Edible Marijuana: Is It Safe?

The long-running joke about stoners and the munchies is no laughing matter in this guidance program about the real danger of edible marijuana products. Much of the risk comes not just from the significantly higher potency of modern ganja but also in the time it takes for the digestive system to register that THC (the active component) is entering the bloodstream. While pot smokers may feel the effects in as little as 20 seconds, those who ingest edibles might not notice anything until hours after the first taste. During that lengthy interval, they might consume way too much and then suffer the consequences, which can include trips to the emergency room. Another complicating factor is trying to determine the exact amount of THC present in edible products; some labels address this specifically, but others do not, leaving many home cooks essentially playing a guessing game. The food itself looks like, well, regular food—including gummi bears, granola, instant ramen, and the ever popular cookies and brownies, making them particularly dangerous to children, who would likely not be aware of the difference until it was too late. Edible Marijuana features health professionals who talk about the risks, as well as young people (users in states such as Colorado, where recreational marijuana is legal) who discuss their sometimes painful experiences, express their general enjoyment of marijuana, and ponder the concept of addiction—both physical and psychological. Also featuring a PDF teacher's resource guide, this is highly recommended. Aud: J, H, C, P. (C. Block)