An "edible" generally means anything that is suitable or safe to eat. In common usage, the term "edible" can simply refer to any kind of food item. However, the term "edible" is often popularly used to describe food products that contain extracts from marijuana or other mind-altering substances. These are called cannabis edibles and are food items infused with cannabinoids such as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis that produces the "high" feeling. Cannabis edibles can come in various forms such as chocolates, cookies, gummies, baked goods, or beverages. Unlike smoking cannabis, where the effects feel quickly, cannabis edibles take longer to digest and their effects often peak within two to three hours, lasting for several hours. Edibles are used both recreationally and medically, and in places where cannabis is legal, they are a popular alternative form of consumption. Besides recreational use, some people use edibles for medical reasons to alleviate symptoms like pain, nausea, muscle spasms, or psychiatric conditions, although evidence for medical benefits varies. In summary:
- Edible as a general word means something that can be eaten.
- More specifically, edibles often refer to food products infused with cannabis or other drugs.
- Cannabis edibles contain active cannabinoids like THC and come in many forms.
- They produce longer-lasting but delayed effects compared to smoking cannabis.
- They are used both for recreational and medicinal purposes.
So, "an edible" can be either any safe food or more specifically a cannabis- infused food product depending on the context. The latter usage is especially common in discussions about cannabis consumption. If you meant "edible" in another specific context, please let me know!
