How To Buy Edibles Online (Legally): Beginners Guide
Christopher Visser
Multi-Cannabis Business Owner
Christopher Visser, the Founder and CEO of Cannabidiol Life and THCGummies.com, is a distinguished figure in the CBD industry, recognized for his pioneering contributions since 2016. With over 120 published articles, Christopher has become a reputable cannabis researcher, writer, and author. He's built two prosperous cannabis ventures that collectively generated millions in annual sales. His in-depth analysis of numerous cannabis studies, collaboration with medical professionals, and personal engagement with thousands of customers underline his expertise and commitment to advancing cannabis understanding daily.
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Written By:
Christopher Visser
- Published:
- Updated: February 12, 2024
- Too Quiet, Light Up The Convo!
Hemp or Marijuana edibles are among the most popular cannabis products available. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, there are things you should consider before making an online purchase. This guide will give you all the information you need before buying cannabis edibles, especially THC gummies, online.
Table of Contents
- Tags: First-Timers, How To
The Legality: Understanding The Basics, Federal Rulings & Your Local Laws
The first thing to do before you start shopping for edibles online is to understand the basics.
First and foremost, you must be 21 years of age or older. If you don’t meet this initial requirement, please don’t try and be sneaky because it could result in you ending up in jail.
The second most fundamental principle is that to be federally legal, the cannabinoids in your edibles must be Hemp-derived (made/extracted from industrial hemp plants). If you have a medical marijuana license and live in an MMJ-approved state, your edible gummies can contain cannabinoids derived from medical cannabis plants.
Federal Law For Marijuana & Hemp-Derived Edibles
THC is often misunderstood, with a common myth that most people still believe all THC-infused products are illegal. However, this is not the case.
Let me break this down clearly and comprehensively.
Edibles infused with THC sourced from a marijuana plant remain illegal at federal and state levels. However, edibles infused with THC sourced from an industrial hemp plant are exempt from this rule as long as they remain under 0.3% Delta-9 THC.
The tricky part for regulators is that psychotropic cannabinoids like THCP, HHC, Delta-10 THC, etc., are not mentioned in the 2018 Farm Bill, so technically, this lack of ruling gave birth to all of the excitingly new cannabis edibles now found across our nation and is also why I believe the FDA has “punted their duties” of regulating cannabis products to congress.
The 2014 Farm Bill opened the door to hemp-based pilot programs, introducing America to what we now know as industrial hemp.
With its 2018 counterpart—the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (or “2018 Farm Bill”)—came comprehensive legalization across all states that allowed for not only the sales and distribution of hemp-derived edibles but also the development of products aside from CBD, including psychotropic phytocannabinoids.
For the clearest understanding of the federal law outlined by the FDA, click here.
Know The Stance Of Your Local State Government
Check your local laws regarding cannabis possession and consumption. Although recreational marijuana is legal in many states, some states still have strict rules and may even restrict how much THC content an edible product can contain.
Be sure to read up on your state’s regulations before making any purchases so that you don’t inadvertently break the law by ordering something that isn’t allowed in your area.
From a federal-to-state perspective on the legality of edible cannabis products, visit the National Conference of State Legislatures website by clicking here. Also, if you are worried about drug testing by your employer, check out this state-by-state resource provided by DISA.
There Are Many Different Types of Weed Edibles
THC gummies come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and flavors. Before purchasing your edibles online, it is crucial to becoming familiar with the different types of products that are available. The most common type of THC gummy is a traditional fruit-flavored gummy infused with cannabis extract. Other popular varieties include vegan, sugar-free, and sour options.
Here is a list of the most common types of “weedebiles”:
THC, CBG, CBN & CBD edibles
Pot Brownies
THC mints
THC-infused Milk Chocolate Bars/Dark Chocolate Bars
THC Fruit Rollups
THC Lollipops
THC cookies
That that you see all of the available options, we need to talk about what you’re trying to achieve with edibles and how understanding what you’re looking for plays such an important role in deciding which product to buy.
Understand Your Needs & The Effect You’re Trying To Achieve
Before buying an edible online, it’s essential to understand what your needs and wants are.
Are you looking for something with a specific flavor or texture?
Do you need something that works quickly or lasts long?
Do you want a euphoric creativity boost, or are you looking to find something to help you relax and go to sleep?
Do you see where I’m going with this?
By understanding your needs will help narrow down the options and make it easier to pick the right edible.
Here the two key components that directly impact the effect you’ll feel after consuming a “weedible”; Cannabinoids and the unique Terpene profiles of the Cannabis Strains/Chemovars they’re extracted.
Consuming Different Cannabinoids Will Cause Variable Effects
Each cannabinoid has a different molecular structure. This structural difference directly impacts how the cannabinoid interacts with the cannabinoid receptors (CBR) found in your Endocannabinoid System. The variance in how they interact with CBRs is the cause of the different effects each cannabinoid produces once you consume it.
Here are eight examples of the specific cannabinoids sold online and currently found in edible gummies. If you wish to get a much deeper understanding of the effects of each edible, use the link provided to learn more.
Cannabidiol is used to make CBD gummies
∆8-Tetrahydrocannabinol is used to make Delta-8 gummies
∆9-Tetrahydrocannabinol is used to make Delta-9 gummies
∆10-Tetrahydrocannabinol is used to make Delta-10 gummies
Hexahydrocannabinol is used to make HHC gummies
THC Acetate Ester is used to make THC-O gummies
Tetrahydrocannabivarin is used to make THCV gummies
Tetrahydrocannabiphorol is used to make THCP gummies
The cannabinoids have the most impact on the effect you’ll feel, but terpenes also play a part.
Cannabis Strains And The Effects Of Their Unique Terpene Profile
Sativa and Indica plant strains are two species of cannabis plants that offer distinct effects on the mind and body. Hybrids come into existence when cannabis plant breeders combine the genetics of Sativa and Indica plants.
- Sativas have a terpene profile known for “head highs,” providing more uplifting, euphoric sensations that support an increase in creativity & focus.
- Indica offers terpene profiles that typically provide “body highs” with more sedative relaxation effects.
- As you probably may have presumed, Hybrids offer a little bit of both, offering consumers both a mind and body high for a more rounded and balanced effect without leaning too aggressively in causing awakeness or sleepiness.
As mentioned briefly above, the terpene profiles within these chemovars are the leading cause of consumers’ variable effects. For the sake of clarity, use the guidance below:
For uplifting and creativity-promoting experiences, choose a Sativa Gummy.
For more calming, relaxing effects, choose an Indica Gummy.
For a mix of the sensations of the two previous bullet points, choose a Hybrid Gummy.
Safety & Quality Standards Matter
When purchasing cannabis products online, come with the mindset of choosing quality over quantity.
Make sure to research the company you’re buying from and read reviews from other customers before committing to a purchase. It is also essential to make sure that the company follows good manufacturing practices (GMP) and offers third-party lab results for their products so that you can be sure what you’re consuming is safe and effective.
It’s important to understand safety and quality standards when purchasing edibles online.
Additionally, stick with vendors who use packaging materials designed specifically for food items so that you know your product will remain fresh during the shipping and handling processes.
Lastly, ensure your desired edible comes with a third-party lab test. Gummy brand manufacturers can produce one of two lab tests to ensure product quality.
Local state laws have all concurred that every edible manufacturer must offer consumers a Cannabinoid Potency Test. However, a Full Panel Test is optional.
Respectively, these tests verify cannabinoid potency levels and the detection of harmful contaminants. Learn more about the differences between these lab tests.
I recommend that you always consider the results of these tests when selecting cannabis products.
The Importance Of Knowing The Source Of Where The Edibles Come From
When purchasing any THC-infused edible online, it is vital to know where you are getting your items from and who is producing them. Industrial hemp-derived edibles are more or less unregulated products other than the federal demand of containing less than 0.3% ∆9-THC on a dry weight basis.
Since there is no governmental oversight of the actual production or quality control standard, you want to ensure that you purchase from a reputable source to limit the overall risks associated with consuming edibles.
Let’s break this down into three specific topics, Customer Reviews, Ingredients and Quality Brands.
Read Customer Reviews & Testimonials
Reading reviews can be a great way to get an idea of what other people think about a particular product before making your purchase. Look at both positive and negative reviews to get an accurate picture of what to expect from the product before buying it.
If you want the best for your body and care about what goes inside, the next essential step is to look at the product label to see whether they use high-quality ingredients.
Read Product Labels Carefully
Once you’ve narrowed your choice, read the product label carefully before making a purchase. Ensure all ingredients are listed clearly and check for any allergens or potential health risks associated with the product. It is also essential to pay attention to dosage recommendations and follow them carefully when consuming edibles.
View The Ingredients
The great thing about cannabis edibles is that they come in all different shapes, sizes, flavors, potencies, and ingredients – giving you plenty of options when choosing what edible will work best for you. Whether you prefer sweet treats like gummies or lozenges; savory snacks like chips or crackers; or even beverages like juices or teas – there’s something out there that fits everyone’s taste!
Do some research beforehand to find out what flavors appeal most to you so that your first experience with cannabis edibles will be enjoyable.
Quick Fun Fact: Strawberry, Watermelon, and Blue Raspberry are the top 3 most-common flavors used to make THC gummies.
Look for Quality Brands
When shopping for cannabis edibles online, look for companies that source their cannabis from reputable suppliers, test their products regularly for purity and potency, and have tons of community support with positive product reviews.
Luckily for you, you don’t have to do all that research; THCGummies.com has done the work for you and only carries the Best THC gummy brands.
Know Your Dosage & Never Exceed The Recommend Amount Of THC
When consuming edibles, it’s important to pay attention to dosing considerations. Most companies list the amount of THC per serving on their packaging, but this can vary significantly depending on the product and potency chosen.
Start low and go slow when it comes to dosing until you find a level that works for you. It is also important to remember that edibles take much longer than smoking or vaping cannabis products for effects to be felt—upwards of two hours in some cases—so wait until then before taking more if needed.
Knowing your dosage is critical when it comes to consuming cannabis edibles. Always check the potency of each edible so that you don’t take too much.
Again, start with low doses and titrate up until you find the right amount for yourself. It’s also important to remember that edibles can take longer to kick in than smoking or vaping, so the rule of thumb is to wait 2-3 hours before taking another dose.
Also, taking edibles on an empty stomach is way more effective than taking it after a big meal.
The Benefits & Risks Of Buying Edibles Online
For those new to the world of edibles, weighing the benefits and risks and the sheer number of options for buying edible cannabis products can be overwhelming. Let’s explore the benefits and risks so you can make an informed purchase.
Benefits
Buying edibles online has many benefits compared to going to a store. You don’t have to worry about leaving your home or dealing with crowds. You also get access to an endless selection of products that may not be available in stores near you.
Shopping online allows you to quickly compare prices and shop for the best deals on your favorite products. And lastly, it’s more convenient – no need to worry about finding time during regular store hours or having someone else do your shopping for you!
Risks, Warnings, & Product Disclaimers
Here are the most common product disclaimers that should always be adhered to:
Keep all marijuana, cannabis, and hemp products out of reach of children and animals.
The psychotropic effects of THC, when orally consumed, may be delayed up to two (2) hours.
Consuming THC while pregnant, breastfeeding, or expecting is not recommended as THC may be harmful.
Consumption of THC impairs your ability to drive and operate machinery; please refrain from THC use entirely while operating motorized vehicles.
Never substitute information you read online for professional legal and medical advice.
Purchase From An Online Store Or Local Medical Cannabis Dispensary?
When choosing an online store to buy edibles, you should consider the following. First and foremost is safety – ensure the store is reputable and has positive customer reviews so you know they take their customers’ security seriously.
It’s also essential to research their shipping policies and their return/exchange policy in case something goes wrong with your order.
Lastly, look into how long it will take for your order to arrive – some stores offer same-day delivery, while others may take up to 7 days, depending on where you live.
Quick Recap & Conclusion
You can legally buy weed edibles online, but there are a few things you need to know first.
- Make sure you understand the basics of the legality around cannabis and edibles before buying anything.
- There are many different types of weed edibles out there, so it’s important to understand your needs and what effect you’re trying to achieve.
- Quality and safety standards matter when it comes to choosing an edible product, so be sure to look for brands that meet these criteria.
- Make sure you know your dosage and never exceed the recommended amount of THC.
- When used responsibly, edibles can offer many benefits but there are also risks involved.
- Lastly, when shopping for edibles online, be sure to choose a reputable distributor that offers you more education and value rather than products.
As always, enjoy responsibly and consider THCGummies.com when shopping for the Best THC Gummies Online™
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