benefits of cannabis in microdoses can purchase THC edibles like the ones sold here, which allow for more than one soft chew to be safely enjoyed in one sitting.
That said, making your own cannabis edibles at home allows for other customizations to be made — such as those for dietary restrictions — which may otherwise be tricky to find or more costly to purchase. But before you get started baking up a storm, or paying a visit to your local dispensary, here are a few factors to take into consideration.
Contents
Homemade edibles: you are in control of the ingredient
When purchasing cannabis edibles through a dispensary or manufacturer, there are several options available to suit various preferences. However, no store-bought option is as customizable as the ones you can whip up in your own kitchen — especially if you have dietary restrictions.
If you are typically concerned about food allergies or sensitivities when consuming sweets and snacks — including those of the cannabis variety — making your own batch of cannabis edibles at home ensures you experience all the benefits without the health concerns. You also have the freedom to make your edibles as healthy or unhealthy as you like. The options are endless.
It will save you money
Purchasing cannabis edibles can be costly, even for products that contain a low dose of THC. If you want to enjoy edibles regularly but find them pricey, you may want to learn how to make a batch yourself safely.
You will need to be careful with dosing and instructions
Making your own cannabis edibles means you can certainly get creative, but it should not be at the cost of your safety or the safety of others with who you may be sharing your cannabis-infused treats. This means you will likely be required to do some math.
Some people may think making edibles is as easy as infusing butter or oil with cannabis and adding it to a well-loved recipe. However, calculating doses and ensuring the THC is evenly distributed among all your edibles is complex.
This will require you to be precise and know about the THC content of the cannabis you are using and the process of decarboxylation, which is the chemical reaction that activates the raw cannabis and gives it potency.
There are also other variables to consider, right down to your baking tray, which, if deformed, can cause THC to be more concentrated in certain areas of your edibles than others. As well, keeping the oven too hot can result in an overall reduction in potency.
Store-bought edibles: The dosing in pre-made edibles is precise and labeled on the package
Licensed manufacturers of cannabis products ensure accurate doses, so you can rest assured that you know how much THC you are consuming in each edible and can use them accordingly.
Purchasing edibles is more convenient
Let’s face it, making cannabis edibles requires much more precision than simply whipping up your favorite recipe. Unless you enjoy getting your hands dirty in the kitchen and taking the time to learn the ins and outs of cooking or baking with cannabis, making your own cannabis edibles may be more stressful than enjoyable.
While homemade edibles can save you money, they require time and patience, making convenience an obvious pro to purchasing pre-made ones.
You will need to pay attention to labels
In the same way, you need to be careful about dosing when making your own edibles; you should not be purchasing products without paying close attention to the packaging and understanding what is inside each one.
It is important to know how to properly read the labels of cannabis edibles and determine the dose that is right for you.
And if you are a newbie, it is advised to start with low doses and be patient when waiting to feel any effects. Everyone reacts differently to cannabis, and the effects can take hours to kick in, but that does not mean you should consume a higher dose if you do not yet know how much you can handle. Doing so can lead to overconsumption and can be dangerous.
If you are purchasing pre-made edibles and have certain dietary or health restrictions, it is important to ensure the labeling is clear and you are fully aware of the ingredients inside.
As you can see, when deciding whether to purchase pre-made cannabis edibles or make them yourself, there are benefits and drawbacks to both.
If price is not an issue, store-bought edibles may be the way to go. However, if you are seeking a cost-efficient alternative that is more customizable, you may opt to get creative in the kitchen and learn how to cook and bake with cannabis.
Whichever you choose, it is important to ensure you have proper knowledge about dosing and are fully aware of the amount of THC you are consuming and your own tolerance. If you are consuming cannabis edibles for the first time, purchasing them pre-made and starting with low doses is the best way to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
