How Do You Test the Potency of Cannabis Edibles and Cannabutter?

How to test the potency of cannabutter and edibles

how do you test potency of edibles

With every passing year, various forms and ways to consume cannabis are being developed and unlike before there are several cannabis lovers consuming cannabis via several alternative methods asides smoking. The anti-smoking mentality of the majority of people has been the major factor behind the incredible growth and popularity of these alternative methods of cannabis consumption and of the various alternatives available, edibles are by far the favorite of a lot of users.

A closer look at edibles

Edibles, like the name suggests, are forms of cannabis that are consumed by eating. Edibles often need the infusion of certain substances like extracts, oil or cannabis-infused butter to be effective. Dosage and potency are very important in edibles consumption because unlike most other forms of cannabis consumption like vaping, smoking, etc edibles have a longer onset of action and concurrently also a longer duration of euphoria lasting up to 8 hours in some cases which is why the importance of potency and dosage can't be overemphasized. How long the onset of action and the duration of euphoria experienced is are highly dependent on the metabolic rate and digestive system of each individual; so the duration often varies from person to person. The effects of this method of consumption are mindblowing if properly dosed. The pleasures derived from edible consumption can swiftly become unpleasant if excessive amounts are taken so its highly advisable that you test the level of potency of an edible before purchasing or making it especially when concentrates, oils, cannabis-infused butter or extracts are incorporated in it. This is why in here, I'll briefly run through five simple steps that you can implement to test the level of potency of your cannabis oil and butter.

Five simple steps to test the potency of cannabis oil and butter

Preparation - If cannabis butter or cannabis or has gone through the process of decarboxylation and infusion then all that's left for you to do is to carefully mix or homogenize it to aid the even distribution of THC. If not, carefully apply a mild level of heat to the substance until it liquefies after which it should be slowly mixed together until a uniform or homogeneous product is gotten. Following this, the oil should be poured into a clean and dry container to be used instantly or stored for future use.

Timing - The importance of timing in this process cannot be stressed enough. Edible consumption is accompanied by a significant level of unpredictability so it is paramount that when starting you time the process carefully and accurately. To successfully do this it is advisable that you make use of your house as its most comfortable and you're less likely to be disturbed. Ensure you set enough time to test the effects of the edibles. Clear your schedule for the next few hours so you wouldn’t have to go anywhere or see anyone when the edibles kick in. Ensure you are not engaging in any heavy activity after, do not operate machinery and do not attempt driving also. It's also advisable that you engage in relaxing activities that bring on good vibes and put you in a positive mood like watching a movie, reading a good book, listening to music, and so on.

Dosage: Considering the type of edibles, starting with a very small portion of oil is advisable. You can use ⅛ teaspoon in a cup of hot tea or coffee with honey or sugar. If no effect is felt 2 hours you can stop to try again the next day. The next time, you can increase the dosage to ¼ teaspoon. Follow this pattern until the desired high is reached. It is important to note that you have to stop and start again the next day.

When you want to use cannabis oil and edibles, it is quite important to know that edibles kick in slower than smoking weed or vaping. Usually, first-timers complain that they cannot feel the kick after the first dosage then they go-ahead to increase it recklessly. This could get you too high, frightened, paranoid and sometimes disoriented. If you carefully test your limit, you would avoid this scenario.

Stay relaxed: Taking edibles can always surprise you because it can give an undesired effect. However, you need to remain calm and maintain a peaceful attitude to control the situation. There have been reported cases of confusion, panic, and fear caused by edibles.

When trying edibles, it's highly imperative that you go at your own pace. Though you should experience levels of euphoria entirely different from that gotten from smoking cannabis that will most certainly also last longer, it's important that you take it slow as too much could overwhelm you. However, if you take too much, there is no need to panic there has never been a record of someone dying from a THC overdose. If you feel you're too high you need not panic, just try and stay relaxed, drink lots of water and don't engage in stressful activities.

What if I don't feel a thing - If you've tried the process repeatedly and still felt no effects then it's most likely that the oil being used is not potent on which case it's advisable you make use of a fresh one. It's also important that you know that cannabis concentrates need to be decarboxylated (heated) for them to become psychoactive. If you've done all this and still you don't feel anything then it's highly possible you're a non-responder (people who don't get psychoactive effects from eating marijuana). If this is the case then its advisable that you try other means of cannabis consumption, luckily there are several options available.

Guidelines for Responsible Edibles Consumption

Here are effective tips to ensure your cannabis edibles experience is pleasurable enough for you to want to do it again

· Start low

· Be patient for at least two hours before consuming more

· Refrain from overconsumption

· If you're making use of your own homemade baked edibles make sure you test the potency of the final baked good and not the batter used in the preparation

· Note that THC beverages provide a quicker euphoric experience than sweet or savory solid edibles that need to first undergo disintegration in the digestive tracts.

· Consult one of the many edibles dosing charts and consume responsibly

Bottom line

The importance of testing the potency of your cannabutter and cannabis edibles cannot be stressed enough. It doesn't just tell you how strong or potent a batch is, on the flip side it also lets you know if it's weak. A lot of factors like soil conditions, how long it was from the time the plant was harvested to the time it was used, harvesting techniques, environmental factors, etc can affect the level of potency of cannabis and unless properly tested you won't know the level of potency of what you're consuming.