Understanding the Different Types of Cannabis Edibles

Understanding the Different Types of Cannabis Edibles

Maybe you’re not into smoking or just want a more low-key and tasty way to enjoy cannabis—that’s where edibles come in. 

From gummies to drinks, chocolates to capsules, infused edibles are one of the most popular ways to consume THC and CBD. In fact, they now make up around 12.4%1 of the legal U.S. cannabis market, covering everything from baked goods to sippable THC seltzers.

But with so many options out there, it can be hard to know where to start.

Don’t worry, we’ve got you. This guide breaks down what edibles are, how they’re different from smoking or vaping, and which types might be the best fit for you.

Woman with a handful of cannabis edibles

What are THC/CBD Edibles?

Put simply, THC and CBD edibles are foods or drinks that have been infused with cannabinoids—specifically THC (the “high” one) and CBD (the calming one). Edibles are a great option for folks looking for a smoke-free, long-lasting, and more body-focused experience.

Whether you're into a light mood lift, full-body relaxation, better sleep, or creative inspiration, there's probably an edible for that. Just make sure you start slow, especially if you're new to the game—these little treats may take their time, but when they hit, they hit.

A good beginner dose is around 2.5 to 5mg of THC. If you’re trying CBD-only products, you can usually start a little higher—around 10 to 20mg. Either way, give it time before reaching for more; patience is key.

How Are Edibles Different From Smoking or Vaping?

Aside from the obvious—you don’t inhale an edible (unless you're really hungry)—eating cannabis is a totally different experience than smoking or vaping it.

One of the most overlooked things about cannabis is how much the method of consumption shapes the overall effect. It's not just about how quickly it kicks in, but how it feels in your body and mind.

Smoking or vaping relies on your lungs to process the cannabinoids. This is a fast process with the effects taking only a few minutes to kick in and peaking at around 30 minutes2 and the effects last about 2-4 hours. 

Because edibles are processed by your digestive system rather than your lungs, they tend to take a bit longer to kick in (usually 30-120 minutes3), but the effects stick around for much longer—anywhere from 6 to 12 depending on the dose, your tolerance and your body composition.

That slow build makes edibles a solid option for all-day relief or long-lasting support—especially for wellness-focused folks using CBD. But even recreational users often prefer edibles when they want a more immersive, full-body experience. Compared to the headier high of smoking or vaping, edibles can feel more grounded, mellow, and body-focused.

Let’s say you’re heading to a concert. Sure, you could sneak a puff outside the venue (not recommended), or you could plan ahead with an edible, time it right, and cruise into the show stress-free knowing that good things are coming soon.

The key takeaway? Edibles are a different beast. Slower to start, longer to last, and usually stronger in how they feel—so always start low and go slow.

Cannabis THCa flower alongside infused cookies

The Different Types of Edibles

Hard Candy

Perfect for a slow melt and a low-key buzz, hard candies are discreet and ideal for slipping into your pocket on the go. They’re great for microdosing and offer a slower absorption through the mouth before they even hit your stomach. You’ll usually find the THC or CBD content listed per candy or per pack, so you know what to expect.

Gummies

Gummies are probably the most popular edible out there—and for good reason. They’re fun, flavorful, easy to portion, and generally consistent in dosing. You’ll find everything from juicy fruit blends to sour patch-style chews, often with around 5–10mg of THC or CBD per piece. Plus you can easily cut them in half for a smaller dose—ideal for beginners.

Baked Goods

Ah, the classic edible. Brownies might’ve started it all, but these days you can find cookies, cupcakes, muffins—you name it. Baked goods tend to be heavier and take a little longer to digest, so expect a slightly slower onset. They're best enjoyed when you’ve got time to chill and enjoy the ride.

Cereals and Snacks

If you thought edibles were just gummies and brownies, think again. These days, you can find THC (and CBD) in everything from crunchy cereals to savory snacks like pretzels, chips, and popcorn. Many of them even take inspiration from nostalgic childhood favorites—just with a very grown-up twist.

Snackable edibles are great for social settings or chill nights in, but keep in mind: they’re easy to munch absentmindedly. Always check the label for dosing and portion sizes before diving in.

Chocolates

Chocolates bring together two feel-good things: cannabis and cocoa. They’re smooth, delicious, and often come in individually dosed squares or bars, which makes it super easy to track how much you’re taking. 

Drinks

Think THC seltzers, cannabis waters, CBD teas, infused lemonades, and even mocktail-style blends. They tend to hit faster than solid edibles (especially if they use nano-emulsified cannabinoids), and they’re increasingly popular among those looking for an alternative to alcohol4 – either socially or unwinding at home.

Tinctures

Tinctures are liquid cannabis extracts you drop under your tongue or mix into food or drinks. Because they absorb quickly under the tongue, they offer faster onset times than regular edibles. They’re easy to dose, discreet, and great for people who want more control over their experience—especially for wellness routines. Just be wary, you may want to try a flavored tincture as natural ones are quite bitter and earthy.

Pills/Capsules

If you're after a no-fuss, flavor-free way to consume THC or CBD, pills and capsules are about as straightforward as it gets. Pop one in, wait an hour or two, and let it do its thing. They’re great for consistent dosing and often favored by folks using cannabis for pain relief, sleep, or anxiety support.

How to Choose the Right Type of Edible?

By now, you should be feeling a little more confident about what edibles are and how they work—and maybe even have a few product types in mind. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all edible. It really depends on what you’re after and the vibe you’re trying to set.

  • Need to focus or boost creativity? Try a low-dose gummy with a balanced THC:CBD ratio. Enough to lift your mind without taking you out of the zone.
  • Want to move your body? A sativa-leaning gummy or drink might pair well with a hike, yoga session, or deep housecleaning mode.
  • Feeling stressed or anxious? A mellow CBD edible—or a hybrid with a low dose of THC—can take the edge off without much mind-altering effect.
  • Heading to a social event? Go for something microdosed (5-10mg) that helps you feel relaxed and more open without zoning out.
  • Winding down for the night? Look for edibles with indica strains, or ones blended with CBN or melatonin to help ease into a restful sleep.

Start Low, Go Slow

New to edibles? Trust us—less is more.

Start with 2.5 to 5mg of THC (or a full CBD dose if it doesn’t contain THC), then wait at least 2 hours before deciding to take more. Edibles can creep up on you, and once they hit, there’s no dialing it back.

Everyone’s tolerance is different, so give your body time to catch up before you double down.

Right now our offerings are limited to the ol’ faithful gummies but we’re hoping to expand in the near future so keep an eye out for new releases or sign up to our mailing list and be the first to know.

 

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